Best places to stay for May half term
Top UK destinations for your May half term holiday
Posted on 24-04-25, updated on 16-06-25By: Sarah N. | 11 minute read
Family having fun on the beach at Sandymouth Holiday Resort in Bude, Cornwall
Plan your May half term getaway
With the Easter holidays behind us and the kids back at school, we can't help but look ahead to the next opportunity for a family holiday: the May half term! Thankfully, we don't have too long to wait, as most of the schools will finish on Friday 23rd May for the 2025 May half term holiday, and go back on Monday 2nd June. That's plenty of time for a memorable staycation, beach-hopping on the (hopefully) sunny British coast or basking in the beautiful countryside.
To help you decide where you want to escape to this May, we've looked at our most-booked destinations for the May half term holidays in 2024. We've then rounded up the top events and activities to enjoy as a family in the area for 2025, as well as some of the best places to stay locally. Scroll down and start planning your perfect May half term holiday today!
Top 5 destinations for May half term holidays for families
These are the top 5 destinations booked with Hoseasons for May half term 2024, based on family bookings at our holiday parks and lodges:
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) in Exeter, open throughout May half term with special events
Exeter, Devon
Coming out on top we have Exeter, located in the picturesque county of Devon, which serves as a fantastic family holiday spot during the May half term. Featuring a wealth of history, inspiring architecture and a lively cultural atmosphere, it offers numerous chances for adventure and discovery - with some of our favourite options listed below. The city is also conveniently close to the breathtaking scenery of Dartmoor National Park, for when you fancy some fresh country air.
Events and activities in Exeter for May half term 2025:
Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM): As well as its usual family-friendly exhibitions, the museum will be hosting various events during the May half term holidays, including the Fedoras and Flappers hat-making workshop on Tuesday 27th May and an Art Deco tote bag printing session on Wednesday 28th May.
Exeter Phoenix: This vibrant arts venue in Exeter city centre offers a selection of family-friendly shows and workshops throughout May half term 2025, including an animation workshop, a comedy theatre show based on children's stories, and the chance to build your own fairytale!
Crealy Theme Park & Resort: The award-winning theme park will shortly be announcing an exciting timetable for May half term 2025, with exciting rollercoaster rides, family shows and more. The park will be fully open from 10am-5pm, Saturday 24th May to Sunday 1st June - scroll down to see how you can stay onsite!
Dartmoor National Park: If the weather is kind to you this May half term - and we hope it is - then why not try one of ourfamily-friendly walks in Devon, many of which take place in nearby Dartmoor National Park. Pack a picnic and make a proper day of it!
Exeter Quayside: Be sure to head down to the city's pretty quayside on your visit to Exeter. There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy a drink or a bite to eat by the water, or you could even hire paddleboards and head out on the River Exe. This is one of the best places in Devon to go kayaking or paddleboarding.
Places to stay in Exeter for May half term 2025:
Crealy Resort: A family-friendly holiday park just outside of Exeter, within the grounds of Crealy Theme Park & Resort - one of our top picks for family fun during the May half term holiday.
Woodbury Woods: Contemporary caravans tucked away amidst tranquil woodland, with plenty of outdoor space for little ones to run and play, plus beautiful nature trails to explore.
Castle Brake Holiday Park: Head for a classic caravan holiday in the Devonshire countryside, just 25 minutes' drive from Exeter city centre. There's a children's play area and a games room onsite, or you can be on the Exeter coast in around 20 minutes!
Webbers Country Park: Your home-away-from-home in East Devon, this countryside caravan park is great for families looking for activities and adventure this May half term. The area offers everything from fishing and golf to horse-riding and cycling, plus Exeter is only 25 minutes' drive away.
Great Yarmouth Observation Wheel, offering great views across the town and Norfolk coastline
Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Great Yarmouth in Norfolk is a fantastic destination for a family holiday, so we're not suprised to see it so high on our list. Visitors can enjoy the bustling seafront with its classic pier amusements, take a leisurely stroll along the Golden Mile or build sandcastles on Great Yarmouth beach! The resort really comes alive in late spring and summer, promising fun for all ages when you visit during May half term.
Events and activities in Great Yarmouth for May half term 2025:
Great Yarmouth Observation Wheel: A great way to start your holiday is by getting your bearings, and what better way to do that than with a ride on the Great Yarmouth Observation Wheel? Simply hop aboard the giant wheel on the promenade, sit back, and enjoy the view!
SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth: The seaside aquarium will be open throughout the May half term holidays, with extended hours of 10am-4pm (last entry 2.50pm). There will also be special events during the week, with interactive trails, treasure hunts and even the opportunity to meet JJ CoComelon!
