February half-term 2026: 12 UK breaks for families
For February half-term, the best UK breaks for families mix indoor attractions with crisp outdoor walks: think York, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bath and Cardiff for city fun, or the Lakes, the Peaks, Northumberland and the New Forest for fresh air. In most of England, half-term runs from 16 to 20 February 2026, and mid-January is the perfect time to book. Here are 12 breaks, plus travel, places to stay, food, a rainy-day plan and a packing list.
Why now: planning February half-term
Booking in January gets you the best prices and choice for February half-term, especially for family rooms and cottages. After Christmas, a short break is something to look forward to, and winter breaks are often cheaper than Easter or summer.
February weather can be cold, wet or even snowy, so it pays to pick destinations with plenty of indoor options and a few short walks.
Top 12 family breaks for February half-term
Six city breaks and six countryside or coastal breaks cover every taste and budget.
| Destination | Type | Best for | Ages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York | city | trains, Vikings, walls | 3+ | ££ |
| Edinburgh | city | castle, illusions, hills | 4+ | ££ |
| Glasgow | city | science, parks, museums | 3+ | ££ |
| Liverpool | city | free museums, waterfront | 0+ | £ |
| Bath | city | Romans, river walks | 5+ | ££ |
| Brighton | seaside city | pier, beach, lanes | 0+ | ££ |
| Cardiff | city | castle, bay, science | 3+ | ££ |
| Lake District | countryside | forests, lakes | 3+ | ££ |
| Peak District | countryside | walks, stately homes | 3+ | ££ |
| Northumberland | coast and castles | castles, beaches | 4+ | ££ |
| New Forest | countryside | ponies, cycling | 0+ | ££ |
| Holiday village | all-weather | pools, activities | 0+ | £££ |
Price for a family short break: £ = under about £400, ££ = about £400–£1,000, £££ = over £1,000. Rough guide only, prices change.
Check opening hours and prices on the official website before you go, as some attractions run reduced winter hours.
Plan your half-term break on the Kid.ooo map
York. The free National Railway Museum is perfect on a cold day, and the city walls make a short, fun walk.
Edinburgh. Explore Edinburgh Castle, then warm up among the optical tricks of Camera Obscura and World of Illusions.
Glasgow. Glasgow Science Centre by the Clyde has a planetarium and floors of hands-on science.
Liverpool. The free Museum of Liverpool and other waterfront museums make Liverpool great value.
Bath. The Roman Baths are steamy and atmospheric in winter.
Brighton. Brighton Palace Pier has arcades and rides, and a bracing beach walk is half the fun.
Cardiff. Cardiff Castle sits right in the centre, and Cardiff Bay has a science centre and waterfront walks.
Lake District. Whinlatter Forest near Keswick has family trails and play areas among the trees.
Peak District. The house and parkland at Chatsworth pair well with short walks in Dovedale or along the Monsal Trail.
Northumberland. Alnwick Castle and the empty winter beaches nearby make a memorable break.
New Forest. Visit the New Forest has ideas for pony spotting, cycling and cosy pubs.
Holiday villages. Center Parcs villages offer indoor pools and activities, whatever the weather.
Find family attractions in Edinburgh on the Kid.ooo map
Getting there with kids: car, train and stops
Trains are easiest for city breaks; the car is better for countryside and coastal stays. A Family & Friends Railcard cuts fares for everyone, and under-fives travel free; our guide to travelling by train with kids explains how. By car, plan breaks every two hours at a farm shop or a services with outdoor space.
Check the weather and road conditions before setting off, especially for hill and northern routes in February.
Where to stay: family-friendly stays
Choose a base close to the action, with a family room or two bedrooms and somewhere to dry wet coats. City breaks work well in budget hotel family rooms or serviced apartments. In the countryside, cottages with a log burner or lodges in holiday villages are cosy choices.
Check for travel cots, high chairs and a bath, which helps warm up cold little ones after a winter walk.
Where to eat with kids
Plan a hearty lunch out and simple suppers in, especially with younger children. Many pubs and cafés have kids' menus and warm fires in winter. Our guide to kids eat free deals helps keep costs down.
Find kid-friendly restaurants near your base on the Kid.ooo map.
Rainy-day plan B
Every destination on this list has at least one big indoor option, from free museums to science centres and pools. Our guide to Christmas holidays indoor fun lists soft play, trampoline parks and museums across the UK that work just as well in February.
For countryside breaks, our winter walks with kids guide has short trails for dry spells.
Packing checklist
Pack for cold, wet and windy days, with a few cosy extras.
- Warm coats, hats, gloves and waterproof trousers
- Wellies or waterproof boots
- Thermal layers for outdoor days
- Swimwear for hotel or holiday village pools
- Board games and books for evenings
- Snacks and a flask for walks
- Railcard, tickets and bookings on your phone
For honest parenting and Scottish days out, take a look at @everyday_withleo on Instagram.
Save your half-term places in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share attractions, playgrounds and cafés across the UK. Use it as your app for days out with kids: save places for your February half-term break and find playgrounds near me when you arrive.
Save your half-term places on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a great family spot from your trip? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents plan their February half-term.
Frequently asked questions
When is February half-term 2026?
In most of England, February half-term 2026 runs from Monday 16 to Friday 20 February. Some areas break a week earlier, and Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish dates differ, so check your school calendar.
Where can we go for February half-term with kids?
City breaks to York, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bath or Cardiff are easy in winter, with lots of indoor attractions. For fresh air, try the Lake District, the Peak District, Northumberland or the New Forest.
Is February half-term a good time for a UK break?
Yes, it's usually cheaper than summer and Easter, and attractions are less crowded. The weather can be cold and wet, so choose a base with good indoor options.
How can we save money on a half-term break?
Book early, travel by train with a Family & Friends Railcard, choose self-catering and plan free museums and walks. Midweek stays are often cheaper than weekends.
Find family places near you
Open the kid.ooo map in your browser – no download needed.