When are the summer holidays 2027 in the UK?
When are the summer holidays?
1 Jul to 31 Aug 2027
Earliest start: Northern Ireland. Latest end: England. Different UK nations break up on different dates.
Scottish schools finish 2 July 2027 and English schools 22 July 2027. In that gap European resorts are in full summer operation but the bulk of UK family demand has not arrived. Those weeks in France, Spain, Portugal and Italy cost less than August for the same accommodation.
Dates by UK nation
| Nation | Upcoming dates |
|---|---|
| England | · ✓ Verified |
| Scotland | · ✓ Verified |
| Wales | · ✓ Verified |
| Northern Ireland | · ✓ Verified |
The summer break is the longest UK school holiday and the most expensive period of the year for flights and accommodation. The four UK nations don't break up on the same day. Scotland goes first, England and Wales follow a few weeks later. There's a window in late July and August when all four are off at the same time. That's the period to avoid if you're booking without children.
Prices spike in the last full week of August, when UK demand overlaps with European peak season. The first two weeks of July, before England has finished, are the cheapest part of the wider summer window.
Also searched for as: summer break or school summer holidays.
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 are the summer holidays in the UK?
In 2027, the summer holidays run from 1 Jul 2027 (earliest, in Northern Ireland) to 31 Aug 2027 (latest, in England). Dates vary by nation.
Which dates are most expensive during the summer holidays?
The peak window is 22 Jul – 31 Aug 2027, when at least 80% of UK schools are off at the same time. Avoid these dates if you're booking without children.