October is one of my favourite times of year to travel. The summer crowds have gone, prices come down (slightly!), and there’s something lovely about UK autumn breaks that doesn’t get talked about enough. Crisp morning walks, cosy pubs, and landscapes doing their best showing off of the year. Or sometimes you just need to chase the last sunset of the year before you accept the cold season.
If you’re looking for October half term holiday ideas with kids, you’re in the right place. We’ve had brilliant Octobers over the years, from UK breaks wrapped up by roaring fires to sun-chasing flights south when the idea of another grey British weekend is just too much.
When is October half term 2026?
October half term 2026 falls on 26th – 30th October for most English and Welsh schools. Scottish schools often have their own dates, typically a week earlier. Always check your specific local authority, as dates vary by borough and county. It typically is a one-week window, not a two-week stretch like Christmas or Easter, which means most families are looking at long weekends or the same single week away, so booking early matters.
Making October half term more affordable
Prices spike over half term – that’s just the reality. But there are ways to keep costs manageable.
Timing your booking
Book early (spring) or late (within a few weeks of the trip). The pricing sweet spot either way tends to be much better than booking mid-summer. October half term doesn’t command Easter or summer peak prices, so if you’re flexible on destination, you can still find good value.
Heading away the weekend before half term officially starts, or returning the Monday after schools go back, can save a surprising amount on accommodation and flights.
Self-catering saves money
Renting a cottage, apartment, or holiday let cuts food costs significantly. With young kids in tow, self-catering also gives you a functioning kitchen for early dinners and snacks on demand, which is much-needed after a busy day out and about. I’ve compared all the main holiday rental platforms for families so you know where to look.
Loyalty points and memberships
October is brilliant for autumnal National Trust visits. Membership pays for itself over the half term week if you’re doing one or two properties. English Heritage is also worth considering if you’re near any historic sites. For flights, check if you have any credit card points or airline miles sitting around, and half term is a good time to use them.
UK October half term holiday ideas:
1. October half term in the Cotswolds
Autumn is one of the best time to visit the Cotswolds. The leaves are turning, the tourists are in much lower volumes, and those stone villages look spectacular on a crisp October morning. It’s extremely pushchair-friendly in the main villages, and Bourton-on-the-Water has the River Windrush running right through it. The Cotswold Farm Park runs autumn activities and is brilliant for toddlers. See our Cotswolds with kids guide for more.
2. October half term in Scotland
Scotland is spectacular in autumn, probably more so than any other time of year. The colours across the Highlands and Loch Ness are extraordinary, and you may well feel like you have the place to yourself compared to summer. Road trips work well here with toddlers in tow: scenic drives, castle stops, beaches when the weather holds – we did Inverness to the Isle of Skye and to Loch Ness. Pack for all 4 seasons, and you’ll need waterproofs regardless.
3. October half term in Norfolk
We had a great Easter in Norfolk and I’d go back in October without hesitation. The Norfolk Broads have a different, moodier atmosphere in autumn, the coast is quiet, and the local seal colonies are often at their most accessible in October and November. Read our Norfolk family destination guide for where to stay and what to do.
4. October half term in Jersey
Jersey was one of our best October trips and a great option for a long weekend for a number of reasons. We went in late October and it was still nice weather, the flight from London is just 30 minutes, the airport is tiny and stress-free, and the island somehow manages to feel like abroad without any of the long-haul faff. We didn’t hire a car as the bus network is pram-friendly and more than adequate for a long weekend. October is also a good time to go price-wise – the same property we stayed in was nearly double in summer.
Read our Jersey itinerary for where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of a long weekend on the island.
5. October half term in Devon and Cornwall
We’ve been to Devon countless times (I grew up there, so I’m biased), but autumn really is a lovely time to visit. The tourist footfall drops dramatically, prices come down, and there’s plenty of beaches for playing (just pack the all-in-ones!). North Devon in particular (Croyde, Saunton, and up through Exmoor) is beautiful in the autumn colours.
Cornwall follows the same pattern. Yes, the weather is unpredictable, but a rainy day on a Cornish beach can still be brilliant if you’re dressed for it. See our things to do in North Devon with kids guide for ideas.
6. October half term in London
London in October is an underrated half term destination, particularly if you live outside the city and fancy a short trip rather than a full week away. The major museums are free and significantly less hectic than summer: the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the V&A are all brilliant for young kids. Halloween events run across the city, from Kew Gardens’ Enchanted Halloween trail to seasonal programming at the major attractions.
