UK summer holidays 2027

Summer 2027 holiday dates by UK nation

England & Scotland share 22 Jul – 20 Aug 2027 (30 days) · Wales: 21 Jul – 31 Aug 2027 · NI: 1 Jul – 31 Aug 2027

Travelling this summer and want fewer crowds? These destinations finish school before UK families break up, so resorts are fully open at quieter, near-term-time prices: Greece, Italy, Portugal, Croatia, and Ireland. Each page shows the quietest week to travel.

Why the start dates differ

Scotland breaks up first — the last week of June or first week of July — because its school year starts in mid-August. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland generally finish in late July, with Northern Ireland often starting its break a few days earlier.

This three-to-four week gap between Scottish and English start dates creates a genuine off-peak window. In mid-July, Scottish families are already on holiday while most English schools are still in session. Destinations in Scotland, Europe, and beyond see lighter family demand during this period.

The cheapest weeks to travel in summer

The most expensive week of summer is the last full week of August. By then all four UK nations are off, and demand from Ireland, much of continental Europe, and the US is also peaking. The cheapest weeks, in date order:

• First two weeks of July. Scotland is off, but England, Wales, and NI are still in school. Quiet at Scottish destinations and good for Scottish families heading abroad — the Scotland early-break window above.
• Third and fourth weeks of July. England has broken up but the full UK-wide peak hasn't kicked in. Often 15–25% cheaper than late August for the same destinations.
• Last week of August. Scotland is already back in school, but England, Wales, and NI are still off. The most expensive window of the summer — final chance for families tied to English, Welsh, or NI term dates.

Northern Ireland's longer summer

Northern Ireland has the longest UK summer break — roughly nine weeks, from around 1 July to the end of August. NI families get more flexibility within their window, but that window overlaps almost entirely with England's peak, so prices at popular destinations stay elevated throughout.

Destinations with early summer school finishes

The "June gap": some destination countries finish school before UK families break up, giving a window of full summer conditions without the UK family crowd.

• Croatia: schools finish mid-June. The Adriatic coast is open and operating before UK families arrive.
• Cyprus: schools close late June. A few weeks of full summer conditions before the main UK influx.
• Ireland: schools finish late June. The west coast and Dublin are quieter before English families arrive in late July.
• France: all zones finish by early July. Campsites and Eurocamp sites fill from French domestic demand before UK peak begins.
• Portugal: schools finish mid-June. The Algarve is in full swing but pre-UK-peak quieter.
• Greece: schools finish mid-June. Greek islands are open and quieter before the late-July surge.

INSET days at the start and end of summer

English state schools set their own INSET days, and the start of the autumn term is where most of them land. The first days back in September are emptier than the council calendar implies, which matters if you are pricing a late-August return.

A training day in that first week is worth little for travel, because that is the week most schools pick: you move with almost every other family. One later in the autumn falls in term time, when the roads and airports are at their quietest. Check how rare your school’s INSET day is →

Summer 2028 dates

Planning further ahead? Dates are subject to confirmation — always verify with your school.

Summer holiday dates vary by school, particularly for academies in England. Dates shown are the typical range for most state schools in each nation. Always confirm with your school before booking.

Common questions

UK data: 218 councils · 4 nations · v14 · dates last verified September 2026