4 October Half Term Activity Ideas

Already looking ahead to this year’s October half term? We don’t blame you. It’s often the perfect time to take a break with the kids in tow thanks to fewer crowds and some truly fantastic autumnal scenery. Whether you all fancy breathing in some fresh sea air or exploring one of the UK’s glorious National Parks, there’s so much to do across the North of England and Scotland. And if you’re keen to keep your children’s brains stimulated during their week off school, museum-packed cities and millennia-old monuments could also be on your agenda.

Stuck on where to go? Here we take a look at a handful of possible itineraries for the upcoming half term holiday.

1. Plan an adventure-packed break in the lovely Lake District

   Famed for its lush green landscapes and seemingly endless walking trails, the Lake District is easily one of our favourite spots for a UK staycation. While many choose to flock there in the summer months, visiting in the autumn gives you a chance to admire some colourful foliage and hopefully enjoy a day or two of spectacular sunshine.
   
   The National Park’s undulating terrain is legendary and the best way to soak it all up is by ticking off some of the Wainwright walks. Wondering what a Wainwright is? It’s the name given to the 200+ fells (hills) mentioned by British fell walker and author, Alfred Wainwright, in his book A Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells. He wrote it during the 1950s and 1960s, and many people have since taken up the challenge of walking up all 214 of the fells! Fancy ticking a few off as a family? There are 36 Wainwright Walks to choose between in total, each one taking in one or more of the fells.
   
   If you’d prefer to keep your half term break a little more leisurely, never fear. Why not head out on a relaxing family walk to Penrith Castle or visit some of the iconic local towns instead?

1. Enjoy a dose of ancient history at Hadrian’s Wall

   Want to give your half term holiday an educational spin? The North of England and Scotland certainly have no shortage of historic gems. As well as discovering all about York’s fearsome Vikings or delving into Glasgow’s historic past, there’s also a pretty special heritage site just a hop, skip and a jump away from Carlisle.
   
   The historic capital of Cumbria is a brilliant starting point for exploring the magnificent Hadrian’s Wall. This ancient structure once marked the mighty Roman Empire’s northern boundary during their rule over Britain. The wall itself was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in AD122 and it took six whole years and over 15,000 people to complete it.
   
   While the original wall stretched for 73 miles (or 80 Roman miles), only a few short sections and a handful of crumbling towers exist today. You can see remnants of this epic feat of Roman ingenuity at various points across Cumbria and Northumbria, including several relics just east of Carlisle.
   
   As well as following the wall on foot, you’ll have the option of taking the Hadrian’s Wall Cycleway. It’s also known as National Cycle Route 72 and can easily be joined from Carlisle. You can complete a good stretch of it on your own bikes or rent them locally from a bike shop like Border City Cycle Hire.
   
   
   

2. Entertain inquisitive minds in Edinburgh

   If Edinburgh is on your half term agenda, you’ll find plenty of things to intrigue young minds. The city is packed with museums ideal to entertain the kids – from the National Museum of Scotland and the Writers’ Museum to Camera Obscura & World of Illusions.
   
   And for special events in the city during half term, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Dynamic Earth. During the day, kids can get involved with building their own boat and testing their pilot skills in a simulator as part of the range of All Hands on Deck family drop-in activities – free with admission to the museum. And in the evening, there’s the chance to learn about the solar system with Planetarium Lates – suitable for kids from 8+, you’ll embark on a dramatic journey to the edge of the solar system and back. Tickets are £10 for children up to 15, and £12 for adults.
   
   
   

3. Prepare yourself for Halloween with a spooky under-the-sea visit to Scarborough

   Halloween takes place just after the half term holidays, so there’s no better time than their week off school to celebrate it with the kids. While you’ll find plenty of spooky events and activities taking place across our network, you can have a unique Halloween experience in Scarborough.
   
   Yes, we’re talking about the SEA LIFE Centre’s Ascarium event. Here you’ll meet the mystical Sea Witch in her lair. And by completing magical challenges throughout the aquarium, you’ll be able to look after her ocean home and fellow sea creatures. Tickets start from £17.95 and kids under three are free.
   
   Then if you’re feeling brave after meeting the Sea Witch herself, there’s always time for a bracing autumn walk along the beach. And for fish and chips of course.
   
   

If you’re travelling by train this half term, remember to check before you travel and book your tickets in advance on our website or using the TPExpress app.