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Best Family Holiday Destinations During UK School Holidays
19 Aug 2026 | Latest News
The most difficult thing is to decide which is the perfect destination to enjoy a family holiday during UK school holidays. For that, the first thing to discuss are the kinds of school holidays there are in the country. Moreover, one also needs to understand the activities they should do in each season. That’s why school holiday timing matters a lot in choosing a perfect destination for a family vacation. The country experiences school holidays during Easter and in July-August. And then there are holidays in the second half of February.
Similarly, there are school holidays in the month of May and the second half of October. Families should choose a destination according to the length of school holidays. For example, if kids get off from school for two weeks, then a nearby destination would be great. However, it is a very difficult thing to choose a perfect spot to enjoy a seamless family vacation. The following overview will provide you with a guide of destinations and activities you can enjoy for your family holiday according to school holiday seasons in the UK.
Best Destination for February Half-Term
It is a month when travellers in the UK face very cold weather. So, it will be great to spend some time in a warmer climate. The following destinations are very suitable for families to choose for school holidays.
Canary Islands: For Winter Sun Family Holiday
There are so many islands you can choose for your perfect vacation in this location. But taking a Canary Islands guide with you will help a lot to explore this place properly. Moreover, Tenerife and Lanzarote are two of the best places offering a wide range of activities. You will get to enjoy volcanic landscapes and colorful beaches. Furthermore, book your visit in advance at Siam Park in Tenerife to discover the most incredible life here.
Similarly, you can go to Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote to explore the volcanic mountains and beautiful surroundings. Both of these places are just perfect to have an incredible winter sun family holiday. In addition, Maspalomas dunes in Gran Canaria are also a great place to have a calm and sweet family vacation. Also, all these places are suitable for a one- or two-week vacation.

Dubai with Kids
It is another great place to choose during February half-term to enjoy a warm climate. There are a lot of things and interesting activities you can enjoy in this city. These activities include visiting Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo where you can interact with wonderful creatures. Moreover, you can go to the Museum of the Future and learn about technology and the future of AI. One of the best places to stay in this city is a resort. You can book a resort according to your taste and travel style.
Some of these resorts also offer cruise tours in the sea and desert adventures. For any kind of activity, you want to enjoy in this city, you need to reserve your visit in advance. Another destination for the same kind of experiences is Abu Dhabi where you can explore the deep desert. If you choose this city for your family vacation then choose Yas Island for this experience.

Malta Family Holidays
It is one of the most convenient countries in the entire Europe to have a family vacation. Moreover, Malta is historically very important and this trip will offer a purely educational experience. First, you need to visit Valletta which is the capital city of the country and the oldest place. The city was founded in the mid-16th century and still has the oldest buildings and walls. Moreover, this place is convenient for another reason as you wouldn’t have to travel a lot.
Travellers prefer booking one of the Malta holiday packages to book their hotels and resorts here. The next step for you should be adding Three Cities to your itinerary, which is another historical place. These are three separate cities but connected by fortified walls built to oppose the foreign enemies. It will be a fascinating experience for your kids and the weather will be moderate in this country during February.
Best Easter Family Holiday Destinations
Easter is another time when schools give plenty of off-time to students. Also, this is the time when parents also get off from their work. This combination allows the entire family to enjoy a long vacation. However, in this season, you will get the perfect weather for any kind of destination. But the following experiences will be unique and offer a memorable family vacation.

Algarve: Home of Beautiful Long Beaches & Exceptional Resorts
It might be a new place for some travellers but it is the most beautiful region in Portugal. Moreover, it is the perfect destination to have great Easter family holidays. This is because the place offers a lot of tourist attractions and activities. The biggest reason to choose this destination is that you’ll find some of the most exceptional family resorts here. Also, these resorts are especially curated for families with kids and they offer a lot of fun activities for them. The best way would be to book this trip via a reputable travel agency. They will provide you with an Algarve family guide for this journey. And that guide will take you to all the exciting places that you should visit on this vacation.
Apart from long beaches and family resorts, you will find some incredible coastal towns here. You will get to explore these towns and enjoy exciting outdoor activities. One of these towns includes Praia da Falésia which is also very important historically. Furthermore, you can enjoy multiple kinds of watersports and other activities in this town. There are two similar towns that you need to have on your destination list for similar experiences. These towns are Albufeira and Lagos where you will find the longest beaches and brilliant resorts.

