Free things to do on May bank holidays

The month of May gives us the gift of time off work/school with bank holidays, and we can make the most of it without needing to spend a thing. We've got ideas for free things to do on May bank holidays, focusing on the Spring May Bank Holiday 2025 on Monday 26 May.

From free festival events around the country to free food for kids and free fun for everyone, we've got your May bank holiday 2025 covered with 15 ideas for enjoyable days out for less.

1. Feast on a free kid's meal:

Eating out as a family can sure add up, but with a bit of savvy advance planning you can cut your restaurant bill significantly. All you need to do it check out our guide to everywhere kids can eat free or for £1 in the school holidays to see where you could fill their tummies for less this bank holiday Monday.

2. Travel by train for free entry:

If you're taking the train for a day out on bank holiday Monday, then be sure to see if you can get free entry for someone in your party thanks to National Rail's 2 for 1 deals. Their May highlights include 2 for 1 with City Cruises York, Azzurro Italian Bar + Kitchen Waterloo, and the Royal Observatory Greenwich. See National Rail's Days Out Guide for more info.

3. Immerse yourself in three festivals for free in Brighton:

My hometown Brighton is the place to be for the month of May, with multiple major events taking place - and many free activities as part of them. There's the Artists Open Houses, taking place over the weekends and May bank holidays, where you can meet artists and makers, and view their work, for free in their homes and studios in over 190 venues across the city and surrounding areas. Then there's the largest arts festival in England, Brighton Festival, which runs from May 3rd - 26th 2025. Free events on May 26th include the Table Tennis Day and the multimedia exhibition In the Eye of a Dream. Find out more about free events at Brighton Festival. And finally there's the open acess festival Brighton Fringe, running from May 2nd to June 1st, with plenty of free fun on May 26th, from comedy shows to exhibitions. Discover more free Brighton Fringe events. I love all three festivals and the buzz in Brighton during this amazing month.

4. Make music for free at Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival:

The Sidmouth International Jazz and Blues Festival in Devon is running from May 23rd to 26th 2025, and once again, it's offering an education programme in the Sidmouth Methodist Church for all abilities and ages, with all sessions free of charge. On Monday May 26th 2025, these free sessions include Blues Jam; Acoustic and Electric Blues Guitar Techniques; The History of the Blues; South Devon Youth Jazz Workshop; Jazz Composition Workshop; and Jazz Trumpet Workshop. Bear in mind, you need to book your place in advance. Find all the details of what's on offer in Sidmouth Jazz Festival's education programme.

5. Marvel at steam engines for free at Bolton Steam Museum:

The Northern Mill Engine Society is opening its doors at Bolton Steam Museum for one of its popular steam days over the May bank holidays. Taking place on Sunday 25th and Monday 26th from 10am to 4pm, you'll be able to see all the engines in steam. This attraction displays the largest collection of working mill engines in Europe and has been entirely run by volunteers over 20 years. Parking and access to the museum is free, but donations are very welcome. Browse Bolton Museum's steam days to learn more.

6. Get your free Cheese Rolling fix in Gloucestershire:

If you're looking for an eccentric event, then look no further than Coopers Hill. This is the location, near Brockworth in Gloucestershire, for the annual Cheese Rolling event. Set for May 26th, the event attracts huge numbers from around the world who watch as brave competitors throw a nine pound Double Gloucester cheese wheel down the hill and then chase it/hurtle down at steep speed. The goal is to catch it first and be crowned the winner of the race. As you can imagine, there have been injuries in the past, including broken bones, so competitors take part at their own risk. Learn more about the world-famous Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling.

7. Feast your eyes on delicious treats at the free Malton Food Lovers Festival:

Malton Food Lovers Festival in Yorkshire takes place from May 24th to 26th 2025, with chefs from The Great British Bake Off, MasterChef and Great British Menu. Dubbed the Food Fest Of The North, this celebration of Yorkshire's finest produce and cooking offers free entry, and includes artisan stalls, street food, talks, tastings, demos, live music and more.

