The cheapest weeks for UK family holidays 2026 and 2027
Family holiday prices track school demand. The fewer UK schools off in a given week, the lower the demand, and usually the lower the price. Every major holiday window in 2026 and 2027 is listed below, week by week.
The first two weeks of July are when Scotland is on summer holiday but England, Wales and Northern Ireland are still in school — full European summer at near-term-time prices. Scotland's October holidays (11 to 22 October 2027) are the single cheapest major holiday window in the year: Scotland is off while England is still in school, and UK flight and hotel prices dip below any other school holiday.
Based on term dates from 218 UK councils across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Percentages show what proportion of schools are off each week.
October half-term 2026
Cheapest week: 2–6 Nov 2026, only 0% of UK schools off
| Week | School-holiday demand | Booking options |
|---|---|---|
| 19–23 Oct 2026 | Low | |
| 26–30 Oct 2026 | High | |
| 2–6 Nov 2026 | Very low |
Christmas 2026–27
Cheapest week: 14–18 Dec 2026, only 0% of UK schools off
| Week | School-holiday demand | Booking options |
|---|---|---|
| 14–18 Dec 2026 | Very low | |
| 21–25 Dec 2026 | Peak | |
| 28 Dec 2026 – 1 Jan 2027 | Peak | |
| 4–8 Jan 2027 | Very low | |
| 11–15 Jan 2027 | Very low |
February half-term 2027
Cheapest week: 1–5 Feb 2027, only 0% of UK schools off
| Week | School-holiday demand | Booking options |
|---|---|---|
| 1–5 Feb 2027 | Very low | |
| 8–12 Feb 2027 | Low | |
| 15–19 Feb 2027 | High | |
| 22–26 Feb 2027 | Very low |
Easter 2027
Cheapest week: 15–19 Mar 2027, only 0% of UK schools off
| Week | School-holiday demand | Booking options |
|---|---|---|
| 15–19 Mar 2027 | Very low | |
| 22–26 Mar 2027 | Moderate | |
| 29 Mar – 2 Apr 2027 | Peak | |
| 5–9 Apr 2027 | High | |
| 12–16 Apr 2027 | Low |
May half-term 2027
Cheapest week: 7–11 Jun 2027, only 0% of UK schools off
| Week | School-holiday demand | Booking options |
|---|---|---|
| 24–28 May 2027 | Very low | |
| 31 May – 4 Jun 2027 | High | |
| 7–11 Jun 2027 | Very low |
Summer 2027
Cheapest week: 6–10 Sep 2027, only 0% of UK schools off
| Week | School-holiday demand | Booking options |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Jun – 2 Jul 2027 | Low | |
| 5–9 Jul 2027 | Low | |
| 12–16 Jul 2027 | Low | |
| 19–23 Jul 2027 | Moderate | |
| 26–30 Jul 2027 | Peak | |
| 2–6 Aug 2027 | Peak | |
| 9–13 Aug 2027 | Peak | |
| 16–20 Aug 2027 | High | |
| 23–27 Aug 2027 | High | |
| 30 Aug – 3 Sep 2027 | Moderate | |
| 6–10 Sep 2027 | Very low |
October half-term 2027
Cheapest week: 1–5 Nov 2027, only 0% of UK schools off
| Week | School-holiday demand | Booking options |
|---|---|---|
| 4–8 Oct 2027 | Very low | |
| 11–15 Oct 2027 | Low | |
| 18–22 Oct 2027 | Low | |
| 25–29 Oct 2027 | High | |
| 1–5 Nov 2027 | Very low |
School-holiday demand is calculated from term date data published by 218 UK local authorities and devolved education bodies. It reflects what percentage of schools are formally on holiday each week, not flight or accommodation prices, which depend on many additional factors. The summer 2027 window opens 1 July (when Northern Ireland breaks up) but most English schools finish in late July, so early weeks show low English demand. Individual school dates vary, especially for academies in England. Always confirm your school's specific dates before booking.