October Half Term

October Half Term

I can’t believe it is only 3 weeks until the October Half Term. It only seems as though they started back to school last week.

With Grandson no 1 starting Secondary School it was quite a change this year. He’s settling in well, but I think the increase in the amount of homework is taking some getting used to. But, at the moment he’s still enjoying it.

We usually like to try and get away somewhere in the October Half Term with all the family as it’s really the last chance before Winter. And, with 3 boys between the ages of 6 and 11 it’s nice to get them outdoors.

5 of our favourite places to go in October half term

If you’re thinking of getting away for a few days here are 5 of my favourite places to go for October Half Term

Center Parcs

Center Parcs is perfect for an October break as it doesn’t really matter what the weather does.  With the indoor tropical pool and endless list of indoor activities the kids wont mind if it’s raining outside. 

However, October can also be a lovely month and if you’re lucky you could still get to try out loads of the outdoor activities.

We loved our trip to Center Parcs Longleat, why not take a look at my Blog Center Parcs Longleat, Overview of 5 of our Favourite Activities

Forest Holidays

If you want to get outside and enjoy the countryside, then Forest Holidays is a great option.  Forest Holidays have locations across the UK situated in vast woodlands. The accommodation at the parks include a range of log style cabins and are equality suitable for couples or families.

They have great Ranger led activities on site including Bush Skills, Forest Walks, Nature Trails and more.

And, if you want to make sure it’s a relaxing break for you as well as the kids you can choose a log cabin complete with outdoor hot tub.

If you’re interested and would like to find out a bit more you may enjoy reading this Forest of Dean Forest Holiday with Grandkids

Surfing in Croyde Bay, North Devon

Although you won’t get the warmest weather in October it can be a great time to surf in England.  Croyde Bay has a great Surf School, Croyde Surf Academy and the lifeguards’ man the beaches until the end of October.

The sea won’t be too cold, but you will need a wetsuit, and it won’t be as crowded as in the Summer months.

The Boys love surfing and as long as they have their wet suits on they’ll happily be in the water whatever the weather.

You can check out my Blog on Grandkids Learning to Surf in Croyde Bay North Devon

Port Lympne Safari Park

If you’ve read my Blogs, you’ll know the Boys love animals.  One of their favourite places to visit is Port Lympne.

The Safari Park of Port Lympne and its sister park Howletts are run as a conservation charity and owned and run by the Aspinall Foundation.  The Aspinal Foundations founder, John Aspinall, dreamt of reintroducing gorillas bred at Howletts and Port Lympne back to the wild almost as soon as he started collecting and breeding them in the early 1970s.

I love the fact that they aren’t just another zoo or safari park and that they are actively engaged in conversation and especially re-introducing animals into their native habitats.  Over the past few years they have released back to the wild a range of animals including 8 black rhinos, 49 Javan langurs, 9 Javan gibbon, 11 European bison and over 60 western lowland gorillas back to their natural habitat.

You can also stay at the safari park and we’ve had a couple of great holidays there.  Have a look at my Blog Port Lympne Safari Park to find out more.

Ibiza

If you’re looking for somewhere a little warming Ibiza is nice in October and it’s completely different out of the main holiday season.

We went to the Sirenis Seaview Country Club with the boys a couple of years ago. It’s a purpose-built family resort which I must admit isn’t our usual holiday destination. However, it was perfect for the boys as there was loads of activities for them to do. Although they were either playing football, they have great football academies or in the water.

We booked one of the quieter apartments with its own swim up pool which was away from the main pool area which we actually found quite relaxing.

We didn’t book through a travel agent but instead G booked directly with the hotel and we arranged our flights and transfers separately. It worked out considerably cheaper than going through an agent, but you need to book well in advance so maybe something to put on the list for next year.

Of course, you don’t have to go away for half term, sometimes it’s just nice to chill out at home. Or maybe have one- or two-day trips. 

Whatever you’re up to for half term I hope you have a great time and I’d love to hear your recommendations.

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25 thoughts on “5 Of Our Favourite Places To Go In October Half Term”

  1. Croyde Bay is our favourite place in the UK. We go every year. I’ve not been in October though I think I’d prefer somewhere hot like Ibiza x

  2. The places look lovely. Especially the sea one. And I love sea. But unfortunately I have no break from work.

  3. I need to go to north Devon especially Croyde – I’ve not been to that part of Devon in about thirty years so thanks for the reminder. Your lads look like they’re having a great time.

  4. Ohh! Forest Holidays is right up my alley! Although all of these look like great family adventures to have. I’m also intriqued that there is surfing in England. I thought only Californians and Hawaiians got to have all the fun but glad it’s popular in England too 🙂

    1. We have great surfing in the UK but it’s usually a lot colder than California! But the boys don’t mind as long as they have their wetsuits on.

  5. We are taking my nephew to center parcs and very excited about it as he is. Never considered Ibiza but for some last minute sun, it would be epic

  6. I’ve got no kids, so no half term for me, but would love to go to Ibiza, or that safari park! I’m sure you’ll have fun wherever you guys decide to go!

  7. These are all great suggestions! We rather Mallorca to Ibiza because it seems so much affordable, and last Year we went to Dubrovnik, this Year we’ve been in Alsace (France) and we had a blast!

    1. Ibiza was lovely when we visited with the grandchildren as it was out of season in the October half term it had a completely different feel than in the height of summer.

  8. It’s scary how quickly it comes round! We are off to Crete over half term and can’t wait. Port Lymne is wonderful and o love the look of laser combat at Centre Parcs xx

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