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Compare the best October half term holidays

There's an autumn chill in the air, Christmas is getting closer and the shops are already packed with festive goods. Taking a break at October half term is the last chance many will have for a holiday in 2026. Where will you escape to?

Below we've highlighted the main shutdown periods for schools in major cities. 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.

LocationBreak upReturn
London23 October2 November
Bristol23 October2 November
Birmingham23 October2 November
Manchester23 October2 November
Newcastle23 October2 November
Cardiff23 October2 November
Edinburgh9 October20 October
Glasgow9 October20 October
Belfast23 October2 November

Cheap October half term holiday deals

Old Town - Dusní Apartments

3.9

Good

Prague, Prague Area, Czech Republic
  • 27 Oct 2026
  • 3 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£349 pp

Aida Hotel

4.4

Excellent

Prague, Prague Area, Czech Republic
  • 27 Oct 2026
  • 3 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£279 pp

Hotel Three Storks

4.6

Excellent

Prague, Prague Area, Czech Republic
  • 27 Oct 2026
  • 3 nights
  • Bed & breakfast
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£349 pp

Where to go in October during half term?

Getting it right in October can be tricky, but we've rounded up some sure-fire winners for a successful break. October half term is a great time to recharge those batteries ahead of the long winter months - whether you crave sunshine or want to feed your mind and soul.

Many people will opt for some early winter sun at this time of year, trips to the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, Florida and the Red Sea in Egypt are all firm favourites. For those looking to keep costs down, the Spanish Costas, including the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca with perennial favourite Benidorm, are hugely popular and won't break the bank.

Majorca is also a good bet, along with more exotic options such as Morocco. Cyprus is still warm, as are some of the Turkish resorts and Crete in the Greek islands. Malta is also a good option at this time of year while the Algarve in southern Portugal will also give you a well-deserved break without busting your wallet. Just check the temperatures for the resort you plan to travel to.

Another great idea is a city break. Europe's capital cities offer a fantastic short break option for families, as well as people travelling without children. Paris, Berlin and Rome are just a starting point.

Alternatively, head to one of the UK's big cities such as London, Manchester or Edinburgh for sightseeing, shopping and entertainment; book a country cottage to see the countryside in autumnal splendour, or check into a UK holiday park for some family fun.

Florida October half term deals

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Fantasy World Resort

4.4

Excellent

Kissimmee, Florida, United States
  • 24 Oct 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Heathrow

Prices from

£759 pp

Floridays Resort Orlando

4.3

Excellent

Orlando, Florida, United States
  • 25 Oct 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£1,249 pp

Collins

4.1

Very Good

Miami Beach, Florida, United States
  • 25 Oct 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Manchester

Prices from

£759 pp
Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

Malta October half term deals

Luna Holiday Complex

4.3

Very Good

Mellieha, Malta
  • 24 Oct 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Self-catering
  • From Heathrow

Prices from

£489 pp

Topaz Hotel

3.8

Good

St Paul's Bay, Malta
  • 24 Oct 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Heathrow

Prices from

£489 pp

Salini Resort

4.3

Excellent

St Paul's Bay, Malta
  • 24 Oct 2026
  • 7 nights
  • Room only
  • From Heathrow

Prices from

£599 pp
Prices and availability shown can change. Always check pricing with the provider before booking.

More October half term holiday destinations