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IN the south of Spain is a sandy strait with palm-tree lined promenades and high rise hotels that looks like Florida.

You’ll find La Manga less than an hour away from Murcia – and it even has its own salt water lagoon where you can take a mud bath.

La Manga is a 13 mile long strip of sand which offers a ‘two seas experience’.

One being the actual Mediterranean Sea, the other the Mar Menor.

Visitors have compared La Manga to Florida thanks to it’s thin sandbank as well as sunny weather and high rise apartment buildings.

With its bright blue seas, it especially looks like parts around West Palm Beach and even Miami.

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February half term days out for UNDER £10, including free and £1 attractions

DREAMY DEALS

Our pick of the best long haul holidays for short haul prices

La Manga de Mar Menor literally means ‘The Sandbar of the Minor Sea’ – and the strait splits the Mediterranean Sea from Mar Menor lagoon – the biggest salt water lagoon in Europe.

The lagoon has also been referred to as the ‘Spanish Dead Sea’.

This is because the lagoon has healing mud – visitors smear it all over their bodies and its said to have properties that are good for damaged skin and arthritis pain.

The water is shallow year round and is a popular spot for sailing.

Swimming is allowed at certain times of the year, but there are occasions when the water is off limits – like when there are jellyfish spotted in there.

La Manga is a great spot for holiday makers looking for sunshine too.

Due to its position, it gets a Mediterranean climate and over 300 days of sunshine a year.

This week, while the UK is sitting under 10C – La Manga is enjoying highs of 19C.

Peak months of July and August can see average highs of 30C and no rainfall.

It’s a hit with visitors too, one wrote on Tripadvisor: “It’s just a splendid destination! Beautiful climate, warm water on the “mar menor” side and warm on the “mar major” side and a place not very touristic so perfect for a holiday.”

Another added: “Perfect in every way, walk around the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor, and enjoy its mood and tranquility.”

Hotels on La Manga aren’t expensive either – you can stay for 5 nights in April at the Poseidon La Manga Hotel & Spa from £36.10pppn.

All rooms have air conditioning, TV and private bathroom – in the hotel there’s a spa with a sauna, steam room, gym, hot tub and experience showers.

There’s also a buffet restaurant and cafe-bar.

Outside of the hotels are plenty of beach bars like El Parador del Mar Menor which sits at the very end of the strait.

A popular restaurant is Maloca which serves up Mediterranean dishes like clams, mussels, tuna, or cod with grilled vegetables with one visitor saying “it was spectacular, and nothing expensive!”

The closest airport is Murcia which is two and a half hours from the UK – plus a 30 minute drive.

At this time of year you can get direct flights to Murcia from Birmingham from £15.

For more on Spain discover this resort you’ve NEVER heard of – where locals holiday and hotels start at £28 a night.

And one top travel mum influencer reveals her best cheap, family-friendly hotels – and one is in Spain.

FOR many, winter means hibernation – but if you’re looking for something to do as a family, there are plenty of options out there.

Now might also be a good time to look for better deals, with fewer crowds and lower prices; those looking for winter days out and short breaks can feel more special than during peak season.

Whether you’re craving crisp countryside walks, a fun day filled with adventure and rides, or something a bit more spontaneous, a little planning goes a long way.

Winter can also open the door to seasonal events that don’t exist during the summer and cosy family experiences with less hustle and bustle.

Wondering where to get started?

That’s where this checklist comes in handy, as a practical, inspiration-led guide to making the most of the colder months.

Before you resign yourself to another winter spent mainly indoors, here are five ideas worth considering.

Top 5 travel checklist

Drayton Manor

IT WAS a classic case of Brits abroad. You and 10,000 mates go on a mission and end up on a party island in the Med.

Richard the Lionheart laid claim to the first sunlounger in Cyprus 800 years ago.

And while many travel trends have since passed, nothing tops the 340 days of sunshine this country sees per year.

My family and I were staying at Louis Phaethon Beach hotel, the last resort on the strip to the east of town, which is geared up for enjoying the endless rays.

The 4H hotel is a 400-plus rooms, all-inclusive mecca for families with children.

By the time we arrived gone 11pm the staff were still buzzing.

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I drove Irish Route 66 with deserted golden beaches and pirate-like islands

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Tiny ‘Bali of Europe’ town with stunning beaches, €3 cocktails and £20 flights

We were greeted by huge smiles and cold beer, and escorted straight past reception and into the buffet area to check in and fuel our late-night hunger.

Kids’ corner covers all the pizza, pasta and nugget needs for less adventurous youngsters, while there’s a full selection of traditional Greek delights for seafood and meat-loving grown-ups.

And here was every beer fan’s dream, an unlimited supply of draught lager.

You could help yourself to as much Keo, the local brew, as you could handle.

