Fun Things To Do in May For All The Family

There’s something about May that makes everything feel full of possibility. Despite the interchangeable weather the UK seems to love, the evenings eke out a little longer, pub gardens suddenly become everyone’s favourite place again and the temptation to make plans every weekend becomes impossible to ignore.

Whether you’re making the most of the bank holidays, planning a birthday surprise, organising a catch up with friends or simply trying to enjoy spring before the British weather changes its mind again, May is packed with opportunities for memorable days out.

From river cruises and countryside spa escapes to food tours, outdoor adventures and quirky experience days you probably didn’t know existed, here are some of the best things to do in May across the UK.

Book A Spring Spa Day

After months of grey skies and winter hibernation, May feels like the perfect excuse for a reset. Spa days in spring hit differently somehow. Maybe it’s the lighter evenings or the fact you can finally sit outside in a robe without freezing straight away.

From countryside retreats and luxury hotel spas to twilight spa evenings after work, there’s something incredibly satisfying about spending a May afternoon moving between hot tubs, steam rooms and relaxation lounges.

For something a little different, outdoor wellness experiences are also becoming hugely popular, including wild water swimming, outdoor yoga and woodland sauna experiences.

Go On A River Cruise

May and river cruises are a perfect combination. Not too hot, not too crowded and just the right amount of sunshine for sitting on deck with a drink in hand.

Whether it’s a sightseeing cruise through London, an afternoon tea river cruise in Oxford or a peaceful evening cruise through Shrewsbury, it’s one of the most relaxing ways to spend a spring day.

Some experiences even combine dining, cocktails or live music onboard, turning a simple boat trip into a full day out.

Go Countryside On Horseback

With bluebells appearing in woodlands and countryside trails looking their best, May is a brilliant time for horse riding experiences.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or more experienced in the saddle, there are plenty of scenic hacks, countryside treks and riding lessons available across the UK.

For animal lovers looking for something slower paced, experiences like horse meditation and pony grooming are also growing in popularity and make surprisingly calming days out.

Visit A Food Festival

May is unofficially the start of food festival season in the UK. Across the country, towns and cities begin hosting street food events, artisan markets and outdoor food festivals celebrating everything from local produce to global cuisines.

Places like Birmingham, Manchester and London are packed with spring food events during May, making it the perfect time to plan a foodie weekend away.

A Scenic Helicopter Ride

If you love the idea of seeing the UK from above but want something faster paced than a balloon ride, helicopter tours make an incredible spring activity.

May’s clearer weather often means excellent visibility, making it the perfect time to take in coastlines, cities and countryside from the air.

There are helicopter sightseeing flights available across the UK, including routes over Liverpool, London and the Lake District.

Spend A Weekend Glamping

Camping in May feels far more appealing than camping in February. Funny that.

Glamping is ideal at this time of year because you still get all the countryside charm without worrying about freezing overnight in a tent that leaks.

From luxury safari tents and shepherd huts to glamping pods with hot tubs, May weekends are perfect for escaping to the countryside before peak summer prices arrive.

Popular spots include the Lake District, Shropshire, Cornwall and the Scottish Highlands.

See The UK’s Gardens In Full Bloom

If there’s ever a month to appreciate British gardens, it’s May.

Places like Kew Gardens, RHS Garden Wisley and Bodnant Garden look incredible at this time of year, with blossom, tulips and colourful spring displays everywhere you look.

Many stately homes and gardens also host seasonal events throughout May, making them great options for relaxed day trips.

Book A Theatre Trip In London

May is one of the best times to visit the West End before the peak summer crowds arrive.

Whether you’re finally seeing Wicked, booking tickets for Hamilton or combining a theatre show with dinner or afternoon tea, it makes a brilliant weekend activity.

Many theatre packages also include overnight stays, making it easy to turn it into a full city break.

Get Competitive With Outdoor Activities

May weather makes outdoor adventure experiences far more enjoyable. Nobody wants to go quad biking in sideways rain.

This is the season for:

• Segway adventures
• Quad biking
• Axe throwing
• Archery
• Clay pigeon shooting
• Off-road karting
• Assault courses
• Crossbow experiences

Perfect for birthdays, stag dos, team days or simply trying something new with friends.

Take A Steam Train Journey

There’s something oddly comforting about a steam train journey in spring.

Watching the countryside roll past with a cup of tea and a slice of cake while sitting in a vintage carriage feels like stepping into another era for a few hours.

Popular steam railway experiences can be found throughout places like Yorkshire, Devon and Scotland, with many routes offering afternoon tea or dining experiences onboard.

Enjoy An Outdoor Cinema Or Rooftop Event

As the evenings get warmer, outdoor cinema events and rooftop venues begin popping up again across the UK.

Cities like London and Edinburgh often host rooftop film nights, open-air theatre and live music events throughout May.

One of the best things about May is that it still feels slightly underrated. You get the lighter evenings, spring sunshine and outdoor activities without the huge crowds and peak summer prices.

Whether you fancy relaxing spa days, countryside escapes, foodie adventures or adrenaline-filled experiences, May is the perfect excuse to start making plans again and actually enjoy the season properly before summer disappears in the blink of an eye.