Cyprus: Where Ancient Culture Meets Modernism
This island will offer you the best place to enjoy an adventurous family vacation. It is one of the oldest islands in the world and represents ancient culture. However, the place has adopted modernity now but the people are still connected to their roots. This destination is also attractive for travellers from the UK because it is closer. And you will find the best climate and weather during Easter. There are multiple kinds of resorts and hotels on this island. And all of them are suitable for families as they offer many family-oriented activities. Moreover, you can find family-friendly places on this island on your own. But you should definitely consider Paphos and Larnaca to enjoy the best family vacation.
This is because these places feature outstanding facilities that are suitable for families. Furthermore, you can make these places your base and visit other attractions. Both of these places are at the centre of the island and it will be easy for you to explore the island. In addition, you need to discover Paphos Archaeological Park where you will learn the history of this island. You will find the monuments and the origin of the rulers of this island. Some of these monuments have been standing here since the 4th century BC. Overall, it will be a great place to enjoy Easter holidays with kids for travellers from the UK.

Family Resorts in Spain
Spain is a brilliant choice for Easter family breaks as the place itself is very attractive. And you will find some of the most outstanding family resorts here. Spain is also an excellent destination if you want to enjoy an educational experience for your family holidays. It was part of the Islamic Empire and you can still find buildings and mosques from that era in different parts of the country. The architecture and design of these establishments is very entertaining and it will broaden your kid’s horizons. Apart from that, you will also get to explore some of the most exciting islands in this country. These islands include Mallorca and Costa del Sol along with many more but these two are exceptional.
First, you need to visit Mallorca and explore the ancient streets here. You will find the oldest cathedral on this island which still takes the breath away of travellers when they see it for the first time. Furthermore, you will also find many historical elements on this island. While Mallorca will offer an educational and informative experience, Costa del Sol will give you an entirely different vibe. You will be able to enjoy watersports and luxury yacht experiences here. Taking this journey with a recognised travel agency will help you reduce travel costs and enjoy multiple discounts.
Best May Half-Term Destinations
This is the time of the year when the weather will start to shift from cold to hot. So, you should take a tour to places with warm weather to utilise May half-term holidays. For that purpose, you can find a lot of destinations, but the following places will offer mind-blowing experiences.

Greece: A Birthplace of Many Civilizations
It is one of the oldest countries in the world and the world’s most brilliant tourist spot. The country hosts thousands of visitors every month. Another interesting thing about this country is that tourism is the main pillar of its economy. And that is a brilliant thing as you’ll find Greece family holidays the most memorable experience of your life. Moreover, historical places are one thing but you will also find many outstanding islands here. And each island offers a different kind of experience and tells you the story of a different civilization. You should start your exploration from Crete which is the largest island of the country.
There is no exact date but this island used to be the home of the Minoan civilization. And you can still trace their existence on this island especially in the central part of the island. You will find the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in this part of the island and the legendary Minoan Palace. The west part of this island is also very famous because of the Venetian harbor and old town alleyways. Other notable islands that you should visit include Corfu and Rhodes Island. All these islands are considered short-haul family destinations. You will be able to explore each island in a day so they are suitable for a day trip.

Turkey: Where Ancient History Meets Modern
It is another brilliant country to enjoy warm places in May and to have memorable experiences. Moreover, this is also one of the oldest countries in the world and home to many civilizations. This country used to be the centre of the Islamic Empire but in the past, it was part of a different civilization. This means you will be able to explore a lot of history in this country. The best way would be to acquire Turkey holiday packages from a recognised travel agency. These packages will help you a lot to reduce your travel cost and enjoy multiple amenities. It would be great if you start your exploration from the capital city. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and full of tourist attractions. Apart from that, it is also the home of many outstanding family resorts.
The interesting thing about the capital city (Ankara) is that you will find a very calming environment here. But if you want to experience vibrant culture and Turkish tourism at its best then go to Istanbul. That city used to be the capital of the Ottoman Empire and the capital of a different empire in the past. And you will get to see traces of both civilizations in this city side by side. One of the brilliant examples of that past is Hagia Sophia. Not only this, but you will also find some of the best facilities at family resorts in this country.
Best Summer Holiday Destinations
Summer holidays are one of the best times to enjoy the best beaches for families. Moreover, these holidays are the longest in the UK. However, the duration can vary depending on the city of your origin. But throughout the UK, summer holidays begin late in July and end in early September. You can go for a long vacation during this time period and visit multiple destinations. Moreover, the summer season is becoming harsher due to climate change. That’s why you should choose those destinations that offer a colder climate. There are so many places you can choose for your summer family holidays but consider the following destinations for a seamless experience.

