Southampton May Half-Term Starts

School holidays are almost here! Longer days, family plans and a week packed with things to do — Southampton is ready for May half-term.
Whether you’re planning a weekend city break or looking to fill the school holidays with hands-on activities, live events and great places to eat, there’s plenty happening across the city centre this May. Here’s your guide to making the most of the break!

Festivals, live events & family days out

There’s plenty happening across the city over the holidays, with events designed for all ages.

Playing The Field
Silverlake Stadium | 23 – 24 May

Expect live music, entertainment, family activities and fairground fun across this two-day festival, with Saturday dedicated to families and younger visitors.

Star Cars at Westquay

The Esplanade | 23 – 30 May
Film and TV fans can get up close to a line-up of famous on-screen vehicles arriving in Southampton this half-term. Expect some instantly recognisable favourites, from the Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine and Lightning McQueen to the iconic Batmobile.

Urban Wild Week
Various locations | 23 – 31 May
Swap screens for green spaces with guided walks, wildlife activities and outdoor workshops taking place across Southampton’s parks and open spaces.

Experiences worth adding to your itinerary

Unlimited play, retro favourites and classic consoles make High Score Arcade an easy win for rainy afternoons or post-lunch competition. SEN-friendly sessions are also available during selected quieter hours.

Get creative at Southampton’s museums and galleries
SeaCity Museum, Tudor House & Garden and City Art Gallery are hosting hands-on workshops throughout the holidays, with activities including crafts, creative making sessions and interactive history experiences.

Challenge each other at High Score Arcade
Unlimited play, retro favourites and classic consoles make High Score Arcade an easy win for rainy afternoons or post-lunch competition. SEN-friendly sessions are also available during selected quieter hours.

Bowling, cinema and big screen moments
From family films at Showcase Cinema de Lux to bowling at Hollywood Bowl, there are plenty of easy-to-plan activities close to restaurants, shopping and parking.

Kids eat free this half-term

Exploring works up an appetite — thankfully, plenty of Southampton venues are helping families keep costs down this half-term.
You’ll find family dining offers across the city, including Zizzi, Las Iguanas and Bella Italia where kids can eat free with a paying adult, alongside value lunch deals and child-friendly menus.

See kids eat free offers

Stay a little longer

Turn your half-term plans into a proper city break with an overnight stay in Southampton.
Stay close to the action with family-friendly hotels near Westquay, the Cultural Quarter and the waterfront, ideal for mixing events, dining and sightseeing without needing the car.

Whether you’re planning one night or a longer escape, Southampton makes a great base for exploring the south coast this spring.

A Eurovision weekend special: Waterloo – A tribute to ABBA

To mark Eurovision taking place this weekend, there’s a limited-time ticket offer for one of Southampton’s standout upcoming live shows.

Waterloo A Tribute to ABBA comes to the iconic O2 Guildhall Southampton on Sunday 22 November 2026, bringing a full-scale celebration of one of pop’s most recognisable groups, ABBA.

For this weekend only, tickets are available at a special flash sale price of £26 (including fees), timed to coincide with Eurovision and celebrate 70 years of the contest in 2026.

The production takes audiences through ABBA’s rise to global fame, with a live cast and band, detailed costumes and staging, and a setlist packed with classics including Waterloo, Mamma Mia and Voulez-Vous.