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Hooray for May! The month that takes us from spring into summer and two bank holidays to enjoy those balmy long days.
The Early May Bank Holiday is on Monday 6 May 2024, read on for our guide to what’s happening during in Hampshire during the long weekend from 4 – 6 May at the beginning of the month.
BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair at Beaulieu
Friday 3 – Sunday 5 May 2024
Get some springspiration for your gardening at the BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair at Beaulieu taking place from 3 – 5 May 2024. Set in the beautiful grounds of Beaulieu, the Spring Fair includes Beautiful Borders and The Hillier Experience packed with planting ideas, and stunning floral displays from top nurseries. The BBC Good Food Market will be serving up a tasty mix of artisan food and drink, and the bandstand will be swinging into some foot-tapping live entertainment.
Find out more about the BBC Gardeners' World Fair Spring at Beaulieu
Sweat Fitness and Wellbeing Festival at Gunwharf Quays
Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 May 2024
Get active over the bank holiday weekend at the Sweat Fitness and Wellbeing Festival at Gunwharf Quays. Taking place over two action-packed days on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 May, the festival lineup includes free activities to try including Yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba, mindset talks and workshops, and live DJs.
The festival will also feature the 'Power up the Tower' challenge to climb the 530 stairs of the iconic Spinnaker Tower.
Find out more about the Sweat Fitness and Wellbeing Festival at Gunwharf Quays
Step out on a seasonal stroll
Step into spring on a seasonal stroll. There are so many wonderful walks to choose from in Hampshire but some of the walks around the Downton-famous Highclere Castle Estate are only open on selected dates of the year including the May bank holiday weekend.
The marked circular walk around Milford and Duns Mere Lakes, meanders through some of Highclere’s beautiful grounds taking in the stunning displays of Rhododendrons and Azaleas.
Find out more about the Highclere Seasonal Walk
Chilli & Gin Festival, Fort Purbrook, Portsmouth
Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 May 2024
Mixing a fiery fusion of spicy chillis, refreshing gins, and live music, the UK's only chilli and gin festival returns to Portsmouth for the bank holiday weekend on 4 and 5 May.
Take on the chilli-eating competitions, mix up some gin drinks at a cocktail masterclass, and tuck into the tasty food stalls offering cuisine from around the world.
Find out more about the Chilli & Gin Festival, Fort Purbrook, Portsmouth
Circus Extreme, Mayflower Park, Southampton
Friday 26 April – Monday 6 May 2024
Circus Extreme will be pitching up its big top brimming with daredevil circus acts at Mayflower Park in Southampton with the circus in town until Monday 6 May.
The thrilling acts from some of the most talented performers in the world include the Ayala Troupe’s award-winning high wire act, the Danguir Troupe’s double wheel of death stunt, and the EXTREME® freestyle motocross team.
Find out more about Circus Extreme, Mayflower Park, Southampton
Emsworth Arts Trail 24
Saturday 4 – Monday 6 May 2024
The Early May Bank Holiday weekend will be the last chance to visit the Emsworth Arts Trail, an Open Studio event showcasing the many artists of this pretty Hampshire harbour town.
The trail guide leads visitors on a fascinating tour of paintings, ceramics, photography, jewellery, textiles, furniture and more throughout Emsworth.
Find out more about the Emsworth Arts Trail
Fabulous food and drink
With the chance of al fresco eating and a whole new season of produce to enjoy, the bank holiday weekend is the perfect time to go out and explore the fantastic food and drink Hampshire has to offer.
From award-winning restaurants with celebrity chefs and Michelin stars, to tempting cafes and Farmers’ markets brimming with local produce, discover the tastiest places to eat and drink in Hampshire.
Stay for May with a Hampshire break
With an extra day (and night) to the weekend, why not extend your stay and enjoy a short break in Hampshire this May Bank Holiday Weekend. Choose from family hotels, traditional holiday cottages or if the weather is looking good a camping or glamping adventure. See our guide to accommodation in Hampshire.
See more of what’s on in Hampshire
Spring in Hampshire
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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.
Sweat Festival is back, celebrating and inspiring active and healthy lifestyles.
The beautiful grounds around Milford and Duns Mere Lakes, Highclere will be open again this Spring/Summer. People are welcome to enjoy the marked circular walk during the May bank holiday weekends, and then from the 1st July to 31st August. Walkers are kindly asked to keep to the marked path and to always keep dogs on a lead.
The UK's only chilli and gin festival is back in Portsmouth for the bank holiday weekend of 4 and 5 May.
Circus Extreme is thrilled to be returning to the United Kingdom in 2024 as part of its World Tour. A one-of-a-kind performance, that was five years in the making and features some of the most talented performers in the world.
A unique and fabulous Open Studio Event in Hampshire. Emsworth boasts a host of original artists across many disciplines and, crucially, all 89 within a 1 mile radius of the town centre. Crammed with great pubs, cafés and restaurants, and located with a sea promenade in beautiful Chichester Harbour, you can simply get lost in great art in this pretty town! Spanning two weekends, 27th–28th April and 4th, 5th and 6th May, 2024, come and indulge.