8. Catch quirky competition at Tetbury Wool Sack Races:

Taking place on Monday 26th May, the Tetbury Wool Sack Races in Gloucestershire see people showing their fitness and strength by carrying a sack of wool weighing up to 60lbs on their backs. They race up and down Gumstool Hill in teams or as individuals, and there's also a juniors category. If you'd like to take part, you've got until Wednesday 21st May to sign up and show your strength! In addition to the races, you can enjoy the Market Quarter with local handcrafted arts plus the Food Quarter serving the flavours of the Cotswolds and the Entertainment Quarter with live shows, rides and activities.

9. Fall in love with literature at free Hay Festival events:

The annual Hay Festival is taking place from May 22nd to June 1st, bringing readers and writers together in the Welsh town. As a literature lover, I've always dreamed of attending. There are plenty of free events on the Bank Holiday Monday to enjoy. Be in the audience for the BBC's daily news podcast Newscast and lots of BBC Radio 4 recordings, including Front Row, Henry Normal, Ladykillers, Free Thinking, A Good Read and The Archers Podcast; listen to Hay Community Choir; drop in to free Short Film Screenings at MUBI Cinema. Browse the full line-up of Hay Festival's free events.

10. Enjoy free music and activities at Chippenham Folk Festival:

Chippenham Folk Festival runs from May 23rd to 26th 2025 and has plenty of paid-for events, but you can enjoy it for free thanks to the Community Stage on Island Park, which provides free music, dance and performance by the River Avon. It's an open, inclusive space and no ticket is required, and in addition to music, there are storyteller sessions and creative workshops. Find out more about the Community Stage.

11. Sing your heart out at the free Yarmouth Sea Songs Festival:

Since 2018, this small free festival has celebrated the folk songs of sailors and the sea. It's taking place from the 23rd to 26th of May 2025 on the green in Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. There are several music acts each day, with improptu singing at the Wheatsheaf Inn each evening. Find the timetable and more details at Yarmouth Sea Songs Facebook page.

12. Book theme park tickets online in advance for big savings:

This isn't strictly speaking free, but with huge savings up to 50% off, you'll essentially be getting a free entry for your accompanying friend/family member when you follow our tip.

My top tip for visiting theme parks at any time of year, but particularly the popular May bank holidays, is to book your ticket before you go. You'll save lots of money, as you'll typically pay almost double if you just turn up on the day. Wowzers. See the difference for yourself with these prices for May 26th bank holiday 2025: The walk up price is £68 for a 1-day pass at the likes of LEGOLAND Windsor Resort and Alton Towers, £66 at Chessington World of Adventures and Thorpe Park. Online saver tickets in advance for Monday 26th May 2025 are as follows: Chessington £32, Thorpe Park is £33, Alton Towers will be £37, LEGOLAND £39.

Be sure to check out the VoucherCodes' pages for each of the theme parks whenever you plan a visit, as you'll find great savings:

13. Find Welsh music at Fishguard Folk Festival:

In Wales, the annual Fishguard Folk Festival is mainly comprised of free events, and takes place from May 23rd to 26th. From live acts and sessions to walks and workshops, the festival honours the legacy of Welsh folk arts, music and culture, and also celebrates the traditions of other Celtic nations.

14. Find free fun at Peckham's community festival:

On The Rye Festival is bringing free community fun for all once again from 1-9pm on the 26th May bank holiday 2025 in Peckham Rye Park. Expect DJs, live music and family activities plus street food, drinks and a pop-up market, with reggae, soul, R&B, garage and dance as your musical backdrop to get the good vibes going.

15. Expand your mind for free at Bath Fringe Festival.

Running from Friday 23rd May to Sunday 8th June, the Bath Fringe is an arts festival encompassing film, theatre, comedy, music and outdoor events. Browse all the free events at Bath Fringe, which include music and life drawing on Monday 26th May.

However you find your free fix of fun this Spring May bank holiday 2025, have a wonderful time!