February half term 2026 runs from Monday 16th to 20th February. Falling just after Valentine’s weekend, it’s a good opportunity to spend time together before spring arrives, without the pressures that come with peak summer travel.
Whether you are working around school schedules, annual leave, or different age groups, February half term suits families looking for a manageable trip that still feels like a proper break. With fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and good availability across many destinations, it is especially appealing for parents travelling with children or teenagers.
Below, we explore family-friendly February half term destinations, plus practical planning tips to help you make the most of your break.
February half term is often overlooked, but it offers several advantages for families:
For families with younger children, fewer crowds can make days out less tiring. For those travelling with teens, it is a chance to explore cities or activity-led destinations without long queues or busy transport.
For families who prefer to stay in the UK, Centre Parcs February half term breaks remain a popular choice. Locations such as Sherwood Forest, Woburn Forest, and Longleat Forest offer:
February works well here because many activities are indoors and available year-round. Children can enjoy Subtropical Swimming Paradise, while teens may prefer activities such as cycling trails, indoor climbing, or sports courts. Parents benefit from having everything on site, which helps reduce travel and planning stress.
You can find out more about Centre Parcs villages and facilities here.
Those looking for similar lodge-style breaks may also consider Forest Holidays, with locations including Cropton Forest, Glentress Forest, and the Brecon Beacons. These cabin-style breaks offer:
Darwin Forest Country Park in Derbyshire is another great option, featuring an indoor pool, woodland walks, and child-friendly facilities that work well during cooler February weather.
Disneyland Paris remains a popular choice for UK travelling during February half term, especially those with younger children and teenagers.
While mid-February is busier due to UK and French school holidays, it is generally less crowded than peak summer or Easter breaks. The parks operate fully in February, with rides, shows, and seasonal entertainment running as normal.
Staying in an on-site Disney hotel allows families to remain close to the parks, helping reduce daily travel and making busy days easier for younger children.
With direct Eurostar services from London and short flights from several UK airports, Disneyland Paris works well for a one-week February half-term break.
Explore more about visiting Disneyland Paris as a family here.
Barcelona is a strong option for families looking for a February half term city break with variety. Cooler temperatures, which suits sightseeing days and walking routes without the heat of summer.
Family-friendly attractions include:
Older children and teens often enjoy exploring neighbourhoods, food markets such as La Boqueria, and using the city’s straightforward public transport.
More information for families here.
Amsterdam is a family-friendly city that works well for short February half-term breaks. Its compact layout, flat streets, and reliable public transport make it easy to explore with children of different ages.
Families can enjoy interactive attractions such as:
February is generally quieter than spring and summer, helping families visit popular attractions without heavy crowds.
Self-catering apartments and family-friendly hotels are widely available, allowing families to balance sightseeing with downtime during a short break. With a short flight time from the UK and plenty of indoor activities, Amsterdam is well suited to February half-term travel with kids.
More details are available here.
Ghent offers canals, castles, and museums within a walkable city centre that’s easy to explore with children. February is a quieter time to visit attractions such as Gravensteen Castle and STAM City Museum.
Families with teens may enjoy the café culture and interactive exhibits, while younger children benefit from shorter walking distances and clear transport links.
For more information, visit here.
Zell am See is a strong choice for families who want a winter break with options beyond skiing. Alongside beginner-friendly slopes, families can enjoy:
February conditions are reliable for winter activities, and the resort layout makes it easier to balance active mornings with quieter afternoons, especially when travelling with children of different ages. More information is available here.
South Tyrol combines winter activities with well-organised family villages. Cable cars, snow parks and gentle walking routes suit younger children, while teens may enjoy ski schools and mountain facilities. Good transport links and family-friendly accommodation make planning days straightforward, even during a short February half-term stay.
Discover more here.
For something a little different, Andorra la Vella is a compact mountain destination well suited to families with children and teenagers.
Resorts such as Grandvalira offer ski schools, gondola access, and snow parks, while indoor leisure centres and shopping areas give teens more independence.
February is a strong month for snow conditions, and the destination’s size helps keep travel between activities straightforward.
You can find out more about visiting Andorra as a family here.
Before confirming your February half term holidays it’s important to make sure your family has suitable travel insurance in place. Cover can help protect against unexpected medical costs, cancellations, or lost belongings.
Always check policy limits, exclusions, and activity cover to ensure it suits your destination and plans. Find out more about Family Travel Insurance and what is covered.
Ready to go? Click here to get a free quote today.
Q: When is February half term 2026?
A: February half term 2026 runs from Monday 16th to Friday 20th February.
Q: Which UK destinations are best for families in February?
A: Centre Parcs and Forest Holidays offer indoor activities and family-friendly lodges, making them ideal for February breaks.
Q: Are European city breaks suitable for children in February?
A: Yes, cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Ghent are quieter during February, with indoor attractions and easy public transport for families.
Q: What kind of activities can teens enjoy on February family holidays?
A: Teens can enjoy adventure activities, ski schools, cultural sites, and exploring city neighbourhoods or winter resorts.
Q: Do I need travel insurance for a short February half term trip?
A: Yes. Travel insurance can protect against cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost belongings. Always check the policy covers your activities. Find out more about Family Travel Insurance.
Summer is the perfect time to get away and enjoy the summer sun with your loved ones. Whether you’re travelling with young children, teens, or grandparents, there are many beach holidays in Europe for families that offer something for everyone. From gentle waves for paddling to fun seaside towns with family attractions, these destinations are ideal for relaxed days and memorable evenings.
