19 h. ago France’s eight weeks of summer holidays, or England's six? I’ve done both and know which one I prefer | Gillian Harvey

With vacations of up to 14 weeks on the continent, education can suffer – although on the plus side childcare and holidays are much more affordableRemember the summer holidays of your childhood – the seemingly endless, sunny days many of us look back on fondly? Those six “precious” weeks look very different when you’re a parent. Having to feed, entertain, look after and fund your offspring during the extended break can sometimes make the summer seem endless for all the wrong reasons.Parents in England where, as in Scotland and Wales, the school summer break is six weeks, have complained that this is too long, and are backing a reduction to four weeks. Pity then the parents in mainland Europe: French school holidays last for eight weeks. In some regions of Italy, summer is a whopping 14-weeks long. Having birthed and brought up my five children in France, only moving back to England in April last year when my eldest was 14 and my youngest nine, I’ve experienced summers on both sides ...

Politics

21 h. ago The Dorchester, London: why families should swap city breaks for a staycation this summer

We all know The Dorchester, but did you know it may be the solution to all your school holiday needs?

Politics

23 h. ago 'Amazing value' outdoor cinema has been hailed a 'great day out' for the kids' school holidays

You can get tickets for four people for just £13.75 each, making the outdoor cinema a fun and affordable way to spend the children's school holidays this summer

Culture

26 h. ago 50 things to do with the kids in and around Manchester this school holidays summer 2025

From park trails and Pac-Man to mazes and museums, there are so many activities and events to keep kids happy this summer

Politics

27 h. ago All the places kids can eat for free or for £1 over the school summer holidays

Some of our favourite chain restaurants are offering brilliant deals this summer holiday, so you can take your children out on a budget.

Economics

30 h. ago The 22 best things to do with kids this summer in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion

We're within touching distance of the school summer holidays, so it's time to plan for a summer of fun with your family where thousands of us head to each year - west Wales

Politics

37 h. ago Children to get extra week off school so parents can take them on 'cheaper' holidays

Critics have warned that this change could result in the "dumbing down" of education

Society

39 h. ago Met Office forecasts ‘thunderstorms’ and ‘heavy downpours’ as school summer holidays get underway

Most UK schools break up today for summer, but what is the weather looking like over the next week?

Events

40 h. ago Weather maps show where the heaviest rain falls this weekend as summer holidays begin

It's looking like a pretty wet start to the school summer holidays

Politics

42 h. ago Free SmileyWorld Art Trail brings giant faces to Stockport this school holidays

A colourful collection of quirky, fun and exciting sculptures has taken over the town centre

Politics

44 h. ago Amber weather alert issued for thunderstorms as school holidays begin

Much of the UK is set to be battered by heavy and thundery downpours this weekend, with the worst-affected areas seeing 'torrential rain'

Events

48 h. ago Save £50 on a family trip for 3 to Legoland Windsor this school holiday with limited time offer

The offer is available for a limited time only and lets you take two children and one adult, or two adults and one child, to the family-friendly Legoland theme park

Economics

48 h. ago Get a Legoland Resort visit for 3 people this school holiday for £50 less if you're fast

If you’re looking for a way to keep the kids busy this school holiday without breaking the bank, we’ve spotted a great discount that lets you save £50 on a family trip to Legoland

Economics

56 h. ago Majority of teachers fear children will go hungry during school holidays, survey says

Two thirds of teachers in England are worried that children in their school will go hungry during the summer holidays, according to new research.

Society

56 h. ago Two thirds of London teachers concerned their pupils will experience 'holiday hunger'

An estimated 98,000 school children in London could experience holiday hunger because their parents cannot afford to feed them

Politics

62 h. ago Get a family day out to Chessington World of Adventures with almost £40 off this school holiday

As the summer holiday approaches finding ways to keep the kids entertained can be tough, but you can save £40 on a family of 4 pass to Chessington World of Adventures

Economics

63 h. ago Summer Sight Safety: Top tips to look after your eyes this summer

Now that summer is here and the school holidays are nearly upon us, many of us are planning time outdoors and travelling in both the UK and abroad.

Politics

64 h. ago End of long school holidays? Half of parents want summer slashed to FOUR weeks and longer winter breaks

Research by the charity Parentkind found many families think the up-coming six-week break is too long, often citing childcare as an issue.

Politics

69 h. ago Lego's ultimate portable toy for school summer holidays drops to £2 with deal

The cute suitcase contains 213 pieces offering endless building possibilities

Economics

3 d. ago Met Office weather maps shows exact day band of rain will hit Wales in time for school holidays

There is a risk that thunders and hail could hit Wales as the school holidays begin

Culture