Another half term is upon us and coming up with fun and new ways to keep the kids entertained without costing a fortune can be tricky. So we’ve pulled together a collection of days out and events across the country that might just keep the boredom at bay this half term.
Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire
Overflowing with the atmosphere of the industrial revolution, it’s one of the most fascinating industrial heritage sites in the UK, showing how a community lived back then. You can explore the cotton mill, powered by Europe’s most powerful working waterwheel, the apprentice house that housed the pauper children, stunning gardens and take a stroll through the village where the mill workers once lived. On the 28th & 29th October they are getting in to the Halloween spirit with interactive Spooky Tours of the mill running between 6:30pm-21:30pm.
Cost: Free for all National Trust Members or on the gate prices from Adult £15, Child £7.50 or a family ticket for £37.50
Opening Times: Open daily 10:30am-5pm (Closed 31st Oct & 1st Nov)
Chatsworth House, Bakewell, Derbyshire
Chatsworth, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, has passed down through 16 generations of the Cavendish family. There’s so much to do on the estate of Chatsworth. From the house, to the gardens, including a maze, to the farm and adventure playground fitting it all in one day can be exhausting but lots of fun! From the 22nd-30th October they are running a half term Halloween Hoot, included in the admission fee. You’ll experience an array of terrible treats, evil entertainment and devilish delights across the Chatsworth estate.
Cost: On the gate prices from Adult/Child £6 or a family ticket for £22.00 for the farm & adventure playground
Opening Times: Open daily 10:30am-5:30pm (Times change after 5th November)
The Deep, Hull, East Yorkshire
This is one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world, and home to over 3,500 fish including magnificent sharks and rays. It’s such a unique experience that they’ve even created their own word to describe it “SUBMARIUM” this place is vast and very impressive. It’ll take you around 2-3 hours to see everything, and with its mixture of stunning marine life, interactive and audio-visual presentations, it’s a fun-filled day for all ages.
Cost: Pay once and your ticket gives you access for the full year.
Opening Times: Open daily 10am-6pm
National Football Museum, Manchester
This one’s for the football fanatics in the family, home to 6 floors showcasing over 150 years of football heritage. It’s an opportunity to explore the past and present of football through exhibitions of 140,000+ items. They currently have the 1966 world cup exhibition, celebrating England’s golden summer with stories from the people who made, watched and played in the games. You even get to see the Jules Rimet Trophy and ball from the final.
Cost: FREE, donations are welcome
Opening Times: Open daily 10am-5pm
Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
One of the largest inhabited castles in the UK, Alnwick has been standing for 700 years. You might recognise it from the first two Harry Potter films as Hogwarts. You can even have broomstick training in the grounds! From 22nd-30th October they have a realm of adventure for all the family to celebrate Halloween. Be spellbound by the mystery and magic of this 1,000 year old site and get involved in wacky experiments, crafts and a horrifying trail.
Cost: Adult £13.45, Child £6.97 (Under 4’s free) & Family ticket £36.00
Opening Times: Open daily 10am-5:30pm
The Blackpool Tower, Lancashire
Built in 1894, Blackpool Tower is a great location for some indoor fun, as it houses 5 different attractions and 1 amazing view (on a clear day). The Blackpool Tower Eye features a 4D cinema experience and the glass skywalk. It’s home to the UK’s biggest circus and of course there is the refined glamour and elegance of the ballroom. Jungle Jim’s is the ultimate indoor adventure playground and if that’s not enough, you can visit the dungeons! While you’re there you can check out the world famous Blackpool Illuminations.
Cost: Prices vary depending on the number of attractions you do
Opening Times: Open daily 10am-8:45pm
The Crocky Trail, Cheshire
It’s an outdoor adventure playground for all the family. The fun starts the minute you arrive with all the rides, the trail and the challenges, providing pure adrenaline drenched entertainment as well as that all important exercise. For Halloween they have “The Crocky Horror Show” featuring the wall of death, the amazing crocky dungeon, the catacombs and creepy crawl trail, a collection of the scariest fun ever.
Cost: Adult £14, Child £13 (Under 5’s free)
Opening Times: Open daily 10am-5:00pm
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire
A zoo is always a great day out for the whole family and there are so many excellent ones up and down the country. We’ve picked Whipsnade Zoo as they’ve got so much going on from live talks and demonstrations on a whole range of animals from lemurs to penguins, visit cheetah rock and roar over to the lions of the Serengeti. Over half term they have a whole host of spooky goings on with themed activities, animal demonstrations and hands on crafts. Kids can also do FREE pumpkin carving.
ZSL, who run Whipsnade zoo, also run London zoo too.
Cost: Adult £24.25, Child £17.60 (Under 3’s free) & family £75
Opening Times: Open daily 10am-5:00pm
Black Country Living Museum, Birmingham
26 acres of former industrial land, the Black Country Living Museum tells the story of the creation of the world’s first industrial landscape. An open-air museum so a venue for when it’s dry, its offers you a unique glimpse into 200 years of history. With authentic shops, houses and workshops, live demonstrations, an underground mine, school, pub, fairground and transport collections, there is a lot to see and do at the Black Country Living Museum.
Cost: Adult £15.95, Child £7.45 (Under 5’s free) & family £33
Opening Times: Open daily 10am-5:00pm
Hampton Court, Richmond
Originally acquired as a manor in 1236, Hampton Court welcomed its first royal visitors in the 14th century so medieval history is engrained in its walls. Hence why there is so much to explore and learn at this historic royal palace. As well as the main attractions of the chocolate kitchen, the great hall, the kitchen gardens and the maze, they also have a host of events on throughout the year. Over half term they are running family ghost tours, horrible Hamptons, a garden adventure and family trials.
Cost: Adult £19.80, Child £9.60 (Under 5’s free) & family £49
Opening Times: Open daily 10am-6:00pm
And for great autumnal walks for FREE visit the National Trust website