The 40 best last-minute family holidays for October half term
October half term is a great opportunity to spend some time with the children before gloomy November sets in. Not only is it a welcome respite from the longest school term, but it offers good value, compared to the peak summer travel weeks.
However, there are some challenges to overcome, especially if you are looking for sunshine.
Weather in the southern Mediterranean can be unreliable at this time of year, and you may be jostling for the last of the pricey weekend flights – particularly to popular destinations like the Canaries, Cyprus and Florida.
Whether you want to flop in reliable sunshine, explore a new corner of Britain, take the children on an action-packed adventure, or have just a few days to soak up some culture while wandering one of the world's most beautiful cities, we’ve chosen the best destinations below. After each place, we recommend one of our favourite family operators or hotels.
It is also worth considering booking independently, or trying a home swap to save money. You can also cut costs by reducing the length of the trip, and flying from, say, Monday to Friday. That way you aren’t competing with families looking for a weekend flight.
Use skyscanner.net to track down the cheapest flight options, and for recommended hotels see our destination guides.
Your best options for October sunshine
1. Orlando
With temperatures in the mid-80s and seven hours of sunshine per day, October is a great time to take the family to Florida for visits to the big theme parks. There’s still plenty of accommodation available, but direct flights are expensive. For an affordable stay, be prepared to change planes en route.
Virgin Holidays offers a range of Florida options.
2. Tenerife
A reasonable flight time (four hours, 15 minutes) and perfect temperatures (mid-70s) combined with all-inclusive, family-friendly accommodation make the Canaries hard to beat for a fly-and-flop holiday. Demand is always high, so book soon to secure your stay.
Try booking a family room at the five-star Bahia Principe Tenerife Hotel (read the full review here) in Costa Adeje, on the island’s south-west coast.
3. Limassol, Cyprus
This island experiences the longest summer season in the Med, with a glorious eight hours of sunshine in late October. Hotels in the popular western end of the island can reach capacity for half-term week, but there’s usually more availability near the busy resort-town of Limassol.
Book a family room at the five-star Four Seasons Limassol (read the full review here), with a PADI dive centre onsite, through Prestige Holidays (prestigeholidays.co.uk).
4. Paphos, Cyprus
Reliable sunshine and elegant, family-friendly hotels mean that this resort in western Cyprus is always in heavy demand over half term. Prices canspiral for flights and rooms, but those with deep pockets will find stylish accommodation, pampering spas and full-on entertainment programmes for children.
We recommend the five-star Almyra hotel on the south-west coast (read the full review here) through Kuoni (kuoni.co.uk).
5. Costa del Sol, Spain
While the weather may not be as reliable as elsewhere, this southern coast is your best bet for a sunny stay on mainland Spain (October temperatures average in the low 70s). There are plenty of child-friendly hotels and the short flight time (two hours, 30 minutes) is an added bonus for families.
Book into a deluxe garden suite at five-star Puente Romano, Marbella (read the full review here), through British Airways Holidays (ba.com).
6. Algarve, Portugal
This trip is best suited to families who’d rather be active than loll in hot sunshine as the weather can be mixed on Portugal’s southernmost coast. Take a chance on temperatures being in the low 70s, but don’t be fazed if you get some rain. Reasonable availability means this region is a good bet for late bookers.
We recommend the five-star Pine Cliff resort with tennis centre near Albufeira (read the full review here) through Classic Collection Holidays (classic-collection.co.uk).
7. Crete, Greece
Expect temperatures that are akin to a warm summer’s day at home (low 70s) with plenty of sunshine, making this Greek island a tempting option for a relaxed, poolside break. The downside is that flights tend to be pricey, pushing up overall costs.
Book Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites (read the full review here) near Agios Nikolaos, through Sovereign (sovereign.com).
8. Dubai, UAE
Perfect for those who want properly hot October sunshine (high 90s) and plenty of it (around 10 hours per day), combined with luxurious accommodation and pristine, white sand beaches. It’s a long flight (seven hours) but children are well-catered for in hotels here.
Stay at Le Royal Meridien, one of city’s most family-friendly hotels (read the full review here), through Trailfinders (trailfinders.com).
9. Mauritius
Despite the long flight time (just under 12 hours), this exotic island is a popular half-term choice. Expect balmy sea water and temperatures in the mid-70s. It’s a dry month, too, with long hours of sunshine and enough activities to keep everyone happy.
