Looking for an event to feature? Here’s our pick of the best events coming-up this month. As ever, please check individual websites for the latest details.
Coronation celebrations
Britain will be flying the flag with pride to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III on 6 May – with an extra Bank Holiday for us all to enjoy the festivities. For a few top picks from our destinations check out our round-up here.
And for more events and celebrations in each destination, see special Coronation features at:
HULL
Ancient Egypt Season
Ferens Art Gallery
Until 18 June 2023
Free entry
Featuring two free exhibitions, the season will explore the beauty and mystery of ancient Egypt celebrating two of the greatest Egyptian discoveries of the last 200 years. The decoding of the Rosetta Stone in 1822, which unlocked our understanding of the ancient Egyptian world. Then one hundred years later, the discovery in 1922 of the almost undisturbed tomb of Tutankhamun which sparked a worldwide sensation.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride
Fruit Market
21 May 2023
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is returning to Fruit Market on Sunday, 21st May. The world’s largest and most stylish charitable motorcycle event…and it’s coming to Hull! Expect dapper gentlefolk riding classic bikes for men’s health.
Hull Trinity House Tours
Trinity House
22 May 2023
Tickets: £5, must be pre-booked
Long regarded as one of Hull’s best kept secrets, Hull Trinity House is opening its doors to the public. Learn about its history dating back to 1369 and see rare and valued artefacts which include nautical memorabilia, furniture, artworks and treasures from around the globe, as well as the splendour of various rooms, including the Court Room with its gold leaf adorned ceiling.
Super Hero Day
Queen Victoria Square
31 May 2023
Free admission
A chance to meet favourite superheroes, have a photo taken with them and learn how to be a superhero with Superman and Wonder Woman’s superhero camp. Plus, a chance to have a go at designing a superhero or mask, enter a superhero colouring competition. As well as free face painting, there will also be superhero candyfloss sculptures to buy, and stalls offering superhero-themed products, giveaways and competitions.
EAST YORKSHIRE
Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Sewerby Hall and Gardens
From 5 May 2023
Admission with a House Day Pass (£9.50 adults, £7.20 children, 3 – 15 years, £32 family)
The Natural History Museum’s iconic Wildlife Photographer of the Year revisits Sewerby Hall with a brand-new show for 2023. The world-renowned exhibition, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will be on display in the House. The House is open daily. Last admission 4pm
Tulip Festival
Burnby Hall Gardens & Museum
Until 6 May 2023
Admission: £7.50 adults, £4.95 children (5-15 years)
With a kaleidoscope of more than 18,000 bulbs with over 130 varieties spread over nine acres of gardens, it’s no surprise that the annual Tulip Festival is always a popular event – and this year’s festival promises to be the most spectacular yet.
Beverley Gin Festival
Beverley Minster
12-13 May 2023
Tickets: £20
www.beverleyginfestival.co.uk
Now firmly established in the calendar, this year sees the third Beverley Gin Festival. On offer will be flavoursome gins from around the world, cocktails, prosecco and even craft beer, alongside live entertainment and street food, all in the historical setting of Beverley Minster.
Medieval Re-Enactment Weekend
Sewerby Hall and Gardens
13-14 May 2023
Standard admission charges apply ((£9.50 adults, £7.20 children, 3 – 15 years, £32 family)
The sound of hand cannon fire and the clash of amour will be the order of the day as re-enactment society the Sir John Savile’s Household demonstrate medieval warfare from The Wars of the Roses. As well as a contingent of archers showcasing the use of the feared English longbow there will be a small company of foot soldiers, including crossbowmen and gunners, along with medieval living encampments, craft displays and feudal fashion workshops.
Great British Food Festival
Burton Constable Hall
13 and 14 May 2023
Admission: £10.80 adults, £4.80 children (5-17 years). in advance
Home to the Constable family for over 700 years, Burton Constable Hall is one of the most fascinating English country houses to survive complete with its historic collections. It is also now ‘home’ to an annual treat for foodies and The Great British Food Festival, which returns for 2023.
