{"id":39228,"date":"2025-02-27T09:00:37","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T08:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/?p=39228"},"modified":"2026-04-21T16:38:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T15:38:32","slug":"things-to-do-in-the-uk-may","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/things-to-do\/things-to-do-in-the-uk-may\/","title":{"rendered":"17 glorious things to do in the UK in May 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s time to spring into adventure this May!<\/h2>\n

With the summer season on the horizon, May is packed with epic events and activities to add to your to-do list.<\/h4>\n

Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences, outdoor challenges or family-friendly fun, we\u2019ve got 17 incredible things to do in the UK in May 2026!<\/h4>\n
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<\/b>1. May Morning Oxford<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
1st May 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n

\"\"May Morning is one of Oxford’s most famous annual events. With thousands of locals and tourists crowding the streets at 6am to listen to a Latin hymn sung from the top of Magdalen College tower, this gathering is an experience like no other.<\/h4>\n

But the festivities don\u2019t end there! Various May Day traditions take place across the city<\/span><\/a> throughout the day, including Maypole dancing in the streets, a visit from Jack-in-the-Green and a performance by Morris Dancers outside the Ashmolean Museum. The famous Cotswold Morris is the native dance of Oxfordshire, so this is surely the best place to witness it!<\/h4>\n

Stay nearby<\/h4>\n
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2. Cheltenham Jazz Festival<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
29th April – 4th May 2026
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\"EdinburghCalling all jazz fans! From the 29th April to the 4th May 2026, the vibrant town of Cheltenham will transform into a musical haven. Prepared to get jazzed up at the annual Cheltenham Jazz Festival!<\/h4>\n

With a stellar lineup of international stars, legendary jazz icons and exciting new talents, this lively music festival offers something for everyone. Soak up the lively atmosphere and catch captivating performances in Cheltenham’s diverse venues – from intimate jazz clubs to grand concert halls.<\/h4>\n

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3. Brighton Festival<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
1st – 25th May 2026
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\"BrightonIf you\u2019re a lover of the arts, then Brighton Festival is sure to pique your fancy this May. Returning with its 60th edition, Brighton Festival takes place in this vibrant and culturally diverse southern city.<\/h4>\n

Expect countless gripping performances and events throughout the month! Discover everything from theatre and dance to circus, classical music, intriguing debates and live book clubs. With all that to come, it\u2019s no wonder Brighton Festival is the southeast\u2019s biggest and most talked-about arts festival. Whenever you choose to visit, be sure to bring your loved ones, as there’s something for everyone to enjoy, including the kids!<\/h4>\n

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4. Bank Holi-Mays!<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
4th & 25th May 2026
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\"BankWith 2 bank holidays coming up this month, 4th and 25th May, there are plenty of things to do all over the UK. From romantic getaways for you and your beau to family-friendly escapes in the countryside and non-stop city breaks. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to get your plans in quick<\/span><\/a> – we\u2019re certain everyone will be hitting the roads this May!<\/h4>\n
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5. Celebrate Star Wars Day at Madame Tussauds London<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
4th May 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n

\"StarCollaborating with Disney and Lucasfilm, Madame Tussauds\u2019 immersive Star Wars exhibit is the perfect way to experience Star Wars Day in London. With life-like wax figures of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn\u2019s epic duel with Darth Maul, Luke Skywalker\u2019s final confrontation with Darth Vader and much more, you\u2019ll be sure to find all your favourite Jedi heroes and villains at Madame Tussauds this May.<\/h4>\n

Discover the iconic flight deck of the Millennium Falcon and even explore Jabba the Hutt\u2019s menacing Throne Room as you meet all the legendary characters of the Star Wars franchise. May the Fourth be with you!<\/h4>\n

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6. AJ Bell Great Bristol Run<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
10th May 2026<\/span><\/h5>\n

\"AJIf you\u2019re planning a trip to the West Country in May, the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run is an absolute standout. Happening on the 10th May, this running event is the South West\u2019s biggest and most vibrant running celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or looking to smash your first 10k, the atmosphere is electric.<\/h4>\n

The route is famously flat and fast, making it a PB-hunter\u2019s dream, but it\u2019s the scenery that really wins people over. You\u2019ll wind through the historic Harbourside and past the street-art-laden walls of the city centre. And for the half-marathon runners, the route extends along the stunning Avon Gorge, offering a spectacular view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.<\/h4>\n

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Ready to make those PB dreams a reality? Check out the best running events across the UK this year here<\/a>.<\/h3>\n
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7. The London Coffee Festival<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n
14th \u2013 17th May 2026
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A post shared by The London Coffee Festival (@londoncoffeefestival)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n