May half term holidays
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May half term holidays
Looking for a cheap family holiday this May half term? Try the Balearics. Menorca has the best family beaches, but Majorca and Ibiza also offer great resorts for you and the children to enjoy.
The Greek islands and Turkey are two more excellent options, while the Spanish Costas, with destinations such as Benidorm and Marbella, offer fantastic value for money.
The Algarve starts to heat up in May, as does Cyprus, which is beautiful at this time of year. Malta too has warm temperatures – perfect for lazing around and spending some quality time with the kids in your hotel pool.
If you’d like a longer trip, Florida is a super destination for its beaches, theme parks and shopping, or you could head to the Caribbean before the summer hurricanes begin. Compare the best deals with us and make sure you don’t pay a penny more than you have to on your May half term holiday.
Find out when May half term is in your area so you can plan your break and get the best deal. The May half term holidays are often planned around the last Monday in May, which is a public bank holiday across the UK.
In 2026, the spring bank holiday is 25 May, and many schools will be closed for a week around this day. Some primary schools, however, may have a two-week break, so it's essential you double check with your child's school before booking a holiday.
| Location | Break up | Return |
|---|---|---|
| England | 22 May | 1 June |
| Wales | 22 May | 1 June |
| Scotland - Edinburgh | Off on May 6 and 18 | |
| Scotland - Glasgow | Off on May 22 and 25 | |
| Northern Ireland | No May half term holiday |
Dates vary within areas by local education authority, and even within individual schools, so please check the exact holiday dates with your child's school – the dates provided above are for guidance only. Additionally, the bank holiday dates are 4 and 25 May – both of which are Mondays.
Where to go during May half-term?
Where you go in May really depends what you’re after. For longer breaks, Mediterranean areas such as Turkey and Greece are really starting to hot up, while far-flung destinations like Florida, the Caribbean and Dubai are also excellent options.
Keeping it short and sweet? Europe’s cities make for exciting May bank holiday escapes, while the Spanish mainland, the Balearics and the Canary Islands are close enough for a long weekend spent lazing on the beach.
May half term deals to Spain
Paraiso 10
- 23 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Edinburgh
Prices from
Dynastic Hotel & SPA
4.4
Excellent
- 24 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Belfast Intl
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Gran Hotel Bali
4.2
Very Good
- 24 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Room only
- From Belfast Intl
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May half term deals to Turkey
Viking Garden Hotel & Spa
- 24 May 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Gatwick
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Grand Zaman Garden Hotel
4.5
Excellent
- 22 May 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Gatwick
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Titan Select Hotel
4.2
Very Good
- 24 May 2026
- 7 nights
- All-inclusive
- From Gatwick
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May half term deals to Greece
Apollon Hotel Apartments
4.3
Excellent
- 24 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Room only
- From Luton
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Antilia Apartments
4.4
Excellent
- 24 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Self-catering
- From Luton
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Thalassi Hotel
4.6
Excellent
- 24 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Half board
- From Luton
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May half term deals to Dubai
Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai
4.7
Excellent
- 22 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Room only
- From Birmingham
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Jumeira Rotana
4.8
Excellent
- 24 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Half board
- From Stansted
Prices from
Towers Rotana
4.7
Excellent
- 22 May 2026
- 7 nights
- Bed & breakfast
- From Stansted
Prices from
Latest travel tips and advice
5 min read
7 of the best child-friendly city breaks
If you’re looking for a destination where you can pack loads of attractions your children will love …Published 15 April 2019
