10 fun things to do in May

With two May Bank Holidays and warmer spring weather in store, there’s never been a better time to make the most of your weekends.

Stuck on ideas of what to do? Here are 10 free or great value things to do that may just beat box-set binge watching.

1. Grab a slice of the action at the Pizza Run UK, Mudchute Park
London

Calling all pizza lovers! This fun 5k event gives those taking part an extra special-and extra cheesy- reason to keep running. Indulge in slices of the nation’s favourite takeaway food as you run the course. Afterwards you can dance off all those extra calories with DJ’s and enjoy the festivities of this fun event suitable for the whole family.

Entry is £20. Includes slices of pizza, a special pizza themed medal for taking part and more!
20th May, 1pm – 3pm.
Stay: Travelodge Greenwich High Road 

2. Come alive after dark at The Late Shows
Newcastle

Grab a bit of culture on the 18th and 19th May when more than 70 NewcastleGateshead arts and culture venues open up their doors after-dark.

Enjoy hands-on workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, parties and performances. You could learn a new instrument, visit buildings of architectural significance or dance the night away at a silent disco. Anything could happen on your free late-night culture crawl. Free shuttle buses connect visitors to participating venues.
Stay: Travelodge Newcastle hotels

3. Carry your weight on WoolSack day
Tetbury

Tetbury was once a historic wool and brewing town, and every year on WoolSack day this link is still celebrated with a pint (or two) of real ale and then a test of strength, as contestants run up and down a hill carrying a sack of wool. The race has been going for over thirty years now and has records entered in the ‘Guinness Book of Records’. A fun family day out with a street fair, funfair and entertainment. Bank Holiday Monday 28th May. Free admission.
Stay: Travelodge Tetbury hotels

4. Relive days gone by on a vintage bus
Oxfordshire

Discover the 130 year-old story of bus and coach travel around Oxfordshire at the Oxford Bus Museum. Exhibits include a historic horse-drawn tram, motor buses, and a wide selection of artefacts. Learn how the classic Morris Minor cars and commercial vehicles were produced in Oxford and enjoy a fine collection of vintage Morris vehicles. Why not experience a vintage bus ride yourself? On Bank Holiday Monday 7th May and Monday 28th May 2018,  an hourly service runs to Witney (Market Place). First bus departs at 10:45am and each hour until 3:45pm.
Stay: Travelodge Oxford hotels

5. Experience the buzz of Brighton at the Festival
Brighton

Running from the 5th-27th May 2018, there’s loads of free events during the Brighton Festival. From interactive experiences, storytelling sessions to poetry recitals and dance workshops – there’s something for everyone. And, at the end of the day, why not enjoy fresh cockles and whelks or fish and chips on the beach?
Stay: Travelodge Brighton hotels

6. Fun for all the family at Fontwell Park

On Sunday 27th May 2018, Fontwell Park will be hosting a fun day extravaganza featuring all the family favourites from a mini zoo to laser quest, assault courses, face painting and much more. This is a day not to be missed. All the day’s entertainment is free for all, although tickets need to be booked in advance and online booking is recommended to save the £5 charge on the gate at admission. Under 18’s go free.
Stay: Travelodge Arundel Fontwell Park

7. Put on your walking shoes for an amble in the city
Bristol

Bristol’s Walk Fest takes place during the month of May and has over 150 walks ranging from nature trails and historical tours to doing yoga and ping pong while on the move.  A great chance to get out and explore the city’s diversity.
Stay: Travelodge Bristol hotels

8. Get a taste of Yorkshire
Malton, Yorkshire

Food lovers will salivate at the chance to visit this festival, set on the edge of the North York Moors. On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May, visitors can celebrate the very best of Yorkshire food with chef demos, lessons, talks, and over 160 food stalls. In 2018, special guests include BBC Masterchef’s Jess Gardham as well as many Michelin starred chefs all cooking up mouth watering food in front of your eyes and great live bands to put some funk with your food experience . Go on an empty stomach.
Stay: Travelodge Malton hotels

9. Covent Garden May Fayre and Puppet Festival
London

Punch and Judy fans of all ages will love this annual family puppet festival which brings together Punch and Judy ‘professors’ from all across the UK. On the 13th May 2018, in the garden of St Paul’s Church, experience some jolly good fun that starts with a procession led by a brass band at 11am, followed by an afternoon spent enjoying puppet shows, workshops, maypole dancing, clowns and more. The festival also celebrates with a birthday toast to Punch, who was first seen by Samuel Pepys 335 years ago. Admission is free.
Stay: Travelodge Covent Garden hotels

10. Celebrate a traditional May Day
Bromsgrove

Celebrate the arrival of spring at Avoncroft Museum. Their special May Day event takes place from 10:30am on Monday 7th May. Take part in maypole dancing, traditional games or try your hand at archery. There’s also traditional fairground attractions and a craft fair.
Stay: Travelodge Bromsgrove hotels