The weather begins to get warmer and it’s time to roll up your sleeves and swap your trousers for shorts. Yes, it’s that time of the year to start planning the May half-term holidays.
I mean, why wait till Summer for you and your family to enjoy when you can easily take advantage of the May half-term break? You can enjoy an amazing getaway and fill your days with action, fun, excitement, and have a ball of a time.
Best places to enjoy May half-term holidays
The perfect time to take a break is during the May Half Term holidays. Just imagine, the weather is not too hot, nor too cold. The crowds are lesser and are ideal for a family holiday without the Summer rush.
This list of carefully selected destinations showcases an array of exciting activities and entertainment to keep your whole family content. That sounds great, doesn’t it? So check out these spots below and you can be sure that there’ll never be a dull moment on your May half-term holiday breaks in the UK and around the world.
The top May half-term Breaks UK
➤ Paignton, Devon
Paignton in Devon is a playground for families who loves a blend of the best of the beach and countryside. With lovely beaches, castles and steam trains, – this place offers wonderful yet, cheap holidays for May half-term break.
Things to see and do in Paignton, Devon
- Paignton Zoo – Paignton Zoo has more than 2,500 species and is one of the most popular things to see with kids.
- Dartmouth Steam Railway – Travel along the old branch line in a steam train and pass the beautiful coastal and riverside, visit Agatha Christie’s holiday home, Greenway, and Churston.
- Pirates Bay crazy golf – Pirates Bay Adventure Golf Course with 18 holes of themed golfing fun is a perfect place for the whole family to have.
- National Trust Compton Castle – The 14th Century Compton Castle near Paignton is one of the best places to explore.
- Beaches in Paignton – Paignton has plenty of pristine beaches that has something for everyone, with shallow waters that are safe for toddlers.
➤ Isle of Wight
With its age-old heritage, gorgeous beaches, camping sites and many attractions, the Isle of Wight is one of the best destinations for family-friendly May half-term holidays in the UK. The island offers insightful things to do, and see, plus it is one of only seven UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the UK.
Things to see and do in Isle of Wight
- Robin Hill Adventure Park & Gardens – Robin Hill is a good quality family attraction that can offer a great time on the various playgrounds with a couple of medium-sized rides.
- Tapnell Farm Park – Tapnell Farm Park is one of those attractions which appeals to those who like a bit of an adventure. It has a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities, including soft play and adventure play as well as a petting zoo.
- Alum Bay & The Needles – Alum Bay and the Needles is a perfect spot to enjoy the May half-term holidays. This is a spectacular natural wonder which offers plenty to see and do from plenty of history to a handful of funfair rides.
- Wight Karting – Wight Karting offers oodles of fun for the entire family with fun go-karts with various speeds of vehicles.
➤ Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is the perfect destination for families looking for a holiday destination amongst rolling hills, stunning villages and picturesque gardens. There are plenty of things to see, do and entertain everyone on your May half-term holidays in the Cotswolds.
Things to see and do in the Cotswolds
- Birdland Park and Gardens – Birdland is a huge bird attraction, set in 9 acres of gardens and woodland that allows many bird species to live in their natural habitat.
- Westonbirt Arboretum – Westonbirt Arboretum is located near Tetbury with many trails through the woods that are perfect for hiking and biking.
- Woodchester Park National Trust – Woodchester Park is the perfect place to explore, with stunning woodlands complete with a country estate home, play trails, and a boathouse on a lake.
- Cattle Country Adventure Park – The Cattle Country Adventure Farm Park is a great option for the May half-term holidays. And another great family attraction that offers a splash pool, an indoor play area, and a beach barn with sand.
➤ Blackpool
If you are on the look for a classic family beach holiday destination for the May half-term holiday? Blackpool oozes with fun and lots to do. It is the ideal spot to relax, unwind and enjoy the wonderful sea breeze as you spend your time on a beautiful sandy beach.
Things to see and do in Blackpool
- Blackpool Tower – Your Blackpool holiday would not be complete without a visit to the Blackpool Tower. Climb the Tower Eye and admire the amazing views across the North West.
- Madame Tussauds Blackpool – Visit Madame Tussauds in Blackpool and strike a pose, snap a picture with your favourite Marvel heroes and other famous characters.
➤ St Ives, Cornwall
St Ives in Cornwall is packed with dreamy family-friendly locations and is a paradise for child-friendly escapes. From beautiful beach resorts to picturesque landscapes, this beautiful spot.
Things to see and do in St Ives, Cornwall
- Carbis Bay Beach – Carbis Bay beach is a wonderful beach with lovely soft sand, stunning views, gives a tropical vibe, and is perfect for a family day out at the beach.
- Cornish Seal Sanctuary – Have fun at Cornwall’s only Seal Sanctuary during your May half-term holidays. Here you can get up close to these fantastic creatures.
- Kidz R Us – Get the young ones involved with plenty of fun activities at Kidz R Us, a youth theatre company, dedicated to the performing arts.