Westin Turtle Bay Resort and Spa offers tennis courts and a diving centre (read the full review here) through Hayes & Jarvis (hayesandjarvis.co.uk).
10. Marrakech, Morocco
October is the best month for a stay in Morocco. Temperatures nudge 80F and the sunshine averages around eight hours per day. The culture is a fascinating draw for children, which should go some way to making up for the lack of beaches. However, Marrakech’s popularity means that cheaper rooms at the best resorts are selling out quickly.
Stay at the five-star Four Seasons Resort Marrakech (read the full review here) through Classic Collection Holidays (classic-collection.co.uk).
City breaks
11. Berlin, Germany
Take advantage of good value half-term flights and accommodation to show the children Checkpoint Charlie (the east-west border point), Museum Island and the spectacular Reichstag building. Younger children will love the city zoo and there’s excellent shopping for older teens.
Book a double room at Park Inn by Radisson hotel ideally positioned for exploring the city (read the full review here). Return flights from ￡47 with Ryanair (ryanair.com).
12. Lisbon, Portugal
Take in the Oceanarium, Parque das Na??es (bike hire and play areas) and have a ride on the city’s iconic yellow tram. If the weather is glorious, consider a day on the beach near Cascais (as this family did), just a short train ride from the Portuguese capital.
A one-bedroom apartment in the VIP Executive Eden aparthotel comes with a kitchenette and rooftop swimming pool (read the full review here). Return flights from ￡116 with Ryanair (ryanair.com).
13. Paris, France
Climb the Eiffel Tower, take a boat trip on the Seine and spend some time in Louvre. Once you’ve ticked off the big sights, visit the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, the biggest science museum in Europe.
A one-bedroom, deluxe apartment at the Citadines Montmartre, near Sacré-C?ur (citadines.com), is a great base. Return rail fares from ￡85 with Eurostar (eurostar.com).
14. Salzburg, Austria
Tour the locations made famous by “The Sound of Music” on a short break to this compact Austrian city. These include the Benedictine Convent on Nonnberg, Mirabell Gardens and fountain in Residenz Square. Don’t miss the pavilion at Hellbrunn Palace.
The luxurious 600-year-old Hotel Goldener Hirsch (read the full review here), within a 15-minute walk of the main sights, gives a lovely sense of place. Return flights from ￡115 with Eurowings (eurowings.com).
15. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Take older children to Anne Frank’s House (avoid the queue by buying advance tickets), visit the Van Gogh Museum and take a tour of the backwaters by canal boat. Buzzing cafes and street life make this a great family destination.
The four-star Hotel Estherea located on one of the city’s oldest canals in Negen Straatjes, (read the full review here) is good for families. Returnflights from ￡74 with easyJet (easyjet.com).
16. Seville, Spain
Introduce the children to this buzzing Spanish city with its superb tapas bars and lively street life. Don’t miss the iconic Alcázar palace with its exotic gardens, the Plaza de Espana, a climb up the Giralda’s bell tower and the Flamenco Museum for a live demonstration of this exciting dance.
Book two rooms at Fontecruz Sevilla Seises hotel, less than 10 minutes’ walk from the Alcázar (read the full review here). Return flights from ￡148with Ryanair (ryanair.com).
17. Barcelona, Spain
Combine superb sand and fascinating sightseeing on a short break in this vibrant city where the Gaudi-designed, Sagrada Familia church, Gothic Quarter and La Rambla for street entertainers will keep children happy, as will the city’s broad stretch of yellow-sand beach.
The Hotel Barcelona Catedral in the medieval heart of the old city (read the full review here) is glorious. Return flights from ￡88 with Ryanair (ryanair.com).
18. Copenhagen, Denmark
Stay near the leafy park of Tivoli in the welcoming Danish capital, for some family fun in its 19th-century amusement park, with rides and pleasure gardens. Visit the harbour to see the Little Mermaid and tour Rosenborg Castle, a 400-year-old Renaissance summerhouse built by Christian IV.
Book a suite at the family-friendly Absalon Hotel (read the full review here). Return flights from ￡63 with Ryanair (ryanair.com).
19. Rome, Italy
Plan a tour of the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps combined with lunches of pizza and ice cream in the buzzing Trastevere area of the city. Make the break relaxing for all by booking a pampering hotel with a pool for a mix of sightseeing and relaxing downtime.
