by Victoria Pollitt | Jan 14, 2020 | Advice, Top Story
Where are the best holiday destinations to take your children in February half-term?
Half-term in February is often the toughest month to find a break – it’s cold, money is tight after Christmas but there are some good options to enjoy a fabulous holiday with your children.
Gran Canaria
Travel time from the UK: 4 hours
Temperature: 18-21C
Maspalomas in Gran Canaria
This island has the most activities of any in the Canaries.
There is a wildlife sanctuary in the hills, Palmitos Park, plus watermarks, camel rides on the dunes of Maspalomas and much more.
We went in February and the weather was great.
*The other Canary Islands are also great options including Tenerife, Lanzarote (read our review here or ) and Fuerteventura (read our review of a holiday in Fuerteventura here).
Oman
Travel time from the UK: 7.5 hours
Temperature: 22-26C
Oman
Quieter and less developed than Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Oman offers an authentic glimpse into the Middle East.
There are plenty of family resorts along the coastline and the capital Muscat is worth a visit too.
*It is a good time of year for other Middle East destinations as well such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi, where the temperature will be a similar 22-26C.
Malaysia
Travel time from the UK: 14 hours
Temperature: 28-32C
Malaysia
There is loads to see in Malaysia. You can spend a couple of days in the buzzing capital Kuala Lumpur with the Petronas Towers which were once the world’s tallest building, then travel to Penang for its beaches, resorts and colonial Georgetown.
New Zealand
Travel time from the UK: 22 hours
Temperature: 22-25C
New Zealand
The furthest family trip but it will be worth it. February is ideal for the North and South Island. Don’t miss the beaches of the Bay of Islands, the bubbling geysers in Rotorua, whale watching in Kaikoura and adrenaline fuelled fun in Queenstown. You need two weeks minimum but this is the time of year to take it.
Liverpool, UK
Temperature: 5C
Liverpool
Winter is a good time to try a big city like Liverpool with plenty of indoor attractions. You can meet some dinosaurs at the World Museum Liverpool, find out about the history of the city at the Liverpool Museum, pop into the Beatles Experience, take a tour of Anfield the home of Liverpool FC and cross the Mersey on the famous ferry.
The city centre is compact and the waterfront spectacular even in bracing weather.
*Where do you like to go in February? Let us know below!
by Victoria Pollitt | May 24, 2019 | News
Battling knights, hot air balloons and flamenco dancing are among the events on this half-term across the country
Visit England have put together some of their top recommendations for the week-long break:
National Trust activities
There’s a variety of special events at National Trust properties across the country.
Visitors can be a ranger for the day on Brownsea Island in Dorset where you can go tree climbing, search for coastal creatures and take a family-friendly nature walk.
There’s bug house building at Lyford Gorge in Devon, where you can learn basic woodcraft skills and make your own wooden mallet.
Bug hunting
At Barrington Court, in Somerset you can visit a woodcarvers’ workshop and paint a hand-cut, solid wood decoration.
Knights’ Tournament at English Heritage sites
From May 25 to 30, watch rival knights demonstrate their archery and swordsmanship skills at five English Heritage sites.
The events are on at Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire; Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Cheshire; and Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire. Prices vary per property.
Visitors can get a glimpse of medieval life in encampments, try on knight’s armour and see the cooking and the weapon repairs which were part of life at camp.
Wannabe warriors can join in with drills out on the field and get a taste of medieval combat in the kids’ battle.
Festivals
Sky High (May 27 to 30)
This is a hot air balloon festival on the Isle of Wight – more than 40 hot air balloons will take to the skies at Robin Hill – visitors can meet the pilots, walk inside the balloons and win the chance to take a flight.
Plus there’s kite making and flying workshops for children.
On May 27 and 29 visitors can also see the balloons at twilight in a sound and light production called Night Glow.
Prices from £23.00, go to the website.
Feria de Londres, London South Bank (May 24 to 26)
Inspired by Southern Spain’s traditional spring fairs, this event celebrates Spanish cuisine and entertainment.
There will be Sevillana dance lessons and flamenco rhythm workshops plus family-friendly activities. Entry is free. Go to https://www.feriadelondres.com/
Nature Festival, Gilbert White’s House and Gardens Hampshire (May 26)
There will be stalls, talks, activities and a 24-hour bioblitz with local wildlife experts and organisations to remember the work of Gilbert White – a pioneering 18th century English naturalist and ornithologist.
Adults £10, children £15, go to the website.
Fairyland Fair, Bradmoor Woods in Norfolk (May 26 and 27)
A fairytale-themed fair featuring a magic workshop, a fairy queen and a dressing up competition.
There’s music, food, drink and entertainment including bands, story tellers, craft stalls and walkabout performers, plus games, Maypole dancing, competitions and woodland trails.
Early bird tickets £7.50 each, then £9 per person (family Tickets £28/£34), under-threes free, go to the website.
Mudeford Seafood Festival at picturesque Mudeford Quay in Christchurch, Dorset (May 25 to 27)
This new festival is a family-focused celebration of seafood.
There will be cooking demonstrations, entertainment, local celebrities, musicians and more.
It is free, visit the website.
Happy half-term everyone, have fun whatever you do!
