May Half-Term: Things To Do In London & Beyond
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3 weeks ago
Pack your diaries with family fun with our pick of the best activities and events
The 2026 May half term is here, and there’s no end of things to do now the weather is warming up. No matter what you feel like doing – nature trails, going to an outdoor cinema, making chocolate or even relaxing at a mini-me spa – we’ve rounded up some of the best activities and events this half term, in London and beyond.
Looking for fun days out beyond half-term?
Best Family-Friendly Days Out: May 2026 Half Term
Walthamstow Wetlands’ new 1km trail is inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Credit: Getty
The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail At Walthamstow Wetlands, London
Warmer weather means plenty of opportunity to enjoy nature-based activities. Head to Walthamstow Wetlands for a new short trail inspired by The Very Hungry Caterpillar where, ativity booklet in hand, kids will discover creatures, complete colouring and collect letters along the way to reveal a secret word – all set entirely outside in beautiful gardens.
Where? Walthamstow Wetlands, 2 Forest Road, London N17 9NH
When? Anytime, just book a time slot
BOOK: Trail booklets £5, wildlondon.org.uk
Bermondsey Puppet & Story Fest, London
In south London, the first ever Bermondsey Puppet & Story Fest is running until mid-July, with two events taking place over half term. Catch storyteller Baden Prince Jr on Saturday 23 May for a handpuppet workshop and some stories, or book ahead for the Jumping Jack puppetmaking workshop on Saturday 30 May – complete with live music to boogie away the end-of-holiday blues.
Where? The Blue Market, South Bermondsey SE16 3UQ
When? Saturday 23 May, 12-3pm and Saturday 30 May, 12-3pm
BOOK: Tickets are free, just reserve a spot. bermondsey.london
Treat the kids to the new Mini Me treatments at Down Hall Hotel and Spa
Mini Me Spa Treatments At Down Hall, Essex
A week off school means deserved downtime for the kids, so why not treat them to the new Mini Me treatments at Down Hall Hotel and Spa? Choose from a head and scalp massage (ages five to 16) or a facial (ages nine to 16), both of which use hypoallergenic products and will leave your little one relaxed and calm. Plus, there’s plenty to choose from on the grown-ups’ treatment list while you’re there.
Where? Down Hall Hotel and Spa, Matching Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 7AS
When? Available all day, Thurs-Mon
BOOK: From £25, downhall.co.uk
Anyone can go down to Belvoir Farm’s plantations in Leicestershire and pick as much elderflower as they can for the brand’s drinks. Credit: Getty
Elderflower Harvest At Belvoir Farm, Leicestershire
For the next six weeks, anyone can go down to Belvoir Farm’s plantations in Leicestershire and pick as much elderflower as they can for the brand’s delicious drinks. Pickers are welcome to find their elderflower from elsewhere, too, as long as they’re able to deliver them on the same day to one of Belvoir’s drop-off points (in Bottesford and Thornhaugh). A great way to turn a family walk into something fun – and over-16s even get paid for their efforts, at £3.75 per kilo.
Where? Drop-off points are Belvoir Farm, Bottesford NG13 0DH and Sacrewell Farm, Peterborough PE8 6HJ
When? Until around the end of June
BOOK: No need to book, just turn up at the plantations or deliver your pickings to the drop-off points. belvoirfarm.co.uk
Tweedy’s Massive Circus, Wiltshire
Tweedy The Clown has arrived at the last stop of his latest riotous tour across the UK. Tweedy’s Massive Circus: The Big Number 2 promises the very best of the renowned redhead with ‘a whirlwind of clowning, comedy mischief and mayhem’ as the show goes belly-up and everything goes wrong. It’s your last chance to catch this wacky day out for all ages.
Where? Eastcourt farm, Cirencester SN16 9RZ
When? Shows Tues-Sun
BOOK: Tickets from £25pp (£15 for under-12s), underbellytickets.com
Stratford’s Rooftop Cinema Club is hosting a Lilo & Stitch party before an outdoor viewing of the film. Credit: Rooftop Cinema Club
Lilo & Stitch Party At Rooftop Cinema Club, London
Start the family-filled holiday with the ultimate family film: Lilo & Stitch. Head to Stratford’s Rooftop Cinema Club on 24 May for a Lilo & Stitch party, where kids will love taking part in the themed activities and beachy games before settling down to watch the film under the open sky.
Where? Rooftop Cinema Club, Great Eastern Road, London E15 1BB
When? Sunday 24 May, with the film starting at 1.30pm
BOOK: From £18pp (£12 for under-12s), rooftopcinemaclub.com
MELT in Notting Hill is running variety of mouth-watering chocolate workshops over the break. Credit: Getty
Chocolate Workshops At MELT, London
It’s set to be a hot half term, but don’t let that stop you. It’ll be cool inside at MELT in Notting Hill, where a variety of mouth-watering chocolate workshops are running over the break. Learn to make the best hot chocolate, create your own bar from scratch, or lean into the delicious Dubai chocolate trend. Can you think of a more delicious day out?
Where? 59 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AA
When? Various classes throughout half term
BOOK: From £39.99pp, meltchocolates.com
The Jane Austen Experience, London
The Jane Austen Experience is a great activity for little book lovers, and this May it’s free to visit for children up to 16. During the one-hour sessions, visitors can try on Regency costumes, smell perfumes and play games of the era, taste Regency biscuits, and try writing with a quill and ink. And why not make a day of it? Have a read of our Jane Austen’s guide to London here.
Where? 11 John Prince’s Street, London W1G 0JR
When? Sessions run until 3.50pm every day
BOOK: Free for 16s and under (adults £19.50). janeausten.co.uk
Horniman Museum is marking its 125th birthday with a brand new, nature-themed play area
Kasuma Nature Play At Horniman Museum & Gardens, London
South London’s beloved Horniman Museum is marking its 125th birthday with a brand new, nature-themed play area – Kasuma Nature Play – with activities for all ages (plus, a new community garden for some quiet time). There’s also a new AR experience: a free, interactive trail of the gardens with 3D animated creatures, challenges and mini-games to keep kids entertained.
Where? Horniman Museum & Gardens, 100 London Road, London SE23 3PQ
When? All day, every day
BOOK: No need to book, access to the new outdoor areas is free
Family Cooking Classes At Gordon Ramsay Academy, Surrey
This half term, the Gordon Ramsay Academy is running its junior chef workshops (suitable from age six) tackling dishes like pasta and pastry as well as cuisines like Italian, Mexican and American. The special Cook Together sessions mean mum or dad can join too; sushi, brownies, sausage rolls, noodles… it’s a great opportunity to get the kids involved in family cooking.
Where? Gordon Ramsay Academy, 57 Commercial Way, Woking GU21 6HN
When? Class times and durations vary
BOOK: Tickets from £55pp, gordonramsayacademy.com
