Your 2026 UK and Europe Travel Plan
As teachers who have lived and taught in the UK, we are always being asked for advice on all aspects of relocating to live and work in England.
One topic we love to discuss is how much travel you can fit into during the 13 weeks of school holidays + 8 bank holidays (long weekends) each year.
We have asked our team to come up with their suggestions for what to do from January-December as an overseas teacher who has wanderlust and a bucket list to tick off.
Here’s a month-by-month guide of things to do in the UK or Europe for each bank holiday weekend, half term, and end-of-term break — These are all tailored to teachers arriving in London in January and looking to travel throughout the year. The below suggestions are tried and tested and include short getaways, events, and city escapes perfect for teachers on a school calendar:
2026 School Year Travel & Bank Holiday Guide
All trips are budget-friendly and teacher-recommended!
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FEBRUARY HALF TERM (Likely: 17–21 Feb)
Option 1: Explore Edinburgh
• Walk the Royal Mile, tour Edinburgh Castle, hike Arthur’s Seat.
• Take the train (4.5 hours) or a cheap flight.
Option 2: Cotswolds countryside escape
• Cosy pubs, rolling hills, charming villages.
• Rent a car or take a National Express coach.
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EASTER BREAK (Likely: 7–21 April)
Fly to: Porto, Portugal (5–7 days)
• Budget-friendly, warm spring weather, wine tours, surf & sunsets.
UK Option: Cornwall road trip
• St Ives, Tintagel Castle, and Eden Project.
• Coastal hikes + fresh seafood.
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MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY (Mon 5 May)
Day trip: Kew Gardens or Hampstead Heath picnic
Weekend away: Brighton – beach walks, fish & chips, street art
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LATE MAY BANK HOLIDAY + HALF TERM (26–30 May)
Fly to: Split, Croatia (5–7 days)
• Beaches, ancient ruins, island hopping (Hvar, Brac).
UK Option: Lake District hiking + glamping
• Book a YHA or pod for budget stays. Try Catbells hike.
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AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY (Mon 25 Aug)
Notting Hill Carnival (in London!)
• Caribbean culture, music, food, huge street party.
Weekend away: Copenhagen or Paris
• Cheap Ryanair/EasyJet flights, perfect for 2–3 nights.
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SUMMER HOLIDAYS (Likely: 21 July – 1 Sept)
Interrail across Europe (2–3 weeks)
Suggested loop: London ? Amsterdam ? Berlin ? Prague ? Budapest ? Venice ? London
Chill option: Greek Island hopping (Paros, Naxos, Santorini)
UK Staycation: Scottish Highlands or Isle of Skye
Train to Fort William or Inverness + explore by car or small group tour.
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OCTOBER HALF TERM (Likely: 27–31 Oct)
Option 1: Transylvania, Romania
• Dracula’s Castle, autumn leaves, medieval towns
Option 2: Yorkshire Dales or Peak District or Stonehenge
• Cosy walks, Sunday roasts, golden scenery
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CHRISTMAS BREAK (Likely: 19 Dec – early Jan 2026)
Option 1: Germany or Austria Christmas Markets
• Nuremberg, Munich, Salzburg, or Vienna
• Magical, festive, and affordable in early December
Option 2: Escape winter with Morocco or Canary Islands
• Cheap flights from London to Marrakech or Tenerife
• Culture + sun in under 4 hours
Ready to talk to us about your 2026 Uk teaching and travel adventure? We’d love to hear from you.Click here.