It’s also a good base for day trips, with Windsor, Legoland and the Warner Bro Studios all within easy reach on the train. See our 3-day itinerary in London with young kids for tips on making the most of a trip.
7. Tattershall Lakes in Lincolnshire
Tattershall Lakes is one of my top picks for October half term, and Away Resorts (who run around 26 parks across the UK) are one of the most underrated holiday park groups. Their parks are well-located, the lodges are a step above the average static caravan (although they are there too), and they lean hard into the seasonal theming – Halloween over half term is a big deal, with activities and events that toddlers absolutely love.
Parks include Sandy Balls in the New Forest, Whitecliff Bay on the Isle of Wight, and Mill Rythe Coastal Village in Hampshire. Browse Away Resorts for October half term.
Other UK ideas for October half term:
- Yorkshire: The Moors in autumn, Whitby for Halloween vibes (genuinely great for older kids), and York is one of the most pushchair-friendly city breaks in the country
- Lake District: The autumn colours around Windermere are extraordinary, but better suited to toddlers who are happy in backpack carriers or kids who can manage short trails
- Edinburgh: Brilliant city break, very pushchair-friendly, and the Halloween festival (Samhuinn) makes it a special time to visit
- Henley-on-Thames: If you’re after a short break rather than a full week, the Chilterns in autumn are beautiful
Holiday parks for October half term
Holiday parks earn their premium at October half term. Indoor pools, kids’ clubs, and organised activities mean you’re not reliant on the weather, and the Halloween theming most parks run over half term is easy entertainment.
- Center Parcs: the obvious choice, and for good reason. Halloween activities, indoor subtropical pool, and a protected forest setting. Prices are high, but the all-weather guarantee is worth it in October. Book very early for half term. See our Center Parcs alternatives guide if it’s sold out or over budget.
- Center Parcs Europe: similar concept but with a European twist, with parks across Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Germany. A short drive or Eurostar hop away, with stunning forest settings, and indoor facilities that mirror the UK parks but are noticeably cheaper. Browse Center Parcs Europe locations.
- Away Resorts: with parks including Sandy Balls (New Forest), Whitecliff Bay (Isle of Wight), and Mill Rythe (Hampshire), these parks deliver strong seasonal programming and a step up from the average holiday park in terms of accommodation quality. See availability and save even more with the code ‘LBABROAD15‘ which gives you up to 15% off at Away Resorts.
- EuroParcs: a growing network of holiday parks with well-priced lodges and on-site activities. Worth checking if Center Parcs is sold out or over budget, and a good option if you’re open to a short European park break as an alternative to a UK one. We had a lovely and affordable lodge at Marina Strandbag in the Netherlands.
- Parkdean Resorts: with over 50 parks across the UK offering relatively cheap and cheerful caravan holidays, Parkdean is a strong option if you want to stay close to a specific region. Most parks have indoor pools and Halloween activities over half term.
- John Fowler Holidays: 14 parks across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Wales, most with indoor pools and kids’ entertainment over half term. A strong option if you want to base yourself on the South West coast for the week and get good value for accommodation within easy reach of beaches. Check October half term availability.
European October half term breaks: sun and culture
October is one of the best months to travel in Europe, in my opinion. It’s still warm in the Mediterranean, accommodation is significantly cheaper than summer, and the crowds at attractions are a fraction of what they’d be in the summer.
1. October half term in the Canary Islands
If you want guaranteed sunshine in October, the Canaries deliver. Tenerife, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria all sit around 24–26°C in late October, with flight times from the UK of around 4 hours. This is the go-to when October grey has got to you and you need actual warmth.
We went to Tenerife last October with R and it delivered exactly that. We stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Abama, which is one of the best family hotels I’ve stayed at with R. Read the full review for all the details.
2. October half term in Mallorca
We first went to Mallorca in October for our babymoon and the weather was great – sunny but not hot, with water still warm enough to swim in, crowds largely gone, and prices dropping sharply from their summer peak. We went back with R and found it extremely family-friendly, with a range of accommodation from all-inclusive resorts to rural fincas that work for most budgets.
