In this article, you'll learn the following:
Spring is well under way! May’s a great month to get out and about, with warmer and sunnier days on the horizon.
Festival season has officially begun - explore music festivals across our network this month. There’s plenty more to do to suit every taste and budget. From Comic Con and the Chelsea Flower Show, to free outdoor activities like scenic bike rides, wildflower wandering and more, read on to see all the magnificent ways to make the most of May. And don’t forget to browse SWR Rewards to find fantastic discounts on shopping trips, food and drink and more.
Jane Austen’s House events
1-3 May
Head to Jane Austen’s house in Chawton on 1 May for a quiet and creative personal writing session.
On 3 May, you can go to a spring walk and poetry workshop at Austen’s home. Take a stroll through nearby woodlands, and then write poems of your own close to Auten’s house, where she wrote and her books. Refreshment's will also be provided.
To get to the house, catch the train to Alton, and then get the number 64 bus from the station to Chawton Roundabout.
Grand Designs Live
2-5 May
Head to London’s Excel for Grand Designs Live 2025.
See live talks on the likes of sustainable renovating, interior design and money-saving ideas. New for this year, Grand Designs Live will celebrate 25 years of the iconic show on Channel 4. Previous suppliers from the TV houses will showcase their products and services to those wanting to start their own design projects.
Looking for guidance from an expert for your own home? You can book an appointment with a specialist architect, interior designer, landscape gardener, financial planner and an eco expert.
Excel London is less than a 30-minute tube ride from London Waterloo.
Tate Modern Birthday Weekender
Credit: © Tate
9-12 May
Celebrate the Tate Modern’s 25th birthday by heading to the museum to see free galleries, live music and DJs, workshops, tours and food and drink offers. There’ll also be a trail of 25 new artworks.
Find out more.
Festival season begins
Credit: Danny North
Field Day
Field Day – on 24 May - is returning to Brockwell Park, featuring a diverse lineup of electronic music artists including headliner and international DJ Peggy Gou. Plus, enjoy street food, arcade games, face painting and more.
Wide Awake
Wide Awake Festival - also in Brockwell Park - is worth considering if you’re looking for a day music festival.
Taking place on 23 May, expect leftfield Indie, Post Punk, Electronica, Techno and more here.
Brockwell Park is less than a 20-minute bus ride from Vauxhall Station.
Belgravia in Bloom festival
Belgravia in Bloom festival is returning between 19-26 May.
Here, you’ll see stunning flower displays, tuck into spring cupcakes and other sweet treats, and dine at its cafes and restaurants.
The nearest tube stations to Belgravia in Bloom are Victoria, Knightsbridge and Sloane Square which are easily accessible from London Waterloo, Vauxhall and Clapham junction.
Enjoy the Chelsea Flower Show
20-24 May
Head to the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show to be dazzled by colourful flowers and innovative garden designs.
The flower show draws in a global crowd and you’ll see the very best garden designs from around the world. Plus, it’s a great place to indulge in food and drinks in the sunshine like three-course meals, seafood platters and afternoon tea.
Members of the royal family are regular attendees of the show, so keep a look out for them while you’re there!
Plan your day and grab your tickets.
How to get there: From Waterloo station, catch the 211 bus from Waterloo Station stop B to Chelsea Old Town Hall. Walk 15 minutes to Royal Chelsea Hospital where you’ll find the flower show.
VE Day street parties in Southampton
Throughout May
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day – on 8 May – street parties will be taking place across Southampton on bank holiday, 5 May. Applications for street parties have now closed, but you can still go to the ones happening around the city.
There’s plenty more on – for example, the Royal British Legion are hosting the Hampshire VE 80 Concert at O2 Guildhall Southampton on 4 May.
Learn more about the VE Day celebrations.
Comic Con London
23-25 May
See a line-up of TV, film and voice actors, authors, artists and more at London’s Excel. Take part in cosplay, meet and greet with your favourite creators, and then enjoy music at the after-party show.
There’ll also be panels, performances, screenings and workshops, including an origami one, and manga drawing workshop.
Make the most of half term and the bank holiday
26-30 May
Enjoy some time off with the kids over May half term or have some bank holiday fun at the end of the month.
We’ve noted some things you can do to make your time off super fun-filled and action packed. When you travel with us, you can enjoy money-off activities with SWR Rewards. There’s loads to do; here’s a snippet of what’s on offer.
For the kids
There's lots to do with the kids over the holidays.
You could head to the West End for a theatre show, or go to the likes of Legoland and Thorpe Park for a thrilling day out. Search for other London and South West attractions to enjoy with the kids, and see if you can get money off your trip. If you’re on a budget, see our free things to do in London this spring guide.
Food and drink
There are heaps of noteworthy spots to eat and drink worth mentioning across the network. Here’s a taster of some great places to try.
If you want a fancy day out in the capital, try a luxurious afternoon tea on the Thames for 2 in London, and get 22% off when you travel with SWR.
If you're after lunch or dinner spots with decent veggie options head to the likes of Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza and get 20% off with SWR Rewards. Or, book a table at Sophie’s Steakhouse, where you can also £5 off your bill..
Take a look at our guide to British food gems in the south west and 6 most popular restaurants in London for more inspo.
Check out our food and drink rewards page for more savings options.
Wholesome activities
You could get down to Portsmouth or the Isle of White and ride a Beryl Bike down scenic routes. Get 25% off any Beryl Bike bundle when you journey with us. There are loads of places to cycle in London and the South West. We’ve put together a handy little guide to help you decide where to ride on two-wheels.
If walking is more your vibe, go on a Thames Path stroll, or visit one of the South West’s beautiful wildflower gardens.
You could also try your hand at wild swimming - we’ve rounded up some of the best places to do it, including Lepe Country Park which sits on the edge of the New Forest, and Swanage Beach on the infamous Jurassic Coast.
Weekend getaways
If you fancy a staycation, why not head to London or a South West destination? See our recommendations for the best staycations in the South West.
We’ve also put together some more detailed guides for individual destinations. Learn more about them, including what to do while you’re there, where to stay, eat, and more.
Head to a museum
18 May is International Museum Day! If you’re after a free activity, check out some of the free museums in London, including:
- Natural History Museum
- British Museum
- Science Museum
- Tate Modern
- National Gallery
We’ve also got some offers including a 2-for-1 deal at the London Transport Museum.
Plan your travel with South Western Railway
Now you’ve filled your May calendar, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.
We’ll catch you next month with ideas for what to do across our network in June
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