Get away with the kids this October half term to one of these ten outstanding staycation destinations.
The Cairngorms
Starting at the top, the Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands is the ultimate destination for an adventure holiday.
With its dramatic landscape and spectacular scenery, you won’t find a better place for walking, cycling, or hiking. And if that’s not enough, the Landmark Forest Adventure Park has loads of things to do for the whole family, from hair-raising treetop escapades to the amazing Butterfly House. While over at the Loch Insh tions.
Whether you’re looking for relaxing, quality time together or action-packed activities, the UK has it all—just don’t forget your brolly.
Outdoor Centre, you’ll find skating, skiing, archery, sailing and more. Phew. We’re tired already.
Edinburgh
Just a wee short hop away is the nation’s capital, Edinburgh. Here, history is piled on history, with the dramatic Edinburgh Castle sitting proudly on top. And, if you dare, you can take a ghost walk beneath the old town and learn about Edinburgh’s dark side. As you’d expect, there’s also a wealth of museums and art galleries to explore. The National Museum of Scotland is a great place to take the kids, with interactive exhibits, workshops, and special events throughout the holidays.
If you’d rather be outdoors, escape the city centre and head to the Royal Botanic Garden, home to an enormous collection of flora and fauna from all over the world. When you’re done, climb to the top of Arthur’s Seat and enjoy the view.
The Lake District
Recently voted the second most beautiful national park in the world on social media (narrowly beaten by the Grand Canyon National Park), the Lake District really is one of the most spectacular and peaceful places to visit in the UK. It’s also one of the most popular. So, whether you’re going to don your hiking boots and brave a climb with a nine-year-old or stick to the easy-going, lakeside paths, you’ll find lots to see and do.
When you’ve had your fill of walking, take some tea in Windermere and stop by The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, where you’ll find Peter Rabbit, Jemima Puddle-Duck and all Beatrix Potter’s famous characters. And, if your kids are super-fans, take a drive across Windermere to Hill Top and discover the inspiration behind the tales.
Northumberland
If you’d prefer peace and quiet and miles of sandy beaches, head over to the other side of the country to Northumberland. You can get your fill of history, from the 2000-year-old Hadrian’s Wall with the remains of forts and towns that once stood over the northwest frontier of the Roman Empire, to a fortress of castles including the imposing Bamburgh Castle and Alnwick Castle, the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK.
And with incredible sweeping dark skies at night, Northumberland is one of the best places for stargazing. Wrap up warm and head over to the Dark Skies event at the Kielder and Battlesteads Observatories to learn about the secrets of the universe. These events tend to sell out, so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia)
If your kids are the adventurous type (and you can keep up with them), Eryri could be the perfect short break for you. Here, just outside Betws-y-Coed, you’ll find Zip World Forest, where you can ride the UK’s only alpine coaster of its kind, or let the kids get high 60ft off the ground in the Treetop Nets.
You can’t get much more beautiful than the stunning Yr Wyddfa (or Snowdon). But beware, the Mountain Railway doesn’t run beyond the end of October, so if you’re doing the climb, be sure to check the weather forecast and prepare yourself with the right equipment well in advance. Eryri in Gwynedd is also one of the windiest places in the UK, so be sure to pack a windproof umbrella if you’re going there.
Norfolk
Making our way down the aisle, back over to the other side, we’re going from rugged mountains to one of the flattest areas in the UK, Norfolk. Despite its low-lying land, Norfolk has its own beauty and charm. Enjoy Cromer’s miles and miles of beautiful coastline—one of the only places in the UK where you can watch the sun rise and set over the water from the same place.
Stop off in Great Yarmouth and enjoy the classic seaside experience for half-term. The kids will love the Pleasure Beach, the Hippodrome, and the Sealife Centre.
Norfolk is famous for The Waterways, a scenic park where you can stroll, relax, or take to the waters of the Boating Lake. And the coast is peppered with seaside resorts and market towns to explore.
Dorset
Nestled along the iconic Jurassic Coast, Dorset boasts a romantic landscape perfect for adventure seekers and those looking for a slower pace. Fossil hunting is an obligatory pursuit along this ancient shoreline, and you can even follow dinosaur tracks outside Langton Matravers.
Inland, the Moors Valley Country Park is the perfect place for leisurely strolls and cycling or, for the daring, take to the trees with the Go Ape Treetop Challenge. When you come down, seek out the Moors Valley Railway, which winds its way around the park.
Devon
Heading back to the South of England, let’s explore Devon. This region is known for its expansive sandy beaches and big skies. Venturing inland, the Dartmoor National Park has plenty of B&Bs and Hotels where you’ll find the warmest welcome and the best breakfasts. For family-friendly walks, wildlife, cycling, horseback riding, and rock climbing, Devon is hard to beat.
If the kids love animals, take them to the UK’s largest National Marine Aquarium or Pennywell Farm for an up close and personal animal experience. Or, look for more exotic creatures, try Paignton Zoo, which celebrates its 100th birthday this year.
Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight has it all, from scenic landscapes with long beachfront for bracing walks to coastal trails and nature reserves, where you’ll find red squirrels and even the rare and elusive wild cat, which is so similar to a domestic tabby cat that interbreeding has become a serious threat to its survival.
At just 23 miles by 13, getting around the Isle of Wight is easy using local transport, so it’s a great option if you want to leave the car at home.
And if you fancy yourself as a ghost hunter, the Isle of Wight has a reputation for spooky tales and strange goings on, earning it the name “Ghost Island”. Perfect for a trip just before Hallowe’en. Scooby-dooby-doo!
Whatever your age or interests, the UK has so much to offer for families looking for a getaway this half-term holiday. So, pack your brolly and head out somewhere you’ve never been and try something you’ve never done before. It’s all waiting to be discovered – which one is on your half-term bucket list?