SUFFOLK
Bury St Edmunds Spring Fayre 26th & 27th May
From the ever-popular 'Urban Beach' to virtual reality games for all ages, Bury's Spring Fayre consists of over 70 stalls around the town centre and has been a highlight in the town's calendar for many years.
Suffolk Walking Festival 11th May until 26th May
With over 100 wonderful walks to explore, it's no surprise that The Suffolk Walking Festival has been going for over ten years. Whether you're looking for a sandy saunter or wander through historic woods, there's a full programme of planned walks, or you may like to take a look at our walking maps to top off a Bank Holiday with a walk and pint in your local.
Tapas on The Terrace 4th-6th May, 25th-27th May
After a morning exploring the historic streets and independent shops of Bury St Edmunds, relax in The Weeping Willow garden and graze your way through the long weekend with tapas on the terrace from noon until 5pm Saturday - Monday. The outdoor bar will also be serving jugs of the summer-favourite, Pimms!
South Suffolk Show 12th May
A traditional one-day agricultural show celebrating country life in rural Suffolk. Although this show doesn't fall on the Bank Holiday weekend, it's great fun for all the family and has everything from pony racing to classic car displays.
Flint Vineyard Discovery Tour
We're lucky to have some delicious East Anglian wines on our drinks list - including Flint's award-winning Bacchus - and we're proud to be in an area of the UK with some outstanding vineyards, so why not visit one this May? Overlooking the Waveney Valley, Flint is in an idyllic setting for a tour before heading to one of our pubs to try a little more from their collection!
Hire a Guide at RSPB Minsmere
Discover some of the fantastic wildlife at Minsmere when you book a half-day tour with one of their experienced guides. Perfect for small groups, you can choose from a guided walk or explore from the comfort of a 4x4, all while looking our for the popular red deer. Top it off with lunch just down the road at The Ship, Dunwich.
Stoke-by-Nayland Village Spring Fair 27th May
Situated within walking distance from The Crown, this spring fair is a traditional celebration of village life. With a tombola, stalls of homemade goods, and plenty of tea and cake, there's something for all the family. Be in with a chance to win a voucher to spend with us from the raffle!
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
May 4th Be With You 4th May
The Ely sinfonia will bring the music from Star Wars, Back To The Future and ET to life, not to mention many other classic film music scores by the likes of John Williams. Surrounded by the grandeur that is Ely Cathedral, it's the perfect gift for a movie-fanatic.
Standing Tall Sculpture Trail 21 March - 2 June
In support of Break, a charity working to raise aspirations of the county’s young care leavers, Cambridge will be hosting 31 magnificently decorated giraffe sculptures in iconic locations around the city streets this spring/summer. So, if you're thinking about taking it chilled this Bank Holiday weekend, why not go on a wander around the city and spot these gentle giants?
Summer Carnival Finale at Huntingdon Racecourse 27th May
Celebrate the season finale at Huntingdon Racecourse with a whirlwind of entertainment for all the family. From kids' races to Shetland pony racing, magic shows, and more. There will also be a funfair with Helter Skelter, fairground stalls and carnival assault course.
Pink Floyd Experience 4th May
Over two hours of iconic music, a light-show, and a re-creation of the atmosphere during the 'PULSE' tour - now 30 years ago - this Pink Floyd experience is much more than a tribute show! Expect to hear the likes of 'The Wall', 'The Dark Side of the Moon' and 'Wish You Were Here'.
Bank Holiday Barbecue at The Old Bridge 5th May
Join us at The Old Bridge, Huntingdon, for a relaxed barbecue celebration in the Riverside Garden where there'll be live music, Pimms on arrival and, of course, plenty of great food. Tickets are £25 per person and include a drink on arrival, barbecue with an array of meat and vegetarian options, followed by homemade ice cream.
