Unusual UK events in May.

May gives the calendar very little chance to behave itself. Padstow’s ’Obby ’Osses, Oxford’s May Morning, Rochester’s Sweeps and Helston’s Flora Day bring music, movement and good reasons to be outdoors. Each has its own programme and setting, from a city morning to a town's dance tradition. Start with the kind of occasion you'd enjoy, then read the guide for that particular day, because May celebrations don't all follow one familiar pattern.

For carefully made displays and local ceremony, look to Castleton’s Garland Day or Tissington’s well dressing. Take a proper look at the work: the detail in an object or display can be as rewarding as a long procession. Holywood’s May Day and Ballyclare’s May Fair add two different Northern Irish outings to the month. The map earns its keep here, because May's tempting names are scattered far and wide. A handful of favourites won't necessarily join up into a sensible route.

There's no shortage of exertion if that's what you fancy watching. Cooper’s Hill has cheese rolling, Tetbury has woolsacks and Maldon has its mud race. Their entry rules and spectator conditions differ, so the guide matters more than the general promise of a funny race. Decide whether you want to enter, cheer on someone you know or simply enjoy the spectacle, and keep that separate from any admission or booking requirements.

Bank-holiday and May Day links make the exact edition important. Some programmes run over several days, while others focus on one particular moment. Check the current dates and organiser information before booking accommodation or onward travel, and don't build your plans from an old year's timetable. Choose an event and a place you'd like to spend time in, then leave room for a meal, a walk or the wider festival. May has enough variety to reward a leisurely choice, with no need to make every weekend a race across the map.