How to spend February half-term 2026 in London

February half-term (16 - 20 February 2026) is one of the busiest and most exciting school breaks of the year in London. With museums, festivals, workshops, outdoor adventures, and special seasonal activities on offer, the city becomes a playground for kids of all ages and a brilliant chance for families to explore the best of the capital together. Here’s how to make the most of it.

1. Chinese New Year Celebrations – Year of the Horse (12 February – 3 March 2026)

London goes all out for Chinese New Year, with colourful parades, lion dances and performances across the city, especially in Chinatown and Trafalgar Square. Expect food stalls, cultural displays and festivities ideal for families and visitors. There are also community‑level Lunar New Year Fairs with dragon dances, children’s crafts and hands-on workshops, many of which are free to attend.

2. Imagine Festival (11 – 21 February 2026)

The Southbank Centre hosts its annual Imagine Festival during half‑term. The programme includes music, storytelling, dance, craft sessions and interactive performances, with many free events designed specifically for young audiences.

3. Discover World‑Class Exhibitions & Art Shows

Alongside family-focused festivals, February also brings a strong calendar of exhibitions across London’s museums and galleries, perfect for indoor cultural experiences during winter. Highlights include:

Free Guided Tours at Guildhall Art Gallery (Only 15 minutes from Tower Suites or Tower Residences): Enjoy free introductory guided tours led by the Gallery’s City Guides, running Tuesday to Sunday at 12:15pm and 1:15pm. Tours last 30–45 minutes, are free, and no booking is required for individual visitors. The Gallery also host craft activities during half-term, have a look at their website for more information.

Tracey Emin at Tate Modern (Only 15 minutes from Tower Suites or Tower Residences): a major retrospective of one of Britain’s most influential artists.

Picasso: The Three Dancers (Only 15 minutes from Tower Suites or Tower Residences): at Tate Modern, celebrating an iconic work and its history.

Lee Miller at Tate Britain (Only 13 minutes from The Wellington): vintage and modern surreal photography (runs into mid‑February).

Seurat and the Sea at The Courtauld Gallery (Only 17 minutes from Tower Suites or Tower Residences): classic French masterpieces celebrating coastal life.

4. West End Shows & Theatre Highlights

London’s theatre scene remains vibrant throughout February, with a wide range of productions perfect for half-term evenings.

Guests who book directly with Blue Orchid Hospitality enjoy an exclusive perk: 10% off West End theatre tickets and selected London attractions. From world-class musicals and plays like The Lion King, Wicked and Matilda the Musical to iconic attractions such as the London Eye and The London Dungeon, there’s something for every visitor.

5. Seasonal and Leisure Events

Kew Gardens Orchid Festival: The spectacular Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens usually runs into early March. Featuring rare blooms and creative floral displays, it’s a colourful and uplifting experience for visitors of all ages.

Ice Skating & Winter Fun:  Outdoor rinks such as Canary Wharf Ice Rink typically stay open through much of February, offering a fun and energetic activity for families.

London Bookshop Crawl: This quirky, multi-venue celebration of independent bookshops usually takes place in mid to late February. It’s a great way to explore neighbourhoods, discover children’s books and enjoy a slower-paced cultural outing.

6. Half‑Term Family Highlights

Beyond the headline festivals, London offers plenty of half-term-specific attractions:

The Paddington Bear Experience (Only 17 minutes from The Wellington): invites families to step into the magical world of everyone’s favourite bear. Explore immersive themed rooms, meet familiar characters and journey through iconic locations from the Paddington stories. Along the way, help Paddington and the Brown family prepare for the much-loved Marmalade Day Festival, a delightful adventure for all ages.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium (Only 20 minutes from The Wellington): offers an immersive marine experience on the South Bank. Visitors can walk through the Ocean Tunnel, explore Seahorse Kingdom, encounter piranhas and crocodiles in the Rainforest Adventure, and try the Shark Walk. The aquarium features over 500 species across 14 themed zones, including clownfish, rays, jellyfish, and starfish, making it a must-visit for marine life enthusiasts.

Madame Tussauds (Only 20 minutes from Tower Suites or Tower Residences): Wax figures, themed zones and interactive rides for all ages.

The Museum of London Docklands (Only 16 minutes from Tower Suites or Tower Residences): Step into London’s Docklands history at the Museum of London Docklands. Explore the city’s river, port, and trading past through interactive galleries and hands-on exhibits, perfect for both kids and adults.

The Science Museum (Only 23 minutes from The Wellington): The Science Museum takes visitors on a hands-on journey through science, technology, and innovation, with interactive exhibits, iconic objects, and ever-changing exhibitions for all ages.
 

7. Some Cozy and Family‑Friendly Cafés:

Tiffin Tree: For lovers of authentic Indian cuisine, Tiffin Tree is a must-visit. Known for its rich, flavourful dishes and modern take on traditional recipes, the restaurant serves everything from aromatic curries to perfectly spiced street food. The warm, inviting ambiance makes it ideal for both casual lunches and memorable dinners. Every dish is crafted with care, offering a true taste of India in the heart of London. The restaurant is on site at The Wellington and has a children’s menu.

Cento Alla Torre: Cento Alla Torre brings the best of Italian dining to the city with its sophisticated yet relaxed vibe. Specializing in fresh, seasonal ingredients, the menu features handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian desserts. With attentive service and a cozy atmosphere, Cento Alla Torre is perfect for a romantic evening, a family meal, or catching up with friends over authentic Italian Flavours. The restaurant is onsite at Tower Suites.

Barbican Kitchen: A relaxed, casual option where children under 10 can often eat free with an adult main, alongside sandwiches and build-your-own salads.

Borough Market: Just a short stroll from Tower Suites, this iconic London food market offers a delicious array of treats, from artisanal doughnuts and grilled cheese to fresh pasta, chocolate-covered strawberries, and global street food - perfect for a riverside picnic.

London’s Chinatown “Dessert Alley”: A sweet‑lover’s paradise in Chinatown with Hong Kong‑style egg waffles, bubble tea, matcha desserts and Filipino ice cream, fun for kids and a delicious detour from sightseeing.

8. Where to Stay During February Half-Term

Choosing the right base can make all the difference during a busy school holiday, helping families stay flexible and well connected.

Tower Suites: Modern and spacious, Tower Suites offers apartment-style accommodation ideal for families who want room to relax after a day of sightseeing. With kitchen facilities, separate living areas, and a prime location near the Thames, it’s perfect for easy meals, downtime, and stress-free family stays close to London’s top attractions.

Tower Residencies: Designed with longer stays in mind, Tower Residencies provides comfortable serviced accommodation with plenty of space and flexibility. Ideal for half-term breaks, families can enjoy the freedom of a home-from-home experience while still benefiting from hotel-style services and a central London location.

The Wellington: This stylish four-star hotel near Victoria Station is perfect for families who want excellent transport connections. With easy access to major attractions, theatres, and day trips across London, The Wellington offers comfort, convenience, and a smooth travel experience—ideal for making the most of school holiday adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Do I need to book attractions in advance during half term?

Yes. Half term is a busy period for both locals and visitors, so booking popular attractions and shows ahead of time is highly recommended.

2.How can I plan around the weather?

Mix indoor and outdoor activities in your itinerary. This gives you flexibility in case of rain or colder winter weather.

3.Is public transport family-friendly in London?

Absolutely. Children often travel free or at a discounted rate on London buses and the Tube during half term, making it an easy and affordable way to get around.

4. Should I check event details before visiting?

Yes. Many attractions and events update their dates and times closer to February, so it’s best to check online shortly before your visit.