With the February half term looming, it’s understandable that you might not wanna spend more time cooped up with the kids. We’ve had Christmas and New Year and the grey and rainy start to new year as standard. Getting a change of scenery is very tempting – even for a few days.
If you’re looking for some half term holiday ideas in February, we hear ya.
These are some suggestions to get away from the westcountry and enjoy a bit of fun with the family.
1. A trip to London
Yes, London at half term is gonna be crazy. And yes, the National History Museum will be utterly rammed. But…. There are so many things to do in the Big Smoke, that a half term trip to London is pretty much guaranteed to be a winner.
If you’re looking for some less obvious things to do, head to the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green, or explore the South Bank and the South Bank Centre which always has a lot going on.
Hop on a bus tour to see all the sights of the city. Enjoy the nature in Hyde Park, enjoy a meal with a view at the Shard or go and see a show with the kids around Drury Lane.
No matter how many times you’ve been, there is always something else to do in London.
2. A weekend in Bath
Not the bath… Bath, the cool city in Somerset. If London seems a bit overwhelming, Bath is a much more palatable option with kids for the February half term. The city is much smaller but still has plenty to see and do.
Green Park Station is an old train station cum food market and events space and is well worth a visit. There are also the Roman Baths, which are a must visit, and some great museums including the Holborne.
There are also fun things to do like the Greenway cycle route, boat tours on the Avon and the Longleat Safari Park which is close to Bath.
3. Grab a ski deal
If you’ve got kids who have lots of energy, what better way to tire them out than by making them slide down a snowy mountain at speed. If that sounds like a terrible idea, you’d be wrong.
Ski packages have got increasingly cheaper in recent years, and with the pandemic, there are some seriously good deals to be had. Even at the last minute. Sites like Sunweb and Inghams have some great half term deals with classes for the kids – and you might even get a few hours to yourself!
4. Edinburgh
Ok so the westcountry in February is pretty grey and wet… Scotland isn’t much better to be honest. BUT. Edinburgh is such a fun and action packed city that its a great place to visit during the February half term with kids.
The castle, the old town, Leith, and a multitude of fabulous walks a short hop from Edinburgh make this an excellent place to enjoy for a long weekend away from home.
Yes, getting there from Devon is a bit of a trek, but it’s worth it. Consider flying from Devon, or take the train all the way!
5. Newquay out of season
Cornwall is lovely in the summer, we can all agree. But it still makes a great place to take the family in the off-season too. Newquay has a bit of a rep as a tourist trap, but enjoying it out of season means you get to enjoy those sights such as the zoo, the aquarium and even the beach without the crowds. Or the dashed expectations – after all you’re expecting crap weather right.
There are many great walks, and if the weather is decent you can even enjoy a day rock pooling at Fistral or flying a kite on Watergate beach.
It’s also much cheaper to get a hotel or AirBnb in Newquay outside of the summer season, so you can enjoy the fabulous Cornish coast for much less.
6. Just go to Spain….
Want the sun? Well, there is always Spain! You’re pretty much guaranteed decent weather – although it won’t be beach hot in February. But you can relax by the pool, enjoy an al-fresco snack in a classy town square and soak up a bit of that off-season UV.
Another great thing about Spain is that they know how to cater to kids. Pick any decent sized city in Spain, such as Valencia, Barcelona or Malaga, and you’ll find parks and playgrounds everywhere.
That plus great food, nice people, cheaper… Etc etc. Come to think of it, yeah, just go to Spain for February half term!
You’ll excellent half term deals even at the last minute at OnTheBeach. And also double check LastMinute.com cos there can be some serious bargains if you know where to look.
7. Grab a Euro beach deal
Spain is just one option. At this time of year you can often find a cut price beach deal somewhere in Europe – although again it won’t necessarily be hot and sunny. But it will be sunnier than the UK!
If you’re looking for a February half term idea with kids, check out On The Beach who are chock full of great packages. Usually very affordable too!
You could be sunning it up in Cyprus, Portugal, Greece or the Canary Islands! Ahhh bliss…
8. A home from home
In the post COVID world we’ve had plenty time to stare at the four walls , so a change of scenery might be what you’re after. We’ve gotten used to staycations too and let’s be honest, long distance or international travel can be a headache especially with kids. So you could just rent a cottage somewhere in the UK.
Companies such as Sykes Cottages offer homely options across the country. So if you’re looking for a staycation in Cornwall, a long weekend in Bath, or a country retreat in the Pennines or Mid-Wales, have a look at Sykes.
Half term at home
Of course, there are loads of lovely places to explore closer to home here in Devon. From beaches and coast paths, to cultural attractions, there is lots to choose from.
Let us know your ideas for a half term in Devon with the kids!
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