There are plenty of reasons to plan a family break over the Whitsun half-term week. But perhaps the most alluring, especially in these cash-strapped times, is the chance for your money to travel that bit further too.
Accommodation is typically 30 per cent cheaper than in the peak season months of July and August, and although travel costs can push up the bill, especially for departures over May 23 and 24, the first weekend of the half-term break, there are still some affordable fares to be had if you pick the right destination, or travel mid-week.
When it comes to sunshine, there’s no reason why you won’t strike lucky by remaining in the UK, but if you head to the southern Med, or further afield to the Canaries, you can find long days of warm sunshine.
Conversely, by travelling at this time of year, you stand a good chance of dodging the heatwaves which have plagued Europe in recent summers, and find weather that is perfect for relaxed walking or cycling itineraries, unimpeded by stifling temperatures.
We’ve picked out 20 stand-out family holidays at home and abroad which offer maximum affordability without scrimping on the fun factor. Whether it’s a cosy cottage in Devon, a cycling holiday in Italy, a beach club break in Greece or an adventure in Morocco, all that’s left to do is choose the right fit for you.
Best value in the UK
Theme park in Cheshire
Introduce younger children to this year’s Spring Spectacular at Gulliver’s Land Resort near Warrington where rides include The Wriggler roller coaster, Smuggler’s Boating School and the log flume. Among further highlights are tractor rides, tree-top swings, jeep safaris and classic carousels, with on-site accommodation ranging from tipis, to themed lodges and hotel suites.
Gulliver’s Land Resort offers a two-night “Eat, Sleep, Play” package including breakfast and evening meal from £363, based on a family of four sharing a tipi. From May 23.
Puffins in Pembrokeshire
Catch a glimpse of Pembrokeshire’s puffins, which arrive on this coast from mid-April and are at their most numerous from May to July. One of the best places to see these exotic-looking birds is Skomer Island, a 20-minute boat trip from the embarkation point at Martins Haven, bookable through Pembrokeshire Islands Boat Trips.
Wales Cottage Holidays offers a seven-night stay at Alpha Cottage in Tenby, sleeping four, from £860. From May 22.
Bunkhouse in Monmouthshire
Gather friends and family together for a stay at Llwyn Celyn Bunkhouse, sleeping 12. This carefully restored, late-medieval building, in the scenic Llanthony Valley on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, dates from 1420, and makes a great base for local walks, rock climbing and mountain biking.
Landmark Trust offers a seven-night stay at Llwyn Celyn Bunkhouse from £1,050, rental only (three- and four-night half-term stays also available). From May 22.
Hiking in Exmoor
Join a group of like-minded families to explore the moorland and coastline of Exmoor National Park on a May half-term break at 32-room Holnicote House near Selworthy village, for a daily itinerary of organised walks ranging from three to ten miles.
HF Holidays offers a four-night “Exmoor Family Walking Adventure” from £909pp full board, based on a family room. Up to three children per full-paying adult; under 11 years go free; 11-17 years £99. From May 25.
Self-catering in East Sussex
Enjoy out-of-hours access to the spectacular grounds of Sheffield Park estate near Ashdown Forest. Events in May are geared to families with young children, and include an Alice in Wonderland Trail through the Grade I-listed gardens with games inspired by the book’s characters, including the White Rabbit and Cheshire Cat.
The National Trust offers a four-night self-catering stay at Welbeck Cottage, a renovated gardener’s cottage, sleeping four, plus up to two dogs at no additional charge, from £1,425, rental only. From May 25.
Cottage in Devon
Hedge your bets by booking a house with indoor and outdoor activities on-site for fun and entertainment whatever the weather. The Gitcombe Estate near Dartmouth offers an indoor and heated outdoor pool, tennis court, play areas, boules court, hot tub and 14 acres of grounds, plus a food delivery service.
Gitcombe offers stays at Burrator Cottage, sleeping six, on the Gitcombe Estate from £2,562, rental only. From May 23.
Cycling in Northumberland
Test out a new family-focused biking itinerary along the Northumberland coast. This self-guided route, offered by Saddle Skedaddle, takes in the region’s sandy beaches from Alnwick with its castle and gardens to Berwick, via Holy Island’s Lindisfarne Castle and priory.
Saddle Skedaddle offers a four-night “Northumberland Coast - Alnwick to Berwick“ itinerary from £795 per person; 20 per cent discount for children aged under 18 years travelling with two full-paying adults. Excludes bike hire. Departs daily in May.
Woodland stay in Cumbria
Head to the woods for a lodge-style stay at Center Parcs Whinfell Forest, near Penrith, with its subtropical water park adventure and woodland trails. A vast range of pre-bookable activities are aimed at all ages, and include archery, crafts workshops, quad bike safaris, tenpin bowling, spy school and nature walks.
Center Parcs offer a four-night stay in Whinfell Forest Center Parc in Cumbria from £1,349, based on a Woodland Lodge sleeping four. From May 25.
Best value abroad
Culture in Prague
Introduce the children to the city parks, architecture and history of the Czech capital from an affordable, self-catering base in the city centre. Climb the Old Town Hall tower, take in the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle, browse the shops of Parizska and take a walk through Kampa Park.
