February half term breaks 2026

The dates of half term holidays can vary from one part of the country to another, with some lucky children enjoying a whole week off while others may have only two or three days off.

The main shutdown periods for schools in the big cities can be found below. However, do check with your child's school or local education authority for exact dates as they can vary dramatically, even within the same area.

February half term 2026

Escaping from wintry weather in February can be tricky. At this time of year you'll need to travel further afield than the Med to bask in sunshine.

Consider the Canary Islands for a good-value break with temperatures in the mid-20s and long stretches of sun. Heading further afield to destinations such as the Red Sea, Florida, the Caribbean, the Maldives, Goa and Dubai will also give you plenty of sun to top up your vitamin D levels and leave you with a healthy-looking tan.

February is a great time to take a city break before high temperatures make sightseeing hard work. For the more northern cities you will need to wrap up to keep warm - but with lots to see and do they make fantastic locations for family holidays.

From Athens and Rome through to Berlin and Stockholm - and of course the classics such as Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona - there are plenty to choose from. And at this time of year you'll also get great holiday prices with cheap flights and hotels on offer.

If you don't want to travel overseas or are looking for a shorter break, there's also plenty to do in the UK - whether you want to introduce the kids to a new city or enjoy some quality time as a family on a cottage or holiday park break.