UK School Holiday Dates 2025/2026
Kids can’t wait for the school holidays? Honestly, we get it. There aren’t many things as fabulous as free time on the horizon – even when your only ‘responsibilities’ are household chores and homework.
But why let the kids have all the fun? Whisk the whole family away during the school break and not only will you get to enjoy a much-needed break of your own, but the kids will get an adventure far beyond all their school holiday hopes and dreams.
Whether you’re hankering for an epic half term escape or a summer getaway that will live long in the family lore, our handy guide to the UK’s 2025 school holiday dates gives you plenty of time to get a holiday in the calendar.
Just remember these dates are a rough guide. Make sure to double check the dates with your children’s school before you book as dates can vary across councils and individual schools.
England 2025/2026 School Holidays
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas holidays 2025/2026 | 22/12/2025 | 05/01/2026 |
| February half term holidays | 16/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 |
| Easter school holidays | 30/03/2026 | 10/04/2026 |
| May half term holidays | 25/05/2026 | 29/05/2026 |
| Summer school holidays | 20/07/2026 | 28/08/2026 |
| October half term holidays | 26/10/2026 | 30/10/2026 |
Winter holidays flying from England
Anezi Tower Hotel & Apartments
- 24 Dec 2025
- 4 nights
- Room only
- From Manchester
Prices from
Rocha Brava Village Resort
- 22 Dec 2025
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Leeds/Bradford
Prices from
Cerro Mar Atlantico
4.3
Excellent
- 22 Dec 2025
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Leeds/Bradford
Prices from
Scotland 2025/2026 School Holidays
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas holidays 2025/2026 | 22/12/2025 | 05/01/2026 |
| February half term holidays | 16/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 |
| Easter school holidays | 03/04/2026 | 20/04/2026 |
| Summer school holidays | 29/06/2026 | 11/08/2026 |
| October half term holidays | 12/10/2026 | 16/10/2026 |
Note: Schools in Scotland do not have a May half term, but take select days off in May in addition to the bank holidays.
Winter holidays flying from Scotland
Cerro Mar Atlantico
4.3
Excellent
- 22 Dec 2025
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Edinburgh
Prices from
Cerro Mar Garden
4.3
Excellent
- 22 Dec 2025
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Edinburgh
Prices from
Balaia Golf Village
4.1
Very Good
- 22 Dec 2025
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Edinburgh
Prices from
Wales 2025/2026 School Holidays
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas holidays 2025/2026 | 22/12/2025 | 02/01/2026 |
| February half term holiday | 16/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 |
| Easter school holidays | 30/03/2026 | 10/04/2026 |
| May half term holidays | 25/05/2026 | 29/05/2026 |
| Summer school holidays | 21/07/2026 | 31/08/2026 |
| October half term holidays | 26/10/2026 | 30/10/2026 |
Winter holidays flying from Wales
Pierre & Vacances Resort Terrazas Costa del Sol
3.9
Good
- 23 Dec 2025
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Cardiff
Prices from
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Costa del Sol
4.3
Very Good
- 23 Dec 2025
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Cardiff
Prices from
Northern Ireland 2025/2026 School Holidays
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas holidays 2025/2026 | 22/12/2025 | 02/01/2026 |
| February half term holidays | 12/02/2026 | 13/02/2026 |
| Easter school holidays | 02/04/2026 | 10/04/2026 |
| Summer school holidays | 01/07/2026 | 01/09/2026 |
| October half term holidays | 26/10/2026 | 30/10/2026 |
Note: Northern Ireland only takes off the bank holidays in May and has no half term holiday.
*Please note that the school holiday dates listed above are to be used as a rough guide only. We recommend that you check with your local council and school to find the dates specific to you and your children.
Printable School Holidays Calendar
Can Parents Take Children Out Of School During Term Time?
You need to get permission from the head teacher to take children out of school during term time. They will decide how many days, if any, a child can be absent.
If you take kids out of school without permission, you risk getting into trouble with the school and may receive a fine from the local council.
How To Save Money On Half Term Holidays
Family holidays are where memories are made and are worth every penny, but why not get more for less? Save money on your school holiday escape by:
- Using icelolly.com: If you’re searching for the best possible deal, using a holiday price comparison website like icelolly.com is your best bet. We compare the UK’s best package holiday providers, meaning you can see all your options in one place – and save time and money in the process!
- Being flexible: Flexibility is key to scoring a bargain, especially during popular periods like the school holidays. Try a range of dates and durations and compare the results. Package holidays are generally cheaper in the last week in August and the first week in September, as many families prefer to jet off earlier in the school holidays.
- Going all-inclusive: All-inclusive holidays have two huge perks: you get all your holiday essentials wrapped up in one easy package, and you’ll have most of your costs covered upfront, which makes it easier to stick to your budget.
Half term holidays
The Destination Finder
Know what you want from your holiday but don’t know where to get it? Just ask our Destination Finder! We’ll narrow it down to your perfect destinations and find the best deals to get you there!
Inspire me