Book rooms at the five-star Gran Melia Rome hotel (read the full review here). Return flights from ￡107 with Ryanair (ryanair.com).
20. New York, USA
For older children wanting a bit of glamour, head to Manhattan where you can mix up-to-the-minute culture (the new Whitney Museum of American Art is unmissable) with cinema-set-spotting and a bit of retail therapy. Get active at Chelsea Piers, head to Long Island to catch the end of the leaf peeping season, and then return to town for sophisticated dining.
Take in the fabulous views from the rooftop lounge at Hilton New York Fashion District Hotel (read the full review here). Return flights from ￡371with United (united.com).
Adventure & Activity
21. Alpine adventure in Slovenia
Head to Kranjska Gora, at the foot of the Julian Alps, staying at a family-friendly hotel with a swimming pool, for a week of hiking, mountain biking, summer tobogganing and rafting on the Soca River. A visit to the lake and “high ropes” park at Bled is a highlight.
KE Adventure Travel (keadventure.com) runs half-term trips.
22. Camels and souks in Morocco
Give your children a taste of the exotic on an eight-day tour of Marrakech, Essaouira, Agadir and the Atlas Mountains. Highlights include a visit to a remote Berber village and a desert tannery, a camel ride across the dunes and a walking tour of Marrakech, including the souk and vibrant Djemaa el-Fna square. Most hotels have swimming pools.
The Family Adventure Company (familyadventurecompany.co.uk), now part of Intrepid Travel, offers options for half term.
23. Temples and markets in Cambodia
Introduce the family to this fascinating country of buzzing street markets, rural villages and the extraordinary temples of Angkor on this well-balanced itinerary which combines full-on activities with plenty of free time. Other highlights include a Mekong island boat trip and a tuk-tuk tour in Phnom Penh.
Check Scott Dunn (scottdunn.com) for options.
24. Cycling in Spain
Potter through quiet, rural countryside on a six-night, self-guided “Bikes, Back-roads and beaches” itinerary through Catalonia. Staying in two seaside hotels and one agroturismo guesthouse, all with pools, the route takes in medieval villages, secluded beaches and Roman sites. Bikes, detailed maps and luggage transfers are provided.
Inntravel (inntravel.co.uk) offers trips in October.
25. Dive in Malta
Enrol in a four-day PADI Open Water course, operated by the Maltaqua family-run dive centre staying in the Sands Apartments near the seafront in the village of St Paul’s Bay. A mix of classroom, pool and open water diving in the sea is suitable for children aged from ten years. Prices include tuition and equipment.
Dive Worldwide (diveworldwide.com) has family-friendly options.
26. White water rafting in Croatia
Take part in an action-packed week of full-on activity staying in a hotel with swimming pool on Ciovo island, near Trogir. Highlights include an adrenalin-fuelled day of white-water rafting on the Cetina River gorge plus sea kayaking and canyoning through caves and waterfalls. A couple of free days allows for visits to the historic town of Split and Krka National Park.
Explore (explore.co.uk) has trips.
27. Volcanoes in Sicily
Explore the volcanic Aeolian Islands which lie off the north-east coast of Sicily where highlights include hiking on the slopes of Vulcano, Stomboli and Mt Etna. With accommodation in family-friendly hotels, kayaking, pizza-making, food markets and a day trip to Lipari are also on offer, plus a tour of UNESCO-listed Catania.
Exodus (exodus.co.uk) takes groups over half term.
28. Elephants and Buddhas in Sri Lanka
Cycle through local villages, join an elephant safari in Udawalawe National Park, explore cave temples and visit tea plantations. Introduce your children to Buddhism and the local cuisine, visit the city of Kandy and climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Travel gallery (www.travel-gallery.co.uk) can arrange tailor-made itineraries here.
29. Dunes in Oman
Combine fascinating culture with dramatic landscapes on a week’s “Dolphins and Dunes” itinerary. Highlights include a dolphin-watching boat trip, a visit to the country’s former capital Nizwa, an overnight stay in a Bedouin tent and a dhow cruise. There’s also the option to try sand-boarding or take a horse safari.
Families Worldwide (familiesworldwide.co.uk) offers a late October departure.
