When is May half term 2026?

May half term 2026 runs from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May.

What is there to do for families in Cheshire during May half term?

Cheshire has a packed half term programme across the county, including Steve Backshall Live at Chester Zoo, hands-on experiences at Tatton Park, space adventures at Jodrell Bank, National Trust trails and activities at Little Moreton Hall, Quarry Bank, Dunham Massey, and Hare Hill, free craft workshops at West Cheshire Museums, Roman Day at Chester Racecourse, and much more.

What free or low-cost things are there to do in Cheshire this half term?

Several events are free or included in general admission, including the Wandering Wolves trail, Design Detective, and Buzzy Bee Spotter Trail at Little Moreton Hall, the Mission: Create! activities and constellation playground at Jodrell Bank, and the craft workshops at Weaver Hall Museum and Grosvenor Museum. Children 17 and under also go free at Roman Day at Chester Racecourse.

Is Steve Backshall appearing at Chester Zoo this half term?

Yes. Steve Backshall is performing his brand-new live shark show at Chester Zoo daily from 23 to 31 May, with shows at 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm, and 4pm. Show tickets are £5 per person and zoo admission is booked separately.

What is on at Tatton Park during May half term 2026?

Tatton Park has a full programme including Mini Off Rovers (23–24 May), Junior Longbow (26 May), Carnival Creations mask-making workshops (28 May), Wildlife Explorers for ages 4–11 (28 May), and the Hawk Walk (30–31 May). The Canaletto exhibition also runs throughout the summer until 1 November.

What is on at Jodrell Bank during May half term?

Jodrell Bank's new Curious Universe programme includes the Mission: Create! drop-in activities, a Solar System passport trail, a brand-new constellation playground, and two new Space Dome films — Niyah and the Multiverse (daily 1pm) and Supermassive Black Holes: Uncovering the Invisible (daily 3pm). The Cosmic Titans exhibition is also open. All tickets are annual passes.

Are there any events for toddlers and young children in Cheshire this half term?

Yes — Wildlife Explorers at Tatton Park is aimed at ages 4–11, the top floor play space at Quarry Bank is great for little ones, and the Buzzy Bee Spotter Trails at Little Moreton Hall and Hare Hill are self-led and suitable for all ages. The Mission: Create! activities and playground at Jodrell Bank are also ideal for younger children.

Do any half term events in Cheshire require booking in advance?

Several events require advance booking, including the Hawk Walk, Junior Longbow, Mini Off Rovers, Wildlife Explorers, and Carnival Creations at Tatton Park, and the Steve Backshall show at Chester Zoo. The Quarry Bank play space also has limited capacity. Drop-in events include the National Trust trails at Little Moreton Hall and Hare Hill, and the museum craft workshops.

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Magical May Half Term Family Adventures Festivals And Outdoor Fun Across Cheshire

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Magical May Half Term: Family Adventures, Festivals, and Outdoor Fun Across Cheshire

May half term is just around the corner, and there’s no better time to discover the vibrant mix of family-friendly fun, outdoor adventures, cultural celebrations, and hands-on creativity that Cheshire has to offer. From the wild woods of BeWILDerwood to Roman revelry at Chester Racecourse, from space missions at Jodrell Bank to historical deep dives with the Chester Heritage Festival – this is your ultimate guide to making the most of the May half term. Whether you're seeking excitement, learning, or just some good old-fashioned fun in the fresh air, you'll find something to delight everyone right here in Cheshire. Let’s explore what’s happening across the county this May half term!

Steve Backshall Live at Chester Zoo (23–31 May)

Award-winning wildlife presenter Steve Backshall brings a brand-new live show to Chester Zoo from 23 to 31 May, taking audiences on a journey into the world of sharks, from the ancient species that swam prehistoric seas to the remarkable predators of today.

Expect shark replicas, real teeth and jaws, archive footage, and Steve's own jaw-dropping real-life encounters with some of the ocean's most powerful predators. There's a Q&A at the end too, making it perfect for curious young wildlife lovers with plenty of questions.

