May Half Term Holiday Destinations
There are plenty of exciting destinations to visit during May Half term, and by travelling with P&O Ferries it couldn't be easier. Whether you want to bring your bikes, your pet, or have a much wider family holiday to recreate all your favourite nostalgic memories.
Help - Pets
Access to Pet Lounge
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Access to Pet Lounge
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Small dog
Small Dog less than 20kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Large dog
Medium Dog 20kg to 35kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Extra large dog
Large Dog 36kg to 45kg. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Small Pet
Cat or Ferret. For more information on travelling with your pet, visit our dedicated page here.Help - Pets
Other pet
Please contact our friendly customer service team on +44 (0)1304 44 88 88 to ensure we can accommodate your pet.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Help - Pets
Pet Staying in Car
On our Cairnryan to Larne route pets are welcome and can travel free of charge at all times. Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the crossing. Commercial pet travel should be booked via our freight website, for more information and guidance on if your journey is commercial, please click here.Please note
More than 9 of you travelling?
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Special assistance required
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Vehicle size (Including roof luggage)
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Trailer/Caravan Size
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
Please contact our friendly customer service team on
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please use this drop down to select how many dogs you wish to have access to our Pet Lounge. Your passenger access can be selected on our add ons page later on.
Maximum 5 dogs per booking. We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
Please note our Pet Lounge is for dogs only. All other pets must remain in your vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Maximum 5 pets per booking. Please note: We do not transport any UK banned breeds of dogs on our vessels.
For our Dover to Calais route, pets must remain in the vehicle at all times during the 90 minute crossing.
Please do not add your guide dog here, this should be selected from the Special Assistance drop down menu below. For more information visit our Pet Page.
Please select one of the options from the drop down menu. If you are travelling on our Dover to Calais route as a foot passenger and have selected the need for special assistance, please ensure you inform us of your needs at least 48hrs in advance of travel. If you need to speak with our contact centre please call
With longer days and warmer weather, what’s a better time for a coastal getaway than the May half-term holidays? It’s simply just perfect if you want to avoid the summer crowds but still enjoy the sunshine. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing seaside escape or an action-packed adventure, P&O Ferries makes it easy to plan the best family holidays in May half term, minus the peak season rush.
With P&O Ferries, travel is easy, flexible, and family-friendly. Stretch out and relax onboard, enjoy delicious dining options, and keep the kids entertained with activities along the way. Plus, with our flexi tickets, onboard entertainment, and even pet-friendly facilities, your journey is just as enjoyable as the destination.
The beauty of May half term holidays is that they offer something for everyone, it’s the ideal time to plan a getaway the whole family will love. You can even recreate memories with your family from holidays you loved as a child to recreate the magic you got to experience when you were their age.
Families with younger children will adore France. A quick and easy ferry trip to Calais opens the door to a charming coastal town where little ones can run free on sandy beaches, paddle in the shallows, and enjoy a classic seaside treat.When travelling on a family holiday in May half term, destinations like Belgium or the Netherlands are packed with exciting cities and cultural hotspots, perfect for giving your teenagers a taste of exploration while still being within easy reach. They could relish discovering the historic streets of Bruges, cycling through Amsterdam, or soaking up the energy of bustling European markets—there are endless things to do in May half term that cater to all ages.
May Half Term Holidays Destinations in Europe
France is always a good idea,especially during May half term when the weather is warm, the crowds are smaller, and the possibilities for adventure are endless. Whether it’s a short and sweet day trip or a full-on getaway, there are plenty of destinations that make for the best family holidays in May half term.
Paris
There’s no place quite like Paris for a May half term holiday—picture whisking the family away for a fun-filled trip to Disneyland Paris or exploring the city's rich history and culture. You can all enjoy a scenic cruise along the Seine, climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower, or wander through Montmartre’s charming streets. For the little ones, the magic of Disney is unbeatable, while teens will love the city's shopping, café culture, and iconic landmarks. Plan your trip to Paris today.
Calais
For a more relaxed escape, Calais is the ultimate May half term holiday destination. Just a short ferry ride from our Dover port, it’s ideal for a spontaneous trip where you can stretch your legs and soak in the sea air. Stroll along the sandy beaches, enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch, or explore Nausicaá, Europe’s largest aquarium, for an unforgettable underwater adventure. Discover Calais and learn how it is a perfect destination for a family day trip too.
Cannes
If you're after something a little more special, why not plan a trip to Cannes? Visiting during May half term means you might just catch the glamour of the Cannes Film Festival. While the red carpet is reserved for Hollywood stars, the city itself is a beautiful coastal retreat, perfect for family strolls along La Croisette, boat trips to the stunning Lérins Islands, or exploring local markets for a taste of French Riviera charm. For more ideas on how to spend May Half Term there, learn more about the things to do in Cannes today.
With Amsterdam home to some of the world’s most famous museums, there are endless activities in Amsterdam you and the whole family can enjoy. Visit the Rijksmuseum to admire Dutch masterpieces, explore the moving Anne Frank House, or spark curiosity at the NEMO Science Museum, where kids can get hands-on with interactive exhibits.
For teen travellers, Amsterdam is also a great location to go. Here they can enjoy being independent whilst still enjoying quality family time. Here they can explore the trendy Jordaan district, take a bike ride along the canals, or visit the futuristic A'DAM Lookout for unbeatable views of the city. With P&O Ferries, they can even bring a friend along at no extra cost, making the trip even more memorable!
With P&O Ferries’ flexible travel options, getting to Amsterdam is easy and stress-free. You can enjoy the comfort of our onboard entertainment, delicious dining options, and plenty of space to relax as you sail to Holland. Check out our tips on planning a trip to Holland for more travel inspiration today!
Once you book your ferry, why not explore the attractions in Amsterdam you can book with us today! Make the most of your trip with unique experiences; glide through the city’s scenic canals, paired with a visit to the STRAAT Museum, a must-see for street art lovers.
For the perfect May half term holiday combining stunning landscapes, rich history, and exciting family-friendly activities, a road trip to Northern Ireland is a great option.
A family holiday in May half term is the perfect time to hit the open road and discover some of Northern Ireland’s most breathtaking locations:
Belfast
The vibrant capital is home to the famous Titanic Belfast museum, where families can learn about the legendary ship. The city also boasts beautiful parks, interactive science exhibits at W5, and the lively St. George’s Market. We have a guide that’s packed with things to do in Belfast so you can plan your May Half Term activities.
Londonderry (Derry)
Make sure you walk the iconic Derry Walls, explore the fascinating Tower Museum, and take in the stunning views along the River Foyle when visiting Londonderry. With plenty of things to do you and your family will never be bored and will be able to create memories that last a lifetime.
Your family will have a simple, cosy, and enjoyable May half-term break with P&O Ferries. Enjoy the freedom of driving at your own speed after packing the car with everything you'll need. Additionally, your four-legged family members can join in on the fun thanks to pet-friendly travel options! Take a unique road trip this May Half Term break and make lifelong memories while seeing the amazing beauties of Europe.
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Book your ferry to France: Dover to Calais.
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Book your ferry to Holland: Hull to Rotterdam.
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Book your ferry to Northern Ireland: Cairnryan to Larne.
May Half Term Holidays FAQs
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