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Where to go in the UK during February half-term 2026
February half-term in the UK gets a bad rap. Too cold for beach days, too wet for guaranteed outdoor fun – but it’s actually great. Fewer people fighting for the good parking spots, indoor pools heated to tropical temperatures when the drizzle starts, and the joy of hot chocolate after windswept beach walks.
Here’s where to make those half-term memories.
Key takeaways
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Best UK February half-term destinations: Explore Isle of Wight, New Forest, Lincolnshire, Cornwall, Essex, Yorkshire, and North Wales for family-friendly winter breaks.
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Indoor fun for all weather: Heated pools, splash zones, indoor play areas, and family entertainment ensure memorable half-term activities even in rain or wind.
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Outdoor adventures in winter: Coastal walks, fossil hunting, woodland trails, surfing, and wildlife spotting provide crisp, crowd-free February experiences.
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Family accommodation highlights: Lodges and resorts with underfloor heating, hot tubs, and flexible spaces cater to all ages and rainy-day needs.
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Dog-friendly February breaks: Many UK parks welcome dogs with beach access, walking trails, and countryside exploration during half-term.
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Planning tips for February half-term: Book early, pack layers and waterproofs, check indoor facilities and activity schedules, and plan flexible weather-dependent outings.
When is February half-term in the UK?
February half-term 2026 generally runs from Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February across most of England and Wales, though some regions vary by a week or two. Scotland typically breaks earlier, while Northern Ireland often has different dates. Always check your local school calendar, but mid-February is when most kids will be demanding you “do something fun.”
Where to go on holiday in February half-term
From wild coastal walks to indoor adventures when the weather turns British, these destinations deliver brilliant February half-term breaks.
February half term 2026 in Isle of Wight
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Empty beaches, perfect for fossil hunting and windy walks
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Amazon World Zoo and Robin Hill stay open through half-term
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Indoor pools and entertainment for when the wind picks up
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Cheap and easy ferry access, which also makes it feel like a real adventure
What to do on the Isle of Wight during February half-term
Hit the beach at low tide for fossil hunting along the southern coast, then warm up in Ventnor’s cafes. The island’s coastal paths – particularly Tennyson Down – are spectacular in winter light.
Where to stay – Whitecliff Bay
Whitecliff Bay sits on the clifftops with views across the Channel. There are indoor pools with flumes kids will obsess over, while the entertainment includes live shows, discos, and activities for all ages. Lodges have floor-to-ceiling windows (making storms feel cosy), and you’re a 20-minute walk to Culver Down or a 10-minute drive to Sandown beach.
Find out moreFebruary half term 2026 in New Forest
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Mist-hung woodland trails with deer-watching platforms at Bolderwood
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Beaulieu Motor Museum and Paultons Park (home of Peppa Pig World) open during February half-term
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Forest ponies appearing through the fog like magic
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Pub Sunday roasts after woodland walks
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Traffic-free cycle routes and village tearooms
What to do in the New Forest during February half-term
Cycle the traffic-free trails (hire bikes in Brockenhurst), then explore the Beaulieu Motor Museum with its monorail and classic cars. Take the little ones to Peppa Pig World for some oinktastic fun.
Where to stay – Sandy Balls
Sandy Balls (yes, really) combines forest luxury with a swimming paradise – think lazy rivers, flumes, and heated pools. Selected lodges come with hot tubs on private decking and floor heating. Activities include bushcraft sessions where kids learn fire-lighting and den-building, plus evening entertainment. You’re also five minutes from Burley’s witchcraft shops and ice cream, and 15 minutes from Beaulieu.
Find out moreFebruary half term 2026 in Lincolnshire
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Big skies stretching forever across the dramatic fenland
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Medieval Lincoln Cathedral and Boston’s waterside charm
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Peaceful countryside walks, away from tourist crowds
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Windmills punctuating the skyline
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Crisp, clear February days by the lakes
What to do in Lincolnshire during February half-term
Lincoln Cathedral runs February family trails that make history interesting, while Rand Farm Park offers indoor play barns, animal encounters, and lots of farm fun.
Where to stay – Tattershall Lakes
Tattershall Lakes knows that February needs activity and entertainment options. Enjoy a heated indoor pool, a splashzone and year-round waterspots (wetsuits provided). Activities include archery, axe-throwing, and high ropes, while evening entertainment ranges from live music to bingo, plus kids’ dances. Lakeside lodges have decking over the water (perfect for morning coffee), where you’re 10 minutes from Tattershall Castle.
Find out moreFebruary half term 2026 in Cornwall
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Dramatic winter coastline where waves crash spectacularly
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Surf schools running half-term lessons (weather dependent) with wetsuits provided
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Eden Project’s tropical biomes offer warmth on chilly days
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Empty St Ives galleries and Padstow's restaurants (without wait lists)
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Golden-grey light, perfect for standout family photos
What to do in Cornwall during February half-term
Book a surf lesson – Newquay surf schools run courses for all abilities. The Blue Reef Aquarium makes a solid wet-weather backup with underwater tunnels and seal feeding.
Where to stay – Retallack Resort
Retallack Resort sits inland near Newquay, featuring luxury lodges with hot tubs as well as an indoor pool. Activities range from pottery painting to catching the waves on Cornwall’s only surf simulator, while evening entertainment includes a kids' house party and toddler shows. You’re 15 minutes from Newquay’s beaches, 20 from the Eden Project, and the nearby Lappa Valley Steam Railway runs February half-term services.
