October sees the schools breaking up for half term, the last holiday before the big Christmas break at the end of the year. Escape looks at five great ideas for getting away and enjoying some family time...

1. LONDON

You’ll not go far wrong with a trip down the M4 to the British capital, London.

This internationallyrenowned city certainly has something for everyone in the family – from an abundance of museums to the cultural and foodie delight that is Camden Lock.

And then there are historic sites galore, a river cruise along the Thames, a trip on the London Eye, and enough shops to satisfy even the most ardent shopper.

If you are planning a trip to London from South Wales you can travel by train, bus or car. If you book off peak and with enough notice you can travel relatively cheaply right into the heart of the city without the worry of having to pay the congestion charge.

Hotels abound and with some careful planning you are bound to pick up a bargain.

London was centre stage to the world this summer when it was the host city for the Olympics and Paralympics – so if you want to catch some of the buzz which is still around and see some of the sites you saw during the sporting extravaganza, what are you waiting for.

London awaits...

2. GREAT OUTDOORS

The great outdoors may the thing that is calling you and your family this October time – and after the washout summer we have had, we may be lucky enough to have some dry weather – fingers crossed.

Britain is blessed with some fantastic countryside – and here in South Wales some of the best is right here on our doorstep.

If you don’t want to travel too far, or prefer the idea of day trips during the October halfterm holiday, why not consider making the most of the mountains around Abergavenny. Pick a dry day and take a picnic up Sugar Loaf – if you are not the most energetic, there is a car park fairly near the top! Or if you are more adventurous, there is Pen y Fan, near Brecon, which is the highest peak in South Wales.

Remember to prepare properly if you are going to go out on the mountains, especially if it is something you are not used to doing.

You don’t have to tackle the peaks, if you think that will be too much. Just enjoy being out in the countryside, listening to the sounds of nature and breathing in the fresh air – even if you are just going for a stroll this is something both you and the children will really enjoy.

3. THEME PARKS

If you are looking for a bit of action, then there are lots of theme parks you can choose to visit.

Most of the most popular parks in the UK, including Alton Towers, Oakwood and Legoland, are open throughout the halfterm holiday but it is always advisable to check each park’s website before you travel to avoid disappointment.

Each park offers something for all ages, but again do some research to make sure the park you are choosing to visit has thrill rides, if you want them, or more family-orientated entertainment if your children are very small.

4. MYSTERY TOUR

How about planning a mystery tour for your family which only you know the route for.

You could tie this in to something the children really enjoy. If they are studying medieval history at school, you could plan your trip to take in some of the sites and castles of that time.

Or pick a favourite film or television show which was made in the UK and go to see the locations. Hot Fuzz was filmed in Wells, parts of Harry Potter was filmed in west Wales and Gloucester, Monty Python and the Holy Grail was filmed mainly at Doune Castle near Stirling in Scotland – and the ticket office even has a bag of coconut shells for visitors so they can experience the silliness authentically.

Closer to home is Barry Island, home to the popular TV series Gavin and Stacey – and, of course, Doctor Who is currently made in Cardiff with a lot of locations throughout South Wales used regularly. Young fans would love to see these and guess which episode the places were from.

 

5. SEEKING SUN

For some, a holiday isn’t a holiday unless it includes sun loungers, a pool, a beach and some hot, hot sun.

So for many, the october half-term break will see them and their family jetting off to somewhere hot and sunny to relax and forget about all the rain we have been suffering here.

You may be lucky enough to pick up a last minute deal, so if you fancy a change of scenery and a rise in temperature, it would make sense to start looking around now to see what is on offer...