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.jpg "BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair at Beaulieu - credit Aidan Synnott")
Oh, we do love a May bank holiday to enjoy and – in addition to the annual Early May Bank Holiday and Spring May Bank Holiday at the start and end of the month – in 2023 we’re being treated to an extra bank holiday weekend in celebration of the coronation of King Charles III.
All you need to decide is how to make the most of this hat-trick of extra-long weekends. Read on for our guide to what’s happening during the May bank holiday weekends in Hampshire and inspiration for how to spend those extra days off.
Early May Bank Holiday 2023
Early May Bank Holiday weekend
Saturday 29 April – Monday 1 May 2023
The first of May marks May Day and this springtime festivity falls on the Early May Bank Holiday Monday for 2023 getting the month off to a celebratory start.
The Watercress Line’s Spring Steam Gala is a highlight of the Hampshire spring calendar and it’s taking place over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend from 29 April – 1 May 2023. Soak up the nostalgia of the heritage stations along the 10-mile line and see special guest engines as well as the home-fleet locomotives.
Get some springspiration for your gardening and have a blooming great day out at the BBC Gardeners' World Fair Spring at Beaulieu taking place from 28 – 30 April 2023. Set in the beautiful grounds of Beaulieu, this Spring Fair includes Beautiful Borders and The Hillier Experience packed with planting ideas, and stunning floral displays from top nurseries.
If you’re looking for an active bank holiday weekend, head to the Sweat Fitness Festival at Gunwharf Quays on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 April 2023. It's the only free-to-attend event of its kind in the UK with activities to try including Yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, mindset talks and workshops, and live DJs.
For splendid springtime vibes head to the pretty Hampshire village of Chawton on Saturday 29 April for the Chawton Village Walk starting at Jane Austen’s House. Walk in the footsteps of the cherished Hampshire author and learn about her love of nature, village life, houses and views she knew, and the importance of village life in shaping her writing.
See more of what’s on in Hampshire
Bank holiday for the Coronation of King Charles III
Bank holiday weekend for the Coronation of King Charles III
6 – 8 May 2023
On Saturday 6 May 2023 King Charles III will be crowned at his Coronation at Westminster Abbey in London. To mark the occasion, there will be an extra bank holiday across the UK on Monday 8 May and the historic weekend will be celebrated across the country with memorable celebrations.
In Hampshire, there will be several Coronation celebrations at Winchester Cathedral over the weekend including a screening of the Coronation in the majestic Nave of the Cathedral on Saturday 6 May 2023 and special Coronation family trails for young visitors to the Cathedral.
Hampshire's towns and villages will be celebrating the occasion with street parties including a Coronation Parade and Picnic in Lymington on Sunday 7 May 2023 and a Coronation Street Party in Romsey on Saturday 6 May 2023.
The Vyne near Basingstoke will be hosting a Coronation picnic on Monday 8 May 2023 and there will be a special garden trail with 74 hidden handmade crowns in the grounds – one for each year of His Majesty King Charles III’s life.
On Sunday 7 May 2023, the Watercress Line is having a royal celebration for the Coronation, marking the historic occasion with a convivial afternoon of picnicking, music, and entertainment and the possible visit of a specially dressed Coronation train.
To see a fleet of handsome boats dressed up for the royal occasion, head down to Ocean Village in Southampton for the King’s Coronation best-dressed boat competition over the Coronation weekend.
Pack a picnic and enjoy an exhilarating and free afternoon of one of The King’s favourite games with the New Forest Polo Club - Dunlop Cup at The Showground, Brockenhurst on 6 and 7 May 2023.
A royal knees-up is also planned at Port Solent to mark the Coronation on Sunday 7 May 2023, with performances from a host of bands with a regal theme at Royal Rhythms at Port Solent.
Also on Sunday 7 May, there will be Coronation Party at Gilbert White's House & Gardens with garden party celebrations including a picnic, games, music and the horse box bar.
Or, join the garden party festivities at Chewton Glen on Saturday 6 May 2023 with a special Coronation lunch planned at the quintessentially English country house. Witness His Majesty King Charles’ Coronation via a live stream and raise a glass of fizz to the newly crowned King.
