Things to do in Berkeley in May

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Overview

May is a good time to visit Berkeley. The weather is usually moderately chilly and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 44—61°F (7—16°C).

Berkeley has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Berkeley. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Berkeley in May. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout May, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Berkeley in May

Top experiences in May
We couldn't find any experiences in May
Holidays in Berkeley in May
May
  • Early May Bank Holiday (May 4)
  • Spring Bank Holiday (May 25)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Berkeley in May

Temperatures on an average day in Berkeley in May

The average temperature in Berkeley in May for a typical day ranges from a high of 61°F (16°C) to a low of 44°F (7°C). Some would describe the temperature to be moderately chilly. The general area may also feel breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Berkeley, July, has days with highs of 71°F (22°C) and lows of 53°F (12°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 44°F (7°C) and lows of 35°F (1°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Berkeley in May based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in May
61°F
highs
44°F
lows

General weather summary

Moderately chilly, breezy
Feels like
23%
Chance of rain
0.077 in
Amount
14.7 mph
Wind speed
77%
Humidity
15.6 hrs
Daylight length
5:18 AM
Sunrise
8:54 PM
Sunset
46%
Cloud cover
Sweater
What to wear
What to wear in May
With an average high of 61°F (16°C) and a low of 44°F (7°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something moderately warm like a sweater
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Best attractions for Berkeley in May