RSPB Borrow a Seabird Guide
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Various dates, 2-30 May 2023
Tickets: £30 adults, £50 per couple
An exclusive tour of the reserve dubbed “Seabird City’ in spring and summer because of the number of seabirds nesting there. This VIP exclusive tour is suited to those new to bird or wildlife watching, particularly those new or fairly new to seabirds. Expert volunteers will pick out the best spots along the cliffs to view the spectacular seabird colony, with each tour tailored to the individual and weather conditions.
RSPB Puffin and Gannet Cruises
Bridlington
Various dates, 7-31 May 2023
Tickets: £55 adults, £28 child (under 18 years), early booking essential
The towering cliffs at Bempton, part of Yorkshire’s stunning heritage coast, come alive each year with almost half a million seabirds including the iconic puffin and the UK’s largest seabird the gannet. Sailing from Bridlington Harbour with the RSPB aboard the famous MV Yorkshire Belle, the last of the great pleasure cruisers, this three-hour journey of discovery offers a chance to get nose-to-beak with the stars of the show on an incredible wildlife adventure.
Bridlington Kite Festival
20 and 21 May 2023
Sewerby Fields
Free admission
www.bridlingtonkitefestival.co.uk
Kites of all descriptions, sizes and colours will take to the air for two days of aerial displays, with several internationally renowned experts returning to provide spectacular – and free – displays for spectators. There will be professional demonstrations and visitors can have a go with kites available for loan during supervised sessions, plus food and drink stalls, fairground rides and children’s entertainment.
LINCOLNSHIRE
Bluebell Woodland Walks
Harlaxton Manor
}7, 8 and 14 May 2023
Tickets: £5 adults, £2.50 children, £13 family
https://events.harlaxton.co.uk
Harlaxton, a dramatic country house set within 300 acres of parkland and gardens near Grantham, is only open to the public on selected dates, and for May the grounds will be welcoming visitors to view its springtime flowers. Explore the famous Bluebell Walk when the woodland becomes a sea of purple, as thousands of bluebells bloom beneath the trees. The woodland walk takes approximately 45-minute, but there is also a shorter route, too.
Spalding Flower Parade
Spalding
13 May 2023
Free admission
www.spaldingflowerparade.org.uk
A world-famous Lincolnshire flower festival, which ended a decade ago after 54 years, returns. Spalding had staged an annual parade of tulip-decorated floats – each one covered in up to 100,000 flower heads – since 1959, thanks to the area being at the centre of Britain’s tulip growing industry. Now, the Parade makes a colourful return with not only colourful floats, but marching bands, dancers, vintage vehicles and family fun activities.
West Lindsey Churches Festival
13-14 and 20-21 May 2023
www.churchesfestival.info
One of the largest free festivals of its type in Europe, more than 90 historic churches spanning centuries of history will open their doors over two weekends offering a warm welcome to visitors along with events and exhibitions.
Stamford International Music Festival
18-20 May 2023
Check website for individual ticket prices
www.simfestival.com
The Stamford International Music Festival returns, showcasing world-class musicians in a stunning setting across multiple venues in the picturesque Georgian stone town of Stamford. This year’s festival line-up of performers includes internationally acclaimed pianist Vladimir Ovchinnikov, the London Concertante Chamber Ensemble, and the Amatis Piano Trio.
Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival
20 May – 11 June 2023
Various events, many of them free
www.woldsoutdoorfestival.com
Returning after its successful launch last year, 2023’s Festival is also part of Lincolnshire’s year-long celebration with 50 events to mark the 50th anniversary of its rolling Wolds landscape becoming an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Showcasing everything from walking and cycling to horse riding and fishing, the Festival aims to inspire visitors to try new outdoor experiences, from high ropes adventures to a flight in a two-seat glider, along with a range of dog friendly events.
Alford Spring Craft Market
Alford Manor House
27-29 May 2023
Admission: pay what you can
With free demonstrations and workshops on rural crafts throughout the weekend at Alford Manor House Grounds and inside the big marquee. This May Bank Holiday Spring Market will feature a large range of talented local Lincolnshire makers, children’s arts and crafts activities throughout the day as well as food and drink from local artisan stalls.