Easyjet offers a four-night stay at the Anyday Apartments in Wenceslas Square, from £285, self-catering, based on an apartment for four people. Excludes transfers. From May 25.
Alpine activities in Chamonix
Take the car across the Channel for a stay in this buzzy Alpine town where family excursions include Merlot Wildlife Park in Les Houches, a ride on Europe’s highest cable car and Chamonix leisure park with mini-karting, slides and trampolines.
Peak Retreats offers a seven-night stay at four-star Le Cristal de Jade, sleeping five, with heated indoor pool and children’s area, from £241 per person based on a two-bedroom apartment, including Channel crossing for a car and passengers. Departs May 23.
All-inclusive hotel in Lanzarote
Seek out some half-term sunshine in the Canary Islands where temperatures will be nudging 23C, for an all-inclusive stay at a family-focused hotel. Tui Blue Flamingo Beach hotel offers a splash pool, soft play zones and kids’ clubs, plus daily activities, a swim school and choice of three restaurants.
Tui offers a seven-night, all-inclusive stay at five-star Tui Blue Flamingo Beach in Lanzarote from £629 per person, based on a family of four. Departs May 24.
Walking in France
Hike the 103km trail along the Le Puy Way, part of the Camino de Santiago, between Conques and the Unesco World Heritage Site of Rocamadour and through the spectacular Lot and Cele Valleys. This walk, best suited to families with older children, includes medieval villages, ancient pilgrimage churches and peaceful countryside.
Headwater Active Holidays offers a six night “Camino Le Puy Way: Conques to Rocamadour” itinerary from £729 B&B, including four dinners. Excludes travel. Departs daily throughout May.
Self-guided cycling in Italy
Check out the Alpe Adria cycle path with its gentle gradients and itineraries of 16 to 22 miles per day. Flanked by spectacular mountain scenery, the itinerary starts in the Austrian city of Villach, finishing in Grado on the Italian coast, with overnight stays in mid-range hotels.
Freedom Treks offers a six-night Alpe Adria Cycle PathTour from £753 B&B for two adults and a child (aged six to 11 years) sharing a triple room, including luggage transfer. Excludes bike hire. Flights to Salzburg from £206 with Ryanair. From May 24.
Villa stay in Mallorca
Stay near the beach and long, waterfront promenade of north-west Mallorca, where temperatures will be around 21C with nine hours of sunshine. Shop in the market at Pollença Old Town with its narrow streets and lively central square, with water sports and golf courses nearby.
Jet2holidays offers a seven-night stay at Villa Cala Pollença, sleeping six, in Pollença, Mallorca from £943 per person, based on full occupancy, including bag allowance, one free child place and car hire. From May 23.
Family cruise to Norway
Avoid the hassle of flying by booking a cruise which starts and ends in Southampton. P&O’s school holiday cruises are focused on families, with a nursery for six months to two years and “The Reef”, which offers age-appropriate activities for children aged up to 17 years, including sports coaching, talent shows and quiz nights.
P&O Cruises offers a seven-night “Norwegian Fjords” cruise on Iona from £924pp full board, based on a family of four sharing a cabin with a balcony. Departs May 23.
Adventure in Albania
Join a family-focused tour to the Balkans for a week of supervised activities. Highlights include river rafting, hiking and wild swimming in a group of up to 16. Recommended for children aged over seven years, with the opportunity to visit local beaches and sample Albanian cuisine.
Explore Worldwide offers a seven-night “Family Albania Adventure” from £1,440 b&b, including one lunch. Flights to Tirana with Wizz Air from £198 return. From May 23.
Water sports in Greece
Make the most of the huge array of on-site activities on and off the water which are included in the price of a beach club holiday with Mark Warner. These include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing, cycling, tennis and padel. Kids clubs are available for children aged two to 17 years, and childcare from four months.
Mark Warner offers stays at Paleros Beach Resort from £1,572 half board, based on a junior suite. From May 24.
Sun and fun in Sicily
New for 2026 is Neilson x Mangia’s Torre del Barone resort in Sciacca on the south-west coast of Sicily, 90 minutes from Palermo. In May, temperatures will be rising to around 21C, ideal for a sunny week of tennis, padel, fitness classes, mountain biking, catamaran sailing and volleyball.
Neilson offers a seven-night stay at Neilson x Torre Del Barone from £1,889pp half board, based on a deluxe room with sea view. From May 23.
Sports in the Algarve
Learn to play golf and tennis, and have a go on the flying trapeze at Club Med’s Da Balaia resort, 40 minutes west of Faro. All the basics are included in the price, including team sports and fitness sessions with the option to have private lessons at extra cost. The resort has three pools and a choice of restaurants serving Portuguese and international menus.
Club Med offers a seven-night stay at Da Balaia, from £1,399pp full board, based on four sharing a superior family room, including transfer and flights. From May 23.
Desert adventures in Morocco
Introduce your family to this exotic country on a half-term tour which takes in Marrakech and the coastal resort of Essaouira, with a hike in the High Atlas Mountains, a camel ride and overnight stay in a desert camp. Highlights include lunch with a Berber family and a cookery class.
Stubborn Mule Travel offers a seven-night “Morocco Family Short Break” from £1,999pp, B&B, including some meals and a guided tour of Marrakech. From May 23 or 24.