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Berkeley has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Berkeley that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Berkeley for May.
Berkeley Castle
1. Berkeley Castle
4.7
(1697)
Temporarily Closed
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Historic fortress with rooms including a medieval kitchen and gardens with a butterfly house.
Slide 1 of 8
What a setting for a piece of history, dating back some 900 years. Absolutely stunning. Berkeley Castle has been owned by the same family since the beginning and it felt a real privilege to be welcomed there and to experience 'proper' history. There was just the right amount of information in the castle rooms and a trail for children to keep them interested. A re enactment of Civil War pike men, musketeers and cavalry was informative and fun, especially the VERY loud gun fire which my nephews loved! We were invited to stroke the horses and meet the cavalry men after the demonstration. There was also a music and dancing session and a timetable of other activities that day. A cafe sold hot and cold food and drinks, and there was a small gift shop in the same area. A slightly cheaper food outlet was located in a courtyard with outside tables. This only had a simple selection of drinks, sandwiches and salads, which was exactly what we wanted. All staff were very friendly and happy to answer questions or help out in other ways. We would definitely recommend the castle and we will certainly be returning to use our free, repeat entry tickets.
We went on a day when the Aston Martin Owners Club had turned up. Lots of great cars parked in the keep. The Castle is extremely interesting and it's history extraordinary. Despite growing up in Gloucestershire, I'd only been once before and a v.long time ago. Brilliant place to visit. Cafe lovely, in the walled garden. Wonderful for an private event.
We enjoyed our visit to Berkeley Castle. Beautiful setting and gardens and the castle rooms were very fine. We got in free with our Historic Houses Card and the kids enjoyed the little historical critter show. There is a playgrounds in the woodland but my kids were probably too old for the playgrounds (age 8 and 9) bit it kept their interest for a few minutes.
An amazing castle that's still lived in by the same family for hundreds of years. A good sized car park, beautiful gardens, and a lovely café/gift shop by the entrance. We didn't book a guided tour, but there were guides at strategic places en route to provide information and answer questions. There are quite a few stairs to navigate, but there are a few blue chairs dotted around if you need to rest. You are allowed to take photos, as long as you don't use a flash. The ticket allows unlimited visits for a year, as long as you agree to gift aid. I'm looking forward to visiting again next year
Living history covering the last 950 years or more of Lords and Crowns activities. An excellent 'To Do' bucket list visit. The guide is excellent. Well worth every penny.
Wanted to visit here since I was a kid 30+ years later was not disappointed. Fantastic artifacts with plenty of historical information. Well kept for a period property in comparison with others I have been to. The guides were all friendly and helpful. I didn't visit the cafe so can't rate that but will visit another time. Plenty to do in the area if want to visit the church next door the Jesters grave who was said to have been murdered in the castle is buried there and Edward Jenner's house.
Visited the area and had no plans. Looked around and fancied seeing a castle type building. Was a toss up between this and another in the area. Glad we chose this one. Easy to get to, directed where to park and made our way to pay admission. Entry was well priced and located in the main castle restaurant and shop. We didn't stay for food but it did look good. Made our short walk to castle and was immediately impressed. Wondered what all the noise was and below the castle in the grounds was a period reenactment happening...sword fighting. For a reenactment is looked pretty real and brutal. Great to see the guys getting into character and getting the crowd involved. I found myself involuntarily shouting and cheering. Much to the wife's embarrassment. We wondered round the castle and grounds. What a great place. Guides were in certain areas to answer any questions. Was like stepping back in time. The castle has an on-site coffee and drinks pod and we also noticed a food van. We didn't have anything but all looked good. I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. If your in the area and want to entertain the kids and yourself, head on down
Such an interesting and beautiful castle and garden. Cafeteria good too with a somewhat different modern menu. I had the baked Camembert with skin on fries sourdough toast and mini gherkins.
Dr Jenner's House and Museum
2. Dr Jenner's House and Museum
4.6
(114)
Temporarily Closed
Museum
Nature & Parks
The house and garden of the Edwardian vaccine pioneer, with science and history displays and tours.
Slide 1 of 8
Had a lovely day out at Dr Jenner's house and the charming village of Berkeley. Well worth a visit, especially for those with a keen interest in medicine or immunology. The staff were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, and the museum has some very interesting artifacts related to the global fight against smallpox.
Interesting museum dedicated to the life of Dr Jenner. It's inside his house, with the rooms showing artifacts and information about his life in chronological order. We had an excellent introduction by one of the guides, which set us up with the key points, before we started our visit. Thank you! Outside, in his garden do look for the hut where he treated the local poor for free. Such a pivotal story in the health of people across the World. 😎👍👍👍👍
Learn about how the smallpox inoculation came to be and how quick the antivaxx movement formed and spread.
I visited the Jenner Museum in Berkely (Gloucestershire) on a Monday in June 2025 - travelled by bus (from Thornbury) The cost to get into the museum is £9 - plenty to see on the ground and 1st floor - the gardens are also worth a visit. The guides/staff are informative and interesting
Learning about Edward Jenner in school, I was always intrigued to find out more about him. I was so happy visiting his home and learning more about the smallpox vaccine pioneer! The garden is lovely too, it's delightful to see how medical treatment has changed over the years! Staff inside the house/museum was really lovely too. We pre-booked our tickets for 16:00 but arrived 30mins early, it was no problem to enter the house early. I highly recommend visiting this place!
Very interesting little museum about a genius, who's not so famous in my country, France. The staff was lovely and took 10 minutes to talk about Jenner's life and answer our questions. I recommend.
Excellent with very informative and friendly staff. Had a picnic in the grounds
We hired the house for a private event, the house and gardens are stunning, and made for an amazing setting for a few drinks. The volunteers who work there were incredibly accommodating and the museum itself was full of interesting information about the life of an extraordinary local man who made a huge impact on the planet. The Temple of Vaccinia is there where locals were vaccinated for free. A must see for people interested in medical history / virology, and an amazing setting for a private event.
Purton Ships' Graveyard
3. Purton Ships' Graveyard
Building
Sights & Landmarks
Archeological site & remains of 80+ schooners, lighters, & barges once beached to prevent erosion.
St Mary the Virgin Church