Find out more about the King Charles Coronation weekend in Hampshire
Spring May Bank Holiday 2023
Spring May Bank Holiday weekend
27 – 29 May 2023
The late Spring May Bank Holiday also marks the start of the summer half term for many schools in Hampshire and England with a fun-filled calendar of family events planned at Hampshire’s attractions and venues.
From 26 – 29 May 2023 a new Outdoor Cinema Experience is coming to Beaulieu with blockbusters including Elvis, Encanto, and The Greatest Showman being shown in the stunning grounds of The National Motor Museum.
There will be more movie magic with Starlight Cinema at Winchester Science Centre showing E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial on Sunday 28 May 2023 under the stars of the Planetarium.
And as the evenings become warmer, Sunset Chasers Paddling Tours with New Forest Activities get underway on 27 and 28 May 2023 with the chance to take in a beautiful sunset on the Beaulieu River by kayak.
See more of what’s on in Hampshire
With all those bank holidays to fill, why not extend your stay in Hampshire? The county has a whole range of friendly and incredible accommodation. Choose from family hotels, traditional holiday cottages or, if the weather is looking good, a camping or glamping adventure.
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Related
Join us as BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair returns to the stunning grounds of Beaulieu from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th May 2025. What better way to inspire your gardening year ahead than by joining us for this much-loved show. Set in the beautiful grounds of Beaulieu, this Spring Fair includes Beautiful Borders and The Hillier Experience packed with planting ideas, and stunning floral displays from top nurseries.
This fun, relaxed guided walk will take you back in time, to discover the village Jane Austen knew and loved. Walk in Jane's footsteps and learn about her love of nature, village life, houses and views she knew, and the importance of village life in shaping her writing.
Everyone is welcome to celebrate this moment in history through a range of services and activities at Winchester Cathedral.
So how about joining us to kick off the New Forest Polo Club 2023 season with the Dunlop Cup. Pack the picnic rug (or chairs for those of us that dread the getting up from the rug!!) and come along with family, friends.... bring the dogs and enjoy an exhilarating afternoon of polo.
A right royal knees-up is planned at Port Solent to mark King Charles' coronation.
An English Original, Chewton Glen is a luxury country house hotel and spa set in 130 acres of Hampshire countryside on the edge of the New Forest National Park, and just a few minutes' walk from the sea.
An outdoor cinema experience like no other is coming to Hampshire 26th May - 28th May 2023! Adventure Cinema is bringing your big-screen favourites to the stunning grounds of Beaulieu. This spectacular open-air cinema tour has an eclectic mix of classics, musicals, big blockbusters and family favourites. All you have to do is buy a ticket, pack your picnic, camping chairs and blanket, and join us under the stars this summer! *Premium deck chairs are also available. Tickets are selling fast, so don't miss out and book today!
Are you ready for a completely unique cinema experience? Grab a seat, sit back and relax as one of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, plays out under the stars of the Planetarium.
Bask in the warmth of a beautiful sunset on the Beaulieu River this summer with New Forest Activities. Chase the warm glow of the sun's last rays of the day as they settle on the river's calm waters. You'll want to take your cameras, as the Beaulieu River wildlife really comes alive in the evening! Enjoy picturesque river views from the comfort of your own canoe or kayak, and discover hidden spots with your trusty guide – you'll really feel like you've got the river to yourselves!
Enjoy a 'steam' packed three-day Spring Steam Gala at The Watercress Line (26th - 28th April). It's a great opportunity to see and ride behind two visiting locomotives and the home-fleet locomotives. Explore all four heritage stations along the 10 mile line overlooking the South Downs National Park, enjoy brake van rides, free guided tours and more.
To celebration the Coronation of King Charles III, join The Watercress Line and Alresford town for a splendid afternoon of music, entertainment, fun and celebration.
Picnic hampers and blankets at the ready, join our big picnic on the North Lawn to celebrate the King’s coronation. Booking is essential.
Join in with the fun over the King's Coronation weekend with our best dressed boat competition.
Join us for a garden party on the 7th May to celebrate the Coronation!
The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort is being celebrated with a FREE public event over the Coronation weekend on Sunday 7th May at Woodside Park, Lymington. In line with the Coronation Big Lunch theme, everyone is invited to this Parade and Picnic, to join in together and celebrate this historic occasion.
Romsey Carnival Committee are hosting a free event. Bring your own tables, chairs and picnic. Giant double sided TV screen, music, bands, dancing, entertainment, children's entertainer.