Classic Cars
Lincoln Castle
28 May 2023
Free entry
The Lincolnshire Vintage Vehicle Society return to Lincoln Castle to host their annual rally in the Castle grounds. During the weekend, Lincoln Castle is also hosting their dog-friendly days, The Castle grounds are free to inclusively enjoy the classic car display. All other admissions apply.
BURGHLEY HOUSE AND GARDENS
Hide & Secrets Adventure Play
Tickets: £9 adult, £7.50 children (3-15 years, free for under three) when booked online in advance
New from May 2023, a re-discovered woodland never before open to the public has been transformed into a thrilling new adventure play attraction with top secret appeal. Hide & Secrets combines play, exploration, and discovery, featuring six fun-packed family play zones and a spectacular Hidden Towers structure. See our news story here.
Gardens Spring Tour & Talk
11 May 2023
Tickets: £45 per person, includes tour, talk, floral demonstration, soup and sandwiches
https://bit.ly/41KRw3o
Join Burghley’s Head Gardener for a guided tour around the South Gardens and Sculpture Garden, showcasing planting displays, highlighting seasonal highlights and revealing more about upcoming projects throughout spring and summer. There will also be a spring inspired floral arrangement demonstration using flowers picked from the Gardens.
Living Heritage Game and Country Fair
27 – 29 May 2023
Tickets: £16 adults, £6 children (5-15 years).
Visitors to Burghley will have an opportunity to enjoy first class entertainment from some of the countryside’s top names and organisations. One of the many events staged within the estate’s majestic grounds during the year, the Fair offers visitors a chance to try their hands at a wide range of country sports including clay-shooting, airguns, archery, and fishing.
STAFFORDSHIRE
The Churnet Valley Lunch Train
Selected Wednesdays and Saturdays
Tickets: £54.50 per person for three course lunch and steam train ride
https://bit.ly/3VhOH7q
The Valley Pioneer Steam Train offers the perfect setting for a relaxing, lavish three-course lunch. Relax and journey through the Churnet Valley whilst dining in style in a traditional First Class 1960s carriage.
National Forest Walking Festival 2023
13 – 25 May 2023
Many walks are free
https://bit.ly/42bdfBz
The popular National Forest Walking Festival returns for its 11th year with a host of varied walks to explore this ever-changing landscape. From gentle strolls to strenuous rambles and routes to cater for seasoned walkers as well as pushchairs, wheelchairs and family groups, the Festival also features a chance to try Nordic Walking, take an educational stroll or a long-distance ramble.
Arts Week
Dorothy Clive Garden
22 – 25 May 2023
Admission: £8.50 per person, must be pre-booked
https://dorothyclivegarden.co.uk
Artists are invited to spend a day at the Garden sketching, painting or taking photographs for a reduced entry price. Explore the Garden and be creative. The Bryan Mayer Pavilion will also be set up with tables for artists to use as a base to work inside. Described as a plantsman’s paradise, the hillside 12-acre garden features woodland, waterfall, spring bulbs, rhododendrons, borders, alpine and gravel garden.
Spring Fling!
Weston Park
28 and 29 May 2023
Tickets: £6.50 per person
https://bit.ly/3LCVVzX
The Spring Fling! returns for a third year to the grounds surrounding this remarkable House set in 1,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland featuring a line-up of local artisan food producers, unique crafts, delicious street food, live music from the Dirty Rockin’ Scoundrels and fairground rides The whole estate is open to explore from long walks around the Parkland, to relaxing in the formal gardens to running wild in the Woodland Adventure Playground and taking a journey round Temple Wood on the Miniature Railway.
Half Term Activities
The National Memorial Arboretum
From 29 May 2023
Admission: free entry and activities
https://bit.ly/3ni7OSj
A week of wellbeing amongst the Arboretum’s spring colours, including encouraging young visitors to venture out into 150 acres of woodland, and join among nature for storytelling yoga sessions, as well as outdoor painting and other activities.
