Term dates for Dorset schools, 2025–2027. Plan your family holiday around school breaks — and discover what to do when you get here.
Based on Dorset Council published dates. Always confirm with your school. Official Dorset Council dates →
mydorsetcompanion.co.uk/school-holidays
| Holiday | Dates | Duration | Plan Your Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| October Half Term | 27–31 Oct 2025 | 1 week | Find things to do |
| Christmas | 22 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026 | 2 weeks | Find things to do |
| February Half Term | 16–20 Feb 2026 | 1 week | Find things to do |
| Easter | 30 Mar – 14 Apr 2026 | 2½ weeks | Find things to do |
| May Half Term | 25–29 May 2026 | 1 week | Find things to do |
| Summer | 20 Jul – 2 Sep 2026 | 6½ weeks | Find things to do |
* Dates are based on Dorset Council guidance. Individual schools may vary by 1–2 days. Always check with your school directly.
We've put together 10 curated day itineraries — from fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast to family beach days in Purbeck. Real postcodes, real parking advice, and tips that only come from actually going there.
| Period | Start | End |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 2 September 2026 | 23 October 2026 |
| Half Term | 26 October 2026 | 30 October 2026 |
| Autumn Term (2nd half) | 2 November 2026 | 18 December 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | 21 December 2026 | 1 January 2027 |
| Spring Term | 4 January 2027 | 12 February 2027 |
| Half Term | 15 February 2027 | 19 February 2027 |
| Spring Term (2nd half) | 22 February 2027 | 1 April 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | 6 April 2027 | 20 April 2027 |
| Summer Term | 21 April 2027 | 28 May 2027 |
| Half Term | 31 May 2027 | 4 June 2027 |
| Summer Term (2nd half) | 7 June 2027 | 21 July 2027 |
| Summer Holidays | 22 July 2027 | 1 September 2027 |
mydorsetcompanion.co.uk · Dates based on Dorset Council guidance. Check with your school for exact dates.
Seasonal itineraries and family day-out ideas, a few times a year. No spam, ever.
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