May half term 2026 runs from Monday, 25 May 2026 to Friday, 29 May 2026 across England and Wales. Most schools return on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. Monday, 25 May 2026, is also the Spring Bank Holiday, a UK-wide public holiday — meaning the break begins on a day when most workers are already off.
Scotland and Northern Ireland do not follow the same academic calendar and do not observe a standard May half term week.
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When Is May Half Term 2026?
May half term 2026 starts on Monday, 25 May 2026, and ends on Friday, 29 May 2026. Schools in England and Wales return on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. Monday, 1 June 2026, may be an INSET day at some schools — check directly with your school.
| Region | May Half Term 2026 Dates | Schools Return |
|---|---|---|
| England | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 | Tuesday, 2 June 2026 |
| Wales | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 | Tuesday, 2 June 2026 |
| Scotland | No May half term | — |
| Northern Ireland | No May half term (Spring Bank Holiday observed) | — |
The break lasts 5 school days. Monday, 25 May 2026, is the Spring Bank Holiday, one of 2 bank holidays in May 2026. The other is the Early May Bank Holiday on Monday, 4 May 2026.
May Half Term 2026 Dates by Region
England: May Half Term 2026
The standard May half term dates for England are Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May 2026. Approximately 85% of English local authorities follow these dates. The remaining 15% are academies, free schools, and councils with slightly different calendars.
The table below shows confirmed dates from a sample of English local authorities.
| Local Authority | May Half Term 2026 Dates |
|---|---|
| Southampton City Council | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Norfolk County Council | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| West Sussex County Council | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Surrey County Council | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Milton Keynes City Council | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Royal Borough of Greenwich | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Hull City Council | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Leicester City Council | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Durham County Council | Friday, 22 May – Monday, 1 June 2026 (includes INSET days) |
Academies and independent schools set their own term dates within the Department for Education framework. Always verify dates directly with your school. You can also check your local council’s confirmed dates via GOV.UK.
INSET Days Around May Half Term 2026
Many schools schedule INSET (In-Service Training) days on the Friday before or the Tuesday after half term. This can extend the pupil holiday to 7 days in some cases. Durham County Council, for example, schedules a wider break from Friday, 22 May through Monday, 1 June 2026.
Wales: May Half Term 2026
May half term in Wales runs from Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May 2026, matching England’s standard dates. Confirmed authorities include Blaenau Gwent, Swansea, Vale of Glamorgan, and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.
The Welsh Government publishes approved school term dates annually. The 2025–2026 academic year schedule is available on GOV.WALES.
Does Scotland Have May Half Term 2026?
Scottish schools do not have a May half term. Scotland operates under a different academic calendar structure. Instead of a half-term week in late May, Scottish local authorities observe individual public holidays and occasional in-service days during May.
| Scottish Council | Key May 2026 Dates |
|---|---|
| Glasgow City Council | Monday, 4 May (May Holiday); Thursday, 7 May (In-service); Friday, 22 May – Monday, 25 May (May Weekend) |
| Aberdeen City Council | Monday, 4 May (May Day); Monday, 25 May (Spring Holiday) |
| Fife Council | Monday, 4 May (May Day); Monday, 1 June (In-service) |
| Edinburgh City Council | Monday, 4 May (May Day); Monday, 18 May (Victoria Day); Tuesday, 19 May (In-service) |
| Argyll and Bute Council | Friday, 22 May (In-service); Monday, 25 May (May Day) |
| Dumfries and Galloway | Monday, 4 May (May Day); Friday, 29 May (In-service) |
The term “May half term” is primarily an England and Wales concept. Scottish families searching for the May 2026 school holidays should refer to their specific council’s published dates.
Does Northern Ireland Have May Half Term 2026?
Northern Ireland does not have a May half term week. Schools in Northern Ireland observe the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 May 2026, and the Early May Bank Holiday on Monday, 4 May 2026, but do not take an equivalent full week off in late May. The Department of Education Northern Ireland publishes the annual school holiday schedule.
