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May is the last month of spring – and plenty is going on in the UK to help us make the most of it before we look ahead to summer.
To inspire you, we’ve pulled together a list of nine things to do and places to visit in the UK this May. From outdoor art displays and walking festivals to open-air cinema and celebrations over the coronation weekend, we hope there’s something for everyone.
1. Enjoy the arts at Brighton Festival, East Sussex
Brighton Festival is the largest arts festival in England, and has a long history of attracting some of the most exciting performers from across the globe.
With everything from literature, theatre, and music to dance, visual art, and debate events, there’s really something for everyone to enjoy at Brighton Festival. Many local artists are also drawn in – so it’s a great place for discovering new talent, too.
Brighton Festival takes place across a range of venues throughout Brighton and is running from 1st–25th May 2026. You can find a full programme on the official website.
2. Get in the spirit of spring at the Chelsea Flower Show, London
Nothing says spring like the sight and fragrance of bright flowers – and London’s Chelsea Flower Show has long been one of the most popular displays of this.
Hosted by the UK’s leading gardening charity, The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the show draws crowds from far and wide.
Highlights include exclusive shopping, breathtaking gardens, and houseplant and interior design inspiration. It also offers unique insights into scientific horticultural innovations that are designed to combat climate change and connect people with nature.
This year, acclaimed gardener Sarah Eberle comes out of retirement for the Campaign to Protect Rural England Garden named ‘On the Edge’. This feature highlights the overlooked countryside fringes on the edges of towns and cities, and their importance in connecting people with nature daily.
Alternatively, if London doesn’t work for you, the RHS hosts several other shows and events throughout the year. For example, Worcestershire’s Malvern Spring Festival is also held in May. You can browse other upcoming events on the RHS website.
3. Discover new music at Orkney Folk Festival, Scotland
Since its first event in 1983, Orkney Folk Festival has become one of the most loved festivals throughout Scotland.
With a fine balance between visiting and local artists, the festival’s atmosphere creates a musical buzz and vibrant folk scene throughout the surrounding area that you won’t want to miss.
Fifty-two acts are appearing at the festival in its 43rd year, and countless public performances and free events throughout Stromness.
This year, the Orkney Folk Festival will take place from 21st–24th May. You can download a full festival programme on the official website.
4. Enjoy an open-air cinema experience, UK-wide
If you fancy something a bit different this spring, why not book an open-air cinema experience?
Hosted by the UK’s biggest outdoor cinema tour, Adventure Cinema, several exciting film screenings are set to take place across a range of stunning UK locations.
May screenings include Dirty Dancing, Sing, and Jurassic Park at Himley Hall, Dudley
These beautiful locations make for an unforgettable film backdrop that’s much more exciting than our living rooms. And, with the evenings getting warmer and brighter, enjoying time outside seems ever more appealing.
Hot food, snacks, and an on-site bar are available. Picnics are also welcome if you’d prefer.
You can browse film screenings near you on the Adventure Cinema website.
5. Explore the great outdoors at Walkfest, Dumfries and Galloway
Often described as Scotland’s best-kept secret, Galloway is a wonderfully unspoilt landscape.
There are plenty of walking routes to enjoy here, but if you’d like to explore them in company, why not join in with Walkfest this May?
First held in 2003, Walkfest (also known as Newton Stewart Walking Festival) offers an exciting programme of over 30 walking routes over seven days – with transport, guides, and an evening social events programme all included.
With easy to challenging walk options available, guests of all abilities can get involved.
Walkfest will take place from 8th–14th May 2026. To find out more, check out the guidance for walkers on the Walkfast website.
6. Indulge in food on the beach at St. Ives Food and Drink Festival, Cornwall
From 15th–17th May, the St Ives Food and Drink Festival is a celebration of Cornwall’s vibrant food and drink industry.
With local food and drink producers, chefs, and musicians, you can expect delicious food, live music, and food demos – many of which are free to attend. There will also be several masterclasses to enjoy, coffee, wine, and gin tasting, as well as foraging walks designed to introduce visitors to the world of wild foods.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Porthminster Beach, the festival also promises sand and sea. Just cross your fingers for a sunny day!
7. Explore Northumberland’s Anglo-Saxon museum and whisky distillery, Northumberland
Opened in March 2023, Ad Gefrin (Northumberland’s Anglo-Saxon Museum and English whisky distillery) is an exciting destination to add to your map.
So-called after the 7th-century Anglo-Saxon Royal Court held there, Ad Gefrin celebrates the unique heritage and contemporary arts, crafts, and produce of Northumberland. The project was also designed to reawaken Northumberland’s tradition of whiskey distilling.
During your visit, you can delve into the county’s unique history at the museum, tickle your taste buds on a guided distillery tour and tasting session, or enjoy a delicious meal at the bar and bistro.
For more information, you can visit the website. And if you’re planning a trip to Northumberland, you might like to check out our list of 8 unforgettable beauty spots.
8. Look out for spectacular art along the North Downs Way Art Trail, South East England
The North Downs Way Art Trail is a unique open-air art gallery set along the North Downs Way National Trail.
Nine different art sculptures have been set along the trail, which starts in Surrey and stretches for 153 miles to Dover in Kent. It’s the ideal way to explore the great outdoors (or, great ‘artdoors’!) this May.
Wherever you venture along the route, prepare to feel inspired by the unique artwork that’s been designed to reflect the North Downs’ beautiful nature, heritage, woodland, and open hilltops.
If you’re not sure where to start walking, check out these nine self-guided art walks, which offer unique insights from the artists and their sculptures.
9. Enjoy some traditional May Day celebrations, UK-wide
May Day is a traditional public holiday in the UK celebrated on or around 1st May. This year, the May Day bank holiday will take place on Monday 4th May.
Its roots trace back to Celtic times in Britain and Ireland, when people celebrated the festival of Beltane on 1st May to mark the halfway point between spring and summer. It’s one of the few pagan festivals that survived the takeover of Christianity in Britain.
May Day celebrations have evolved from their ancient folk traditions and will vary depending on communities. Popular local events can include country fairs, Morris dancing, and maypole dances, which make for great family days out.
Historic UK has plenty of information on the history of May Day celebrations if you’d like to read more. Or, if you’re looking to get involved, check out this list of the best places for May Day celebrations from Contours Walking Holidays.
Final thoughts…
From food and art festivals to spring flower shows, there’s plenty going on in the UK this May. And with another bank holiday coming up, there’s even more time to make the most of what the UK has to offer.
For further reading, head over to our art and culture or travel sections. Here, you’ll find everything from popular days out in the UK to city break inspiration.
What are your plans for May? Have any of the events or ideas on our list sparked your interest? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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