Find out moreFebruary half term 2026 in Essex
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Mersea Island’s peaceful coastline connected by tidal causeway
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Fresh oysters straight from the beds
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Nature reserves with amazing winter bird numbers
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Big skies and windswept beaches without crowds
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Colchester’s Roman history 20 minutes away
What to do in Essex during February half-term
Walk Cudmore Grove Country Park’s coastal path, spotting winter waders, then visit Colchester Castle Museum for hands-on Roman history sessions designed for primary-age kids.
Where to stay – Mersea Island
Mersea Island offers slower-paced February half-term breaks, with lodges, an indoor pool, and low-key entertainment (think bingo rather than full productions). You’re five minutes from beach walks, seafood shacks and island pubs, while 30 minutes to Colchester, an hour to Clacton Pier, and near RSPC Old Hall Marshes for birdwatching.
Find out moreFebruary half term in 2026 in Yorkshire
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Proper traditional seaside town character in Filey
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Windswept walks along Filey Brigg’s dramatic promontory
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Fish and chips that taste better in winter
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Victorian charm (still undiscovered)
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Flamborough Head’s cliffs and lighthouse 20 minutes north
What to do in Yorkshire during February half-term
Walk sections of the Cleveland Way coastal path, then explore Scarborough Castle’s ruins with views worth the climb. The Sea Life Centre makes a good rainy-day backup.
Where to stay – The Bay Filey
The Bay Filey pairs Yorkshire coastal charm with modern facilities, including an indoor pool and sauna and steam room. Some lodges include sea views, plus underfloor heating and enough space for rainy days. 10-minute walk to Filey beach, five to the town’s fish and chip shops, and 20 minutes to Scarborough.
Find out moreFebruary half term 2026 in North Wales
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Snowdonia’s mountains looming behind coastal towns
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Zip World adventures running year-round
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Medieval castles – Harlech, Caernarfon, Conwy – for true exploring
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Portmeirion’s bizarre Italian-style architecture
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Ffestiniog Railway through mountain scenery
What to do in North Wales during February half-term
Book Zip World for flying through mountains. The Ffestiniog Railway runs February services through Snowdonia – spectacular views without the walking effort.
Where to stay – Barmouth Bay
Barmouth Bay gives you mountain-to-sea views with an indoor heated pool complex (flume, splash pool, and fun slide) and activities split by age group (under-5s through to teens), from playgrounds to sports tournaments. You’re walking distance from Barmouth’s beach and town, and 30 minutes from Zip World.
Find out moreBest February half-term holiday parks for little ones
Younger children need shallow pools, soft play, gentle entertainment, and accommodation where nap schedules don’t derail everything.
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Park |
Location |
Why it’s great for little ones |
What to do |
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Soft play, travel cots & highchairs available |
Hayling Island beach (safe, shallow, five-minute walk), Funland next door (with toddler rides) |
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Soft play, accommodation close to facilities |
Colwell Bay Beach (gentle rock-pooling), Fort Victoria aquarium & dinosaurs, Needles Park chairlift |
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Children’s pool, live character show and storytime, Buggy-friendly beach access |
Hayle beach (massive at low tide), Paradise Park parrots & play areas, St Ives beaches |
Best February half-term holiday parks for older kids and teens
Teens need independence, non-babyish activities, and social spaces without parents hovering over them.
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Park |
Location |
Why it’s great for older kids |
What to do |
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Water sports (paddleboarding & kayaking), party dances & karaoke |
High ropes, archery & fencing, quad biking at Woodhall Country Park, Lincoln shopping |
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Isle of Wight |
Watersports lake, party nights & karaoke |
Blackgang Chine theme park, Isle of Wight steam railway, Newport shopping & cinema, climbing walls and high ropes |
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Axe throwing, spa access (for feeling grown up) |
Mountain biking trails, Paultons Park bigger rides, Beaulieu Motor Museum, Go Ape high ropes |
Where to take your dog on holiday in February half-term
February walks with your dog are great: crisp air, empty dog-friendly beaches, and trails without summer crowds. Away Resorts welcome dogs at many parks, with some dog-friendly holiday accommodation featuring decking for anxious dogs or containing muddy paws.
Dog-friendly February half-term destinations:
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Sandy Balls – acres of exploring (and sniffing) through the New Forest
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Golden Sands – Rhyl beach stretching for miles, perfect for ball throwing
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Barmouth Bay – Mawddach Trail offers flat, scenic walking
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Mersea Island – year-round beach access at Cudmore Grove
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Appletree - quiet countryside walks at Willingham Woods
Tips for planning a UK February half-term holiday
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Book early – February half term fills up fast, especially the lodges and larger caravans
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Pack layers, thermals, and waterproofs (including wellies) regardless of the forecast
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Check what indoor facilities are available (heated pools, separate areas for different ages, etc.)
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Pre-book restaurants and activities – these fill up during half-term
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Bring board games, cards, and downloaded shows for cosy evenings
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Check activity schedules – some need booking, some run on specific days only
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Allow flexible time for weather-dependent plans (i.e., beach walks to museum days)
Spend your February half-term with Away Resorts
February half-term deserves brilliant memories, without the stress of figuring out what’s open. Away Resorts has family-focused parks across the UK with facilities that are great for February: heated pools, half-term entertainment, and accommodation that understands families need space, heating, and places to dry wet coats.
From coastal adventures ending in hot chocolate to forest escapes where kids build dens (and parents sneak to the spa), we’ve sorted the details so you can focus on making memories. Book your UK February half-term break today.