30. Ranching in Arizona
Experience a taste of the Old West at the Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch in the north-western Arizona desert with scenic views of the Hualapai, Mohave and Buck Mountains. Confident children aged eight years and over can ride independently and experienced riders can take part in challenging mountain rides.
American Round Up (americanroundup.com) has appealing trips.
UK breaks
31. Half term fun in Edinburgh
Explore the Scottish capital’s child-friendly sights including the Royal Botanic Gardens where half term activities include story-telling and Hallowe’en workshops. Visit the Palace of Holyroodhouse and browse the shops on Princes Street or climb Arthur’s Seat for fabulous city views.
Book a room at Ibis Styles Edinburgh Centre, a superbly-located, chain hotel read the full review here and follow our expert's itinerary.
32. Go into the woods
October half-term is the perfect time for hearty families to explore Britain, mud and all. Plus, even short breaks are possible; if you cannot afford a whole week away, take a long weekend and head to a farm, where – wearing layers – you can participate in Farm Stay UK’s harvest programme – getting involved in picking local crops, and meeting animals on-site.
Farm Stay UK (farmstay.co.uk) offers a range of stays around the country.
33. City sights in Bath
Take the children to the well-preserved Roman Baths and Thermae Bath Spa with its pampering spa treatments. Learn about the novelist, Jane Austen in the museum of her life and admire the elegant Royal Crescent. Stonehenge, Longleat and the caves at Wookey Hole make good family days out from the city.
Book a room at one of our favourite Bath hotels and follow our expert's itinerary for families.
34. Weekend wildlife break in Surrey
Join other families on a short but action-packed break, “Minibeasts, Mice and the Mole” at Juniper Hall, a Field Studies centre near Box Hill. Led by centre staff and aimed at children aged from four to eight years with accompanying parents, activities will include river dipping, nature walks, setting mammal traps and minibeast hunts.
The Field Studies Council (field-studies-council.org) has activities over half term.
35. Heritage cottage in Yorkshire
Take a short break at Prior’s Lodge at Mount Grace Priory in Yorkshire for an out-of-hours opportunity to explore this atmospheric, fourteenth-century Carthusian monastery with the kids. Explorer packs are available for children and family events take place at half term.
Check English Heritage (english-heritage.org.uk) for characterful properties.
36. Indoor and outdoor activity in London
Plan a full-on exploration of the big London museums including the Science Museum, Natural History Museum and the V&A. Expect plenty of hands-on half term events alongside the regular exhibits. Family activity sessions also take place in the Royal Parks including “Discovery Day - Hair-Raising Halloween” in Hyde Park on October 24 and 25.
See royalparks.org.uk for information.
Stay at Number Sixteen (read the full review here), and read our expert's itinerary.
37. By the seaside in Cornwall
Get outside for bracing coastal walks on the rugged westernmost coast of Cornwall where activities include surfing, biking and dolphin-watching. Visit Lands End for its “Fantastic Halloween Half Term” from October 20 to 26 (see landsend-landmark.co.uk).
The Old Coastguard Hotel in Mousehole near Penzance (read the full review here) provides camp beds for children.
38. Halloween events in Carmarthenshire
Join spooky walks and ghostly activities at the National Trust-run Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire which run on October 21,26 and 27. Visit after dark for an evening exploring the old rooms and winding corridors with a storyteller to divulge the secrets that lurk around the house. (see nationaltrust.org.uk).
Stay at Mansion House Llansteffan, with spacious rooms which can fit children’s beds and travel cots.
39. Activity break in Cumbria
Look out for rare red squirrels which live in the 400 acres of woodland surrounding Whinfell Forest Center Parcs in the Lake District. Features include a subtropical swimming pool with an exhilarating canyon ride plus tree trekking, watersports (sailing and kayaking), roller-skating and a range of children’s activities.
A four-night self-catering stay in a two-bedroom Woodland Lodge through Center Parcs (centerparcs.co.uk) costs from ￡879 if you book far in advance.
40. Sea kayaking in Scotland
Take to the water in the remote Sound of Arisaign, near Fort William, on a three-night family sea kayaking holiday aimed at adults with children aged from 10 years. Qualified local experts lead excursions in double and single sea kayaks, for otters and dolphin spotting. Tuition is relaxed and accommodation is in a cosy, waterside inn. Prices include packed lunches and equipment.
Book a family itinerary through Wilderness Scotland (wildernessscotland.com).