Fun May Half Term Ideas in Buckinghamshire

2026-04-28T12:53:29Z

May half term has a way of sneaking up on us — one minute it’s business as usual, the next you’ve got a whole week to fill. Whether you’re planning ahead or already in the thick of it, there’s plenty of fun to be had across Buckinghamshire.

This time of year is perfect for getting out and about. The days are longer, the countryside is in full bloom, and there’s a real sense that summer is just around the corner. It’s an ideal chance to mix things up — think spontaneous day trips, outdoor adventures, and a few well-earned treats along the way.

You might have a packed schedule of events, or you might be taking a more relaxed “see where the day takes us” approach. Either way, Buckinghamshire is full of easy wins: scenic walks, playground pit stops, cafés for a mid-morning refuel, and plenty of spots where kids can burn off energy.

Things To Do This Half Term

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Art Workshop Adventure Food and drink Theatre Festival History and heritage Music Sports

Art

Illuminated Book Boxes @ Discover Bucks Museum

Past Event

Decorate a personalized book box to take home, inspired by Anglo-Saxon illuminated manuscripts

📅 Monday 25th May
🕰️ 10am - 2:30pm
📍 Discover Bucks Museum
💷 £4
🔗 Learn More

Nature Makers - Get Creative In Nature!

Past Event

Get creative with nature this May Half Term! Join Rhian from Nature Makers for a series of fun, free, hands-on family craft sessions inspired by nature with an May theme

📅 Monday 25th May
🕰️ 12:30pm - 3:30pm
📍 Ascott House and Gardens - National Trust
🔗 See More Info

Turtle Splash Painting Workshop @ National Trust Hughenden

Past Event

In this fun, step-by-step workshop, children and adults will paint Turtle Splash — a cheerful turtle swimming through vibrant blue water, surrounded by bubbles, splashes, and playful ocean textures. The session is uplifting, creative, and perfect for painters of all abilities.

📅 Monday 25th May
🕰️ 10:30am - 1pm
📍 National Trust Hughenden
💷 £20
🔗 Learn More

Barn Owl Family Painting Workshop @ The Walled Garden

Past Event

Get ready for a calm, creative, and nature-inspired experience with our Barn Owl family painting workshop! Together, you’ll create a beautiful, expressive painting of this elegant bird — soft, striking, and full of quiet character.

📅 Tuesday 26th May
🕰️ 9:30am - 11:30am
📍 The Walled Garden
💷 £20
🔗 Explore This Event

Enchanted Creature Lanterns Workshop @ National Trust Hughenden

Past Event

Join us for a magical, hands-on craft workshop where you’ll design and create your very own glowing Enchanted Creature Lantern in the beautiful surroundings of Hughenden Estate.

📅 Tuesday 26th May
🕰️ 10:30am - 11:30am
📍 National Trust Hughenden
💷 £20
🔗 See More Info

Mini Makers Sunflower Collage Workshop @ The Walled Garden

Past Event

Looking for a joyful, hands-on way to spark your little one’s creativity? Join Toni and the Easely Does It team for a playful, sensory-packed sunflower collage session in the beautiful surroundings of The Walled Garden.

📅 Tuesday 26th May
🕰️ 9:30am - 12:30pm
📍 Te Walled Garden, West Wycombe
💷 £20
🔗 Learn More

Dragon Marionettes @ Discover Bucks Museum

Past Event

Please note: this activity involves using cotton wool and coloured water

📅 Wednesday 27th May
🕰️ 10am - 2:30pm
📍 Discover Bucks Museum
💷 £5
🔗 Learn More

Hello Up There Triptych Painting Workshop @ The Walled Garden

Past Event

Get ready for something bright, joyful, and full of personality with our Hello Up There family painting workshop! Together, you’ll create a vibrant rainbow-coloured giraffe on a striking long canvas — a fun and feel-good artwork that’s so tall it stretches across 3 canvases! Guaranteed to make you smile.

📅 Wednesday 27th May
🕰️ 9:30am - 12:30pm
📍 The Walled Garden, West Wycombe
💷 £23
🔗 Explore This Event

Merlin's Potion Jars @ Discover Bucks Museum

Past Event

Make a magical potion jar to take home. Please note: this activity involves using cotton wool and coloured water. Old clothes are recommended.

📅 Wednesday 27th May
🕰️ 10am - 2:30pm
📍 Discover Bucks Museum
💷 £5
🔗 Find Out More

Mini Mermaid Making Workshop @ The Walled Garden

Past Event

Join us for a fun, creative Mermaid Family Craft Workshop, where children and adults will create their very own magical mermaid — full of sparkle, colour, and seaside charm.

📅 Wednesday 27th May
🕰️ 2pm - 4pm
📍 The Walled Garden
💷 £20
🔗 Find Out More

Beach Bag Decorating Workshop @ The Walled Garden

Past Event

Get ready for a fun, hands-on creative session with our Decorate a Beach Bag family crafternoon! Together, you’ll design and personalise your very own canvas tote — perfect for sunny days, seaside trips, and summer adventures.

