Where to Go and What to Do During the October Half Term Holidays
When autumn arrives in the UK, the October half term offers a well-earned break before winter sets in. It’s the perfect time to unwind, reconnect with family, and enjoy a change of scenery—without the peak-season crowds. Whether you’re looking for a cosy countryside escape, a fun-filled family resort, or an adventure abroad, there’s a destination waiting to make your October half term holidays unforgettable.
When Is October Half Term in the UK?
In the UK, schools typically have three half term holidays each year—one in autumn (October), one in spring (February), and one in summer (May). Each break lasts about a week and gives students, teachers, and families a welcome pause between the longer school terms.
The October half term holiday—the first of the academic year—usually falls in the last week of October. For most schools in England and Wales, the 2025 break is expected to run from Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October 2025, though dates can vary slightly by local authority or individual school.
Because school calendars differ across the UK, it’s always best to double-check your local schedule. You can find accurate, up-to-date term and holiday dates for your area on the UK government website.
UK Destinations for October Half Term Holidays
October in the UK brings crisp air, vibrant foliage, and fewer crowds—making it a perfect time for family adventures. If you’re thinking about where to go on holiday in October half term, the UK has loads of lovely places to choose from.
Holiday Parks and Resorts
Center Parcs (Various Locations)
A classic favourite for UK families, Center Parcs is designed for effortless fun. Each village is surrounded by forest, giving children freedom to explore safely. You can cycle through leafy trails, unwind at the Aqua Sana Spa, or splash in the Subtropical Swimming Paradise—heated to 29.5°C all year round. October also brings seasonal crafts, pumpkin carving, and evening fireworks in many locations.
Haven Holiday Parks (Coastal Locations)
If your family loves the sea, Haven’s coastal resorts are perfect. Located in scenic spots such as Cornwall, Norfolk, and Northumberland, they offer a balance of adventure and relaxation. Enjoy autumn beach walks, indoor pools, and family entertainment every evening. Many parks run special half-term offers and Halloween-themed events—great value and guaranteed fun for kids.
Bluestone National Park Resort (Wales)
Tucked inside Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Bluestone blends natural beauty with resort-style comfort. Families can try archery, ziplining, or nature trails by day and unwind in modern eco-lodges by night. The all-weather Blue Lagoon water park and indoor adventure centre make it a safe bet even if the rain sets in.
Cosy Cottages and Countryside Breaks
The Lake District, England
A paradise for walkers and photographers, the Lake District is spectacular in autumn when the fells turn amber and gold. Families can take gentle lakeside strolls, explore Beatrix Potter country, or cruise on Windermere. Many cottages come with log burners and lake views, creating the perfect setting for a restful oct half term holidays.
The Cotswolds, England
For timeless English charm, few places compare to the Cotswolds. Autumn here means harvest festivals, colourful village fairs, and farmers’ markets brimming with local produce. Stay in a thatched cottage, explore quaint towns like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold, and enjoy hearty pub lunches by the fire.
Scottish Highlands
October is one of the best months to visit the Highlands—brimming with misty mornings, golden forests, and fewer tourists. It’s perfect for families who enjoy the great outdoors: go wildlife spotting, visit ancient castles, or hike around Loch Ness. Many lodges and guesthouses offer off-season discounts, making it a surprisingly affordable adventure.
City Breaks for Half Term
London
The capital shines in October—cooler weather, fewer tourists, and plenty to do indoors. Explore free museums like the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy half-term theatre shows in the West End. Autumn walks in Hyde Park or along the South Bank are a bonus. Trains and family passes often come discounted during the season.
Edinburgh
Scotland’s capital blends history and mystery with modern fun. Climb Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views, join a family ghost tour in the Old Town, or visit the Camera Obscura for hands-on science exhibits. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot, and autumn light adds magic to its medieval skyline.
Bath
Elegant and walkable, Bath is perfect for families seeking a cultural but relaxed break. Tour the Roman Baths, discover the city’s Georgian architecture, or unwind at the Thermae Spa with its rooftop pool overlooking the city. With family apartments and boutique hotels, Bath feels both luxurious and welcoming.
So whether you’re chasing sea air, scenic hikes, or museum days, the UK offers endless ways to make your half term holidays in October relaxing, affordable, and unforgettable.
Abroad Destination Ideas for October Half Term
Algarve (Portugal)
The Algarve remains one of Europe’s most family-friendly destinations for the October half term holidays in UK. With average daytime temperatures around 24 °C and warm sea still lingering, it gives you almost a summer feel without the high-season crowds. Families can base themselves close to Faro or Lagos for short flights from the UK, easy airport access and an abundance of child-friendly resorts. Alongside beach time, you’ll find quieter cliff-top walks, nature parks and family-safe restaurants. Buoyant holiday-park-style options mingle with self-catered villas, so you can adjust your budget while still enjoying the warmth and calm of early autumn.
