May half term events guide

Take full advantage of the week off school and the May bank holiday weekend, with Visit Cheltenham's guide to the best May half term events, live performances and days out with kids in and around Cheltenham. 

When is the May half term 2026 in Cheltenham?

The majority of Gloucestershire schools break up for May half term on Friday 22 May and reopen on Monday 1 June 2026.

Don't miss Cheltenham May half term events 2026

Kick off the week in style at the Cotswold Festival of Steam, perfect for steam train fans of all ages. Enjoy the great outdoors by getting involved with Nature Week at Sudeley Castle. Or take a short drive over to Cotswold Farm Park to take advantage of their half term activities and kids go free offer over the half term holidays (when kids are accompanied by paying adults).

Promising to be the grand finale of the half term is the 20th anniversary of Wychwood Festival, taking place the second weekend of the May half term holidays. 

Scroll on for more ideas. To narrow your choices down, select the type of events you are most interested in and the location in the left hand box below.