Head to Croatia With Kids
It is one of the best Balkan countries, famous for its beautiful coastline and breathtaking buildings. Moreover, there are more than one thousand islands and numerous national parks. Apart from that, you will find locations where they shot the famous HBO show, Game of Thrones. You should start your exploration from Dubrovnik Old Town which is the oldest place in the country. This town is famous for its 16th-century stone-walled buildings with red roofs. The narrow streets of this town will offer you a unique experience. Moreover, this is the same town where they shot the famous sequence of Arya Stark while she was struggling in the ancient city of Bravos.
If you are a fan of the show then you will love this place. But visiting Croatia with kids will be an excellent experience as this country features a lot of family resorts. Furthermore, these family resorts offer a lot of kid-friendly activities and many outdoor experiences. Next up, you should go to Split which is a brilliant city of this country built around the old ruins of the Roman Empire. You will walk through the Roman cellars and medieval alleys in this city. And there are ancient courtyards in the city where people still live and run shops. Experiencing these courtyards will be an exciting experience and it will remain with you forever.

Portugal Family Beaches
It is summer holidays so you need to go to beaches and enjoy swimming and watersports. For that purpose, Portugal is one of the best destinations to enjoy family beaches. You should start this journey from Algarve beaches. It is basically the longest coastline in the world and offers many different kinds of experiences. This coastline is more than 100 miles long and you will find golden limestone cliffs and hidden caves as you go along. There are some famous places that you will find on this coastline. One of the famous places is Praia da Falésia which is known for its crystal-clear water and iconic rock pillars. You can enjoy all kinds of adventurous activities and watersports.
The caves and water pathways between them are perfect for kayaking and boat trips. You can take a boat with your family and kids through these ways as they are absolutely safe. Moreover, there are numerous beaches in this country and they all have resorts associated with them. These resorts are very family-friendly and offer a great number of fun activities to families. Also, most of these resorts feature kids' clubs where they have curated special activities for kids. The best way to enjoy is by booking your vacation through holiday packages from a reputable travel agency. Through these packages, you will be able to enjoy the best beaches for families.

France Family Campsites
Travellers from the UK wouldn’t have to travel a lot to reach this country as it is the closest destination. Moreover, you can easily reach this country via road and ferry as there are tunnels as well. However, there are tons of attractions and places that you can visit in this country. But for summer, camping is the best thing to do in France. As you know, summer holidays in the UK last until the month of September. You can spend two weeks camping in France at different places. First, you should go to a Normandy camping site that offers an incredible view of the sea. And it is a great place to enjoy the beach and camping amidst nature.
Furthermore, there are camping resorts here that you can book for your school summer holidays. These resorts offer all kinds of facilities that you need to enjoy the best camping experience. A second place that you should try is Brittany which is also a beautiful place for such an adventure. You will also find resorts here as well with brilliant facilities and services to enjoy camping. In addition, the southern parts of the country are also very feasible for such an adventure.
Best October Half-Term Destinations
This is the time when the weather in the UK starts to get cold. So, a warmer climate would be a great idea for autumn family holidays. The following are the best places that you should consider by booking October half term holiday packages.

Egypt Family Holidays
It is one of the best countries in the world that you need to explore at least once in your life. The oldest country with an ancient civilization. Not just that, you will also be able to enjoy modern services here. It is located at the bank of the Red Sea where you get to enjoy a lot of adventurous activities. Moreover, it will be an extremely educational trip for your kids and full of entertainment. You should start your exploration from Hurghada which is a great coastal city. Also, you will find some of the most incredible resorts here.
All of these resorts are family-friendly and offer lots of activities for kids. You can also enjoy yacht and cruise experiences in this city. Furthermore, you can consider Sharm el-Sheikh for same kind of experiences. You can also go for a desert safari but it will be hard for younger kids. If you have kids above 16 then you can take them to the desert. It is one of the most beautiful deserts that you will ever experience. Also, it will be the most memorable October sun holidays of your life.