ESSEX
Ana Carla Maza 3rd May
The fast-rising Cuban star celebrates her heritage in her new album Caribe that she and her ensemble will be showcasing at Saffron Hall. A blend of European, South American and Caribbean ingredients, the singer and composer's music is unique and modern with a bright, sunshiny feel that lends itself to the season.
Transport Extravaganza at the East Anglian Transport Museum 26th and 27th May
A host of traditional vehicles will be pulling up at the railway museum this Spring Bank Holiday, a must for all car and transport enthusiasts. Not only will there be free vintage bus rides around the countryside, there's expected to be 200+ vehicles at the event, from cars to agricultural transport.
Saffron Walden Triathlon 5th May
Now, we're not suggesting you start your training, but why not cheer on the triathletes as they run through the picturesque market town and Essex villages. There's no better feeling than being part of a sporting event like this, but even cheering on will get your adrenaline going, so pop down to The Eight Bells on Bridge Street to refuel afterwards.
Santus Circus 21st May until 3rd June
Book tickets for a spellbinding, spine-tingling night at the circus. From crossbows to aerial acts, juggling to the 'Wheel of Death', this traditional circus has been touring for six generations and will be visiting Saffron Walden Common over spring Bank Holiday.
Daws Hall Nature Reserve 26th May
As well as family activities such as free drop in pond dipping (weather dependent), explore the grounds of Daws Hall to discover over 150 varieties of roses! Be sure to head back to our pub, The Crown in Stoke-by-Nayland, for a snack from the Field Kitchen which will be reopening in the garden at the end of April.
Folk & Bespoke Craft Fair 4th May
With over 40 artists, artisans and craftspeople, Folk & Bespoke's Craft Fair being held in Lewis Garden, Colchester, will be a destination for anyone looking for gifts to homeware.
While you're visiting, be sure to check out the history of the town with a stop-off at Colchester Castle and the Roman Vaults below.
NORFOLK
Classic Sitcom Weekend 5th & 6th May
Join us at Weybourne Station on the North Norfolk Railway line as it's taken over for two days of fun inspired by the classic sitcom filmed there, Dad's Army! Enjoy live music, classic vehicles, vintage fashions, and wartime capers, with skits from Allo' Allo' and Hi-de-Hi.
Dawn Chorus Walk 4th May
Oxburgh's Lead Ranger, Tom, will take you on a wander through woodlands and parkland at Oxburgh Hall as the sun rises and the chorus begins. From summer migrants to year-round songbirds, he will help you identify the song and treat you to a cup of tea in the tearoom afterwards.
Wild Wings at Holkham 25th May until 2nd June
Mini Feast in the Park is returning this May with some of Norfolk's favourite food concessions, but most excitingly of all are the falconry displays that will be running from Saturday 26th until Wednesday 29th May. Hawks, kestrels and falcons will soar above your heads, before you set off on the fun trails around the park or enjoy arts and crafts.
Holt Sunday Market 5th May
Holt's market season kicked off again recently and brings everyone-and-their-dog to the town to browse over 70 local artisan makers stalls, street food and buskers. Top off your visit with a Sunday roast fit for a king at The Feathers.
Norfolk and Norwich Festival 10th - 26th May
Transforming the city streets and public spaces in Norfolk into stages for 17 days each May! From parks to beaches, the festival brings people together to celebrate the world of music, theatre, literature and visual arts with an array of inspirational events.
Thornham Antiques & Vintage Fair 26th May
After a visit to the royal residency of Sandringham Estate take the coastal road further North to visit the village of Thornham and new members of the Chestnut collection, The Lifeboat Inn and The Chequers Inn. On May 26th the popular Antiques & Vintage fair will be returning to the village hall with 18+ traders of high quality goods. From books to furniture, jewellery to toys, there's hidden gems to be found.
To find out more about your nearby Chestnut pub's bank holiday opening hours and menu, take a look at our collection here
Full credit for the image of Oxburgh Hall goes to Mike Selby at National Trust, and credit for Weybourne Station goes to North Norfolk Railways on Tripadvisor.