We’ve picked ten family-friendly beach spots across Europe, each in a different country. All of these have soft sand, calm waters, fun things to do, and places where both kids and older adults can enjoy their time.
Summer is finally here, making it the perfect time for families to start planning their summer holidays. Whether you’re after a fun-filled family break or a long-overdue reunion, the longer days and warmer weather make it a great opportunity to organise your next trip.
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Europe is home to some of the world’s most romantic destinations, perfect for couples seeking a dreamy escape. Whether you’re after fairy-tale cities, breath taking coastal views, or charming countryside retreats, there’s a perfect spot for every kind of romance. From the timeless streets of Paris to the sun-drenched shores of Santorini, here are the most romantic destinations in Europe to inspire your next getaway.
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2020 will forever be the Year of Lockdown, the year our holiday plans were cancelled or put on hold, and nothing got ticked off our travel bucket lists. Nevertheless, we must look forward to a time when travel restrictions will be lifted, and travel to all the amazing places the world has to offer will once again be possible.
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Here at Holidaysafe HQ we understand that after months of staring at the same four walls, most of us are now daydreaming about exotic beaches, beautiful cities – or simply going somewhere different for a change in scenery. However, with ever-changing advice from the Government, it can be difficult to know where we can actually go.
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As the New Year approaches, we know a lot of you will be starting to make your new year travel resolutions. With research being the hardest part of picking a holiday (and with so many destinations to choose from) we thought we’d give you a heads up on the most popular holiday destinations predicated in 2019.
Are Winter sports not your thing?
Around now, as it’s getting colder, all the skiers and boarders break out their kit and get ready for a new season. If our latest weather is anything to go by, there will soon be snow falling in Europe so many will be booking holidays up now to get ahead of the crowd, as well as pre-booking for the festivals in the snow.
However, if you are not a fan of the snow, or the cold weather in general, and just want to get away somewhere warm to have a nice chilled holiday lying on a sunbed, exploring new cities and sipping a cocktail at sunset, these are the places for you.
The land of luxury shopping, with malls filled with aquariums and a 76,00 sq ft indoor theme park, it is a world far different to most of the UK. Another plus point? The flight is just under 7 hours, which is great.
At 830m tall, the Burj Khalifa dominates the skyline, with the Dubai Fountain just outside showing spectacular shows with jets of water choreographed to music, it’s definitely not to be missed.
Whether you are travelling alone for business, as a couple or a family, there is so much to do and so many amazing adventures to be had.
With theme parks and water parks a plenty, as well as desert safaris, sightseeing and more, what are you waiting for?
For more ideas visit this website.
As one of the closest European destinations that has sun most of the year, it is one of the easiest places to get to.
Although you may need something a little warmer in the evenings, the average temperature here is around 20 degrees which is a lot warmer than our current 7.
With Day trips, water sports and outdoor activities in spades, you won’t be stuck for things to do.
A good day out is Teide National Park which is centered on Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain with its summit being 3,718 metres above sea level, making it the highest point in the islands of the Atlantic. The park is the also the third oldest national park in Spain.
For more ideas visit this website.
Or you could just chill out, sangria in hand, paella on order of course.
A little further afield, with flights taking approximately 12 hours, but just look how beautiful it is.
You can split the journey if that is too long for you, stopping off in Dubai.
From Dolphin Encounters, scuba diving, stunning beaches and gardens, you will be immersed into picture perfect scenery during your trip which will make up for the long flight I’m sure!
One of the most famous touristic spots is the Seven Coloured Earths that can be found in Charamel.
It is a geological formation of seven distinct colours of sand, hence the name, what makes this even more special is that in spite of the tropical weather that can occur here, the dunes have not eroded.
One of our team here in HQ was lucky enough to travel here on her Honeymoon, take a look here to see what she got up to.
For more ideas visit this website.
Off the northwest coast of Africa, with a population of just under 540,000, Cape Verde is a great winter sun destination.
Known for its amazing beaches, it also has a wealth of historical culture to explore such as Pico do Fogo. This is the highest point rising to 2,829 metres above sea level and is an active stratovolcano.
Don’t worry! The main cone last erupted in 1675 so it isn’t a regular occurrence!
For more ideas visit this website.
Last but by no means least; it is definitely the furthest away taking 15 hours due to it being on the southernmost tip of Africa.
Table Mountain is a favourite for the stunning views from the top, which you can get to either by hiking (if you’re feeling energetic) or using the cableway.
Most of the cities have ‘hop on’ buses if you enjoy sightseeing and they start from £11 which is a great budget way of exploring.
Obviously, there are many safaris and national parks that are home to an amazing selection of wildlife.
Another favourite is Boulders Beach located in the Cape Peninsula. Living here is a protected colony of African Penguins which you are able to view via wooden walkways.
It is great to be able to see them in their natural habitat, and there is a beach nearby that you can swim in also.
There are placards along the walkway giving you information about the penguins whilst walking around.
As this is a popular place, maybe find out from the tour operators when the quiet periods are so you can see them and take your instaworthy pictures.
For more ideas visit this website.
When booking up your Winter Sun holidays, ensure that you also book your travel insurance at the same time to guarantee cover for cancellation, just in case!
With all these different activities on offer, also take a look at our activity packs and you can confirm that you have purchased the right pack.
Any questions about any of our products, please feel free to contact us @Holidaysafe
If you need inspiration for your summer holiday, here are our top picks: