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Top May Day Activities Around the UK

The first Monday of May means it's May Day. Aside from crowning the May Queen and having a dance round a maypole, there are plenty of other exciting adventures to be had on this bank holiday Monday. Three day weekend? We're excited.

People, including children, are participating in maypole dancing in front of a large historic stone building with battlements. Colorful ribbons are attached to the top of a pole and held by the participants as they weave and dance around it.

Hever Castle and Gardens May Day Festival

From the crowning of the May Queen to a dance around the maypole, this weekend long celebration at Hever Castle does May Day celebrations old school. The traditional May Day dancing to 16th century music will transport you back in time. There will also be a procession, where the little ones can meet the mythical Jack-in-the-Green and watch him wake up the plants for the summer.

Image Credit: Hever Castle

Hever Castle and Gardens May Day Festival will take place at Hever Castle, Hever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG.

Ham House and Garden

At Ham House and Garden, you can create your own flower crown to wear with pride at the celebrations, using the flowers from Ham’s own flowerbeds. There’s also a trail full of activities that includes making paper baskets and learning about the history of this the May Day bank holiday. The celebrations begin with a traditional collection of dew from the grounds, and you can learn about historical uses of dew as the day goes on.

Image Credit: Ham House and Gardens

Ham House and Garden is located at Ham St, Richmond-upon-Thames, TW10 7RS.

Swing Bands at Brodsworth Hall

Yorkshire’s finest swing bands perform in the beautiful setting of Brodsworth Hall, playing songs from the 30s, 40s and 50s. There are two different big bands across the Sunday and Monday, so get your picnic blankets at the ready, kick back, and relax.

Image Credit: English Heritage

Brodsworth Hall is located at Brodsworth, Doncaster, DN5 7XJ.

Elizabethan Pageant Kenilworth Castle

The ultimate party is taking place at Kenilworth Castle, full of Elizabethan celebrations. Music, falconry displays and plenty of entertainment are all waiting to be enjoyed at this Norman castle in Warwickshire. There’s even rumours that the virgin queen herself will make an appearance, as well as jester extraordinaire Peterkin to keep the fun going all weekend long.

Image Credit: Kenilworth Castle via Facebook

Kenilworth Castle is located at Castle Green, Kenilworth, CV8 1NG