Madeira Family Holidays
It is a very underrated place but one of the most attractive islands in the world. The most interesting thing about this place is its location. You will feel like you have been cut off from the rest of the world. Moreover, it is a self-governing island surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful mountains covered with greenery. The island offers a warm climate which is perfect for Halloween family breaks. Also, it will be a very informative tour for your kids. There is a botanical garden which is also a research facility.
You will get to explore numerous kinds of plants and other things in this facility. But that’s not the only thing you will get to do here as the island offers a lot of exciting activities. You will be able to enjoy a lot of watersports and kayaking opportunities. There is a cable car facility that you should definitely try. It will allow you to explore the entire island from the air which will be very exciting. Overall, it is the perfect island to enjoy a great family vacation.
Best Christmas & New Year Family Holidays
It will be the end of the year and not only kids but parents also get a lot of holidays from work. This is the perfect opportunity to take your family to a beautiful spot and enjoy a great time. It will also be the time when everyone around the world would be thinking about the same thing. So, it is better to book a nice package to enjoy the best Christmas family holidays. The following destinations will be great for such a vacation.

Lapland Holidays
It is a very big region in the Northern part of Europe and offers the best opportunity to spend family holidays. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful northern lights in this region which you’ll never find anywhere else. Also, it is perfect to enjoy Christmas as the resorts and hotels here decorate their establishments with creature made of snow. Moreover, locals also celebrate this event with an unmatched enthusiasm. You should visit Santa Claus Village, where they decorate roadsides with reindeer made of snow. Furthermore, you can also experience reindeer rides here and other entertaining activities.
Austria Christmas Markets
One of the oldest countries in Europe and a fantastic choice to enjoy winter family holidays. There are so many places in this country that you can visit. But explore Vienna first as it is very important historically and there are so many beautiful churches here. Moreover, some of the buildings here offer very Gothic vibes that will be interesting for your kids. Also, you should discover such things in Salzburg which is also a very old city with incredible architecture. Not just that, there are so many comfortable hotels in the city that will give you the best services.
You should go to local markets in these cities to explore local culture. You will find artwork and handicrafts by local artists in these markets. Lastly, you should try street food in these cities as well. These are some of the best foods you will ever consume. They eat gingerbread and pretzels a lot and with so many different things. In addition, you should not miss Austrian pastries that come in many flavours and they are delicious.
Beach Holidays for Families
You can choose any time of the year to enjoy the best family beach holidays. There are so many options that you can choose for such a vacation. Here are some suggestions that you can consider when you plan this vacation.
Best Beaches in Spain
As mentioned earlier in this web blog that it is the best country to visit. But apart from the historical point of view, you will get to enjoy a great beach time here as well. There are so many places that you can choose for your beach holiday. First of all, you need to consider Costa Blanca which offers an incredible beach area. And there are so many resorts here suitable for families. Secondly, you need to go to Costa del Sol for the same kind of experience. Not only do these places offer great accommodations, but you will get to enjoy a great time participating in exciting watersports.
Cyprus Beaches
It is also a great place to enjoy child-friendly beaches and family resorts. These resorts offer a lot of exciting activities that you can enjoy with your kids. Moreover, you can also customise your services according to your needs and travel style. If you book your journey through a travel agency, then you can enjoy a lot of discounts as well. First of all, you need to go to Pyla where they have shallow water reserves. It is the perfect place to enjoy family time and watersports. Fig Tree Bay is also another place to enjoy such activities. Furthermore, you will get to enjoy multiple playgrounds here for kids.
Adventure Holidays for Families
Most families like to enjoy adventurous holidays that are safe for kids. And school holidays are the best time to try that. Here are some experiences that you can enjoy for such holidays.
Iceland Road Trips
It is one of the best countries to enjoy adventurous activities and road trips as well. You will find waterfalls, geothermal areas, and black-sand beaches. It is the perfect destination to explore so many different things. Iceland family road trip will allow you to explore Þingvellir National Park where you can interact with wildlife. It is also the park where you can enjoy camping for a night or two and then move to the next place. While you’re at it, you must explore Geysir geothermal area which is also a natural wonder. Your kids will be so excited to see this place. It will be an extremely hard road trip so you need foolproof planning. It would be great if you involve an experienced travel agency for this trip.
Costa Rica with Kids
It is also a great choice to enjoy an adventurous journey with your kids. You will find rainforests and get to interact with incredible wildlife throughout the country. Moreover, there are resorts in the forest so you can live safely and enjoy planned tours of the jungle. You will find multiple opportunities for hiking and other adventurous activities. You need to consider exploring Arenal to interact with some of the exciting wildlife here. One thing you need to keep in mind is that these experiences are not for younger kids. You have to check the age limit of your kid before planning such an adventure.
Safari Tour with Kids
It is also one of the best ideas that you can consider for your family vacation. There are so many safaris where you can go with your kids. But again, you have to be careful with the age of your kids before booking such a journey. There are so many places you can choose for such a journey but Tanzania and Kenya are two of the best places. Most importantly, you should take this journey with a family safari guide to enjoy everything safely. You will find some of the wildest animals in these places. That’s why a guide will help you navigate through these places in a safe manner.
Final Word
These are some of the suggestions that you can follow to plan your desired family vacation. Just keep in mind that you have to book your journey in advance to reduce travel costs and enjoy the best facilities. The greatest disadvantage of late booking is that you will get to use facilities that other travellers reject. Moreover, to find the best family holiday packages, book your journey with Virikson Holidays.
You will get to use exceptional customer care services in which we help you all the way throughout your trip. For more details, look up family holiday packages and choose incredibly enjoyable trips to the best destinations around the world. The best thing about our packages is that they are very flexible as you can add or remove any service you require. So, whenever you want to go on a family vacation at an exciting destination, call Virikson Holidays.