📅 Thursday 28th May
🕰️ 2pm - 4pm
📍 The Walled Garden, West Wycombe
💷 £20
🔗 Explore This Event

Buzz Off Family Painting Workshop @ The Walled Garden

Past Event

Get ready for a calm, creative, and cow-inspired experience with our Buzz Off family painting workshop! Together, you’ll create a charming, expressive painting of this cute cow — furry, funny, and full of quiet character.

📅 Thursday 28th May
🕰️ 9:30am - 12:30pm
📍 The Walled Garden, West Wycombe
💷 £20
🔗 Explore This Event

Drop-in Arts And Crafts Session

Past Event

Come and join NPHT at Friars Square Shopping Centre for some Paralympic themed arts and crafts, and the chance to get up close to items from our collection

📅 Thursday 28th May
🕰️ 2pm - 4pm
📍 Friars Square Shopping Centre
🔗 See More Info

Flower Bowl Making @ National Trust Hughenden

Past Event

Join Toni from Easely Does It for a relaxed, family-friendly clay workshop where you’ll create your own beautiful decorative flower bowl.

📅 Thursday 28th May
🕰️ 10:30am - 12:30pm
📍 National Trust Hughenden
💷 £25
🔗 Explore This Event

Half-term Pottery Workshop: Birds Of Prey

Past Event

Join tutor V Hayward to create your very own pottery creature! Learn how to sculpt life into your creations using a range of handbuilding techniques that will set you up to make just about anything! We will use air-hardening clay so you can take your creations with you at the end and paint them at home

📅 Thursday 28th May
🕰️ 1:30pm - 4pm
📍 Queens Park Arts Centre and Limelight Theatre
💷 £16
🔗 Explore This Event

Half-term Pottery Workshop: Frogs And Toads

Past Event

Join tutor V Hayward to create your very own pottery creature! Learn how to sculpt life into your creations using a range of handbuilding techniques that will set you up to make just about anything! We will use air-hardening clay so you can take your creations with you at the end and paint them at home

📅 Thursday 28th May
🕰️ 10:30am - 1pm
📍 Queens Park Arts Centre and Limelight Theatre
💷 £16
🔗 See More Info

Nature Sprites @ Discover Bucks Museum

Past Event

This is one of our mythical magical craft events organised for the May half term

📅 Thursday 28th May
🕰️ 10am - 2:30pm
📍 Discover Bucks Museum
💷 £5
🔗 Learn More

Children’s Half-term Workshops

Past Event

Once again Queens Park Arts Centre is offering some half-term workshops for children

📅 Friday 29th May
📍 Queens Park Arts Centre and Limelight Theatre, Queens Park, Aylesbury HP21 7RT
🔗 Find Out More

Drama Llama Painting Workshop @ National Trust Hughenden

Past Event

In this lively, step-by-step workshop, children and adults will paint Drama Llama — a bold, expressive llama full of attitude and flair. Expect exaggerated features, playful poses, and plenty of freedom to add personality, patterns, and colour. The session is joyful, silly, and perfect for painters of all abilities.

📅 Friday 29th May
🕰️ 10:30am - 12:30pm
📍 National Trust Hughenden
💷 £20
🔗 Find Out More

Neon Coo Family Painting Workshop @ The Walled Garden

Past Event

Get ready for something bold, bright, and a little bit rebellious with our Neon Coo family painting workshop! Together, you’ll create a vibrant, feel-good painting of a funky, punk-inspired cow bursting with colour, attitude, and personality.

📅 Friday 29th May
🕰️ 9:30am - 11:30am
📍 The Walled Garden
💷 £20
🔗 Explore This Event

Spy Craft! With Mark Creasy @ Discover Bucks Museum

Past Event

Become a spy with local author Mark Creasy, who’ll be leading super-secret code-breaking and cipher activities this half term

📅 Friday 29th May
🕰️ 10:30am - 11:30am
📍 Discover Bucks Museum
💷 £3
🔗 See More Info

Rainbow Zebra Painting Workshop@ National Trust Hughenden

Past Event

In this fun, step-by-step workshop, children and adults will paint Rainbow Zebra — a vibrant twist on a classic animal, featuring bold rainbow stripes, playful patterns, and plenty of personality. Think bright colours, creative freedom, and a zebra like you’ve never seen before!

📅 Saturday 30th May
🕰️ 10:30am - 12:30pm
📍 National Trust Hughenden
💷 £20
🔗 Explore This Event

Tropical Frog Family Painting Workshop @ Nationla Trust Hughenden

Past Event

Join Toni from Easely Does It for a relaxed, family-friendly acrylic painting session inspired by lush rainforests and vibrant tropical life.