STOKE-ON-TRENT
Spring Bulb Festival
Trentham Estate
Throughout May
Admission: £13 adults, £9.50 children (3-15 years)
http://bit.ly/42XnbzD
Trentham has planted over a million bulbs for its annual Spring Bulb Festival, giving visitors an immersive and colourful experience as they walk through the gardens. As the months progress, Trentham Gardens will be highlighted with different colours and scents as a range of bulbs bloom. Get ready to see the main bulb displays in April with the Italian Gardens coming alive with tulips packed with fragrance, while the woodland meadows will also be carpeted with white wood anemones.
Dressing the Royals
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Throughout May
Tickets: £5 for adults, £3 concessions, with children under 16 free
https://bit.ly/3Vh4OCA
A new exhibition features costumes created by Cosprop Costumeries for film and television highlighting period styles from the 16th to the 20th century worn by kings and queens. The display includes a gown from Elizabeth starring Cate Blanchett, The Kings Speech and the Netflix series The Crown.
The Big Bark in the Park
Trentham Estate
20 – 21 May 2023
Admission: £14.50 adults, £9.50 children (4 – 16 years) in advance online
https://bit.ly/3AANGhl
Following the amazing success of the very first Big Bark at Trentham in 2022, it’s back again – and promises to be bigger and better. The event is set at the heart of the Trentham Estate overlooking its spectacular lake. There’ll be shopping stalls n plenty of doggy activities.
HAMPSHIRE
100 years of Norman Thelwell
Mottisfont National Trust
Until 7 May 2023
Free with normal House admission (£16 adults, £8 children)
Mottisfont celebrates the legacy of one of Britain’s most popular cartoonists with a new, major exhibition for his centenary year. Over 70 works include Thelwell’s trademark ponies and other humorous illustrations, local landscapes, and sharp satire. Drawing on Thelwell’s autobiography, Wrestling with a Pencil, the exhibition will provide an intimate look at his artistic life, with early drawings and extracts from diaries on display for the first time.
Alton Walking Festival
1 – 31 May 2023
https://bit.ly/42j6jlN
Alton is a Walkers are Welcome town, and a gateway to the South Downs National Park. With over 100 walks, the Festival hosts a wide variety of walks led by knowledgeable volunteer walk leaders. Booking is essential.
Alresford Watercress Festival
21 May 2023
Free admission
www.watercressfestival.org
There is only one place to be for watercress lovers each May – Hampshire’s ‘Capital of Watercress’. The Georgian town of Alresford, with its colour-washed houses, is known as Hampshire’s ‘Capital of Watercress’ for being at the heart of the UK’s watercress farming. Each May it plays host to a nationally acclaimed food festival to celebrate the leaf vegetable, which has been grown commercially in Hampshire since the 19th century. Along with food and drink stalls, it also includes a watercress munching championship.
Outdoor Cinema Experience
Beaulieu
26 – 29 May 2023
Tickets from £15.50
https://bit.ly/3LsZZ4u
Enjoy big-screen favourites in the stunning grounds of Beaulieu. This spectacular open-air cinema tour has an eclectic mix of classics, musicals, big blockbusters and family favourites.
Day Out With Thomas
The Watercress Line
27-31 May 2023
Tickets: from £26 adults, £19 children (2-16 years), when booked in advance
https://bit.ly/3p6CjL
Join Thomas & Friends for a day of family fun at The Watercress Line. Take a train ride with Thomas, meet some of characters and join Sodor Station Sweepers Rusty & Dusty for a trainload of excitement.
Sunset Chasers Paddling Tours
New Forest Activities
27 and 28 May 2023
Tickets: from £44
https://bit.ly/44mC9Qy
Bask in the warmth of a sunset on the Beaulieu River this summer with New Forest Activities. Enjoy picturesque river views from the comfort of a canoe or kayak, and discover hidden spots under the warm glow of the sun’s last rays of the day as they settle on the river’s calm waters.