FAQs
1. What are the best family holiday destinations during UK school holidays?
There is not a single best destination for families to enjoy during UK school holidays. But the best destination depends on the weather, activities you prefer, and the duration of your school holidays. For colder weather, you can choose the Canary Islands and Dubai to enjoy your family holidays. Easter is well-suited for the Algarve, Cyprus, and Spain. Similarly, Turkey and Greece are suitable for holidays during May. It is all about your choices and the kind of vacation you want to spend.
2. Where is best for a family holiday during February half-term?
It is that time of the year when the weather will be cold in the UK. So, you need to enjoy winter sun holidays during this period. For that purpose, the best places are the Canary Islands where you get to enjoy not only the sun but also explore so many places here. This place consists of many different small islands and each one offers exceptional facilities. Tenerife and Lanzarote are two of the most famous islands here that you should choose for your family vacation.\
3. Which destinations are best for Easter family holidays?
Easter is the time when the weather will shift from cold to hot so beach destinations are preferable in this season. Algarve, Cyprus, and Spain are considered the best places to enjoy a beach vacation. Also, these beaches are family-friendly and suitable for kids. Algarve features some of the longest beaches in the world and they also offer beautiful resorts beside these beaches. Cyprus is a place suitable for families who want to explore history and a relaxed environment. Similarly, you will find suitable places in Spain to enjoy a great family vacation.
4. Where should families go during the May half-term?
It is the start of summer, so you can go to places like Greece and Turkey to have a great family vacation. Both of these countries offer a wide range of activities and sightseeing opportunities for a family vacation. Moreover, you will be able to find some of the best family resorts in both of these countries. Also, these resorts offer a great many opportunities for families to take part in fun activities.
5. What are the best summer holiday destinations for families?
France, Croatia, and Portugal are some of the strongest choices for summer holiday destinations for families. This is because these places offer very nice and moderate weather that is enjoyable in summer. Moreover, you will get to explore history, entertainment, and educational experiences in just one place. Moreover, all these places are in Europe so it will be easy for you to reach these places for families in the UK.
6. How early should families book school holiday travel?
There are so many advantages of early booking and it is not just about saving money. When you book early, you get to choose your services from a wide range of options. But if you book late, you always get to use services that other travellers reject or refuse to use. You should book your journey at least two to three months earlier to get better services and facilities for your family vacation.
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