Within moments, you’ll be showboating as you try to top off the perfect foaming pint.

Non-beer drinkers needn’t fret. They’ve got the all-inclusive cocktails nailed, too — and can knock up a round of pina coladas quicker than a racecar pitstop.

The 4-star hotel is a 400-plus rooms all-inclusive mecca for families with children

When it comes to getting some kip, the adjoining rooms are great for families in need of space.

Ours came with the usual mini-fridge, as well as balconies overlooking vast pool areas, a beach bar and the shimmering eastern Mediterranean.

Being right on the beach is a huge perk, and you can follow the coast all the way to the Paphos Promenade.

The stroll is 2.5 miles in total, taking you past neighbouring hotels and along the harbour to Paphos Castle. For 2.50 euros you can get an even better view.

Climbing to the rooftop of the Byzantine fortress, we were treated to impressive sights of the calm sea and Paphos Archaeological Park, with its ancient temples and sand-coloured pillars that date back to Roman times.

The UNESCO site is steeped in history, and you can actually walk inside the ruins in the footsteps of antiquity.

It’s made up of a huge collection of sites, from the Odeon amphitheatre and mosaics to Forty Columns castle, all set in a dusty landscape criss-crossed with boulders and crumbled city walls.

A relatively modern lighthouse shines from its centre, which overlooks the neighbouring Tombs of the Kings.

It wasn’t actually home to any kings, but you can certainly unleash your inner Indiana Jones exploring the 4th century crypts and tunnels carved out of rock.

If you’ve got the legs, walk up into Old Town Paphos.

It has been regenerated, with beautiful terracotta rooftops and terraces.

You’ll also get a better value bite to eat than down at the harbour.

Beach bar Karkoloues is owned by none other than Demetrios “Demi” Demetriou aka Stavros Flatley who handles much of the cocktail making

The kids discovered their favourite beach spot, which featured a celebrity guest star.

Beach bar Karkoloues is owned by none other than Demetrios “Demi” Demetriou, half of Britain’s Got Talent’s Stavros Flatley, who handles much of the cocktail making.

He’ll pose for a selfie in return for a small donation to charity.

The bar is worth a visit, with 300 loungers in a sheltered bay. There’s no better place to catch the sunset.

For something more energetic, head up the Trodos Mountains, Cyprus’s largest range. We’d booked a 4×4 tour through TUI Musement, with lunch included.

A specially extended 110 Defender takes ten passengers to places only a 25-year-old Land Rover with 1million km on the tacho can go.

Our driver Rickos roared the TD5 up to Dipotamos Dam — a sobering sight with its perilously low water levels after months of drought.

We then headed through a winding mountainside track into Mesa Potamos Forest to see its roaring waterfalls.

Lunch was in a gorgeous village taverna followed by a tasting at LionSpirit winery.

Try their Azure Lion blue special — it’s the new rose for Haribo lovers.

The final stop was a wander around the cobbled streets of Omodos village to marvel at its monastery.

If you’re looking for a place to fully unwind, the 5H Royal Apollonia in Limassol has less of a family atmosphere, but is a haven for grown-ups.

Part of the Louis Hotels’ elegant collection, it is about an hour’s drive east from Paphos.

It is one of the oldest in the city, a bustling Monaco-style metropolis.

Refurbished in 2023, the 204-room resort has as many business clients as tourists.

Refurbished in 2023, the 204-room resort has as many business clients as tourists.

But they all receive the same impeccable service.

It has pools, gym, spa, sauna — plus three restaurants and a poolside bar.

It also has its own private beach, with soft sands and crystal-clear waters.

Its manager, Dr Harry K Georgiou, began his career at Louis Hotels 25 years ago.

His philosophy has always been happy staff means happy guests.

And that’s why Louis guests keep coming back to the Island of the Lionheart.

FEBRUARY half term is just around the corner, and if you’re wanting to get out and enjoy some family quality time – we’ve got the list for you.

Especially if you’re looking for days out that won’t hurt the bank account, as these festivals, castles and railway days out are all under a tenner.

We’ve rounded up the biggest and best February half term events for families across the UK.

And with entry from just £1 – or even totally free – you’ll be smiling just as much as the kids.

Yorkshire Games Festival, Bradford

Taking place from the 11 – 22 February 2026, the Yorkshire Games Festival will take place at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford.

This family-friendly gaming festival is full of free activities and fully hands-on. It’s packed with real gameplay, workshops and group activities – as well as talks from big names in gaming.

Activities include an interactive comedy gaming show, an interactive videogame-making workshop, and a big screen where attendees can join a round of Nintendo’s Mario Party Jamboree.

Plus, there’s dark and cosy gaming corners away from the noise for those who wish to play in a peaceful setting.

