Looking for the best things to do over the May Bank Holiday weekend in Somerset and Bristol? Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids, a relaxing weekend away, or an action-packed adventure, there’s plenty going on across the region. From family-friendly events in Somerset, outdoor festivals and markets, to live music, coastal walks, and historic attractions, the May Bank Holiday in Somerset and Bristol 2025 is shaping up to be full of fun. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top May Bank Holiday events, hidden gems, and local favourites to help you make the most of the long weekend.
May Bank Holiday Weekend in Somerset and Bristol Events:
Bristol Walk Fest 2025
When: Thursday 1st May – Saturday 31st May 2025
Participate in guided walks exploring Bristol’s history, nature, and architecture, with many walks designed for families.
North Somerset Agricultural Show 2025
When: Monday 5th May 2025
Celebrate the countryside at the 164th North Somerset Show, held at the North Somerset Showground in Wraxall. This traditional agricultural show features livestock competitions, horse showing, showjumping, and rural craft demonstrations.
Enjoy attractions like the Jamie Squibb motorcycle stunt show, terrier racing, dancing sheep show, heavy horse displays, and the Strongest Man Competition. With over 260 trade stands, a food hall, and live music, it’s a fun-filled day for the whole family.
READ MORE: Best Agricultural Shows and Country Fairs in Somerset 2025
Wells Civil War Weekend, Bishop's Palace, Wells
When: Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th May 2025, 9.30 am – 5.00 pm.
Join the Wardour Garrison at The Bishop’s Palace! Step back in time at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells with reenactments, interactive displays, and activities suitable for all ages.
READ MORE: Things To Do In Wells With Kids
Shepton Mallet Prison – May Bank Holiday Weekend Events 2025
Living History Days
When: Monday 5th May 2025, (10:00 am – 5:00 pm)
Celebrate the prison’s 400th anniversary with interactive experiences that bring history to life. Engage in hands-on activities like oakum picking, explore the pillories, and uncover tales of execution. Discover the prison’s role during WWII and hear stories from its past inhabitants. Children go free with a paying adult.
Ghost Tours
When: Thursday, 1st May 2025 (6:30 pm and 8:30 pm)
Experience the eerie atmosphere of the world’s most haunted prison on a 90-minute ghost tour. Suitable for ages 12 and up.
May Bank Holiday Event: Haynes Motor Museum – Sparkford, Somerset
Car Boot Sale – Saturday, 3 May 2025 (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Kick off the weekend by exploring a variety of stalls offering unique accessories, quirky collectibles, and pre-loved items. The event is held on hard-standing ground with on-site refreshments and bathroom facilities. Entry is £1 per person, with children under 10 admitted free.
2. Haynes Breakfast Club – Sunday, 4 May 2025 (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)
Join fellow motoring enthusiasts for a morning of classic and supercar displays. This month’s theme celebrates sports and supercars in the paddock. Pre-booking is essential, with vehicle passes available for £5, including all passengers.
3. Somerscience Festival – Monday, 5 May 2025 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Engage in interactive science stands, workshops, talks, and shows at this exciting STEM family festival. Activities cover topics like oceanography, robotics, aerospace, and more.
4. Scalextric at the Museum – Ongoing from 4 April to 31 December 2025
Experience an epic new Scalextric track, offering fun for all ages. This interactive exhibit is included with museum entry.
Lake Day at Clevedon Marine Lake
When: Saturday, 3rd May 2025
Join the community at Clevedon Marine Lake for Lake Day, hosted by Marlens, the charity that maintains the lake. From 11:00 am, enjoy a variety of water-based activities suitable for all ages. This event is FREE to attend, with all proceeds and donations supporting the upkeep of the lake.
Paddlesports Open Weekend at Mendip Activity Centre 2025
When: Saturday 3rd May – Monday 5th May 2025
Dive into adventure this Bank Holiday weekend with the Paddlesports Open Weekend at Mendip Activity Centre in Churchill, Somerset.
Enjoy 20% off all kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding sessions. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, this event offers fun for all ages. Sessions are led by expert instructors, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the waters and embrace the great outdoors.
Sutton's 11th Birthday Celebration at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Wraxall
When: Monday 5th May 2025
Join the festivities at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxall as they celebrate the 11th birthday of Sutton, their beloved African elephant. The celebration takes place from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm outside the Elephant Eden habitat.
Sutton, known for his playful and boisterous personality, was the first successful calf born through artificial insemination from a wild bull elephant. This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about elephant conservation and enjoy a fun-filled day at the zoo.
North Somerset Bird of Prey Centre Open Day
When: Sunday 4th May 2025
Experience an unforgettable wildlife adventure at the North Somerset Bird of Prey Centre in Congresbury. The centre opens its doors from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, for one of its exclusive Open Days. Visitors can get up close to over 60 resident birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons, vultures, kites, and eagles. The centre also houses a variety of other animals such as foxes, raccoons, meerkats, armadillos, mongooses, ferrets, binturongs, agoutis, and reptiles.
The event features interactive activities, animal handling sessions, and educational talks, all included in the admission price. No pre-booking is required; simply pay at the entrance. Please note that only cash or cheques are accepted. Free parking is available, and the centre is conveniently located next to Heather’s Coffee Shop and Jungle Run Soft Play, making it a perfect family day out
Bluey and Bingo Meet-and-Greet at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park - May Bank Holiday Weekend Event
When: Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th May 2025
Celebrate the May Bank Holiday weekend with a delightful meet-and-greet featuring the beloved characters Bluey and Bingo at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park in Keynsham. Families can enjoy interactive sessions with the popular CBeebies duo, alongside the park’s array of attractions including adventure play areas, farm animals, and scenic train rides. This event offers a perfect blend of entertainment and education for children and parents alike .
What's on in Somerset May Bank Holiday Weekend: Maypole Dancing at Stourhead National Trust
When: Saturday 3rd to Monday 5th May 2025
Celebrate the May Bank Holiday weekend with traditional Maypole dancing at Stourhead, a stunning National Trust estate located near Mere, Wiltshire.
Visitors can participate in 30-minute drop-in workshops led by a professional maypole dancer, accompanied by live music. Sessions run at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, and 2:00 pm each day. In addition to the dancing, families can enjoy lawn games at the picnic hub in the top garden. This event is free, but standard admission charges to Stourhead apply. .
NEXT DATE FOR YOUR DIARY: Somerset Day 2025 – Events and Activities Guide
Disclaimer: Event details are subject to change. Please check directly with the venue or organiser before visiting to confirm dates, times, ticket availability, and any specific entry requirements.
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