3. October half term in Seville
I only recently visited Seville with R and it’s shot straight to the top of my list of favourite European cities. October is a good month to go: temperatures sit around 22–24°C, the summer heat has gone, and the city is at its best. The orange trees are laden with fruit, the Alcázar gardens are in prime condition, and the tapas bars aren’t heaving with tourists.
Other European October half term destinations
- Porto – 2h 20m, beautiful, good food, very affordable in October
- Lisbon – slightly warmer than Porto, very walkable, fun trams that toddlers love
- Barcelona – 2h, warm, great food, and Parc Güell works well for toddlers
- Italy – Rome is much more manageable in October than summer, and Lake Como in autumn is spectacular. We’ve done both: see our Italy region-by-region guide for ideas.
- Greece – the islands are quieter and cheaper in October, and the weather is still warm. Crete, Rhodes, and Corfu are all good family options at this time of year, as are less well known islands with Brits (we loved Spetses and Lefkada). See our guide to the best Greek islands for families for the full breakdown.
Before booking any European trip, check our guide to the new EU entry rules for UK families. The EES and ETIAS systems are rolling out and will affect border crossings at some European airports.
Long-haul in October ideas
1. Florida in October
October is a great month to visit the eastern USA. The heat and humidity of summer have dropped, hurricane season is winding down, and you’re ahead of the Thanksgiving and Christmas crowds. Flights from the UK to Orlando, Miami, and New York are around 9–10 hours.
For families heading to Florida, the theme parks are quieter than summer and the weather is around 28°C in Orlando.
If you fancy something less family-oriented (but still very family-friendly), I’ve written a destination guide to the Florida Keys, where the laid-back pace and water activities make it a good alternative to the theme park circuit.
New England in October is also worth mentioning for anyone who fancies combining a city break (Boston or New York) with genuinely spectacular autumn colours. Leaf peeping with a toddler might not be what it is without children, but the landscapes are extraordinary.
2. October half term in Abu Dhabi and the UAE
October is the sweet spot for the UAE. Summer temperatures finally drop, and by October you’re looking at a manageable 30–33°C with lower humidity. It’s also before the peak winter season, so prices are better.
Abu Dhabi works well with little ones: exceptional family hotels, clean beaches, world-class facilities, and easy to navigate. The flight from the UK is around 7 hours, and the time difference is only 3 hours so jet lag isn’t the ordeal it is with longer-haul destinations.
This October we’re heading to Sir Bani Yas Island for one of the most extraordinary family experiences in the UAE. It’s a wildlife reserve off the Abu Dhabi coast with free-roaming cheetahs, giraffes, gazelles, and over 10,000 animals, essentially an Arabian safari. The island has three Anantara resorts, each with a different feel:
- Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort — the safari lodge, with wildlife wandering past your villa. This is the one we’re staying at and I cannot wait to see R’s face when he spots the giraffes.
- Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort — overwater villas on the beach, more tropical in feel
- Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa — the main resort hotel, slightly more accessible price point
3. October half term in the Caribbean
October sits technically at the tail end of hurricane season, but in practice many islands are beautiful in late October and the slight weather risk is reflected in the price, which can be significantly lower than December or February.
I went to Antigua one October and the weather was glorious. Jolly Harbour on the west coast is a particularly good spot for families – calm, sheltered water, a good beach, and a marina with restaurants and a small supermarket. The key is to go in late October, keep an eye on the forecast in the weeks before, and book somewhere with a flexible cancellation policy (or have good insurance) in case a storm system develops. It rarely does, but worth the peace of mind.
Barbados and St Lucia are also popular October choices for families – both have more shelter from Atlantic weather than the smaller eastern Caribbean islands.
What I’ve learned about October travel with a toddler
After various Octobers both at home and away:
- UK autumn weather is unpredictable so pack waterproofs, a warm layer, and sun cream, and you’ll be fine whatever happens
- Holiday parks are worth it in October for the same reason they’re worth it at Easter: indoor facilities save your sanity when it rains
- The Canaries are the easy win if you want guaranteed sun without long-haul
- European cities are better in October than summer, with fewer queues, lower prices, and manageable temperatures
- Book early for popular half term dates, as the week fills up faster than you’d expect, especially for holiday parks and popular UK cottages
- For keeping toddlers occupied on longer flights, see our age-by-age baby travel toys guide.
Let us know in the comments where you’re heading this October half term, and we’ll add anything brilliant to the list!
Allie, Jack & R
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