Make sure to book your free museum admission ticket in advance before dropping into sessions or reserving your slot for events online.

Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, Shropshire

Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings are running a free craft activities program this February half term.

Kids can get stuck into arts and crafts, using linen and rag rug techniques to make dolls, friendship bracelets, badges and more.

The activities will take place in the Stables and Smithy rooms, and are suitable for ages five to eleven.

You can drop in for the arts and crafts between 10am – 3pm on Monday 16, Tuesday 17 and Friday 20 February.

If you also want to view the mill exhibitions during your visit, tickets cost £8 per adult and £4.50 per child, with under fives going free.

English Heritage even have a free printable Adventurer’s Checklist online that you can bring along, which children can colour in as they go.

Imagine Children’s Festival, London Southbank Centre

London’s Southbank Centre are hosting a huge children’s festival this February half term.

Between the 11 – 21 February, the Imagine Festival will host nearly 40 children’s events – many of which are free to take part in.

Free activities include dance and theatre shows, live music dance-alongs, and a free family trail called “Architecture Explorers”.

There’s also a Hip Hop Half Term free dance event on 20 February, and a Toasty Tots toddler event on 13 February.

Plus there’s paid events for under £10, like access to the indoor Replay playground for £7.50.

Most free events do not require pre-booking, but to book a ticketed event or see all of the events on offer, head to the Imagine Festival website.

Animal Adventures and Paddington Bear at Cardiff Castle, Wales

On the 16 and 17 of February, Cardiff Castle are running an Animal Adventures event to kick off half term.

This educational event allows kids of all ages to get up close to unique creatures including snakes and insects, whilst learning facts all about the species.

There’s also a special Paddington Bear statue at the castle up until September 2026, which is one of 23 unique sculptures that have popped up across the UK.

Admission tickets to Animal Adventures cost just £7.50. Slots are available between 10:15 and 16:30 and must be booked online on the Cardiff Castle website.

Horsey Half Term at Windsor Castle, Berkshire

If you receive Universal Credit, you can enjoy £1 entry to Windsor Castle this February half term – and take part in a creative celebration of all things equine.

Between the 14 – 22 February, Windsor Castle are hosting horse-themed arts and crafts events to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Horse.

Windsor Castle is already a top attraction for horse lovers, being home to Royal Mews that house the Royal Family‘s horses when riding at Windsor, as well as many ornate carriages.

To celebrate the year of the fire horse, arts and crafts activities will be available in the castle’s Learning Centre. You can also pick up a free children’s trail sheet to fill in during your visit.

There’s even a giant colourful Dream Horse sculpture on display, made of recycled materials from racecourses.

The £1 entry tickets are available for those who receive Universal Credit and other named benefits, which you can check online.

Moomin Trail and castle crafts at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

Fans of Moominvalley can enjoy a magical trail through Bodiam Castle this February half term.

Start by grabbing a Moomin trail sheet, then wander through a fairy-tale path littered with characters, games and activities.

The trail takes place inside the castle itself, so no need to worry about dressing for the outdoors.

The trail itself costs just £2 to take part in, however you must also have admission tickets to the castle.

There’s also arts and crafts activities on offer this half term, such as decorating your own wooden knight’s shield or painting a ceramic dragon flowerpot.

If taking part in the arts and crafts, the items available to decorate cost between £2 – £5.

The Moomin trail is open until 8 March, whilst arts and crafts are available between 14 – 22 February.

Admission to Bodiam Castle is discounted for families. A family ticket for one adult and three children costs just £18 (£4.50pp). Under fives go free.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail at Osterley Gardens, Middlesex

Fans young and old of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar will enjoy this themed trail through the stately gardens of Osterley in Middlesex.

The story of the endlessly hungry creature is bought to life through educational activities, plus a trail accessible via paper sheet or QR code.

The trail itself is free to take part in, although you must have admission tickets to Osterley Gardens. It is recommended for ages three to six.

Plus to keep with the insect theme, there’s also a Zoolab Animal Encounter event, where you can meet with millipedes, spiders and more.

Admission to the gardens costs £10 for adults and £5 for children, with under fives going free.

Seven Stories, Newcastle

Seven Stories is an attraction and National Centre for Children’s Books, which is free to enter and full of exciting exhibitions and galleries.

Throughout February, families will be able to visit the free Elmer and Friends exhibition, which centres around the colourful patchwork elephant.

There is also a free exhibition on Mog, the Forgetful Cat which celebrates the 100th anniversary of Judith Kerr.

During the February half term, the centre will also be running daily story-time sessions every hour from 10:30am.

The sessions cost an additional £3.50 per child with adults sitting in for free, however the 3:30pm story time sessions are always free.

The story times are best suited to children under eight, and should be booked in advance on the Seven Stories website.

