UK School Holiday Dates 2026; England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland

Planning family holidays 2026 starts with knowing when the school breaks fall. Whether you’re organising a half term getaway, an Easter escape or a summer break, understanding the UK school holiday dates for 2026 helps you plan ahead, book time off work and find better-value family holidays.

Below is a clear guide to school holiday dates across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, along with helpful advice on term-time travel and ways to save money when booking family holidays in 2026.

School holiday dates can vary between local authorities and individual schools, so always check with your child’s school before making any travel plans.

England School Holiday Dates 2026

• February half term: 16 February – 20 February 2026
• Easter holidays: 30 March – 10 April 2026
• May half term: 25 May – 29 May 2026
• Summer holidays: 20 July – 03 September 2026
• October half term: 26 October – 30 October 2026
• Christmas holidays: 21 December 2026 – 4 January 2027

Scotland School Holiday Dates 2026

• February half term: 16 February – 20 February 2026
• Easter holidays: 3 April – 20 April 2026
• Summer holidays: 29 June – 11 August 2026
• October half term: 12 October – 16 October 2026
• Christmas holidays: 21 December 2026 – 4 January 2027

Scotland does not usually observe a May half term, but pupils may have additional days off in May around bank holidays.

Wales School Holiday Dates 2026

• February half term: 16 February – 20 February 2026
• Easter holidays: 30 March – 10 April 2026
• May half term: 25 May – 29 May 2026
• Summer holidays: 21 July – 31 August 2026
• October half term: 26 October – 30 October 2026
• Christmas holidays: 18 December 2026 – 4 January 2027

Northern Ireland School Holiday Dates 2026

• February half term: 12 February – 13 February 2026
• Easter holidays: 2 April – 10 April 2026
• Summer holidays: 1 July – 1 September 2026
• October half term: 26 October – 30 October 2026
• Christmas holidays: 21 December 2026 – 4 January 2027

Northern Ireland does not typically have a May half term and usually only observes bank holidays during May.

How to maximize your leave in 2026. This is the key to happiness! 

To maximise time off in the UK in 2026, you can align annual leave with England & Wales bank holidays. This gives long breaks while using the fewest leave days.

Below is a practical guide for this year.

Easter Break (4 days leave → 10 days off)

Bank holidays

• Good Friday — 3 April

• Easter Monday — 6 April

Book off:

• 30 Mar – 2 Apr

• 7 Apr – 10 Apr

Result:
28 Mar – 12 Apr off (16 days if you take all 8 days leave or 10 days off using just 4 days)

Early May Bank Holiday (4 days leave → 9 days off)

Bank holiday: Monday 4 May

Book off:

• 5 – 8 May

Result:
2 May – 10 May off (8 days for the price of 4!)

Spring Bank Holiday (4 days leave → 9 days off)

Bank holiday: Monday 25 May

Book off:

• 26 – 29 May

Result:
23 May – 31 May off (8 days for the price of 4!)

Summer Bank Holiday (4 days leave → 9 days off)

Bank holiday: Monday 31 August

Book off:

• 1 – 4 Sept

Result:
29 Aug – 6 Sept off - although your kids will be heading back to school around this time, don't want to miss that! 

Christmas & New Year (3 days leave → 10+ days off)

Bank holidays:

• Christmas Day — Friday 25 Dec
• Boxing Day (substitute) — Monday28 Dec
• New Year’s Day — Friday 1 Jan 2027

Book off:

• 29 – 31 Dec

Result:
25 Dec – 3 Jan off (10 days using 3 leave days)

If you did all of the above, you will have used only 19 days but gained a total of 53! N ow thats the kind of Smart leave we enjoy hearing! 

Can Parents Take Children Out of School for Family Holidays 2026?

Parents must request permission from the head teacher before taking children out of school during term time for family holidays 2026. The head teacher will decide whether the absence is authorised and how many days, if any, can be taken.

Taking children out of school without permission may result in penalties, including fines issued by the local council. It’s important to understand school attendance rules before booking a family holiday outside official school holiday dates.

How to Save Money on Family Holidays 2026

Family holidays create lasting memories, but costs can add up quickly. With a little planning, it’s possible to enjoy great family holidays in 2026 without overspending.

Be Flexible with Travel Dates

Flexibility can make a big difference to the cost of family holidays, particularly during school holiday periods. Trying different departure dates or holiday lengths may reveal better prices. Late August and early September are often cheaper, as many families prefer to travel earlier in the summer break.

Consider All-Inclusive Family Holidays

All-inclusive family holidays are a popular choice in 2026. With accommodation, meals, drinks and entertainment included, they make budgeting easier and help avoid unexpected costs while away.

Book Early or Look for Last-Minute Deals

Booking early can secure better availability for popular family destinations, while last-minute deals may offer savings for families who are flexible with destinations and travel dates.

Tip: Always double-check local council term dates before booking your family holiday, as school holiday dates can vary across regions and schools.