May Half Term 2026 and the Spring Bank Holiday
Monday, 25 May 2026, is both the first day of May half term and the UK Spring Bank Holiday. This alignment means families do not need to use annual leave on the Monday — it is a statutory public holiday for most workers.
May 2026 contains 2 bank holidays:
| Bank Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, 4 May 2026 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Monday, 25 May 2026 |
The 9-Day Break Opportunity
Families who take annual leave from Tuesday, 26 May to Thursday, 28 May 2026 (3 days) can achieve a 9-day continuous break. The sequence works as follows:
| Day | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 23 May 2026 | Weekend |
| Sunday | 24 May 2026 | Weekend |
| Monday | 25 May 2026 | Spring Bank Holiday (no annual leave needed) |
| Tuesday | 26 May 2026 | Annual leave |
| Wednesday | 27 May 2026 | Annual leave |
| Thursday | 28 May 2026 | Annual leave |
| Friday | 29 May 2026 | Annual leave or school holiday (last day of half term) |
| Saturday | 30 May 2026 | Weekend |
| Sunday | 31 May 2026 | Weekend |
Using 3 to 4 days of annual leave around the Spring Bank Holiday produces a break stretching from Saturday, 23 May to Sunday, 31 May 2026. This is a longer break than in years when the bank holiday falls mid-week or does not align with the half-term start.
How the Bank Holiday Alignment Compares to Other Years
The Spring Bank Holiday always falls on the last Monday of May. In years when half term starts on that Monday, the two events coincide. In 2025, the Spring Bank Holiday fell on Monday, 26 May, also aligned with the start of half term. The 2026 alignment continues this pattern, making late-May a consistently favourable period for extended breaks.
How Long Is May Half Term 2026?
May half term 2026 is 5 school days long, from Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May 2026. Including the surrounding weekends, the continuous break without annual leave is 9 days (Saturday, 23 May to Sunday, 31 May), because Monday, 25 May is the Spring Bank Holiday.
Schools reopen on Tuesday, 2 June 2026 for most pupils in England and Wales. Some schools may begin with an INSET day on Monday, 1 June 2026, which would mean pupils return on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
May half term is the final school holiday before the summer break, which typically begins in late July 2026. This makes it one of the most popular periods for family travel, as prices are lower than during the main summer holiday window.
May Half Term 2026 School Holiday Calendar for England
The table below shows the full 2026 school holiday calendar for England. Dates are a guide based on the academic year 2025–2026 and may vary by local authority.
| School Holiday | 2026 Dates (England) |
|---|---|
| February Half Term | Monday, 16 February – Friday, 20 February 2026 |
| Easter Holidays | Monday, 30 March – Friday, 10 April 2026 |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Monday, 4 May 2026 |
| May Half Term | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Summer Holidays | Late July 2026 – late August 2026 |
| October Half Term | Monday, 26 October – Friday, 30 October 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | From approximately Monday, 21 December 2026 |
Always confirm the exact dates with your local authority or school, as academies and free schools may vary.
Things to Do During May Half Term 2026
Days Out and UK Attractions
Major UK attractions run specific half term programming during the week of Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May 2026. Theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and heritage sites typically see peak demand during this period. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, as many popular venues sell out on the Spring Bank Holiday Monday.
Options across England and Wales include:
- Theme parks: Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, LEGOLAND Windsor, and Drayton Manor operate standard opening hours with extended rides during the school holiday period.
- English Heritage sites: Castles, abbeys, and historic houses across England run family activity events during half term. These are confirmed on the English Heritage website each term.
- National Trust properties: Outdoor trails, wildlife activities, and nature-based programming take place across more than 500 sites in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland during school holidays.
- Zoos and safari parks: Whipsnade Zoo, Chester Zoo, and Howletts Wild Animal Park all offer family programming. Advance booking is required at most sites.
