October 2025 Half Term Holidays for Families Flying from London Southend Airport
Travel tips
The October half term is right around the corner. For families, that means one thing: holiday planning starts now. Whether you’ve got toddlers who just want to splash in a pool, teenagers looking for adventure, or you simply want to spend a few stress-free days together, it’s never been easier to find the right holiday for you when you fly from London Southend Airport.
This year, families can choose from a wide range of destinations. From sunny resorts and short city breaks to surf schools and theme parks, there’s something for every type of traveller – all at family-friendly prices. Here’s how to find the perfect trip for your half term escape.
Stress-free resorts with pools and kids’ clubs
If your idea of a holiday is checking into a resort and knowing everything’s sorted, these destinations deliver. Think kids’ clubs running from breakfast to bedtime, pools for all ages, and buffets where nobody argues over what’s for dinner.
Craving Canary Island sunshine? Tenerife, Spain, is packed with resorts where children can dive into organised activities while parents get a rare chance to relax. Gran Canaria, Spain, is another classic family choice, with hotels built around playgrounds, pools and evening entertainment. And flying from October 27, Lanzarote, Spain offers family-friendly resorts in Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise, both close to calm, sheltered beaches.
Interested in resort holidays on a grander scale? Antalya, Turkey, is known for its sprawling complexes that feel like mini-villages, with kids’ clubs, aqua parks and round-the-clock entertainment. For a North African twist, Enfidha, Tunisia, blends all-inclusive ease with golden beaches, where pools, buffets and family activities come as part of the deal.
Short flights to sunny beaches
Sometimes the best half term break is one that doesn’t involve long hours of travel. These destinations are all under three hours from London, which means more time on the beach and less time in the air – ideal for younger children or first-time flyers.
In southern Spain, Malaga delivers wide sandy beaches lined with promenade cafés and even playgrounds set right on the sand. Across the Balearics, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, combines shallow bays perfect for paddling with a lively but manageable city filled with restaurants and endless ice cream stops.
Prefer a city-meets-beach holiday? Alicante, Spain, offers golden sands right at the heart of town, making it easy to jump between sandcastles and shopping streets. For something quieter, Almeria, Spain, is a calmer stretch of the Spanish coast where families can find some peace and quiet. And in the Algarve, Faro, Portugal, balances seaside fun with family-friendly towns and marinas just a short walk away.
Theme parks and waterslides
If your children measure a holiday by how many waterslides or rollercoasters they can tick off, these destinations won’t disappoint. They’re home to some of Europe’s best attractions – perfect for full days of excitement that everyone will remember.
On the Canary Islands, Tenerife, is famous for Siam Park, one of the world’s most celebrated waterparks, with everything from gentle splash zones to record-breaking rides. Gran Canaria, adds to the water fun with Lago Taurito, a family-focused park of slides, pools and splash areas.
Heading to mainland Spain? Alicante is hard to beat, with both Terra Mítica theme park, inspired by ancient civilisations, and Aqualandia, one of Spain’s largest waterparks. Further north, Reus, Spain, is the gateway to PortAventura World, a huge theme park resort where rollercoasters, family shows and a Sesame Street-themed area mean there’s something for every age. Alternatively, Antalya has The Land of Legends, which combines resort luxury with theme park thrills, so you never have to leave the complex for a day of fun.
Surfing and coastal adventures
Not every family wants to sit by the pool. For those who like to keep moving, these destinations mix sandy beaches with outdoor adventures – from surf schools to boat trips and snorkelling.
Along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Dalaman offers calm bays for paddling and boat trips to hidden islands that feel like mini-adventures.
Faro opens the door to dolphin-spotting tours and cave trips along the dramatic Algarve coastline. For families who want variety in a small, easy-to-explore package, Malta delivers with Blue Lagoon boat trips, shallow snorkelling spots, splash parks and a National Aquarium, all within easy reach.
Family city breaks
A city break can be just as refreshing as a week at the beach. These destinations pack in iconic sights, family-friendly museums and plenty of open spaces for downtime.
Paris, France, is an obvious classic, with the Eiffel Tower, Luxembourg Gardens for picnics, and Disneyland Paris only a short train ride away. Amsterdam, Netherlands, is flat, walkable and built for exploring by boat or bike, with the hands-on NEMO Science Museum adding a dose of fun learning.
Looking for something completely different?
For families who want to come home with stories to tell, these destinations offer more than just beaches and pools. They bring colour, history and adventure into the half term mix.
In Marrakech, Morocco, families can wander through vibrant souks, join a cooking class together, and take a day trip into the desert complete with camel rides. Over in Enfidha, you’ll find all-inclusive resorts by the sea – but also the chance to step into history with day trips to Roman sites like the amphitheatre at El Jem or the ruins of Carthage.
From waterparks and surf schools to Eiffel Tower selfies and camel rides, there’s a holiday for every family this half term. And with London Southend Airport’s easy access and quick check-in times, your journey is as stress-free as the holiday itself.
Inspired to book your break?
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