Merrivale Model Village: Feel like a giant at Merrivale Model Village, with its miniature town, farm, zoo, castle and more. This is one of Great Yarmouth's top visitor attractions, open daily throughout May half term 2025.
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach: Great Yarmouth's premier amusement park will be open daily for May half term from 11am-6pm - and until the even later time of 9pm on Wednesday 28th May for families with older kids. Ride the thrilling rollercoasters; indulge in classic treats like ice cream and candyfloss; or ignite your senses at the 4D cinema.
Time and Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life: If you fancy adding a touch of culture to your May half term holiday in Great Yarmouth, then look no further than the Time and Tide Museum. It's the perfect place for young minds to learn more about the local maritime history and heritage, with fascinating displays aimed at both children and adults. For faster entry, pre-book your tickets online.
Places to stay in Great Yarmouth for May half term 2025:
Hemsby Beach Holiday Park: If you want to roll out of bed and onto the beach, then this is the holiday park for you! This action-packed holiday park has direct beach access, plus a neighbouring entertainment centre with bowling, arcades and soft play areas.
Waveney River Centre: Part of our Evermore collection, these riverside caravans and lodges offer a peaceful setting for your half term escape, yet are only 30 minutes' drive from town.
Eastern Beach Caravan Park: If you're only staying on the coast for a few nights, and want to make the most of Great Yarmouth, then consider Eastern Beach Caravan Park. This coastal park is only 10 minutes' drive from the town centre, and also has a sandy beach right on its doorstep.
Browse our full choice of Great Yarmouth holiday parks and lodges.
Skegness Pier & sandy beach at sunset
Skegness, Lincolnshire
Skegness was our third most-booked destination for families in May half term 2024, offering traditional seaside charm on the Lincolnshire coast. Families flock to its sandy beaches and iconic pier, where classic amusement arcades and thrilling rides create an atmosphere of fun and excitement. The beach is perfect for sun-soaked picnics, building sandcastles or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along the promenade.
Events and activities in Skegness for May half term 2025:
Skegness Natureland: Explore this unique sanctuary, home to rescued seals from the local area and a variety of other marine animals. The sanctuary will be open daily for May half term - check adult and baby seal feeding times in advance if you want to catch these during your visit. You can even bring your dog!
Fantasy Island: The classic coastal theme park will be fully open for May half term, ready to delight young and old with a range of rollercoaster rides, river rapids, dodgems, bowling, arcades and more. It's also home to a huge shopping market, with shops, cafés and restaurants.
Skegness Aquarium: A great educational experience for families, the underwater world of Skegness Aquarium guarantees you'll see some marine life whilst on your holiday by the sea. Keep an eye on their website for special events during the school holidays, including May half term.
Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens: The National Trust site, located just 10 minutes' drive from Skegness, will be hosting a special May half term trail around the gardens. The trail is aimed at 3-11 year-olds, and will be open daily from 10am-4pm.
Hardy's Animal Farm: Visit the farm this May half term and meet some of the local residents, including goats, bunnies, ponies and guinea pigs. There are both indoor and outdoor play areas, for all-weather fun, and on Sunday 25th May, there's a special farmers market (included in the ticket price) with local produce, homemade crafts and artisan products.
Places to stay in Skegness for May half term 2025:
Addlethorpe Country Club: Part of our exlusive Evermore collection, these chic hot tub lodges have space for the whole family, whilst adding a touch of luxury to your May half term break. You can reach Skegness in around 10 minutes' by car, or make the most of onsite activities and facilities, like the 9-hole golf course and driving range, plus walking and cycling trails.
North Shore Holiday Park: Stay within walking distance of Skegness Beach at this family-friendly holiday park. Within the grounds, there's plenty to keep the kids entertained, including tennis courts, a play area, a 9-hole pitch and putt course, and amusements.
Skegness Fields: Escape to the peaceful setting of Skegess Fields for your May half term holiday, whilst staying only five minutes' drive from the hustle and bustle of town. The lodge and caravan park is the ideal base for families who want to experience the best of Skegness, whilst also having space to rest and relax.
Browse our full collection of Skegness holiday parks and lodges.
Sea views from Tintagel Castle near Bude, open daily throughout May half term
Bude, Cornwall
It was only a matter of time before we made it to the Cornish coast and the pretty seaside town of Bude, which was also one of the best places to go in the Easter holidays. This picturesque town boasts some of the best beaches in Cornwall, ideal for sunbathing and surfing, and incredible coastal walks along the South West Coast Path. When you can finally tear yourself away from the beach, there are a range of other activities and attractios to enjoy here - allow us to tell you more!
Events and activities in Bude for May half term 2025:
The Castle Bude: Discover local history at Bude's award-winning heritage centre, which hosts a range of permanent and special exhibitions throughout the year. There are also activities specifically designed for kids, like the free fossil fish trail, which you can try for yourself this May half term.