Lisbon Region, Portugal
Heading to Lisbon with children in October is a smart pick: the city offers a rich cultural mix, manageable size and comfortable weather at this time of year. Autumn in Lisbon brings milder crowd levels and still-warm days—ideal for families with limited time off. The city itself is packed with family-friendly activities—from the Oceanário aquarium to tram rides and tile-painting workshops. For a half-term break you could stay in Lisbon for 3-4 days and use the rest of the time to explore nearby Cascais or Sintra, mixing city culture with beach or forest day trips.
Crete, Greece
Crete serves up something a little different for a half term holiday at the end of October: enough warmth and beach access, paired with nature, culture and fewer holiday crowds. From exploring safe beaches and quiet tavernas to hiking shorter gorges or visiting historic sites, there’s variety for all ages. Family-friendly resorts and villas thrive here with dedicated kids-clubs and flexible accommodation, meaning you can relax while the children enjoy plenty of fun and freedom.
How to Plan and Save for Your October Half Term Holiday
Here are essential steps to help you plan well, save smart, and pick the right gear to make your break smoother, more comfortable, and more memorable.
Lock in Your Route
Start by choosing your destination early. Think about what your family enjoys most—beaches, countryside walks, or city sights. Planning ahead gives you time to compare options, from UK getaways to short-haul European trips, and lock in better prices before demand rises.
Set a Realistic Budget
Create a budget that covers travel, accommodation, food, activities and little extras for the kids. Early-bird discounts are often available for October half term holidays, so securing your trip a few months ahead can save a decent amount. Having clarity on spending makes everything less stressful.
Choose Your Accommodation Early
Once you’ve picked the location, book your stay. Popular family spots fill up fast during half term. If you’re looking to stretch your budget, consider family cottages, serviced apartments or off-peak resort deals. And if you’re feeling adventurous, tent camping at a good site is an affordable, fun alternative—just make sure you have the right camping equipment (tent, sleeping bags, cooking gear, etc).
Decide on Transport & Power
Will you book flights, take the train or drive? If you’re driving, being prepared is key. That’s where a portable power station becomes unexpectedly useful: you can charge phones, tablets or lights on the go.
The EcoFlow TRAIL Series DC Portable Power Station, for example, offers around up to 288Wh capacity and up to 300 W DC output, making it a compact, handy power option.
EcoFlow TRAIL Series DC Portable Power Station
Pack with Purpose
Packing smart makes a big difference. For an October break you’ll want layers, waterproofs and a good pair of walking shoes. If you’re on a long trip, lightweight gear matters. Here’s where the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station fits perfectly into this scenario with its compact design and versatile power options. Weighing only 4.7 kg and offering a 286Wh capacity, it's ideal for powering your devices while on the move. With a 600W output (1200W via X-Boost), it can easily charge essentials like your phone, camera, and small appliances, ensuring you stay connected throughout your adventure.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus Portable Power Station
Conclusion
With the approach of your next October half term holidays, you now have a clear set of steps for planning, saving and packing smart. From choosing a destination that suits your family’s style, to locking in accommodation and transport early, and being ready with the right gear for travel and day-trips — all of this adds up to a smoother break. A well-planned half term holiday means more memories, less stress — and the freedom to really enjoy the time away.
FAQs
Where is still warm in October half term?
For warmer weather during half term, look for destinations with a climate that holds up into late October. Southern Europe often delivers day-time temperatures in the low-20s °C and sea water that’s still comfortable. For example, families often opt for the Algarve in Portugal or parts of Greece where beach time is still viable. Even though it’s no high-summer heat, mild mornings and fewer crowds give you a relaxed atmosphere. Always check average weather and sea temperatures for your chosen region — and don’t expect resort peak-season highs, but you’ll likely get pleasantly warm days for exploring and enjoying the outdoors.
What day is October half term in the UK?
In England and Wales, most schools take the autumn half term holiday during the last full week of October — a one-week break. For 2025, many schools have Monday 27 October to Friday 31 October listed, but local authority and school calendars may vary slightly. It’s always wise to check your child’s school website or local council listing to confirm the exact dates. Knowing these dates early helps you plan travel, accommodation and bookings without being caught out by higher prices or limited availability.
What should I pack for an October half term holiday?
Packing for late-October means being ready for changeable weather — one minute crisp and clear, the next cloudy or drizzly. Layers are your friend: base layers, a warm fleece or jumper, a waterproof shell, perhaps a hat or scarf for cooler mornings. Good walking shoes will serve you well whether you’re exploring woodland trails or city streets. For tech and comfort, bring a portable power station so you’re not dependent on hotel or campsite plugs. And if you’ll be out exploring for long stretches, include a day-backpack with water bottles, snacks, a compact first-aid kit, and maybe a travel game or book for downtime.