I saved £860 on a UK family break by going away during term time
Taking the kids out of school during term time for a holiday is controversial. And parents across the UK face the same issue each year, as holiday operators hike prices every half term and summer holiday.
I’m a money-saving expert at MyVoucherCodes, so I’m always looking for ways to make life's little luxuries more affordable. And as a mum of three, I’ve spent over 20 years ensuring my family get the holiday they deserve at a price we can afford. And for us, that means taking the kids out of school during term time.
To be clear, this doesn't mean I take the kids out of school without careful consideration. I’ve avoided any periods that I feel are detrimental to their educational journey, exam times for example. But I firmly believe that education also happens at home and when we travel. I, like many parents, don’t always have the budget to pay for expensive school holidays - but I won’t forfeit important family time that we can’t get back either.
(If you are considering a holiday during term time with the kids, you should check what your local council and school policy is.)
I’m a huge fan of UK holidays, but they aren’t cheaper than going abroad - UK self-catering has never looked so expensive! But how much can you really save if you decide to take the family on holiday during term time?
I booked a four-night (Monday to Friday) break to Cornwall this May (term time) for two adults and one child. Via Hoseasons, we stayed at Sandymouth Holiday Resort on the North Coast in a fully equipped lodge with countryside and sea views. The resort itself had a bar, restaurant, entertainment, swimming pool and kids' play areas.
From May 6 to 10, I paid £195. This is remarkably cheaper than the same break during the school holidays, which is approximately 82% cheaper!
| Date | Number of Nights | School Time | Cost |
| 06.05.24 - 10.05.24 | 4 | Term Time | £195 |
| 12.08.24 - 16.08.24 | 4 | School Summer Holidays | £1055 |
| 02.09.24 - 06.09.24 | 4 | End of Summer School Holidays | £365 |
| 28.10.24 - 01.11.24 | 4 | Autumn Half Term | £769 |
(Based on last year's prices, 2024)
Other advantages of term-time holidays
As you can see, the saving speaks for themselves. But term-time holidays are beneficial in other ways. By avoiding the school holidays, we can avoid crowds, get tables at restaurants (often the cheaper restaurants!) more easily and avoid long queues at attractions. It even takes the stress out of parking the car. If you have been to Cornwall in August, you will know how this beautiful county can become rapidly stressful.
About MyVoucherCodes:
MyVoucherCodes is a market-leading voucher, coupon and discount deals website based in the UK.
It has around five million consumer members who receive daily emails featuring the best selection of deals, vouchers and offers from fashion, beauty, restaurant and electrical, as well as many more retailers. It works with more than 2,500 retailers to offer more than 25,000 voucher or discount codes.