The top May half-term holidays elsewhere
➤ Rhodes, Greece
A Greek-island getaway is a perfect way to have your family happy during the half-term holidays in May. And Rhodes in Greece is an exceptionally wonderful option with plenty of family-friendly beaches with sunshine on the cards and historical sites.
Things to see and do in Rhodes, Greece
- Valley of Butterflies – The Valley of the Butterflies is one of the most charming attractions in Rhodes, where you can walk through the narrow, valley surrounded by a charming forest.
GOOD TO KNOW: Climb to the top-most part of the valley, and a few hundred meters more, and you will find the Kalopetra Monastery, which is also worth a visit.
- Seven Springs – Seven Springs offers a cool, magical landscape, where the kids can feel adventurous and take a walk through the narrow dark tunnel or enjoy themselves while observing the ducks, peacocks, and other animals found in the area.
- Marine Aquarium – The kids will absolutely love the Marine Aquarium, located in the basement of the Hydro-Biological Station of Rhodes, and offers the visitors the chance to view marine life of the Eastern Mediterranean.
- Eleousa – Eleousa is a place where you will appreciate the relaxing environment, the lush green nature, and the good food offered at the local taverns. Plus, this is a perfect option for your May half-term holidays.
➤ Antalya, Turkey
Take your May half-term holidays to Antalya, Turkey, from many ancient sights, spice bazaars, lush mountains and pristine beaches. Fancy a family adventure? then Antalya is a place that offers fun-filled theme parks and waterparks with thrilling rides and swift slides. Here you’re bound to find something for every member of the gang.
Things to see and do in Antalya, Turkey
- The Land of Legends Theme Park – The Land of Legends entertainment centre is a huge water park and one of the most amazing places in Antalya where your children can have a pretty amazing time.
- Dino Park – Be fascinated at the Dino Park in Göynük, where you’ll find huge replicas of dinosaurs and animals hidden in the pine forests.
- The Deepfear horror tunnel – The Deepfear horror tunnel is a theme park that invites you on a horror trip, with spooky lighting effects and offers a special kind of experience. In addition, there is a planetarium, a 7D cinema, a climbing wall, pool games, and a trampoline.
- Discover Ancient Ruins – Antalya is rich in history and offers sightings of ruins and ancient relics. Visiting this place is an interesting choice even for children.
➤ Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands is a warm paradise with plenty of spring sunshine. So, if you are looking to soak up some pleasant golden rays, Gran Canaria is a winner. The best part of a trip here is that there’s more to this place than lounger-loaded beaches. What’s more is that active families are covered, with plenty of fun-filled things to do too.
Things to see and do in Gran Canaria
- Water parks – Gran Canaria is full of fun theme parks so your May half-term holidays will be jam-packed with fun. Take the kids to the water park on the island.
- Sioux City Park – Sioux City is the wild, wild west in Gran Canaria where you can be a cowboy for the day and witness duels, dances, and bank robberies.
- Take a trip in a submarine – Discover the underwater life of Gran Canaria from inside a yellow submarine where you can experience incredible underwater life under the sea.
- Camel rides – Take the family on an exciting camel ride across the Gran Canaria sand dunes, this is something the kids will remember for a long time to come.
➤ Costa Dorada, Spain
Spain’s Costa Dorada have a concrete spot on the May half-term holidays hotlist. So, if you’ve got the family ready for an impressive break, Costa Dorada’s spot on! With gold-sand beaches and pleasantly warm weather, this blissful spot will not disappoint!
Things to see and do in Costa Dorada, Spain
- PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park – PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park is a Caribbean-themed park that offers 16 water attractions and slides and is the ideal family escape.
- Aquopolis Costa Dorada – Aquopolis Costa Dorada is another fun theme park that features water slides, pools, and other aquatic fun divided into three categories–high emotion, moderate, and children.
- The House of Illusion – Take away some magical moments at the House of Illusion and be entertained with close-up and parlour magic.
➤ Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Ibiza is popularly known as the party playground in Spain but the Balearic Islands sing to a different tune. The family-friendly island has a score of fun entertainment at beautiful beaches and waterparks, where the whole family can enjoy together.
Things to see and do in Ibiza
- Beaches in Ibiza – Ibiza has a long stretch of coastline dotted with heavenly beaches with breath-taking scenery and features playgrounds for the kids and much more.
- Mount Sa Talial – Explore and climb to the top of Mount Sa Talial, and be awarded beautiful views of the island and its crystal-clear waters.
- Salines Natural Park – Salines Natural Park offers a range of marine fauna that populates the park, including the famous pink flamingo that the kids will appreciate.
- Eivissa – The city of Eivissa is a destination filled with history and offers an opportunity to discover this city full of charm, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage.
So, there you have it, my list of favourite places to visit during the May half-term holidays. If you find a spot that speaks to your heart, go ahead and give us a ring or drop us a line and our travel experts will be more than happy to help you decide the best place for you and your family.
