The October half-term holidays are on their way, so it’s almost time to dig out those cosy jumpers and experience the wonder of autumn. With so many exciting UK attractions to explore, you’ll find all kinds of ways to keep the little ones entertained. Plus, with plenty of places offering free days out for you and the kids, October half-term breaks don’t have to cost the Earth!
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Half term holidays in the UK
UK Christmas holidays 2026
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and our family-friendly hotels will help you get the most out of this magical season. Whether you’re booking Christmas market breaks, visiting Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland or celebrating on New Years Eve, check out our Christmas innspiration guide before booking your winter getaways.
UK Easter holidays 2027
Explore our egg-cellent ideas for Easter getaways. Whether you’re on the lookout for local Easter egg hunts or looking for fun family activities in the UK, we’ve got plenty of innspiration for your UK holidays. Book comfy rooms at one of our family-friendly hotels this Easter – and let the egg-citement begin!
UK Summer holidays 2026
It’s time for some fun in the sun! From days out beside the seaside to exciting trips to UK theme parks, we’ve got plenty of innspiration for UK family holidays in summer! Best of all, you’ll find great-value hotels with super-comfy beds near top UK attractions, as well as the best free things to do. So – what are you waiting for?
Half Terms
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
October 2026 half term activities
Feel spellbound at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Watford North
Enjoy spooky rides and activities at Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Staines-upon-Thames
Visit the Wimpole Estate for the Big Tree Climbing 2026
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Cambridge East (Newmarket Road)
Arthur's Seat
February 2027 half term activities
Visit Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street)
See unforgettable shows at London’s West End
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – London Leicester Square
Meet the animals at Dublin Zoo
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Dublin City Centre (The Liberties)
Eden Project
May 2026 half term activities
Discover top attractions on London’s South Bank
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – London County Hall
Spend family days out at Gulliver's World Theme Park
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Warrington Central North
Watch flowers and rainforests bloom at the Eden Project
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – St. Austell
Ways to stay with us on half term breaks
Premier Inn
Our Premier Inn hotels are perfect for half term holidays, thanks to our free Wi-Fi, family-friendly rooms and great-value restaurants. Plus, when an adult orders a full Premier Inn Breakfast or Meal Deal, up to two kids eat breakfast for free!
hub by Premier Inn
Our stylish hub hotels are perfect for UK city breaks – compact and contemporary rooms, free Wi-Fi and touchscreen controls by the bed are just some of the highlights you can look forward to when you’re looking for hotels in London or Edinburgh.
Premier Plus rooms
Why not get even more from your next stay by booking one of our stylish Premier Plus rooms? Enjoy all the comfort you know and love plus added perks like Ultimate Wi-Fi, a mini-fridge and snacks, a rainfall shower with luxury toiletries and much more.
Theme Parks
Why stop at half term holidays?
There might only be a few half term breaks in a year, but throw UK bank holidays and school holidays into the mix and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy short breaks in the UK this year.
Treat the whole family to fun days out in the UK – thrill-seekers will love visiting some of the UK’s top theme parks – or why not book a romantic getaway?
Get active with cycling trips or hiking breaks, or escape to the seaside on UK coastal holidays.
Airport hotels
Our UK airport hotels
If you’re making the most out of half term breaks and school holidays by booking short breaks abroad, our great-value hotels are perfect when you need places to stay near UK airports.
Whether you’re booking getaways from Gatwick, planning flights from London City or jetting off from Heathrow, stopovers are simple thanks to our super-comfy beds, free Wi-Fi and tasty meals.
FAQs about half term 2026
When are the UK half term holidays 2026?
UK half term dates will vary depending on your postcode, but we can give you a general idea to help you plan ahead. February half term takes place right in the middle of the month around the 16th, followed by the Easter holidays, which usually start on the last Friday of the month and last for two weeks into April. The next half term is at the end of May – around the 25th – before the summer holidays kick off at the end of July to the start of September. Enjoy October half term at the end of the month – usually over Halloween, so you can look forward to plenty of spooky activities with the kids! Most schools will be breaking up for the Christmas holidays around the 18th December and while we can’t guarantee the snow, our family-friendly hotels and great value restaurants are ideal for winter breaks.
How long is the summer half term in the UK?
Half term holidays in the UK usually last about a week, while the UK summer holidays run for six weeks. If you’re wondering how to keep the little ones entertained, check out our days out in the UK guide and our free activities in the UK guide for a little innspiration.
How many half terms are there in the UK?
There are three half terms in the UK – February half term, May half term and October half term – as well as three exciting holidays. Check out our handy guides for fun things to do in the Easter holidays, summer holidays and Christmas holidays.
When are the 2026 bank holidays?
You can look forward to eight bank holidays in 2026:
- 1st January - New Year's Day
- 3rd April - Good Friday
- 6th April - Easter Monday
- 4th May - Early May Bank Holiday
- 25th May - Spring Bank Holiday
- 31st August - August Bank Holiday
- 25th December - Christmas Day
- 28th December - Boxing Day (substitute day)
The number of UK bank holidays can vary from year to year – especially if there are any royal events – and bank holidays in Wales, Scotland and Northern Island can differ too.
Do all schools have the same half term?
No – half term dates can change depending on where you live, so make sure you check your local council’s website or school’s calendar dates before making plans for half term holidays.