October half-term holidays
TravelSupermarket uses cookies
Cookies are small text files which are downloaded to your computer's hard drive when you visit most websites.
Top travel deals direct to your inbox
We compare what's there to find the best deals for you.
Please enter a valid email address
We won't pass your details on to anyone else. By clicking the sign-up button, you agree to our
Terms of Use and
Privacy Policy
Thanks!
You're now signed up. Great deals will soon be delivered to your inbox.
Compare the best October half-term holidays
There's an autumn chill in the air, Christmas is getting closer and the shops are already packed with festive goods. Taking a break at October half-term is the last chance many will have for a holiday in 2017. Where will you escape to?
October half-term deals for families
Departing London
Departing Manchester
Departing the Midlands
Departing Scotland
Where to go for October half-term 2017
Getting it right in October can be tricky, but we've rounded up some sure-fire winners for a successful break...
October half-term is a great time to recharge those batteries ahead of the long winter months - whether you crave sunshine or want to feed your mind and soul.
Many people will opt for some early winter sun at this time of year, trips to the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, Florida and the Red Sea in Egypt are all firm favourites. For those looking to keep costs down, the Spanish Costas, including the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca with perennial favourite Benidorm, are hugely popular and won't break the bank. Majorca is also a good bet, along with more exotic options such as Morocco. Cyprus is still warm, as are some of the Turkish resorts and Crete in the Greek islands.
Malta is also a good option at this time of year while the Algarve in southern Portugal will also give you a well-deserved break without busting your wallet. Just check the temperatures for the resort you plan to travel to.
Another great idea is a city break. Europe's capital cities offer a fantastic short break option for families, as well as people travelling without children. Paris, Berlin and Rome are just a starting point.
Alternatively, head to one of the UK's big cities such as London, Manchester or Edinburgh for sightseeing, shopping and entertainment; book a country cottage to see the countryside in autumnal splendour, or check into a UK holiday park for some family fun.
When is October half-term 2017?
Find out when October half-term is in your area so you can plan your break and get the best deal...
Below we've highlighted the main shutdown periods for schools in major cities. However, do check with your child's school or local education authority for exact dates as they can vary dramatically, even within the same area.
• The south-east - London schools break up on October 20 and return October 30.
• West Country - Bristol schools break up on October 20 and return October 30.
• The Midlands - Birmingham schools break up on October 20 and return October 30.
• The north - Manchester schools break up October 20 and return October 30.
• The north east - Newcastle schools break up October 20 and return October 30.
• Scotland - Glasgow schools break up on October 13 and return on October 23.
• Northern Ireland - Belfast schools are not closed for half term, although most are closed on October 29 and 30.
• Wales - Cardiff schools break up on October 27 and return on November 6.