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I know, I know......the kids have only just gone back to school and I'm talking about February Half Term. It will be here before we know it though. I always think February Half Term is a bit of a funny one, the rest of Europe isn't really warm enough for us to justify jetting away somewhere and the weather in the UK is just so unpredictable! Plus most people are still feeling the financial pain of Christmas. We tend to book a staycation or enjoy days out in the North East and there are some lovely options to choose from this year with many holiday companies putting together some fantastic deals. I've found 10 getaways I think are perfect for February Half Term. Let me know if you fancy any of them or if you already have plans.
Darwin Forest
We're staying with Darwin Forest over part of half term and are really looking forward to our stay. I love that there's a real mix of activities from archery, cycling, orienteering, tennis, mini golf and swimming combined with relaxing lodges with hot tubs, woodland trails and a health spa. You can find out more here.
Credit | Wandermust Family |
Butlins Skegness
February Half Term breaks are available at Butlins from just £68 per person. Lots of entertainment is guaranteed and what I like about a Butlins break is that you don't need to spend much once you're there - even fairground rides are included. Expect a jam-packed itinerary including discos, Mr Men, Puppet Shows, Circus Skills, Danger Mouse, Pool Parties, Wrestling, Little Mix Tribute Bands and more. There's loads to do both inside and out (read 10 things to do at Butlins Skegness when it rains here) and I promise your children will never mutter they're bored at Butlins. Find out more and book here.
Thomasland
Thomasland is hosting a special Thomas & Friends February Half Term this year. You can stay in the on-resort Thomasland themed hotel from £147.20 per family over half term including breakfast and theme park entry which is a massive bargain. We've visited Thomasland in the school holidays before and it's ideal with little ones as the queues aren't long and there are indoor attractions such as the soft play area and train rides if you need to warm up. Find out more and book here.
Tattershall Lakes with Away Resorts
Tattershall Lakes is just under 4 hours drive away and such a fun place to visit with kids (read our review here) - kind of a cross between Center Parcs, Butlins and Haven - with all the best bits from all I think. There's an outdoor cinema under the stars by the lake, hoverboarding, raft building, cheerleading, bike hire, superhero academy, teddy bears picnic, a fabulous adventure play area, entertainment, archery, fishing & so much more..... Prices are available from just £224 for a family of 6 and some lodges can include hot tubs. Find out more and book here .
Eureka Museum in Halifax
Eureka is the National Children's Museum and is especially lots of fun for pre-schoolers and Primary school-aged children. The location is located right next door to Halifax Train Station and if you buy a Friends & Family Railcard , train travel can cost as little as £30 each way for 2 adults and 2 children. Your ticket to Eureka admits you for a full year and there are a couple of Premier Inns nearby (available from £29 per room) if you'd like to make a night of it and visit on 2 consecutive days. Read about our trip to Eureka last year here.
Parkdean Resorts
Parkdean Resorts are offing February Half Term breaks from the bargain price of £99 per accommodation. If you're looking for a traditional caravan holiday with entertainment and fun for the whole family, that's what you'll get with Parkdean. You can stay local and enjoy a staycation at Whitley Bay Caravan Park or travel further afield to Scotland, the Lakes, Yorkshire or even further afield. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Sundrum Castle in Scotland a few years ago and would 100% recommend this park. Find out more and book here.
National Holidays
There are lots of fab deals with National Holidays this February and they're ideal for families who don't drive as prices include coach travel, attraction tickets, accommodation, dinner and breakfast. Options departing from Newcastle over February Half Term include Cadbury World & South Midlands Safari Adventure, Legoland Discovery & Blackpool Tower, Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour, Matilda in London, Chester Zoo and Blackpool Tower & more..... I wasn't a fan of our trip with National Holidays a few years ago but most people I know rave about them so worth checking out I think.
Stay, Play Explore Break
We enjoyed a Stay, Play, Explore weekend last year and I have been recommending it to everyone I know ever since. It is such a good deal for families AND there are hotels that accommodate families of 5 too. For £149 for a family of 4, you can choose a hotel (and the selection includes some decent options - many including spas and pools) and you'll receive a voucher which you can redeem at 3 attractions across the weekend (or you can save for another day - it's valid until the end of the year) from a choice of 9. Options include Twycross Zoo, The National Space Centre, Twinlakes Park, Conkers and more. Find out more and book online here.
Pirate & Princess Takeover at Alton Towers Resort
The Alton Towers theme park is closed over half term but there's still plenty of fun to be had in resort. From £160 per family of 4, families can enjoy a stay at the Alton Tower's Hotel or in a Woodland Lodge and enjoy Treasure Hunts, have the chance to meet Cbeebies land characters, join pirate school, enjoy a family disco and take part in a fancy dress parade. You'll also be treated with access to the waterpark, a round of crazy golf, access to the Sharkbait reef by SEA LIFE and breakfast too. This break really does seem to offer exceptional value and it's also available for families of 5 too. Find out more and book here.
Credit : Here Come The Hoopers |
Flamingo Land Resort
Flamingo Land Resort is not fully open during February Half Term but they do offer an extended package which includes Zoo Keeper Talks, 5 rides for younger children, Pirates of Zanzibar, Animal Shows and parts of Dino-Stone Park. The Zoo is open and there's a splash zone complex too. If you'd like to find out more about staying at Flamingoland, check out this comprehensive review by Nomipalony. Prices are available from £309 for a gold caravan for 2 nights - sounds ideal if you have little ones. Find out more and book here.
Credit | Nomipalony |
Is it bad that I actually want to go on all of these short breaks! There are so many options and considering it's a school holiday, the prices are all pretty reasonable too.
What a fab bunch of ideas! So much on offer to keep the kids entertained. My 2yo is sat on my lap and just seen that Thomas The Tank pic - he's desperate to go!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas! So jel you guys are away again!
ReplyDeleteWe've just returned from Darwin Forest and can thoroughly recommend it. Also, like you, we are big fans of Tattershall Lakes, so much to do especially for kids who love water sports;) Great post Samantha
ReplyDeletewe love Darwin Forest! It is the perfect half term break place
ReplyDeleteWe loved out stay at Darwin Forest last year - you're going to have a great half term! I also love there sound of Tattershall Lakes. We'll be staying in the UK and doing some days out around work.
ReplyDeleteLots of fab easy ideas here. I cannot WAIT to go to Darwin park, I've heard so much about it x
ReplyDeleteAnother amazing list! bring on February half term!
ReplyDeleteDarwin was the place that made us decide to move to the Peak District!
ReplyDeleteooh - I bet you'll enjoy Darwin Forest. I've heard good things - and am very much looking forward to our break there later this year.
ReplyDeleteOh I wish there had been Thomasland when my son was little - he was Thomas the Tank Engine mad!!!
ReplyDeleteWe live fairly close to Thomas land and Alton Towers, yet I always seem to look further afield but there are some great places to visit that are on our doorstep! Such a fab list - I really fancy a little break in Darwin Forest!
ReplyDeleteSome of my absolute faves on this list, I was taken to Butlins Skegness a few times when I was little and it's where I have some of my earliest and fondest memories. Also love Blackpool and Eureka, being from Rochdale I was a regular at both while growing up. Fab list!
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