Shows run daily at 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm, and 4pm (with three shows only on Sunday 31 May). Tickets are £5 per person. Please note that zoo admission is separate and must be booked alongside your show ticket. Booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Want to make a really special occasion of it? Guests staying at The Reserve at Chester Zoo on the evening of Friday 22 May can enjoy an exclusive 30-minute talk from Steve Backshall, dinner, breakfast, and two days of zoo access with early entry to Heart of Africa. It's a one-night-only offer, so worth booking quickly.

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Spring Fun with the National Trust

There is so much to enjoy at Cheshire’s various National Trust Properties this May Half Term.

Little Moreton Hall (23–31 May) is the place for curious young minds. Become a Design Detective and explore the hall's remarkable Tudor wall paintings and decorative marks with a free spotter guide, uncovering what they tell us about the Moreton family's beliefs, celebrations, and fears. Or head outside for the Buzzy Bee Spotter Trail, following hint boards through the grounds to discover the vital role bees play in the world around us. No booking needed for either.

The Wandering Wolves trail runs throughout the half term too — the Moreton family crest features a wolf as a symbol of valour and guardianship, but some mischievous wolves have disguised themselves and gone into hiding around the hall. How many can you spot?

Quarry Bank, Styal (23–31 May) opens up its top floor play space for little ones, with soft play, giant board games, puppet shows, and craft activities. A great option for younger children looking to let off steam. Admission charges apply; free for National Trust members. Booking recommended as capacity is limited.

Dunham Massey, Altrincham hosts Musical Mondays on 4 May and 25 May, with Medieval Jukebox performing on the formal lawn set against the elegant Georgian house and seasonal gardens. Harp and dulcimer in a garden setting, a perfectly relaxed way to spend a Monday afternoon. Admission charges apply.

The Buzzy Bee Spotter Trail also runs at Hare Hill, near Macclesfield throughout the half term (23–31 May), making it a lovely excuse to explore the gardens and grounds with the kids in tow. No booking required.

Happy 5th Birthday BeWILDerwood, Cheshire

To celebrate turning 5 and being crowned Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, BeWILDerwood Cheshire are offering Buy One Get One Free this May*. A treat to say thank you for the last 5 years of fun! Whether you're visiting for a weekend in May, a sunny bank holiday or May half term you'll discover the magic of BeWILDerwood as you zoom along extra-long zip wires, slide down giant slides and spot curious characters in a world full of wonder. With storytelling shows, creative crafts, and outdoor adventure galore, there’s something for all the family to enjoy. Whether you’re swinging through the woods or getting lost in a maze, it’s the perfect way to spend a full day of fun.

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Crewe gets Krazy!

Visit Crewe on Sunday 24th for an adrenaline-filled day as teams race downhill, navigating tight turns and speeding towards the finish line in front of up to 20,000 spectators! Enjoy the event village at Brooklands with local food, family entertainment, and a giant screen, perfect for a picnic while soaking in the excitement. The brave amateur teams will compete for the titles of Best Dressed, Best Design, and Fastest Kart, with the top 10 battling it out in the final race for the winner’s trophy.

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May Half Term at Tatton Park

Tatton Park near Knutsford is always worth a visit, but this May half term there's a packed programme of hands-on experiences to keep children of all ages busy. Here's what's on.

Mini Off Rovers (23–24 May) Children take the wheel of their very own mini Land Rovers on a nature-focused off-road trail through Tatton's woodlands, taking on the role of Junior Woodland Rangers as they go. Booking essential.

Junior Longbow (26 May) Young archers aged 8 and over discover the history of the English longbow and have a go at shooting for themselves in a safe, supervised outdoor setting. £25 per person (one child, one adult). Booking essential.

Carnival Creations (28 May) Inspired by the summer's Canaletto exhibition, this family mask-making workshop brings a touch of Venetian carnival to Cheshire. Children design their own carnival mask before dressing up for a grand finale photo opportunity. Sessions at 10am, 11.15am, and 1.30pm. £15 per person. Booking essential.