4. St Mary the Virgin Church
4.8
(38)
Anglican church
Sights & Landmarks
Slide 1 of 8
Beautiful church and churchyard where you can see the final resting places of Edward Jenner, Thomas Pearce, and the court jester Dicky Pearce.
Oh my happy place! I love you! I’ve traced my ancestry back to sir Roger Mortimer. I wonder if any of those buried in the church were related to him. But certainly they must’ve been friends with him. I love this church. The wall paintings are pristine and gorgeous. It’s just one of the most beautiful churches I’ve seen. Love the jesters grave outside. All the stone head carvings along the high ceilings are so intricate and lifelike. Gothic wide doors with ancient iron hand forged nails. So old that the rust fuses into the wood which I’d say is ancient oak wood. Stained glass windows with beautiful paintings glass. True artistry at every glance. Lovely stone slabs along the church floor and thank goodness they were not tiled over or repurposed as you saw in too many old English churches. The Berkeley vault is mysterious. Plexus glass let’s you look in but you can’t enter. Four gorgeous lying down life size figures sculpted to likeness of those lying under them. Nice fusion of many eras here. Elements of all centuries which really is a beautiful thing to behold. A kind hearted gesture of having a table food bank there too. The day was scorching hot. I had felt heat exhaustion but once I entered the church I recovered . Very healing place. Very few tourists. I love that
Lovely church larger and finer than expected. Unusual with a separate church tower. Magnificent tombs.
Lots to see if you are interested in funerary monuments, wall-paintings, etc., set in a very pleasant churchyard with interesting headstones and monuments
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” After receiving the communion I feel peace, thank you reverend Steve for the great service,,:) Very happy using their website all the services are updated so we don't miss any services . Thank you Lord for this beautiful place that we can join all together to receive the spiritual food. 🌿🙏
The Berkeley Church is a historical legacy! When you visit this church you can see the immersed love of the people who were in charge of its construction, it is so special, very beautiful and transmits peace, Reverend Steve is very passionate in the sermons on Sundays at 11 am, you really feel the message Heavenly 🙏 the people at church are so kind, the peace you feel after communion is a beautiful gift.:)
Great church - plenty to see and also they have events going on (coffee mornings) It is right next to the Jenner museum
Beautiful Grade 1 listed Church dating back to the 12th century, with strong connections to the Berkeley family, who own their own private burial chapel within the church. Lovely examples of traditional church architecture, stained glass windows and medieval wall paintings. Interesting variety of tomb stones and monuments inside and in the church grounds, many of which themselves are listed. Fascinating and interesting place to visit.
Sharpness Sports and Social Club
5. Sharpness Sports and Social Club
4.4
(319)
Pub
Nightlife
Slide 1 of 8
Stayed the night in our mo ho. £12.00 a night. Water, waste emptying. Parking on the grass. Very quiet and peaceful. Good prices at the club not a bad pint. Food good value. We did not eat but the food. But people around us had food and it looked really good. Very friendly.
Been here a couple of times whilst out walking.......Great place to stop off. This time went to the bike/car night, as always fantastic!! Great yearly event for enthusiasts or taking the family out. Bbq, burger van. Bar staff slow though. Can't comment on food as haven't eaten here for years! But heard the food is good.
Stopped off after a 10k run and the roast was absolutely sublime. We had the roast beef, medium sized. They have three sizes -small, medium and large at three prices £9.95, £12.95 and £15.95. The medium plate was huge with roast parsnips, roast carrots, Brocoli, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and stuffing. There was also a side of cauliflower cheese and a jug with extra gravy. The beef was so tender and the veg cooked and seasoned perfectly. Staff were friendly and efficient and we feel, for us this is an absolutely great little find and we will be returning 😁
We stayed as Search for sites, friendly staff, nice atmosphere. Good food also we asked for a takeaway and they obliged. Nice area for walks by the canal.
Great little find with a campsite which was £5 per night. Great food cheap and cheerful. The staff were very welcoming and covid safe aware. Plenty of seating outside under cover and table service. Really enjoyed our stay lovely walk to Purton along the canal seeing all the beached ships along the Riverside to prevent the erosion. Very interesting place.
Brilliant place to stay over in the camper and the sunday dinner all i can say is oh my god, best sunday dinner i think i ever had, brilliant service aswell you just cant go wrong with this place
Came in our motor home to have a night camping on our way to Wales. This is such a calm and interesting place (recent history) that we stayed a second night and savoured the Sunday Roast. Excellent value for drinks and food. And a camp for just £5. Winner winner!
Went for a Sunday lunch today, would definitely recommend good sized portion, tasty with I think 5 different veg As someone visiting the area Finding the venue was slightly challenging with private road and no unauthorized vehicles signs through the port but trust in Google maps . Seemed to have a good reputation, and appears well supported by the locals. We would certainly go again if in the area.
The Boars Head
6. The Boars Head
4.5
(54)
Bar
Nightlife
Slide 1 of 8
Proper locals pub, just how pubs are meant to be. Small but nice for family and friends to get together. No food is served here though. Games room out the back which is fun. Darts and pool table.
Nice pub, very welcoming locals vibe. Good selection of drinks.
Lovely old pub , a locals kind of place . Entertaining conversation , even though it got nowhere
A lovely place with a lovely staff. Nice for a yankee to bend an elbow here.
We had the pleasure of celebrating the 30th anniversary of Motion Media last night. We chose this venue as it was a 'local haunt' when we converted the old service station building into our offices. 35 people, many of whom hadn't seen each other for 20 years, spent a very enjoyable night here. The atmosphere was great, the food delicious and the attention to detail from all the staff was second to none. A huge shout out to Karen and team; from our first phone call to enquire what might be possible, to the event itself was all handled with passion and professionalism, they really couldn't have done any more for us. Thank you!
Great pub atmosphere but it got noisy at 2100 as it became more of a club with a DJ so worth planning to finish by then if you're there for food only.
found the pub on a long hike. I went in and asked for 2 pints of Thatchers as I was very thirsty. The pint was so cold I couldn`t drink it as quick as I normally would. It was a really good, refreshing pint. The pub is very clean with really nice decor. The bar staff friendly. I would visit again , but unlikely as I don`t live that close, but would recommend it.
Came down here on holiday and was looking for a pub with a pool table, the boar's head was the closest one, we went in for 4 games and ended up meeting alot of the locals and I have to say it is the friendliest place we have been the whole time we was here, 100% recommend anyone and everyone to call in for at least one drink.

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