May Half Term 2026 Events in London
London attractions running May half term events include the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Tower of London, Kew Gardens, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour. National museums in London are free to enter and typically run structured half term activity sessions. The Tower of London, managed by Historic Royal Palaces, runs themed family events during each half term week.
West End theatre matinees run throughout the half term week. Family-friendly productions are available at multiple venues across central London. Booking in advance secures better seat selection and standard pricing.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
Free activities during May half term 2026 include national museums, public parks, local library events, and National Trust free sites. The following venues offer free entry:
- Natural History Museum, London
- Science Museum, London
- British Museum, London
- Victoria and Albert Museum, London
- Tate Modern, London
- National Railway Museum, York
- National Museum Wales, Cardiff
Local councils often publish free half term activity lists. Libraries across England and Wales run structured reading and craft sessions for children aged 3 to 16 during each school holiday week.
Outdoor Activities
Late May offers some of the longest daylight hours of the year in the UK, with sunset in England occurring after 9:00 PM. Average maximum temperatures in England during late May range from 16°C to 19°C, according to the Met Office’s historical records for the period.
Outdoor activity options suitable for families include:
- Coastal visits to resorts such as Brighton, Bournemouth, Newquay, Whitby, and Tenby
- Hiking in the Peak District, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Brecon Beacons, and Snowdonia
- Cycling routes on the National Cycle Network, managed by Sustrans, which covers more than 16,500 miles across the UK
- Camping and glamping — late May is the beginning of the main camping season in England and Wales
May Half Term Holidays 2026: Planning a Family Break
UK Staycations During May Half Term 2026
UK holiday parks, lodges, and self-catering cottages book out early for May half term, particularly for the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday, 23 May to Monday, 25 May 2026). Operators including Haven, Hoseasons, Away Resorts, and Center Parcs offer half term packages. Availability typically reduces significantly 8 to 12 weeks before the holiday week.
Popular UK destinations for May half term include:
| Destination | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Cornwall | Beaches, Eden Project, National Maritime Museum Falmouth |
| Devon | Dartmoor, coastal resorts, family-friendly holiday parks |
| Lake District | UNESCO World Heritage Site, hiking, Windermere |
| Northumberland | Bamburgh Castle, wide beaches, Kielder Dark Sky Park |
| North Wales | Snowdonia, Llandudno, Conwy Castle |
Holidays Abroad During May Half Term 2026
May half term is one of the most cost-effective periods for overseas family travel, as prices for European destinations are lower than during the July and August summer holiday window. The gap in pricing between May half term and peak summer can be significant — UK family travel data consistently shows school holiday surcharges of 30% to 50% or more during July and August compared to late May.
Popular short-haul destinations from the UK for May half term include Spain (Costa del Sol, Majorca, Tenerife), Portugal (Algarve), Greece (Crete, Corfu, Rhodes), and Turkey (Antalya).
Average sea temperatures in the Mediterranean during late May range from 19°C to 22°C, depending on location, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s sea surface temperature records.
When to Book May Half Term 2026 Holidays
Booking 12 or more weeks in advance offers the best combination of accommodation availability and pricing. The general booking timeline for May half term 2026 is:
| Booking Window | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 20+ weeks ahead (before January 2026) | Maximum choice of accommodation and flights at base pricing |
| 12–20 weeks ahead (January – March 2026) | Good availability; prices beginning to rise |
| 8–12 weeks ahead (March – April 2026) | Reduced availability at popular destinations; prices elevated |
| 4–8 weeks ahead (April 2026) | Last-minute availability; mixed pricing; higher demand for flexible cancellation |
| Under 4 weeks (May 2026) | Limited choice; peak pricing; specialist late-deal providers |
Travel on Saturday, 23 May 2026 or Sunday, 24 May 2026 to avoid the bank holiday traffic peak on Monday, 25 May 2026. Road and rail services on the Spring Bank Holiday historically carry above-average passenger volumes.
