Note: All prices and promotions correct at the time of writing.
When is October half term in the UK?
Generally October half-term 2024 is either 21 to 25 October or 28 October to 1 November, 2024. It's best to double check when your child's school term and half-term lands, as some dates vary across the UK.
Some schools don't follow these term dates including academies, free schools, foundation schools and faith schools so if you're unsure about your school's term dates, it's best to contact them directly.
October half term survival guide for parents
Wherever you’re spending this half-term, here are some wise words from Mumsnetters on how to get through the week and make the most of every moment.
Keep them busy
“I try to keep mine out and about and busy during holidays as otherwise they'll constantly ask to spend their whole time on tablets or fighting.” Rover83
But build in some down time, whatever you’re doing
“We're going to a cottage in Wales in the middle of nowhere and with no TV or wifi just to get away from it all. Planning on doing nothing much but taking wellies and warm clothes for walks. Looking forward to an escape.” LovelyBath77
Make the most of Halloween events
“We’re going pumpkin picking and to a Halloween event. Scarecrow trail and trick or treating on Halloween plus Halloween films. Local Halloween party the day before.” GenerallyStruggling
If the sun is what you need, make sure it’s pretty much guaranteed with our guide to October half-term family holiday destinations
“I've been to Tenerife 6-7 times for October half terms. There has been the occasional day with a rain storm, but it's consistently been 23-25 degrees.” RookieMere
Make the most of the last of the good weather
“Last year we did yurt camping in Cornwall and we all loved it and even did surfing lessons (even me) during the October half term break!” FarGone
But do have a wet weather plan, too
“We find that city breaks are good at that time of year because we can do something indoors like a museum if it’s cold or wet. York is a great city for children and there are several free museums.” RiceKrispie22
Enjoy your local cities
“Check out the bank of England, they sometimes put stuff on for kids during half term, including lifting up a gold bar which is in a glass case. There's always the monument and Sky garden. The V&A sometimes do activities. I remember my kids were able to make a template and print a tee shirt for free. Just wander around Covent Garden to see the street artists, or China Town to explore the interesting shops.” StitchInTime
However much you do or don’t do, don’t let half term stress you out. Not every day has to be an ‘event’
“As they grow up kids won’t remember the big days out and the money you spent. They’ll remember being with you and feeling happy, content and safe, regardless of where that was.” Moonshine160
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real parents
We always start our research on the Mumsnet holiday forums. With over 8 million users a month, we know we’re going to get a whole host of genuine recommendations for great UK holiday providers that will cater for a range of needs and budgets. And best of all, the suggestions come from users that have been there and done that.
Expert guidance and traveller reviews
We then consult the experts to make sure we’re recommending that is suitable for families. This means cross-checking properties with travel sites like TripAdvisor and Booking.com to check recent user reviews and ratings. We’ll always look at any negative comments so that we can give a balanced review.
About the authors
Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. At Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. As a mum of two, she knows all too well how difficult travelling with kids can be. Whether it’s within the UK or abroad, she’s on a quest to find only the best and most family-friendly locations, with the help of Mumsnet user recommendations. She recently took the family to experience the magic of Disneyland Paris. Check out her review of Les Villages Nature Paris for insider insights.
Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel. She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids. Recent reviews including Eurocamp Duinrell and Fowey Hall Hotel.