Planning ahead for UK school holidays 2026 can make your family breaks more enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you’re a parent, a student, or a teacher, knowing the holiday dates helps you organize your time effectively. The academic calendar in the UK is divided into terms, with breaks in between for rest and relaxation. These breaks, such as Easter school holidays 2026 UK, vary slightly across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, making it important to check local schedules.
From half-term breaks to summer holidays, understanding the school calendar can help you maximize family time and make the most of every moment. Let’s explore the details to help you stay prepared!
Breakdown of UK School Holidays 2026: Dates Across the Regions
So, if you’re wondering, “What are the UK school holidays for 2026?” we’ve got you covered. School holidays in the UK differ slightly across regions, so it’s essential to check your local council for updates. Here’s a breakdown to help you stay organized:
School Holidays 2026 UK: EnglandSchool Holidays 2026 UK: England
Autumn Half Term: 20th October 2025 – 24th October 2025
Christmas Break: 22nd December 2025 – 2nd January 2026
Spring Half Term: 16th February 2026 – 20th February 2026
Easter Holidays: 6th April 2026 – 17th April 2026
Summer Half Term: 25th May 2026 – 29th May 2026
Summer Holidays: 20th July 2026 – 28th August 2026
School Holidays 2026 UK: Scotland
Autumn Half Term: 10th October 2025 – 19th October 2025
Christmas Break: 19th December 2025 – 5th January 2026
Spring Half Term: 9th February 2026 – 11th February 2026
Easter Holidays: 3rd April 2026 – 20th April 2026
Summer Holidays: 26th June 2026 – 11th August 2026
School Holidays 2026 UK: Wales
Autumn Half Term: 27th October 2025 – 31st October 2025
Christmas Break: 22nd December 2025 – 2nd January 2026
Spring Half Term: 16th February 2026 – 20th February 2026
Easter Holidays: 6th April 2026 – 17th April 2026
Summer Half Term: 25th May 2026 – 29th May 2026
Summer Holidays: 20th July 2026 – 28th August 2026
School Holidays 2026 UK: Northern Ireland
Autumn Half Term: 27th October 2025 – 31st October 2025
Christmas Break: 22nd December 2025 – 2nd January 2026
Spring Half Term: 16th February 2026 – 20th February 2026
Easter Holidays: 16th April 2026 – 24th April 2026
Summer Holidays: 1st July 2026 – 31st August 2026
Note: Dates can vary slightly by schools and councils. Always verify with your local authority to stay informed about your UK school holiday dates 2026.
How to Plan Family Fun During UK School Holidays 2026
Are you excited to plan your holidays in 2026? The UK school holidays, including spring break 2026 and Easter school holidays 2026, are perfect for spending quality time with your loved ones.
Firstly, start by exploring affordable options like visiting local parks, museums, or zoos, which are fun for all ages. For something more adventurous, theme parks and nature reserves are always great choices. If you prefer staying at home, activities like baking, crafting, or even a family movie night can keep everyone happy and entertained. Thus, with a little planning, you can create wonderful memories without overspending.
Plan Ahead: Top Travel Tips for School Holidays UK
Planning a trip during the UK school holidays can feel overwhelming, but with a few tips, it becomes much easier. If you’re booking travel for the school holidays in the UK, including the Easter school holidays 2026 UK, it’s best to plan early. Popular destinations and flights fill up quickly during peak times, so securing your tickets and accommodations in advance can save you time and money.
Consider traveling just before or after the busiest days, such as around UK bank holidays, to avoid crowds and higher prices. Always check for any travel restrictions or requirements, especially if you’re planning an international trip. Staying flexible with dates and choosing less popular destinations can also help you find better deals. With careful planning, you can enjoy stress-free and memorable school holiday travels.
How to Keep Kids Learning During School Holidays 2026 UK
Additionally, the England school holidays offer the perfect chance to mix learning with fun for your children. Keeping them engaged doesn’t have to be difficult, thanks to a variety of educational activities available online and offline.
Websites like BBC Bitesize and National Geographic Kids offer interactive games and resources tailored to different age groups. You could also plan hands-on activities like science experiments, crafting, or nature scavenger hunts to make learning exciting. Libraries often host holiday programs, so check for events in your area. With these ideas, the UK school holidays can be both enjoyable and enriching for the entire family.
How to Manage Work and Childcare During UK Holidays 2026
In fact, balancing work and family life during the UK school holidays can feel tricky, but there are plenty of helpful options. During the England school holidays or the upcoming spring break 2026, holiday clubs are a great way to keep children entertained and supervised. Also, many community centers, schools, and local organizations offer activities ranging from sports to arts and crafts. If holiday clubs aren’t an option, consider arranging childcare swaps with other parents or hiring a trusted sitter. Therefore, planning ahead ensures you can manage work commitments while giving your children a fun and fulfilling holiday experience.
Conclusion
Planning ahead for the UK school holidays is the key to making the most of these special times with your family. From exploring fun activities during the Easter school holidays 2026 in the UK and spring break 2026 to organizing stress-free travel and managing childcare.
Furthermore, including online tutoring in your plans can offer valuable extra help for your child. Engaging with online tutors keeps kids focused and motivated while strengthening their understanding of key subjects. This support not only helps them stay on track academically but also makes learning enjoyable and interactive, even during the holidays.
With thoughtful planning and the right resources, you can turn every school holiday into a time filled with learning, adventure, and lasting memories. Start preparing now, and you’ll be ready to enjoy all the wonderful opportunities the holidays have to offer!
FAQs:
What are the UK school holidays for 2026 in London?
In London, the UK school holidays for 2026 typically follow this schedule:
- Spring Half Term: 17 February 2026 – 21 February 2026
- Easter Holidays: 7 April 2026 – 17 April 2026
- Summer Half Term: 25 May 2026 – 29 May 2026
- Summer Holidays: 20 July 2026 – 28 August 2026
- Autumn Half Term: 19 October 2026 – 23 October 2026
- Christmas Break: 22 December 2026 – 2 January 2027
Please check with local councils or schools for exact dates, as they may vary slightly.
How long is the Easter holiday?
The Easter school holidays UK usually last for two weeks. For most schools, they fall between 7th April 2026 and 18th April 2026, though exact dates may vary depending on the school or council.
What are the UK school holidays for 2026?
The UK school holidays for 2026 are generally:
- Spring half term: 16th February 2026 – 20th February 2026
- Easter holidays: 30th March 2026 – 10th April 2026
- Summer half term: 25th May 2026 – 29th May 2026
- Summer holidays: late July to late August 2026 (often from around 20th–24th July to 28th–31st August)
- Autumn half term: one week in late October 2026 (typically the last week of October)
- Christmas break: around 22nd December 2026 to early January 2027
When is the spring break 2026 in the UK?
The spring break in the UK, also known as the Spring Half Term, typically falls between 16th February 2026 and 20th February 2026. However, dates may vary slightly depending on your school or local council. It’s always best to double-check with your child’s school for specific term dates.
What are the UK school holidays for 2026-2027?
For the academic year 2026-2027, the school holidays in the UK are expected to be:
Autumn Half Term: Monday 26 October 2026 – Friday 30 October 2026
Christmas Break: Monday 21 December 2026 – Friday 1 January 2027
Spring Half Term: Monday 15 February 2027 – Friday 19 February 2027
Easter Holidays: Friday 26 March 2027 – Friday 9 April 2027
Summer Half Term: Monday 31 May 2027 – Friday 4 June 2027
Summer Holidays (start): From Thursday 22 July 2027, onwards