May Half Term 2026 and GCSE and A-Level Exams
May half term 2026 falls during the GCSE and A-Level examination season. Summer examinations for students in Years 10, 11, 12, and 13 in England and Wales typically run from May through June each year, administered by awarding bodies including AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC.
The half term week itself is usually exam-free, as examination boards do not schedule sittings during school holidays. However, examinations resume in the first week of June 2026. Students in examination years should check their individual timetable before committing to travel that might extend beyond Sunday, 31 May 2026.
Childcare During May Half Term 2026
The Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 May 2026, means most workers are already off on the first day of half term, reducing the childcare requirement from 5 days to 4 days for many families. The remaining 4 days — Tuesday, 26 May through Friday, 29 May — require childcare arrangements for working parents.
Options include:
- Holiday clubs: Sports clubs, leisure centres, and community organisations run structured day programmes during each half term week. Places fill quickly; book 4 to 8 weeks in advance where possible.
- Activity camps: Themed day camps covering sports, arts, coding, drama, and multi-activity programmes are available through providers such as PGL, Camp Beaumont, and SuperCamps, among others.
- Tax-Free Childcare: The UK Government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme allows eligible working parents to receive up to £500 every 3 months per child (up to £2,000 per year) towards childcare costs. Applications are managed through the Childcare Service on GOV.UK.
- Childcare Vouchers: Some employers still operate legacy childcare voucher schemes, which can be used towards holiday club fees.
May Half Term 2026 for Further Education Colleges
Most further education colleges in England align their May half term with local school dates. Some colleges start their half term on Tuesday, 26 May, rather than Monday, 25 May, as the Spring Bank Holiday is treated separately. Cornwall College operates a longer break, from Monday, 25 May to Friday, 5 June 2026, though this varies by course.
| College | May Half Term 2026 Dates |
|---|---|
| Harlow College | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Barnsley College | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| The Manchester College | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Hartlepool FE College | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Stamford College | Tuesday, 26 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Haywards Heath College | Tuesday, 26 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Worthing College | Tuesday, 26 May – Friday, 29 May 2026 |
| Cornwall College | Monday, 25 May – Friday, 5 June 2026 (varies by course) |
| City of Glasgow College | No half term; Semester 2 ends Friday, 12 June 2026 |
Students should check their individual course timetable, as reading weeks and admin periods vary.
Frequently Asked Questions: May Half Term 2026
When is May half term 2026?
May half term 2026 runs from Monday, 25 May 2026 to Friday, 29 May 2026. Schools in England and Wales return on Tuesday, 2 June 2026.
Is Monday, 25 May 2026 a bank holiday?
Yes. Monday, 25 May 2026, is the Spring Bank Holiday, a UK-wide statutory public holiday. It falls on the first day of May half term 2026.
Do Scottish schools have a May half term in 2026?
No. Scottish schools do not observe a May half term. They observe the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 May 2026 and individual in-service days, but do not take a full half-term week.
When do schools go back after May half term 2026?
Most schools in England and Wales return on Tuesday, 2 June 2026. Monday, 1 June 2026, may be an INSET day at some schools.
How many days is May half term 2026?
May half term 2026 is 5 school days, from Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May 2026.
Can you get a 9-day break during May half term 2026?
Yes. Using 3 days of annual leave (Tuesday, 26 May to Thursday, 28 May) alongside the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday, 25 May, and the surrounding weekends produces a 9-day break from Saturday, 23 May to Sunday, 31 May 2026.
Are prices higher during May half term 2026?
Yes. Accommodation, flights, and attraction entry prices are higher during school holiday periods than in term time. Booking 12 or more weeks in advance reduces costs compared to booking in the 4 weeks before the holiday.
When do GCSE exams take place relative to May half term 2026?
GCSE and A-Level exams run throughout May and June 2026. The half term week (Monday, 25 May to Friday, 29 May) is free of scheduled sittings, but examinations resume in the first week of June. Students should check their individual timetable before booking travel that extends beyond Sunday, 31 May 2026.