Wildlife Explorers (28 May) Perfect for younger children aged 4 to 11, this hands-on session includes bug hunting, pond dipping, and close encounters with Tatton's resident deer, birds, and farm animals. Parkland vehicle entry included. Booking essential.

Hawk Walk (30–31 May) The half term highlight for many. Visitors aged 8 and over get to fly and handle a majestic hawk at Tatton Park Farm, learning about birds of prey up close. £25 per person. No dogs permitted. Booking essential.

Don't miss: Beyond the View — Canaletto at Tatton Park (until 1 November) Running throughout the summer, this major exhibition tells the story of 18-year-old Samuel Egerton from Cheshire who found himself at the heart of Venice's art scene in the 1700s. Tatton's Canaletto paintings sit alongside rare prints, letters, and innovative digital art for a genuinely immersive experience.

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A trip to outer space at Jodrell Bank

Few places fire up a child's curiosity quite like Jodrell Bank. This half term, the iconic Cheshire observatory launches its brand-new Curious Universe series, packed with hands-on activities, immersive Space Dome films, and exhibitions that make the universe feel genuinely within reach.

Get hands-on with quantum science in Mission: Create!, where shadow theatre and bubble experiments bring weird and wonderful ideas to life. Hunt for stamps across the grounds with the Solar System passport trail (£1.50), or let little ones loose in the brand-new constellation-themed playground, climbing Cassiopeia has never felt so epic. Both the activities and playground are included in the ticket price.

In the Space Dome, two new films make their debut this half term. Niyah and the Multiverse (daily, 1pm) follows a young girl who comes face to face with her future self, an astrophysicist unravelling the mysteries of parallel universes, recommended for ages 8 and over. Supermassive Black Holes: Uncovering the Invisible (daily, 3pm) takes older children aged 10 and over on an immersive journey to the heart of a black hole. Both are available as £5 add-ons.

Also not to be missed is Cosmic Titans, a spectacular touring exhibition from ARTlab Nottingham, exploring the quantum science behind the universe's biggest questions through a series of striking sculptures. Included in the ticket price.

All tickets are annual passes, so one visit unlocks unlimited returns all year round. Book online to save 10% and guarantee entry.

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Roman Day

It wouldn’t be a race season at Chester Racecourse without their famous Roman Day! Gather the troops and canter on down to the racecourse on Saturday 30th May to experience an action- packed historic family fun day with thrilling racing and exciting activities for young racegoers. Don’t forget – children 17 and under go FREE with all activities included from archery, super fun slides and inflatables galore!

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Classic Car Show at Capesthorne Hall

Head over to Capesthorne Hall this May Bank Holiday for their two day Classic Car extravaganza! Expect to see 400+ vintage, classic and modern classic vehicles on display plus trade, autojumble and retails stands, refreshments and live music.

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Churnet Valley Railway Open Day

Swap screens for steam this half term and ride the rails through one of the most scenic valleys in the area. The Open Days at Churnet Valley Railway offer a wonderfully unhurried day out, with heritage trains departing from Kingsley and Froghall Station and winding through the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands, past woodland, rivers, and rolling countryside.

Whether you're a railway enthusiast, a family after something a little different, or simply ready for a breath of fresh air, it's the kind of experience that slows everything down in the best possible way.

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FREE Crafty Workshops at West Cheshire Museums

Looking for crafts with a creative twist? Make your own jiggly jellyfish at Weaver Hall Museum in Northwich, don't be jelly, it's easier than it looks. Stop dragon your feet and head to the Grosvenor Museum in Chester to design your very own coat of arms. Self-led, drop-in fun for little makers across Cheshire.

Discover 2000 years of history at Chester Heritage Festival

Chester Heritage Festival is fast approaching. Step into the city from 23rd May to 7th June and immerse yourself in an exploration of Chester’s rich and diverse historical landscape through a series of events suitable for all ages.

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