Half-term breaks are exciting. But planning one with kids can feel like a lot. You want somewhere fun and family-friendly, without spending half the holiday stuck in the car or juggling complicated plans.
Luckily, there are lots of great places across the UK to choose between when it comes to enjoying a quick break. A short UK road trip can be just right for half term, especially if you choose a good base, keep plans simple and think about the journey as part of the trip.
In this guide, we’ll share five UK half-term road trip ideas that work well for families, plus practical tips for driving with kids. We’ll also explain when weekend car insurance might be useful if you’re borrowing a car or sharing the driving.
Half-term road trips with kids: how to choose quickly
When time is limited, choosing the right kind of trip matters more than agonising over the perfect destination.
A few simple pointers can make planning much easier.
- Keep driving realistic. Longer drives are fine for longer breaks, as long as you can keep the kids entertained. But for a 2-4 day break, shorter drives usually feel more manageable. Less time on the road means more time to actually enjoy where you’re staying.
- Pick one good base. Staying in one place means you don’t have to think about packing up all your things and can help to keep things flexible when it comes to planning your activities.
- Plan for the weather. February and October half terms can be unpredictable on the weather front, so it helps to have at least one good option for an indoor activity nearby.
- Don’t overfill the days. Aiming for one or two main activities per day is often plenty with kids.
- Build in breaks. Regular stops make journeys easier for everyone, especially on winding or rural roads.
With that in mind, here are five family-friendly UK destinations that work well for half term by car.
UK half-term road trip ideas for families
Cornwall
Best for: mixed ages, outdoor space, indoor attractions
Where to stay: St Austell or Charlestown. Newquay if you want a livelier base
Cornwall is a classic family favourite, and for good reason. It offers beaches, countryside and attractions that work even when the weather doesn’t.
St Austell or nearby Charlestown make practical bases for half term. You’re close to the Eden Project, which is a strong all-weather option thanks to its large indoor biomes. It’s easy to spend a full day here without worrying about rain. You’re also well placed for south-coast beaches and gentle coastal walks.
A good plan could include one day at the Eden Project, one beach day with rockpools and space to run around, and one quieter day exploring some gardens or small coastal towns. If you base yourself in Newquay instead, you’ll have beaches on your doorstep and family attractions like the Blue Reef Aquarium and Lappa Valley Steam Railway nearby.
Driving note: Cornwall journeys can take longer than expected. Roads are often narrower and slower, so it helps to plan breaks and avoid trying to squeeze too much into one day.
Devon
Best for: indoor attractions, wildlife, variety
Where to stay: Plymouth (Barbican or Sutton Harbour) or Tavistock
Devon works well for half term because it offers a mix of coast, countryside and indoor attractions, all within manageable distances.
Plymouth is a good base for families who like having things close by. The National Marine Aquarium is a reliable indoor day out, and the waterfront area is easy to explore on foot with cafés and open space. From here, you can add a short drive to a number of local beaches or parks without moving accommodation.
If you prefer something quieter, Tavistock or another town on the edge of Dartmoor gives you access to open moorland and gentler countryside. Dartmoor has plenty of low-level walks that are suitable for kids, especially if you pick routes based on the weather.
Driving note: It’s usually easier to choose one base and take short day trips rather than moving around. This keeps driving days shorter and easier to manage.
Norfolk coast
Best for: low-stress driving, beaches, younger kids
Where to stay: Wells-next-the-Sea or Sheringham
The Norfolk coast is a good option for family weekend breaks in the UK if you like quiet roads and easy days out, as well as for longer stays. The landscape is flatter than many national parks, which can make driving feel more relaxed.
Wells-next-the-Sea makes a great family base, with a wide sandy beach and colourful beach huts. Sheringham is another good choice, offering a traditional seaside feel with shops, cafés and a beach that’s easy to access.
Half term here can be as simple as beach walks, short coastal paths and one bigger attraction day. There are also indoor options nearby such as the Playland activity centre and Sheringham Little Theatre if the weather turns, which can be helpful for half-term breaks in either February or October.
Driving note: Roads are generally pretty straightforward, but popular seaside towns can have busy car parks at peak times. You should usually be ok during February or October, but arriving earlier in the day can help if things do get busy.
Lake District
Best for: scenery, boat trips, classic family attractions
Where to stay: Windermere/Bowness or Keswick
Serving up some of the UK’s most spectacular natural scenery, the Lake District feels like a proper getaway, even for a short break. With lakes, mountains and family-friendly attractions, it works well for half term if you keep plans flexible.
Windermere or Bowness-on-Windermere are handy bases for first-time visits. Lake cruises are an easy win with kids, and there are gentle lakeside walks that don’t feel like big hikes. For younger children, the World of Beatrix Potter attraction is a popular indoor option.
Keswick is another good choice, especially if you want a compact town with shops, places to eat and attractions like the Pencil Museum.
Driving note: Some roads are narrow and winding, and winter weather can make things slower. Planning shorter driving days and travelling in daylight where possible can make a big difference.
