Things to do this May bank holiday weekend
• 2 minute read
Looking for something to do this May bank holiday weekend? Luckily for you there are plenty of activities to keep you busy over the long weekend, whether that’s taking to the court yourselves, or watching the pros in action.
Enjoy a hit at your nearest park tennis court
If you’re looking for an easy, flexible Bank Holiday plan, booking a tennis court is a great place to start.
You don’t need to be competitive, you can just use the court time to play short games, rotate partners or simply rally and enjoy hitting the ball. It’s a brilliant way to get outdoors and stay active without committing to a full day out.
With courts located all across the country and short booking slots available, it’s easy to fit a session into your plans - whether that’s an early morning hit, a lunchtime game or an evening social.
Sign up to a padel social session
Whether you’re a seasoned padel player or keen to pick up a racket and try the sport that’s taken the world by storm, the Bank Holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity to play padel.
Padel social sessions are a great way to improve your skills while meeting new people and making connections. There are options available for all skill levels, from beginner‑friendly sessions focused on learning the basics to more intermediate formats that blend competition and socialising - there’s something for everyone.
The best part? Many social padel sessions finish with players coming together for a coffee or drink, so it’s just as much about the social aspect as the sport itself.
Find out more about the social benefits of padel
Watch the Mutua Madrid Open finals
Looking to catch some of the pros in action on the WTA and ATP Tour? You’re in luck as the Mutua Madrid Open finals take place over the early May Bank Holiday weekend.
Held on the red clay of the Maja Magica in the Spanish capital, the combined WTA and ATP 1000 event attracts the world’s best players. Saturday 2 May will see the women’s singles final take place, along with the men’s doubles final. Meanwhile, Sunday 3 May will stage the men’s singles and women’s doubles finals.
Meanwhile, the late May bank holiday will mark the first weekend of Roland Garros where Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Cam Norrie and Jacob Fearnley have already been confirmed for main draw action.
Whether you’re watching from home, or following along on the go, you won’t want to miss out on the action.
Get involved at your local tennis or padel venue
Bank holiday weekends often see clubs go all out for their members and the wider community, especially when the sun makes an appearance.
Many venues celebrate the long weekend with open days, social play sessions and BBQs, creating a friendly and inclusive environment to enjoy some tennis or padel both on and off the court.
These events are ideal for beginners or those new to the area, offering a relaxed, no‑pressure way to try out tennis or padel, meet coaches and players, and get a feel for the club.
Whether you’re keen to learn more about social play, group coaching, or simply want to discover the many benefits tennis and padel can bring, bank holiday events provide an easy and welcoming way to explore what’s available at clubs in your local area.
Try tennis for free with Barclays Free Park Tennis
If you’re looking for free bank holiday activities, Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions are a brilliant way to get active this long weekend.
Never heard of Barclays Free Park Tennis? Think welcoming tennis sessions at your local park court that you can drop into whatever your age, background or ability - all completely free of charge. Whether you’ve never picked up a racket before or just fancy a casual hit, everyone is welcome.
You don’t need a playing partner, and all equipment is provided so all you have to do is turn up and play.
Sessions take place every weekend, starting at 10:00 and last for one hour, making them easy to fit into your existing Bank Holiday plans.
It’s also ideal for families looking for free things to do together. Both adults and children can get involved, making it a fun way to stay active and enjoy time outdoors as a family.