London Museum Docklands: Viking exhibition

There’s a completely free Viking-themed exhibition running from 14 – 20 February at the London Museum Docklands.

Kids can decorate a Viking shield biscuit, sit in on storytelling sessions, and create digital designs on a tablet – plus there’s a sensory play area for babies, too.

There’s also arts and crafts available such as making Viking brooches and moulding your own Roman pot.

Plus the rest of the main galleries and exhibitions are free and open to all, and include immersive Victorian streets and a unique mud-larking zone.

Whilst all of the activities are free, some require booking in advance online.

Harewood House Family Takeover, West Yorkshire

From 16 – 22 February 2026, Harewood House in West Yorkshire is undergoing the House Family Takeover.

This event will see the house filled with colourful, interactive play zones and historical characters to immerse you in Harewood’s history.

Other activities taking place include Welly Walks and relaxed arts and crafts sessions for SEND children.

The Family Takeover events are included in the cost of your day ticket, which should be purchased online in advance.

A family ticket for two adults and two children starts at £33, costing just £8.25pp to enter. However prices can vary depending on the date you choose to visit.

Leeds Storytelling Festival

Running from 14 February – 8 March 2026, the Leeds Storytelling Festival will take over the city for three weeks of theatre, readings, workshops and family trails.

One of the events taking place during the festival is the CBeebies Read and Rave at Leeds Central Library, a free event recommended for families with children under five.

Other fun options include Story Explorers face painting and crafts, and a family-friendly Ask an Astronaut Q&A with NASA’s Meganne Christian.

Most of the events at the festival are free, however you should check online if the events you want to attend need to be pre-booked.

Horniman Museum: Octonauts Trail and Underwater Adventures, London

Starting on February 13 and running all the way through until November, you can take part in a brand new exhibition at the Horniman Museum.

Voyage to the Deep – Underwater Adventures is a new interactive exhibition which includes climbing aboard a submarine and crawling through shipwrecks.

There’s plenty of interactive and hands-on elements to this underwater adventure, plus there’s Octonauts themed activities and fun facts along the way, too.

Adult tickets cost £9.80 and children’s cost £7. A family ticket for four costs £27, or if you’re receiving Universal Credit you can enter for just £2. Book in advance online.

Colne Valley Railway, Essex

For a cheap half term activity that train-lovers will enjoy, head to Colney Valley Railway in Essex.

On the 15, 18 and 21 February 2026, the railway are offering the Kids for a Quid scheme, where families can enjoy free parking and unlimited train rides on a heritage steam train – with kids tickets for just £1.

The steam and diesel railway is a family and dog-friendly attraction close to Sible Hedingham in Essex.

Hop aboard a restored railway coach or wagon and enjoy views of the Essex countryside. The round trip takes about 15 minutes, with trains running every 30 minutes.

All children are given an activity sheet upon arrival, plus there’s also a large model railway on site, as well as a cafe with cosy seating and hot food.

A family ticket for two adults and three children usually costs £33.00, working out at £6.60 each.

But with the Kids for a Quid offer you’ll get it even cheaper, with the same family visit costing just £27, or £5.40 each.

To get the offer, head to the Railway’s website to pre-book and enter the code ‘KIDQUID26’.

National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Hampshire

The National Motor Museum in Beaulieu is running a “Hands-on History” event this February half term.

From the 14 – 22nd of February, families can follow an immersive, card-collecting trail through the museum, stopping to jump into plenty of fun tasks.

Activities along the way include getting hands-on with motoring mechanics in Jack Tucker’s Garage, as well as hopping aboard a replica 1912 London bus and quizzing the driver on all things transport.

There’s also plenty more to see here, like a limited-time collaboration with Disney and Pixar’s Cars until April 12.

Although adult tickets cost £27 and kids cost £16.65 (0 – three go free), there is a trick to make visiting the museum cheaper.

If you add on Gift Aid to your ticket when booking online (an extra 25%), you’ll receive a free annual pass to the National Motor Museum.

This means that after paying for your initial entry, you can return as many times as you want throughout the year for free – which can easily work out at under £10 per visit if you make the most of your pass!

ODEON and Vue discounted cinema tickets, nationwide

Vue Cinemas‘ Mighty Mornings deal offers cinema tickets for just £2.49 for children aged four to eleven, plus the same reduced rate applies to the adults accompanying them.

Mighty Mornings takes place every day during the school holidays from 10am, and offers a range of family-friendly films to pick from that all ages will enjoy.

Alternatively, ODEON offer ODEON Kids screenings with tickets from just £1.

ODEON Kids screenings run every day during the school holidays, however availability depends on your chosen cinema location and can be checked online.

Films to look forward to in the 2026 February half term include Sony Pictures’ GOAT and Looney Tunes: The Day the Earth Blew Up.