Looking for things to do in East Sussex this May? From bird walks, vintage car shows and food festivals, we’ve got your bank holiday weekends and more covered with these great days out.

Magnificent Motors, Eastbourne – 4 and 5 May 2019

One for vintage car enthusiasts and the family alike, this motoring spectacular features classic cars, motorbikes and buses. Not fussed about vintage cars? There will also be music including jazz, blues, funk, swing and indie-pop at this free event as well as a seafront market.

Magnificent Motors, Eastbourne by Allen Watkin

Photo credit: Allen Watkin

Jack in the Green, Hastings – 6 May 2019

See in the Bank Holiday Monday with dancing, singing and music as the annual Jack in the Green festival returns with a procession of street entertainment. The festival features traditional dances like Morris dancing and much more. This is a festival the whole family can enjoy.

Jack in the Green festival by Duncan Price (flickr)

Photo credit: Duncan Price

Tulip Festival at Pashley Manor Gardens, Ticehurst – 22 April to 7 May 2019

Enjoy a spring walk with the help of 35,000 tulips this May. Walk through picturesque views at Pashley Manor Gardens, near Ticehurst, and enjoy homemade cake afterwards. Tickets are £11.50.

Bobbing Tulips at Pashley Manor Gardens by Henry Hemming (flickr)

Photo credit: Henry Hemming

The Secret Sussex Resistance, Falmer  – 9 May 2019

Did you know that Sussex played a strategic role in establishing a secret British Resistance during WWII? Home Guard ‘Auxiliary Units’ were formed in 1940 to counter a German invasion by delivering guerrilla warfare tactics throughout their localised areas. Find out more about the men and their training as well as their secret underground operational bases at this talk at The Keep. Tickets are limited and cost £5. Go online to book your ticket or call 01273 482349.

Early morning bird walks, Ashdown Forest – 11 May 2019

Enjoy a Saturday morning walk when birds will be at their most vocal and active. You’ll get the chance to see some unusual birds and possibly see a Cuckoo. The walk is led by volunteer rangers at the forest and is perfect for non-birdwatchers and novices.

Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail – 11 April to 19 May 2019

Along with the seasonal sight of bluebells, there will be the chance to meet some of the sheep, pigs and angora goats who make the farm their home. A great day out that’s not to be missed for younger members of the family as well as adults.

Bluebell walk by John Bugg (flickr)

Photo credit: John Bugg

Tour of Sussex Cycle Race at Eastbourne Seafront – 26 May 2019

The women’s Tour of Sussex comes to Eastbourne! Watch and support the cyclists as they ride through the Beachy Head part of the course. Up the zig-zags, down towards East Dean, following the scenic route overlooking the Seven Sisters, past Belle Tout lighthouse and back down towards East Dean. The finish will be at the top of the climb towards the Beachy Head Pub.

You can catch the men’s Tour of Sussex here on 5 July.

Sussex Street food festival, Hastings – 25 to 27 May 2019

Try some amazing food this May – The Stade in Hastings will play host to an array of different foods, promising everything from fresh stone-baked pizza to Burmese bites and Spanish doughnuts to crispy Arancini balls. We can hear your stomach grumbling from here! There’ll also be local craft beer and cocktails, plus a variety of vegan and veggie options. Book your ticket now to secure access during peak times – the event is free.

Looking to fill the May half term? Check out our ideas for days out and things to do for children this May half term, 2019.

What will you be up to in May? Let us know in the comments!

Main photo credit: A Dartford Warbler in Ashdown Forest by Tom Lee