The Milky Way Adventure Park: For a fun day out close to Bude, don't miss The Milky Way Adventure Park, with its rollercoaster rides, indoor play areas, mini golf course, bird of prey centre, maze and more. The award-winning attraction is around 30 minutes' drive away, and will be open daily from 10am-5pm this May half term. Given its popularity, we recommend booking your tickets in advance!
Tintagel Castle: Explore myth and legend along the Cornish coast this May half term at the mighty Tintagel Castle. Said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, this English Heritage site will be open daily during the May half term holidays, and is only 30 minutes' drive from Bude.
Places to stay in Bude for May half term 2025:
Widemouth Bay Caravan Park: Soak up the sea views from this coastal caravan park, just a short walk from the golden sands of Widemouth Bay. When the sun is shining, there's no better place, but if it''s raining, you can still have fun at the indoor pool or amusement arcades.
Sandymouth Holiday Resort: Join in on the action at Sandymouth Holiday Resort, part of our Go Active Breaks collection. This family-friendly resort offers all-round entertainment on the Cornish coast, with facilities like a splash pool, indoor play area, outdoor activity area and more.
Pentire Coastal Holiday Park: If you're looking t o blend action and adventure with rest and relaxation, then make Pentire Coastal Holiday Park your home for the May half term holidays! The picturesque caravan and lodge park is only 10 minutes' drive from Bude, and has an adventure play park for little ones.
Check out all of our Bude holiday parks and lodges.
Fistral Beach in Newquay, one of Cornwall's best surfing spots
Newquay, Cornwall
Rounding off our top destinations to spend May half term as a family, we have another Cornwall entry, this time, the surfing paradise of Newquay. Renowned for its golden sands and clear waters, this prime seaside spot invites families to bask in the sun and partake in watersports, making it ideal for both relaxation and adventure. The town's lively atmosphere is complemented by a variety of attractions that are sure to appeal to the whole family, while the breathtaking coastal scenery is an experience in itself!
Events and activities in Newquay for May half term 2025:
Fistral Beach: This iconic Newquay beach simply has to feature on your May half term itinerary. There's loads of facilities so you can easily stay there all day, and you can even sign the kids up for surf lessons at the watersports centre.
Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay: If you fancy a break from the beach or need an indoor activity for a rainy day, discover sea life through interactive exhibits and feeding sessions at Blue Reef Aquarium. It's open daily throughout May half term 2025, making for an educational and entertaining day out.
Newquay Zoo: Enjoy a classic day out at the zoo this May half term, conveniently located in Newquay town centre. See zebra and wildebeest in the African Savannah; walk through the free-flying bird exhibit in the Gems of the Jungle; and follow the Tarzan Trail in the outdoor adventure playground.
Places to stay in Newquay for May half term 2025:
Piran Meadows Resort: When it comes to a May half term adventure in Newquay, this family-friendly holiday park is hard to beat. Offering a mix of caravans and hot tub lodges, there's also a huge choice of onsite activities, like an indoor pool, outdoor splash zone, bowling alley, quad bike hire and more.
Hendra Holiday Park: If you want to position yourself in a prime spot for visiting Fistral Beach, then stay at Hendra Holiday Park, just 10 minutes' drive away. When you're not busy surfing the waves or playing games on the beach, you can enjoy onsite facilities like the indoor pool, outdoor pool and children's playgrounds
Newquay Bay Resort: Plan a beach break to remember this May half term at Newquay Bay Resort. It's the ideal base for your Cornish escape, with both indoor and outdoor heated pools, plus a sauna, steam room, shop, bar and restaurant.
Explore even more holiday parks and lodges in Newquay.
Your May half term holiday awaits
So there we have it - our top five destinations for families looking to spend the May half term holiday in the UK. Four out of five of the locations are coastal hotspots, so heading to the beach is clearly a popular choice, which is no surprise given we often see warmer temperatures and sunnier days towards the end of May. If you'd prefer a city break or a countryside holiday then don't worry, as we have plenty of those too!
Discover our full choice of properties for the May half term holidays. You can also check out our May bank holiday breaks.
Inspiration for your next break
About us
Welcome to Hoseasons, one of the UK’s leading self-catering accommodation specialists, home to over 30,000 places to stay throughout England, Scotland and Wales.
With 80 years of experience providing holiday homes to millions of customers, you can trust Hoseasons to help you find the perfect accommodation for your next UK break. We’re proud to be rated Excellent on Trustpilot, demonstrating our commitment to providing first-class customer service. We're committed to maintaining a high standard of service to our customers by abiding by ABTA's Code of Conduct.