Snowdonia and North Wales
Best for: castles, scenery, flexible plans
Where to stay: Llanberis or Betws-y-Coed
Snowdonia and North Wales offer a great mix of outdoor space and family attractions, without needing long daily drives.
Llanberis makes for a great base near the mountains and lakes, with easy access to walks and attractions. Betws-y-Coed is another family-friendly option, known for its woodland setting and nearby waterfalls like Swallow Falls, which are easy to reach.
A half-term break here could include a castle visit, a nature day and a more relaxed day exploring villages or beaches along the north coast.
Driving note: Weather can change quickly in this area, especially in winter. Keeping plans flexible and allowing extra time between stops can help keep things stress-free.
If you’re doing a UK family road trip to any of these places and plan to share the driving, it’s worth checking that everyone who might drive is insured, as temporary car insurance can sometimes help in these situations.
Driving with kids in the UK: simple tips that make a big difference
A smoother journey can set the tone for the whole trip.
✔ Plan breaks
Try to plan breaks into your route, especially on drives longer than a couple of hours. Even a short stop to stretch legs or grab a snack can help everyone feel better.
✔ Swap drivers
Swapping drivers can also make longer journeys feel easier, as long as both people are insured to drive.
✔ Pack the basics
Packing a few basics within easy reach can make a big difference too. Water, snacks, wipes, layers, and phone chargers are small things that can save a lot of stress.
✔ Have a back-up plan
For half term, it also helps to have one or two indoor or low-effort backup plans in case the weather isn’t on your side.
None of this needs to be complicated. A little preparation can make the drive feel calmer and more manageable.
What is weekend car insurance?
Weekend car insurance is a type of short-term car insurance. Instead of covering you for a full year, it provides cover for a short, specific period, such as one day, several days, or even just a few hours.
People often use the term weekend car insurance when they only need cover for a short trip. For example, from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon.
Short-term cover can be useful if you’re driving a car you don’t usually drive. Availability, length of cover and who can get it all depend on the driver, the car and the insurer, so it’s important to check the details before buying a policy.
When weekend car insurance can help on a half-term trip
For families, there are a few common half-term scenarios where short-term cover can be helpful.
- Borrowing a car. You might borrow a larger or more practical car from a friend or relative for the break. Short-term cover can insure you to drive that car for the time you need it.
- Borrowing a motorhome. If you’re borrowing a campervan or motorhome from friends or family for a short family break, you’ll need to make sure you’re insured to drive it.
- Sharing the driving. Long or unfamiliar routes are easier when more than one adult can drive. Each driver needs their own insurance to drive the car.
- Short, specific needs. If you only need cover for a couple of days or a week, short-term insurance can be an alternative to changing an annual policy.
It’s not something everyone will need. But it can be worth checking before you set off, especially if plans have changed.
Common insurance myths to clear up before you set off
There are a few misunderstandings that often come up around short trips.
- “I can drive any car on my insurance.” This isn’t always true. Many policies don’t include cover for driving other cars, and when they do, it’s often limited.
- “Temporary insurance is complicated.” In many cases, it can be arranged quickly online for a specific time period, though details and eligibility vary.
- “It replaces the owner’s policy.” Short-term cover usually sits alongside the car owner’s own insurance, rather than replacing it.
If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always best to check before driving.
A quick pre-trip checklist for families
Before you set off, a few quick checks can help you feel more in control.
- Have you planned a route with regular breaks?
- Do you have a couple of backup ideas if the weather changes?
- Is everyone who might drive insured to do so?
- Are the basics packed and easy to reach?
Taking a few minutes to think these through can make the whole trip feel easier.
Get planning and get in touch if you need a quote
A half-term road trip doesn’t need to be big or complicated to be memorable. Choosing a good base, planning a few simple activities and giving yourself time on the road can make all the difference.
Whether you’re heading to the coast, the countryside or somewhere else, a little preparation helps you focus on what matters: time together and a proper break from routine.
If you’re borrowing a car or planning to share the driving, it’s worth checking whether weekend car insurance could help you travel with confidence. You can get a quote and be on the road in minutes.
Weekend car insurance FAQs
Can I insure a car for just the weekend?
Yes, some insurers offer temporary car insurance for short periods. People often call this weekend car insurance when they only need cover for a short trip. Availability and eligibility depend on the insurer, the driver and the car.
Can I drive someone else’s car on my insurance?
Not always. Some policies include limited cover for driving other cars, but many don’t. It’s important to check your policy before assuming you’re covered.
How long does weekend car insurance last?
Short-term cover can last from as little as an hour to several days or more, depending on what the insurer offers and what you choose. At Dayinsure, our options include cover for an hour, a day, a week or a month.
Who can usually get temporary car insurance?
This depends on things like age, licence type, driving history and the car itself. Each insurer sets their own rules. You can check out our acceptance criteria for Aviva, which is our key partner, to see if you’re eligible for one of its policies.
How often should you stop on a long drive with kids?
Many families find it helps to plan a break at least every couple of hours. Short, regular stops can make the journey feel much easier for everyone.
What details do you need to get temporary cover quickly?
You’ll usually need your personal details, driving licence information, the car’s details, and the exact start and end time you want cover for.
