5 fantastic family half-term activities

Looking for ideas for how to keep the family entertained at half-term? Here is a range of ideas, suiting every budget, to make the week fun for all.

By Bob Atkinson, TravelSupermarket.com

Take a UK mini break

Heading off for a couple of days need not be expensive and there are a wide range of UK towns and cities to pick from chock-a-block full of activities for all ages.

Favourites such as Bath, York, Chester and Canterbury (pictured here) offer history as well as interesting museums. Big cities from London to Glasgow, Birmingham to Bristol and Manchester to Cardiff serve up superb shopping and entertainment and don’t forget our many beach resorts.

And with hotels costing from as little as £13 a room a night, then it’s a cost effective break away from home.

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- Rate and review destinations around the UK
Head over to the continent for a day trip to Calais or Dublin

If you live in the South East or North West you can easily get to a ferry for a day trip to France or Eire. With day return prices from as little as £19 per person you can enjoy a trip over the sea on super modern ferries and catamarans, a spot of sightseeing and duty free shopping, some great food and still be back home the same day.

Day trips are easy to book and arrange - look out for free wine offers as part of the ticket price.
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- Rate and review destinations around the UK
Take to the countryside

The weather is forecasting the possibility of light snow over some parts of the UK. So why not head out and book a short break in a UK cottage to enjoy the big outdoors while it is carpeted in a sea of white?

Popular areas such as the Cotswolds (pictured here), West Country, Lake District and Yorkshire Dales still have availability, so if snow does come you can be sledging and hiking in stunning countryside while enjoying a log fire and great home cooked food in your very own cottage. Even better if you have pets as many cottages will allow the family pooch to come along to.
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- Rate and review destinations around the UK
Bag a bargain day out

One of the big growth industries is in vouchers for discounts on days out and activities. Start by looking at travel discounts for trains with family railcards and child discounts.

And it’s quick and easy to find vouchers giving reduced price admissions and freebies to everything from tours of football stadiums to the London Dungeon, Sealife centres to Imax Cinemas.

And of course if you eat out then don’t forget deals all types of restaurant and bars to bag a discount on food and drink too.
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- Rate and review destinations around the UK
Staying at home?

While some children may prefer to be sat in front of the TV or playing on their favourite games console, there will be a wealth of activities going on in your area.

Check out your local library notice board, nearby museum and galleries, sports centre and shopping mall for a range of child orientated activities. Many of which will be free or low cost.

And of course you could organise a home cinema afternoon with DVDs and some snacks, a hike through the local woods with an action sheet of things to discover or a bike ride through the local park with races and prizes.
See also:
- Rate and review destinations around the UK
Next Up: All-weather half-term activities in the UK
This half term, there are plenty of excuses to get the kids to down game consoles, leave the sofa behind and discover new surroundings - wh