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Whether you're looking for a fun day trip or a family-friendly getaway for a few nights, there are
plenty of exciting activities to enjoy across the North and Scotland.
Fancy heading outdoors to enjoy the fresh pre-spring weather? Or how about making the most
of the UK’s top museums in one of the fabulous cities along our network? To give you a hand
choosing, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite things to do this February half term with
children of all ages.
And, not to worry, they’re all brilliantly budget-friendly!
When it comes to looking at places to visit for a February half-term escape, York is high up on the list. The picturesque city is delightfully compact yet brimming with attractions for all ages. Famed for its chocolatiers, a trip to York Cocoa House is a must-do if you’re in the city. This charming chocolate shop offers affordable workshops for both kids and adults. Enjoy a chocolate lollipop-making workshop for just a fiver per person and indulge in the enticing discounts on edible souvenirs from the shop.
Location: 10 Castlegate, York, YO1 9RG
Opening times: Daily: 9am-5.30pm
Cost: £5 per person for the chocolate lollipop-making workshop
For February half-term activities that are equally fun and educational, consider a museum day
out. There are so many UK cities that are jam-packed with world-class, free-entry museums –
and many of them are a train ride away from home.
Scotland’s major cities offer a wealth of family-friendly museums. In Edinburgh, you can visit
the interactive Dynamic Earth Science Centre, where the volcano exhibit is unmissable, and the
National Museum of Scotland, home to life-size models of dinosaurs. Glasgow also has plenty
to offer, with the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum showcasing everything from fearsome
wildlife models to a suspended Spitfire from WWII. An unforgettable day out for the whole
family.
If the little ones are a bit young to wander around Liverpool’s museums, why not enjoy an
adventure on the River Mersey instead?
The Mersey Ferry River Explorer cruise is 50 minutes long (just enough time to keep the kids
entertained) and is led by a knowledgeable local guide who will have plenty of fun facts to share
about Liverpool. You can choose to disembark across the river in Seacombe to tick off some of
the Wirral’s attractions, like the Eureka! Science + Discovery Centre, or head straight back to
Liverpool to stroll around the iconic Royal Albert Dock.
Location: Pier Head, Georges Parade, Liverpool, L3 1DP
Opening times: Daily: 10am-5pm (depending on the season)
Cost: £36 for a family ticket (2 adults and up to 2 children, free for under 5s)
If the weather is fine, why not spend the February half term in the great outdoors? The North is
blessed with no shortage of gorgeous green spaces, from breathtaking National Parks like the
Lake District to stunning public places like Glasgow Green.
Hop on the train to Carlisle, Penrith or Oxenholme for easy access to some of the best walking
and biking trails in Cumbria. Prefer to stay local? Lush green fields and fun play areas await in
city locales like Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park, Liverpool’s St James Mount and Gardens and
Sheffield Botanical Gardens.
If you travel to Scarborough on the East Coast, you’ll find a bounty of kid-friendly things to do
this February half term. As well as meeting the swans and geese in pretty Peasholm Park or
playing some old-fashioned penny-drop games at the arcades along South Bay, you could pop
into the SEA LIFE Scarborough. Situated at the top of North Bay Beach and featuring epic sea
vistas, it’s home to some truly magnificent marine life.
There’s always a range of promotional offers to enjoy too. Look out for free tickets in selected
packets of Kellogg’s cereal, use your Tesco Clubcard points to pay for entry, or take advantage
of the Parent + Toddler ticket for £16 online.
Location: Scalby Mills Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO12 6RP
Opening times: Times vary by day and season
Cost: Advance adult ticket from £16, kids (2-14 years) from £14, free for under 2s
There’s nothing like a blustery day out at the beach with the family in February half term. Yes,
you might not be stretching out on the sand and enjoying the sun’s rays, but you’ll get out in
nature and see some stunning views at the same time.
You could journey to Scarborough for breezy yet beautiful walks along the coastal path. Why
not head to Formby to see the dunes and try to spot red squirrels? Or visit St. Anne’s Beach for
wide stretches of sand ideal for family walks. Blackpool Beach is perfect for a beach walk to see
the sights too. And as Blackpool Pleasure Beach isn’t open until the start of March, it’s a quieter
time to visit this seaside town.
Get up close and personal with extraordinary wildlife at Knowsley Safari Park where you can
take part in a Foot Safari along the Tiger Trail (if you dare!) or explore their incredible nature
walks, rides and animal displays.
Just 30 minutes from Liverpool or 45 minutes from Manchester, be sure not to miss their latest
edition, the Bear Country Foot Safari, where there's the opportunity to watch South American
Andean Bears enjoying their climbing platforms or having a bite to eat as they lounge together in
their new home.
Location: Knowsley Safari, Prescot, L34 4AN
Opening times: Fri-Sat: 10:30am-4pm (last safari admission: 2:30pm, last entry to
safari drive: 3pm
Cost: Varies by peak/off-peak times. Adults from £15, kids (3-15 years) from £15,
toddlers £2 and babies (under 1) go free. (Rides cost extra).
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush this February half-term, an adventure at one of several
Northern Go Ape destinations is a fantastic choice for all ages. Head to Scunthorpe and visit
Normaby Hall Go Ape for Treetop Adventures fit for young children and Treetop Challenges for
ages 10 and up. It’s a thrilling experience for everyone!
Prefer staying firmly on the ground? Don’t worry, there are plenty of things to do that don’t
require any monkey business. Stroll around the 300-acre country park estate, walk through the
deer park, or sit and relax at the stable yard café.
Location: Normanby Hall Country Park, Normanby Park, Normanby, Scunthorpe, DN15
9HU
Opening times: Times vary by day and season. Head to their website to check
availability
Cost: Treetop Challenge from £34, Treetop Adventure from £20
Looking for February half-term ideas to bring out your creative side? The North is brimming with
art galleries where you can take part in activities, workshops, or simply admire the art.
Manchester is well-known for its bubbling art scene. Manchester Art Gallery has loads of
workshops and events taking place throughout February, like the Creative Families Holiday Programme Workshops. The Lion’s Den (Clore Art Studio) at Manchester Art Gallery is a vibrant
space in the city centre, where families can create and connect. With talented artists hosting
creative sessions using various materials and techniques, each session offers something new.
No booking needed – just go along and join in!
If you have even younger children, the gallery also holds sensory play sessions at their Baby Social. Running on the first and third Wednesday of each month, this is a great way for parents
to meet and relax.
Location: Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL
Opening times: Tues-Sun: 10am-5pm
Cost: Free!
There’s no business like show business!
A great way to keep the kids entertained through the February half term is a trip to the theatre
with the family. Head to any of the North’s magnificent cities to catch a live show, including
Sheffield where the Lyceum Theatre has a loaded calendar of shows for all ages and interests.
Catch the brand-new production of beloved family favourite, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, over the
February half-term period – which is flying into Sheffield with a star-studded cast. Enjoy
accessible showings with audio description, captioning and sign language interpretation too.
Location: 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA
Opening times: Running from Tues 18th Feb-Sat 1st Mar 2025
Cost: Tickets start at £15
With so many activities and locations to choose from across our network, it will be hard to
choose how to fill your February half term in 2025! Book your train now to any of our destinations to avoid disappointment.
For more inspiration on what to do in specific locations, check out the best things to do in Manchester or the best day trips from Leeds.
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