Best family holiday destinations for October half-term

From the team at I Love Meet and Greet — practical picks for families who want sunshine, short flights and easy airport logistics this October half-term.

October half-term can be tricky in the UK — the weather’s cooling and everyone wants a last bit of sunshine before winter. If you’re flying from Gatwick or Stansted, here are five family-friendly destinations that balance short flight times, warm-ish weather in October and plenty of things for kids to do.

1. Tenerife, Canary Islands — guaranteed sunshine and family resorts

Why go: Tenerife is a go-to for families — warm seas, waterparks, calm resort beaches and child-friendly hotels with kids’ clubs. The south (Costa Adeje/Los Cristianos) tends to be the warmest and has loads of family facilities and attractions like Siam Park (one of Europe’s best waterparks).

Flights: Direct flights from Gatwick to Tenerife take roughly 4h20–4h35; Stansted is similar at about 4h30–4h35. Major budget and holiday carriers operate these routes (easyJet, TUI, Jet2 and others), which means you’ll often find multiple daily options and good package deals. TUI.co.uk+1

Why it’s good for families: reliable weather in October, family resorts with pools and kids’ entertainment, short transfer times from the airport to resorts and plenty of activities (waterparks, whale-watching, Loro Parque, beaches suitable for little ones).

2. Mallorca (Palma) — beaches, easy transfers and calm family bays

Why go: Mallorca gives you that Mediterranean mix — sandy coves, shallow waters and flat promenades perfect for pushchairs. Family favourites include Alcúdia and Port de Pollensa for gentle beaches, while Palma has the conveniences of a city break if you fancy a day exploring. FlightsFrom

Flights: Gatwick-Palma is a short hop — around 2h20–2h30 — with frequent services from easyJet and British Airways, making it ideal for families who want minimal travel time. FlightConnections+1

Why it’s good for families: short flight, excellent family resorts and self-catering options, calm bays for small children and lots of kid-friendly excursions (glass-bottom boat trips, aquariums, train rides).

3. Algarve (Faro), Portugal — beaches, accessible resorts and family villas

Why go: The Algarve still offers warm daytime temperatures in October and is well set up for families — safe beaches, waterparks and villa rentals that make travelling with little ones easier. Faro is the main gateway and the region is compact, so transfers are usually short. Skyscanner+1

Flights: Gatwick to Faro is roughly a 3-hour flight with multiple carriers (easyJet, British Airways and others), giving you flexibility on timings and luggage options. EasyJet+1

Why it’s good for families: family villas and apartments, calm beaches and shallow waters, and plenty of organised days out (zoos, boat trips, safe paddling beaches).

4. Madeira (Funchal) — an outdoor adventure with milder weather

Why go: Madeira is brilliant if your family enjoys nature walks, botanical gardens and dramatic coastal scenery. October is outside the peak heat but typically mild — great for levada walks (many are family-friendly) and exploring colourful markets in Funchal. (Tip: choose easier levadas or hire a guide for family groups.)

Flights & access: Direct holiday flights to Funchal operate from Gatwick seasonally and via connecting options from Stansted; flight times are typically 3h30–4h depending on routing. Check your chosen carrier for the best seasonal schedules.

Why it’s good for families: active days (short hikes, cable car rides) balanced with relaxed hotel options and safe town promenades for evening strolls.

5. Lanzarote — volcanic landscapes + calm family beaches

Why go: Lanzarote’s lunar landscapes are fascinating for older kids, while the resort beaches around Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise are family-friendly. It’s also quieter in October than in the height of summer, but still pleasantly warm.

Flights & access: Regular flights from Gatwick and Stansted serve Lanzarote, with direct options from major holiday carriers; flight durations are similar to other Canary Islands (around 4 hours). Check current schedules and operators for October. FlightConnections+1

Quick planning tips from I Love Meet and Greet

• Book flights early for half-term — family seats and baggage add-ons fill up fast.
• Choose accommodation with easy airport transfers or short transfer times — less time in transit = happier kids. (Canaries and Mallorca generally win here.)
• Pack a lightweight pushchair and a compact travel first-aid kit — October weather can still be sunny but evenings get cooler.
• Consider travel insurance that covers activity days (boat trips, waterparks) — worth the extra peace of mind.

And of course, if you’re driving to Gatwick or Stansted, remember the super easy option of a meet & greet airport parking service such as the Which? Magazine recommended I Love meet and greet: someone meets you at departures, takes your car to secure parking and brings it back to arrivals when you return — less wrangling with luggage and tired kids at the end of the day.