📅 Sunday 31st May
🕰️ 10:30am - 12:30pm
📍 National Trust Hughenden
💷 £20
🔗 Explore This Event

Workshop

Half-day Poetry Writing Masterclass

Past Event

In this workshop, we will be going through a variety of writing exercises to get your creative juices flowing

📅 Wednesday 27th May
🕰️ 10am - 12pm
📍 Queens Park Arts Centre and Limelight Theatre
💷 £16
🔗 See More Info

Half-term Workshop: Junk Modelling

Past Event

Create your own magic world of wonder using all sorts of bits, bobs and, well

📅 Wednesday 27th May
🕰️ 10am - 1pm
📍 Queens Park Arts Centre and Limelight Theatre
💷 £18
🔗 Learn More

Half-term Woodwork Workshop: Wikid Sticks

Past Event

Make a Wikid Stick! Learn how to shape wood using a spokeshave, make holes with a drill and brace-and-bit and carve patterns into the surface, then finish off your creation with some string or cord binding and recycled additions! You'll use hammers, nails, glue, foil and of course proper woodwork tools along the way

📅 Friday 29th May
🕰️ 10am - 1pm
📍 Queens Park Arts Centre and Limelight Theatre
💷 £25
🔗 Explore This Event

Adventure

Royals At Stowe House: May Half-Term Family Trail & Crafts

Past Event

This May half-term, step inside Stowe House for a family-friendly royal adventure through the State Rooms

📅 Thursday 28th May
🕰️ 10:30am - 4:30pm
📍 Stowe House
🔗 Learn More

May Half Term At Go Ape Wendover

Past Event

Looking for things to do this May half term in Buckinghamshire? Escape the ordinary and head to Go Ape Wendover Woods, set among the rolling woodland just outside Aylesbury, for an unforgettable outdoor adventure

📅 Sunday 31st May
🕰️ 10am - 3:30pm
📍 Go Ape Wendover
🔗 Find Out More

Food and drink

Street Food Lunch, Bank Holiday Monday

Past Event

Free entry – Dog friendly – Indoor & outdoor seating – Parking on-site

📅 Monday 25th May
🕰️ 12pm - 4pm
📍 The Walled Garden, High Wycombe
🔗 Learn More

Street Food Evening May

Past Event

Free entry – Dog friendly – Indoor & outdoor seating – Parking on-site

📅 Friday 29th May
🕰️ 5pm - 9pm
📍 The Walled Garden, High Wycombe
🔗 See More Info

Theatre

Fun For Little Ones - A Tribute To Ms Rachel

Past Event

Get ready for singing, dancing, giggles and non-stop fun as the magic of Ms Rachel comes to life on stage in an interactive, high-energy live tribute performance made just for little ones and their grownups!

📅 Monday 25th May
📍 Wycombe Swan
🔗 Find Out More

Our Stage Free Taster Session

Past Event

Our Stage is Creative Learning’s new inclusive drama project for 12 to 18 year olds

📅 Wednesday 27th May
🕰️ 10:30am - 12:30pm
📍 Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
🔗 Explore This Event

Festival

FrogFest XTRA 2026

Past Event

Our biggest, most exciting, most popular event of the year is BACK! And this year we’ve got even more live music and entertainment for you

📅 Sunday 24th May
🕰️ 12pm - 8pm
📍 High Wycombe High Street
💷 Free
🔗 Learn More

History and heritage

Enjoy The Wonders Of Nature At Milton Keynes Museum For Half Term

Past Event

There will be a nature theme for half term (May 25-29) at Milton Keynes Museum with a week of Curious Creatures & Garden Treasures to investigate

📅 Friday 29th May
🕰️ 10:30am - 4:30pm
📍 MK Museum
💷 £12
🔗 Explore This Event

Music

Recycled Rhythm On The Cobbles

Past Event

Dive into a world of musical mayhem as The Junk Orchestra turns recycled “junk” into brilliant beats and big smiles

📅 Thursday 28th May
📍 Market Square
🔗 Learn More

Sports

Fun Fest Marlow – Bourne End May Half Term

Past Event

Fun Fest Marlow is a holiday club which provides high quality, summer camp style childcare for children from 3 years old, offering them a choice from a menu of exciting activities every morning and afternoon.

📅 Friday 29th May
🕰️ 8am - 6pm
🔗 Find Out More

Town Day Trips

If you fancy exploring somewhere new, why not base a day around one of the county’s towns? Each offers something a little different — from riverside strolls to historic streets and independent shops:

• Amersham Town Guide
• Aylesbury Town Guide
• Beaconsfield Town Guide
• Chesham Town Guide
• Marlow Town Guide
• Wendover Town Guide

They’re perfect for building a simple but memorable day out — grab a coffee, wander, stop for lunch, and see what you discover.

However You Spend It…

Half term doesn’t have to be jam-packed to be memorable. A couple of well-chosen outings, some fresh air, and a change of scenery can go a long way. Whether you’re ticking off events, revisiting favourite places, or trying somewhere completely new, it’s all about making the most of the time together.

Don’t forget to browse our full list of May half term events for even more inspiration — whether you’re planning ahead or looking for something to do tomorrow.