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.
The National Motor Museum will be hosting a “Hands on History” event for familiesCredit: National Motor Museum
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.
The Yorkshire Games Festival takes place in the National Science and Media Museum, BradfordCredit: Visit Bradford
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
The Imagine children’s festival is returning to the Southbank Centre in February 2026Credit: 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
You could meet Paddington at Cardiff Castle and hold a snake on the same dayCredit: Cardiff CastleCardiff Castle are welcoming various animal species in to meet children in hands-on encountersCredit: Cardiff Castle
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
Windsor Castle will be celebrating the Chinese year of the Fire Horse with children’s activitiesCredit: Windsor Castle
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
The Very Hungry Caterpillar trail ends with (spoiler alert) a beautiful, blooming butterflyCredit: Bakehouse
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
Families can attend an Elmer exhibition at Seven Stories NewcastleCredit: 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
The London Museum Docklands has pottery and biscuit decorating to celebrate VikingsCredit: London museum Docklands
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
Harewood House will be packed with new activities during the Family TakeoverCredit: Harewood House
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
The new Underwater Adventures experience at the Horniman Museum includes a submarine experienceCredit: Horniman Museum
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
The Colne Valley Railway are offering kids tickets for just £1 on certain days in the February half termCredit: Colne Valley Railway Museum
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.
Save on food and travel this February half term
Family days out are more than just the activities – here’s how to make your travel and meals out even more affordable this February half term.
Save on meals out
ASDA Cafe: Kids eat for £1 all day, every day, with no adult spend required.
Sizzling Pubs: Kids eat for £1 Monday – Friday from 3pm with an adult main.
Bella Italia: Kids eat FREE from Sunday – Thursday with the purchase of an adult main.
IKEA: Kids hot meals for 95p in IKEA Swedish Restaurants
Morrisons Cafe: Kids eat FREE every day nationwide with the purchase of an adult main over £5
Save on travel
ScotRail: “Kids for a Quid” Up to 4 kids for £1 each with any adult ticket.
Great Northern: Kids travel for £2 during off-peak hours, plus under 5’s go free
Southeastern Railway: “Kids for a Quid” Up to 4 kids for £1 each with an off-peak adult ticket.
London Northwestern Railway: Kids travel for £1 with an off-peak family travelcard
Mersey Ferry, Liverpool: Tickets during commuting hours are £4 per adult return and £2 per child.
A Love Actually actress looks worlds away from her iconic character in this ‘must watch’ thriller fans couldn’t get enough of
Where’s Wanda? is available to binge watch right now (Image: Apple TV+)
A Love Actually actress is completely unrecognisable in a “extraordinary” thriller that left fans on the edge of their seats.
German actress Heike Makatsch is best remembered for her portrayal of Mia, the flirtatious secretary who tempted her boss Harry (Alan Rickman) in the 2003 festive film.
Though the romcom is hugely iconic, its 65% Rotten Tomatoes score pales in comparison to Heike’s perfectly-rated 2024 show, Where’s Wanda?
Currently streaming on Apple TV+, the dark comedy follows desperate parents Dedo (Axel Stein) and Carlotta Klatt (Heike) as they search for their missing daughter Wanda, months after her disappearance.
Frustrated by the police’s inability to find her, the couple take matters into their own hands and begin spying on their neighbours to find answers.
Love Actually fans may take a minute to recognise Heike in the drama as she ditches her dark bob for long blonde hair.
The Apple TV drama quickly won over critics upon its debut, earning a stellar 100% score from seven reviews. Casual viewers were equally impressed, though they awarded it a less generous 68% rating.
One fan shared a glowing review, penning: “I was overwhelmingly pleased. It was genuinely funny, aesthetically gorgeous, stupendously well acted, and decidedly fresh, making a story that I don’t think has ever been told before. 11/10 well worth a watch.”
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A second agreed, praising: “This show is such a delight! I have never seen such an extraordinary mixture of genres that throws you from one corner of laughter to the other corner of crying and then also exciting puzzle-piecing. A must watch for armchair detectives!”
Someone else described it as a “fantastic,” while a fourth raved: “I really enjoyed the unexpected curveballs, dark humour and loveable characters to us unlike other shows. At times I was giggling my head off while other times I was at the edge of my seat.
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“The end makes me hope that there will be a season 2. Don’t leave us hanging please!!”
Fortunately, the German drama has been renewed for a second season, which is set to feature another eight episodes.
One glowing 10/10 review of the picture stated: “One of the finest plays in history is turned into a cinematic masterpiece.”
The reviewer praised The Crucible for featuring an “absolutely brilliant and cathartically heartbreaking performance” from one of its leading actors. They continued, describing how the star “delivers one of the finest examples of acting genius I’ve ever had the privilege of experiencing”.
Another 8/10 assessment declared: “I am not someone to randomly give out a perfect score for a movie… And I also happen to be a very critical person of most films. With that being said, The Crucible completely blows me away with its virtually flawless cinematic achievements!”
One 9/10 critique called the picture “just fantastic” and rooted in “possibly the greatest play ever written”.
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A particular performance was labelled “outstanding”, whilst another cast member made an “indelible impression thanks to their “marvellous acting”. The critic concluded by calling the film a “work of cinematic genius”.Yet another viewer awarded maximum marks, writing: “Not just a dynamic character study, but a study of madness”. One enthusiastic 7/10 review praised the production as an “excellent adaptation”, adding: “There is nothing I like better than a good play for the stage, even when it is on screen. “.
Released in 1996, The Crucible draws from Arthur Miller’s acclaimed 1953 stage play of the same title.
Taking place during the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts Bay between 1692 and 1693, Miller crafted the work as a pointed commentary on the political persecution characteristic of McCarthyism in the mid-1950s.
The narrative centres on a community of Puritan settlers thrown into chaos following rumours of dark magic after local minister Samuel Parris (portrayed by Bruce Davison) discovers his daughter collapsed and unresponsive in the forest.
The incident follows her participation with several other young women in attempting to perform incantations alongside an enslaved woman.
As news of the events circulates, allegations of sorcery spread like wildfire throughout the settlement, prompting residents to turn against one another based on mere suspicion rather than proof.
The young women begin pointing fingers at fellow townspeople, resulting in numerous trials, including that of John Proctor (Daniel Day-Lewis), who previously engaged in an illicit relationship with Abigail Williams (Winona Ryder).
The production boasted a stellar ensemble, featuring Joan Allen, Paul Scofield, Peter Vaughn, Frances Conroy, and Jeffrey Jones amongst its ranks.
Upon its 1996 debut, the picture garnered multiple accolades, including a Best Actress recognition for Allen and a Best Adapted Screenplay acknowledgement for playwright Miller himself. Furthermore, the production earned nominations for BAFTAs, Golden Globes, Satellite Awards, and the Berlin Film Festival.
The Crucible (1996) is streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV for a fee now.
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