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This is probably the least predictable half term in terms of weather. Some Februaries, you get bright blue skies and some warmth in the sun. Other years, February can be cold, bitter, grey or rainy. Sometimes it even snows. None of this make it easy to plan family days out.
Also conspiring against parents at this time of year is the fact that many of the UK’s attractions aren’t even open for business yet, with some waiting for March, April or May before they open their doors to the public.
But fear not. Our round-up has something for everyone, whatever the weather. Some of the days out are exclusive to half term itself, with festivals and events specific to the middle week of February. Meanwhile, some are things you can do all-year round.
Worried about the cost? We’ve ensured there’s a mixture of free events, as well as paid-for ones.
The best family days out for half termShow all 15 1 /15The best family days out for half term The best family days out for half term Go Ape, Various locations Set amongst some of Britain’s most spectacular forests, the 28 Go Ape sites offer fun yet challenging activities for all the family, including swinging through the forest on zip wires, crossing wooden walkways and bridges, and climbing tree-top ladders, all whilst safely attached to a harness. Worried your nipper is too young? Thirteen of the sites offer the Tree Top Junior, which is a younger child-friendly version, featuring canopy exploring, scaling obstacles and amazing zip wires. Adults from £31; Children £18; www.goape.co.uk
The best family days out for half term Windsor Castle, Berkshire Windsor Castle, which covers an area of 26 acres, is one of three official residences of The Queen and has been home to the Sovereign for over 900 years. It is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. For this half term, there’s a “Bring on the Battle” event, in which you can go back to the Middle Ages and the time of the Magna Carta and find out why a great army of rebel barons tried (and failed) to capture the Castle from King John. Follow an activity trail and take part in the art workshop and on selected days, you can dress up and join medieval history interpreters. Adults from £10.40; Children from £6.70 http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/visit/windsorcastle
The best family days out for half term Alton Towers Resort, Staffordshire Escape to The Alton Towers Resort this February Half Term and meet CBeebies star Mr Bloom from 14th – 20th February, when he will be joined by his veggie pals for five daily live shows that are sure to delight young fans. Sing with Justin Fletcher on 21st and 22nd as he appears live in CBeebies Land. Other rides and attractions open especially for the half term period include Sharkbait Reef by SEALIFE and Ice Age the 4D Experience as well as Air, Nemesis, Blade and Runaway Mine Train, among others. Adults from £17.25; Children from £13.50 www.altontowers.com
The best family days out for half term Jorvik Viking Festival, York This York-wide celebration is the largest event of its kind in Europe and runs throughout half term from 14-22 February. Featuring a huge programme of events, it’s both educational and exciting. Kids can take part in a Viking Warrior Challenge, learn about Norse Songs & Games, and learn to dress the Viking way. Meanwhile, little ones can learn about Viking farming techniques or listen to children’s author Jeremy Strong chatting about his hilarious Viking stories. There’s also the annual Best Beard contest and much more besides. Free and ticketed events www.jorvik-viking-festival.co.uk/events/
The best family days out for half term Southbank Imagine Festival, London This two-week children's festival includes captivating theatre, dance, music, film, parades, workshops and comedy, as well as readings from some of the UK's favourite authors. A panel of children will be asking 'What Would I Do as Prime Minister for the Day?' at their very own Question Time. The Young Orchestra for London will perform a free family concert conducted by Sir Simon Rattle and there'll be special appearances from the likes of Russell Brand, Judith Kerr, Anthony Horowitz and Helen Skelton. During half term itself, the Kids Takeover will see children helping with site operations such as intercom announcements, selling programmes and assisting light technicians. Free and ticketed events www.southbankcentre.co.uk/imagine
BelindaLawley
The best family days out for half term Cadbury World, Birmingham This half-term, a series of family entertainers will be heading up shows in Cadbury World’s outdoor marquee, with a variety of magicians, ventriloquists and jugglers showcasing their extraordinary talents throughout the week. Visitors can also take a trip through the Aztec Jungle to learn about the origins of the cocoa bean before climbing on-board the magical Cadabra ride for a gentle journey through a chocolate wonderland. The Chocolate Making zone and the 4D Chocolate Adventure, complete with motion seats, are also firm favourites. Adults from £15.44; Children from £11.35 www.cadburyworld.co.uk
The best family days out for half term Bateman’s Family Winter Garden Trail, East Sussex Follow the winter spotter trail and learn more about what's happening over winter in the Bateman's garden. Some animals love winter, others hibernate, some plants flower in the winter, some rest. Behind the scenes, lots of animals and insects are busy preparing for the spring. Discover who is out and about and who is yet to make an appearance. Pick up a trail sheet at visitor reception and find out more about nature. 14-22 February, 11am – 3pm. Free event (normal admission fee applies Adult £9.50; Child £4.75) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans/
