10 last-minute October half-term holidays, from sunny Florida to thrills in Copenhagen
Remember the summer? It was lovely and sunny and fun. But now temperatures have dropped, it’s time to book in some time together as a family before winter arrives. Perhaps you could all benefit from letting off steam and bonding over some hiking or kayaking, or maybe all you need is to relax and de-stress. If more sunshine is required, there are some reliable destinations that will give you many happy hours beside the pool and still have availability for the October half-term. Many activity breaks have been booked up by now, but there are still exciting opportunities available to go on a desert trek or to cycle to the coast in Catalonia, for example. City breaks, meanwhile, are always a good bet for autumn, with some offering the perfect combination of child-friendly stimulation with culture and indulgence for adults.
See our 10 recommendations for last-minute October half-term breaks below.
City cool in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is not only the world’s most stylish capital but also one of the most family-friendly. You’ll fit right in if you explore by bike. See life-size silver lions at Rosenborg Castle and try interactive science at the Experimentarium. There is also a new food hall at The Tivoli Gardens, popular for its 19th-century amusement park.
Five nights for £1,039 in a family room at the colourful Tivoli Hotel (read the full review here) on October 23. Return flights from London Gatwick from £188 with EasyJet.
Camels and souks in Morocco
This is an excellent time for the deserts and mountains of Morocco that includes guided tours of souks in Marrakech, Essaouira and Agadir and an overnight stay in a Berber village in the incredible Atlas mountains. A camel ride is possible too, which should make for fond memories. Most hotels have swimming pools.
Seven nights for £374 per adult and £332 per child for a Morocco Family Holiday (0330 808 7332; intrepidtravel.com), departing October 20.
Back in time in Bath
Men in togas and projections of bathing actors bring life to the Roman Baths in this attractive city, making it one of Britain’s best for families. It’s also easy to imagine the world of Jane Austen while listening to her words in the Assembly Rooms. Walk along the pretty Kennet and Avon canal or take a day trip to Stonehenge.
Three nights for £924 at the Queensberry Hotel, which offers a babysitting service and fine dining (read the full review here), in two double rooms on October 23. Read our expert guide to the city.
Flamenco in Seville
Seville is a joy to wander around, with amenable tapas bars, atmospheric lanes and a knock-out Gothic cathedral. The exotic gardens and courtyards of the Alcázar palace delight at every turn and children should enjoy demonstrations at the Flamenco Museum too.
Four nights for £1,336 at the central Fontecruz Sevilla Seises hotel, which has a rooftop pool, (read the full review here), in two double rooms on October 20. Return flights from £337 from London Gatwick (easyjet.com).
Thrills in Orlando
With a daytime average of 24C, October is a pleasant time to trawl Florida’s theme parks, from Universal Studios to Disney World. For more natural thrills, try mountain-biking or kayaking at Shingle Creek in Kissimmee.
Ten nights from £4,209 per person at 3V Coco Key Hotel and Water Park on a room-only basis (for a family of four), departing October 20 (0344 557 3859; virginholidays.co.uk), includes direct Virgin Atlantic flights from Manchester or London Gatwick, car hire and basic insurance.
Myths in Crete
It won’t be hot (averaging 22C) but there is lots for families to do here. Bookend lazy taverna lunches with the Minoan Palace at Knossos, where you can discuss the myth of the minotaur, and a stroll around Spinalonga and its abandoned town.
Seven nights from £5,499 at Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites (read the full review here), in a family suite, departing October 20 (sovereign.com), includes flights from London Gatwick, breakfast, private transfers and UK airport lounge access.
Beach bliss in Mauritius
The golden beaches, shallow seas and ease of travel in Mauritius make it a hit. During half-term there are plenty of watersports and treetop adventures to get stuck into. Snack on Indian street food at the beach or venture inland and swim at Black River Gorges.
Seven nights from £5,899 at Long Beach (read the full review here), for two adults and two children on a half-board basis departing October 19 (01293 762 456, hayesandjarvis.co.uk), includes return flights from London Heathrow.
Lisbon and the coast
Marvel at palaces, ride trams, pick over food stalls and wander between public art works and the Oceanarium at Parque das Nações. Sintra’s Moorish Castle and fairytale Pena Palace will fire imaginations. For a longer break, combine with the coast at Cascais. Martinhal’s resorts offer kids clubs and a spa.
Three nights from £733 at Martinhal Chiado Lisbon (martinhal.com) in a studio apartment, arriving October 20, and four nights from £845 at Martinhal Cascais in a deluxe room, arriving October 24.
Lakes and fells in Cumbria
Set in woodland that is home to rare red squirrels, a 25-minute drive from Ullswater, the Whinfell Forest Center Parcs sits outside Penrith on the edge of the Lake District. It features a subtropical indoor waterpark and offers sailing on its own lake, as well as kayaking, roller-skating and other activities.
Four nights from £1,099 for a two-bedroom Woodland Lodge, sleeping four, arriving October 22 (centerparcs.co.uk).
Cycling in Spain
For older children, a leisurely pedal through back country in Catalonia may suit. A “Bikes, Back roads and Beaches” tour swoops down quiet roads from Girona, across gentle hills, past medieval villages and paddy fields to empty beaches. Routes are short, leaving time for poolside relaxation.
Six nights for £815 per adult and £630 per child on a half-board basis, (Inntravel.co.uk), departing October 20, including luggage transfers, route maps, notes and bicycle hire but not flights to Girona or Barcelona (recommended).
