When is October half-term 2026 in the UK?
When is October half-term?
12 Oct to 30 Oct 2026
Earliest start: Scotland. Latest end: England. Different UK nations break up on different dates.
Scottish schools are off 11–22 October 2027; English schools 25–29 October 2027. There is no term-time gap between them: England's break starts the Monday after Scotland's ends. English schools are in session throughout Scotland's break, so UK family demand in those weeks comes from Scotland alone.
Dates by UK nation
| Nation | Upcoming dates |
|---|---|
| England | · ✓ Verified |
| Scotland | · ✓ Verified |
| Wales | · ✓ Verified |
| Northern Ireland | · ✓ Verified |
October half-term is the most fragmented UK school holiday. Scotland's autumn break falls one to two weeks earlier than England's, and Northern Ireland's is often only two days. The week to avoid is the one when English, Welsh, and Scottish schools all happen to be off at once. It doesn't happen every year, but when it does, prices and availability shift sharply.
Scotland's autumn break falls while English schools are in session, so it is the quieter of the two for short-haul travel. England's week is the one to avoid.
Also searched for as: autumn half term or october break.
Dates are based on term dates published by 218 UK local authorities and devolved education bodies. Individual schools, particularly academies in England, may set their own dates within the local authority window. Always confirm specific dates before booking.
Common questions
When is October half-term in the UK?
In 2026, October half-term runs from 12 Oct 2026 (earliest, in Scotland) to 30 Oct 2026 (latest, in England). Dates vary by nation.
Which dates are most expensive during the October half-term?
The peak window is 26 Oct – 27 Oct 2026, when at least 80% of UK schools are off at the same time. Avoid these dates if you're booking without children.