The best family days out for half term Chill Factore, Manchester If you missed out on the snow this year, why not visit this huge indoor snow centre where you can tube down the slope in huge rubber rings, whizz through the Luge ice slide or race each other Crazy Sledging. You can also ski or snowboard. As long as children are aged 10+, Mum or Dad can enjoy one activity and the children another. Adult from £20; Children from £10 www.chillfactore.com
The best family days out for half term The Edinburgh Dungeon, Edinburgh The Edinburgh Dungeon delivers an unforgettable 80-minute interactive adventure through 1000 years of Scotland’s darker history. The award winning tour includes 10 live-actor shows, state of the art special effects, 360º theatrical sets, two heart stopping rides, rib-tickling laughs and fascinating storytelling by hero characters. Tours run from 10am till 5pm every day during February, departing every ten minutes. There’s plenty to amuse the kids in the local vicinity for the rest of the day, including the much-loved National Museum of Scotland. Adults from £11.25 for adults; Children from £9.80 www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh
The best family days out for half term Science Museum, London The Science Museum features seven floors of educational and entertaining exhibits, including the Apollo 10 command module and a flight simulator. The Wellcome Wing showcases developments in contemporary science, medicine and technology. Meanwhile, the Medical History Gallery in the museum's attic contains a substantial collection of medical history treasures. Pattern Pod introduces under-eights to the importance of patterns in contemporary science and Launch Pad is a popular hands-on gallery where children can explore basic scientific principles. And that’s just the beginning. Free http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/holiday
The best family days out for half term Ickworth Half Term Hobbies and Adventures, Suffolk Enjoy a variety of children’s craft activities in the cosy comfort of the West Wing gallery of this Georgian mansion in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. Enjoy a week of half term activities where you can make and take home some fun spring time items. And of course you can always head outside and enjoy the play and den building area and become a nature detective with a nature pack. 14-22 February, 11am – 4pm. Free event (normal admission fee applies Adult £12.80; Child £6.35) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ickworth
The best family days out for half term SEA LIFE London Aquarium, London Journey through 14 themed zones laid out over three floors, where you’ll come face to fin with thousands of creatures in exciting settings as they discover how beautiful and fragile the world's marine eco-systems are. More than 500 different species live in 65 displays with some breathtaking features and plenty of inter-actives along the way. There’s also an exhibition of a collection of beautifully carved miniature animal sculptures – made from naturally discarded teeth from their resident sharks – to kick off a programme of shark related activity for half term. Adults from £18.36; Children from £13.52 www.visitsealife.com/london/
The best family days out for half term Pennywell Farm Activity Centre, South Devon Half term week is Pennywell Pig Week, so littluns can enjoy a whole week of pig themed activities. There are plenty of other animals to see too, with a different animal activity, show or display every half hour, from bottle feeding lambs, pond dipping, ferret racing to egg collecting. There’s also new crazy golf course and if it’s raining, you can the indoor space to picnic and play. If the kids don’t want to go home, fear not as this half term, one price full price day admission ticket gives you a VIP wristband valid for the rest of half term so you can visit as much as you like. Adult £13.95; Children £9.95 www.pennywellfarm.co.uk
The best family days out for half term Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour This offers visitors the ultimate chance to get up close to authentic sets, props and costumes from the Harry Potter film series at the very studios’ where all eight films were made. Visitors can walk through the Great Hall, see the treasures stored in Dumbledore’s office, “fly” a broomstick like a member of the cast and take a stroll down Diagon Alley. In fact, families love it so much that 97 per cent of reviews on TripAdvisor rate it as “Excellent” or “Very Good.” Adult £33; Children £25.50 www.wbstudiotour.co.uk
The best family days out for half term Pembrokeshire, Wales Families have no end of choice here - adventure parks, castles and boat trips, among them. Want to go to the beach? This county has more Blue Flag Beaches and Seaside Awards than anywhere in the United Kingdom, with options ranging from the dunes at Poppit Sands to the two-mile beach at Newgale. At the end of the day, head out to one of the many family-friendly pubs or restaurants to sample Pembrokeshire food and drink. Free http://www.visitpembrokeshire.com/
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