Treat them to a spooky new adventure or two...
Searching for new ways to create unforgettable memories with your family? Take a read of our top 7 activities on the doorstep of each of our retreats, which your whole family will love this half term:
1. Yorkshire Dales – Forbidden Corner
An activity we always recommend when staying at our Yorkshire Dales retreat during the half term break is the Forbidden Corner. It’s something which is fun for the little ones, and the big kids won’t feel left out either! The Forbidden Corner is like no other attraction you will have visited before and is well deserving of the highly complementary Trip Advisor reviews.
The best way to describe the attraction is "an enchanting and bewildering labyrinth of passages, tricks and surprises, enclosed by a picturesque Victorian garden." When you go on a family day out, it’s rare that the adults will get as much enjoyment out of the event as the children, but with the Forbidden Corner, it’s just as much fun for the adults as it is for the little ones.
After you’ve explored every nook and cranny you can pop into the Corners Café, where you can get anything from Yorkshire Fruitcake with Wensleydale Cheese, to piping hot Fish and Chips. What’s more, it’s just a short 20-minute drive from our Yorkshire Dales retreat so you don’t have to worry about your young explorers getting restless in the back seat.
2. Llŷn Peninsula – Gypsy Wood
Located just a short drive from our Llŷn Peninsula Retreat is Gypsy wood – nestled in the foothills of Snowdonia in North Wales. This enchanting, outdoor theme park is a lovely place to take the clan on a crisp, autumnal day - wrap up in your best woolly jumpers, put your wellies on and enjoy the crunch of leaves underfoot.
There’s bags to do; from meeting the resident animals (including Ponies, Alpacas, Pygmy Goats, Donkeys and Pot-Bellied Pigs) to taking a ride on Woody’s Railway and creating a melody at the Musical Tree-House. Finish off your trip with the Willow Walk which follows the giant’s footsteps through gorgeous woodland and leads to a giant’s chair, go-kart area and climbing spider web. Alternatively take the Wetland Walk, which is a ½ mile trail, leading your young explorers through wildlife habitats from marsh lands, meadows and wooded swamps. This is a must visit for nature and animal lovers (which we know you all are)!
3. Trewhiddle – Eden Project
Quite literally on the doorstep of our Trewhiddle Retreat, is the incredible Eden Project. Dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World by some, the Eden Project is a fascinating global garden which spans the size of 30 football pitches! With a worldwide reputation, and recognised by the British Travel Awards as the Best UK Leisure Attraction 5 years on the trot, a trip here is the perfect day out which deserves your undivided attention. Not only is the attraction a fun and educational experience, it also provides a fascinating insight into the complicated relationship between plants and people. Located just 6 miles from Trewhiddle, you can’t miss a visit while staying with us.
4. Fistral Beach – Lappa Valley Steam Railway
Wherever you decide to stay in Cornwall you will be spoilt for choice with the range of activities on offer. Any die-hard Thomas The Tank Engine fans out there will love a visit to Lappa Valley Steam Railway, situated just outside of Newquay and a short drive from our Fistral Beach Apartments. Offering a great day of activities; including 3 railways, outdoor play areas, crazy golf, canoeing and pedal cars circuits – your October half term will be set to full steam ahead!
If the weather is looking a bit gloomy or if you just fancy some indoor fun, a trip to the Blue Reef Aquarium is also sure to keep you entertained. From sea life commonly found in Cornish waters to more exotic creatures (think turtles and pulsating jellyfish), marvel at over 40 naturally occurring marine habitats. Located just a stone’s throw away from our luxury, coastal apartments this aquarium is ideal for a rainy day.
5. Lews Castle – An Lanntair
Over the autumn and winter seasons the Western Isles become a hot spot for wildlife lovers. From the majestic ‘Stag Rutting’ to Whale and Puffin spotting – it’s the best time of the year to observe some rare wildlife displays. If you’re looking for an indoor activity to enjoy if the weather takes a turn for the worse, An Lanntair is one that can’t be missed. This multi-arts venue is a hub for creativity and the arts in the Outer Hebrides.
An Lanntair is a contemporary art gallery, theatre, cinema, dance studio, concert hall and a platform for poetry and literature. The work displayed stretches across a national and international platform, yet their distinctiveness lies in being ‘of the place’, rooted in who they are, where the creativity of Gaelic and the Outer Hebrides takes centre stage.
6. John O’Groats – Puffin Croft
While staying in John O’Groats, you’re spoilt for choice with activities to add to your itinerary, from exploring castles, celebrating the Scottish tradition of whisky making by taking a distillery tour and marvelling at the wonderful wildlife (perhaps by taking a ferry across the Orkneys). One of our firm favourites is a visit to Puffin Croft Farm, a lovely petting farm and shop with incredibly well looked-after animals. (If you visit remember to say hello to Rose and Thistle the black and pink micro pigs!) The lovely lady behind this genius operation has even been featured on television for setting up this haven for her favourite furry friends. It’s also a great place to pick up some homemade treats to bring back as souvenirs - choose from jams, pies and even toffee apples!
7. Canalside Cottages
While visiting our Canalside Cottages, dotted along the banks of the iconic Caledonian Canal, a trip to Urquhart Castle is a must. Lying proudly on the banks of the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, prepare to be left in awe with incredible vistas of the loch and the Great Glen. A visit to the castle is a real crowd pleaser; any young explorers will enjoy roaming around the ruins, which provide a fascinating insight into medieval life in Scotland. There’s also an outstanding collection of artefacts, and a brilliant short film, which reveals a secret surprise at the end! Got your heart set on a Nessie sighting? Urquhart Castle is your best bet, with the majority of Loch Ness Monster sightings occurring here…
Looking for the perfect autumnal getaway? Call our friendly Concierge Team on 01625 416 430 for the best offers and latest availability.