Top 10 days out for October half term

Summer is over and there is that definite autumn nip in the air.  It seems only days since the school holidays and yet half term is already fast approaching!   So here are some ideas for fun days out across the country this half term; activities that are centred on the children but will be enjoyable for all the family.

• Halloween Lyme Slime fun run:  Lyme Regis

This 2 kilometre Halloween fancy dress fun run takes place along the seafront in Lyme Regis.  There is no time limit and it features plenty of seasonal games and treats along the way. After the run you can relax and enjoy traditional Halloween games such as apple bobbing and pumpkin bowling, with a variety of Halloween refreshments – such as “witches’ brew” – to revive you.    The run takes place on Sunday 29th October and costs £5 per runner.  More information from  wackynation.com

• Steam Railway Wizard Week: Isle of Wight

Why not take a ride on the Isle of Wight steam railway this half term and get more than you bargained for?  If you look carefully on the train and in the woods you will spot various friendly witches out to have fun too!  And if you wear fancy dress yourself then you might just win a prize.  Wizard Week takes place from October 23rd-27th and culminates in Halloween Fright Night on Sunday 29th.  Prices are from £11.50 for adults, £6 for children.   More details from iwsteamrailway.co.uk

• Black Country Living Museum:  Dudley

Be prepared for a frightfully good evening of entertainment including street performers, fire-jugglers, magicians, Trick or Treat around the Museum’s houses and shops, and descend on foot into the depths of our spooky mine.  You will also experience a creepy crawlie display, meet magnificent birds of prey,  hear spine-tingling Halloween tales by candlelight then enjoy a 1930s-style fish & chips supper.  From October 25th-28th – more details from https://www.bclm.co.uk/

• UK Wolf Conservation Trust : Berkshire

This wonderful venue in Beenham hosts regular events such as walks and howl nights, and there is a special Halloween Crawlies event for children on Thursday October 26th to teach them all about how wolves howl.  The event also includes Quirk’s Animal Roadshow and various seasonal crafts.  More information from ukwct.org.uk

• Zombie Archery – Windermere

Don’t miss this exclusive Halloween opportunity – Zombie Archery!  Located at Brockhole on the stunning shoreline of Windermere, you will be challenged to hit the targets and stop the zombies making it closer and closer towards you!   Limited places are available. Ghosts and Ghouls Halloween Trail also available.  Further details from http://www.brockhole.co.uk/whats-on/

• Weald and Downland Open Air Museum: West Sussex

This interesting venue is located near Chichester and has 40 acres of outdoor trails to explore and many different farm animals to feed.  During half term – from October 23rd-27th – you will also be able to enjoy traditional Halloween activities such as pumpkin carving, apple bobbing and conkers.  More details from wealddown.co.uk

• Bach to Baby concerts: London and the South East

For the musically inclined, here’s something a bit different.  The Back to Baby concerts is a series of free classical music concerts for families.  The concerts – which were started by concert pianist and mother Miaomiao Yu – aim to introduce families and children to a genre of music they may not have listened to before. Venues and prices vary – and some concerts require pre-booking – but child admission is free.  More details from https://www.bachtobaby.com/half-term-fun/

• Vue Little Screen interactive cinema learning experience: nationwide

This project launched at Vue cinemas nationwide in 2016 and is specifically aimed at 3-6 year-olds.   Screenings consist of 5 short films and last 70 minutes.  The experience is curated by a narrator and emphasises the sense of community of watching films together.  Check with your local Vue cinema for dates or at  myvue.com

• Longleat Great British Autumn:  Wiltshire

This is the safari park everyone’s heard of and means to visit – so why not now!  Last year Longleat celebrates its 50th anniversary, and continues to grow from strength to strength.  Its Great British Autumn takes place from October 21st-29th and is a celebration of all things autumnal!  Think pumpkin carving, apple pressing and amazing owl displays, culminating in a fireworks bonanza set to an animal-themed soundtrack.  Prices and offers vary:  further details from longleat.co.uk

• Leeds Castle Witches and Wizards Academy: Kent

Who needs Hogwarts when you have the 1,000-year-old Leeds Castle?!  This half term their wacky witches and wizards roam around the Castle grounds telling spooky tales. There are also spooky quests and games,  a fancy dress competition and a ‘Monster Mash Ball’.   Activities run from October 23rd-29th at a cost of adult £24.50 and child £16.50. More information from leeds-castle.com

We hope you have a wonderful half term!  If you or the family need a little extra cash to help fund a day out or two, then Loans 2 Go can help.  You can apply for an unsecured personal loan online or give our team a call – once approved you can have the funds in your account within 60 minutes!