School term dates and holidays

WE’RE in half-term, and you might be regretting that you didn’t book a holiday.

Well, you’re in luck because there are some great destinations across the UK – with availability at hotels and holiday parks still – that actually look like they could be elsewhere.

Whether you are envying your friend in the Caribbean or wish you visited family in Italy, you could just head off to somewhere in the UK that looks similar…

Swap the Caribbean for Argyll and Bute

On the west coast of Scotland, you will find Argyll and Bute – a region with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters just like the Caribbean.

In fact, the region has a total of 28 inhabited islands.

One island you could visit is the Isle of Bute, which boasts a mild climate and some of the houses on the island even have palm trees.

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The area is home to a number of castles as well, that can be explored.

Oban is often considered the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ and is well known for its seafood, making it the ideal place to stay in the region.

You can explore Oban Distillery or head to McCaig’s Tower, for example.

When it comes to choosing somewhere to stay, Oban has lots of options.

A great budget option is Premier Inn Oban hotel for a family of four from £94 a night this week.

Swap Italian lakes for Lake District

Instead of heading to Lake Como and exploring busy restaurants and villas hidden in the trees, head to Windermere in the Lake District.

Thouggh Lake Windermere doesn not compare in size to Lake Como, it is is the largest lake in England.

And around a mile from its edge, yu will find the town of Windermere.

The town makes the perfect base for exploring the vast lake and surrounding countryside, which are ideal for active families as there are lots of spots to go for a hike.

And if you want to experience a boat trip like one of the ones on Lake Como, you can do this on Lake Windermere as well.

For example, Windermere Lake Cruises offers daily cruises usually lasting around 45 minutes to two-and-a-half hours.

Right at the edge of the lake, you can stay at Fallbarrow Holiday Park.

A caravan for three nights from February 20 costs from £295 for up to six people, with two bedrooms and a sofa bed.

Swap Italy for Portmeirion

Portmeirion in Wales is known for being an Italianate-style village with sub-tropical gardens.

The village overlooks the Dwyryd Estuary and features pastel-coloured buildings.

When it comes to things to do in the village, head to the Gwyllt, which is a 70-acre subtropical woodland that surrounds the village.

Travel writer Catherine Lofthouse said: “With visitors likening it to ‘a slice of Italy on the British coast’, I had high hopes, but I wasn’t sure what my boys would make of it considering it’s quite far removed from our usual holiday haunt.

“I needn’t have worried though, as the Portmeirion magic seems to cast a spell over young and old.

“Made up of colourful houses and vibrant gardens set around a bay, the charming hotel-cum-holiday-park features two four-star hotels, one of which is set inside a castle, plus a motor-home park and several self-catering cottages.”

You’ll need to grab a day pass to visit, which during the winter costs £10 per adult and £5 per child.

While there is no availability for the Portmeirion Hotel left for this week, you can stay in one of the village rooms from £310 a night for four people.

The family suites have two bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchenette and a lounge.

And for the price, it also includes breakfast.

Swap the French Riviera for English Riviera

Dubbed the English Riviera, the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham in Devon are the perfect UK seaside getaway.

It got its name as the English Riviera when Victorians started visiting the area more frequently and compared its mild climate and pretty coastal views to the Mediterranean French Riviera.

And, if you head to Torquay – which is known as the Queen of the English Riviera – you will find lots of palm trees lining the promenade, just as if you were in the Med itself.

This region of Devon features 22 miles of coastline to explore, with lots of dramatic red cliffs (thanks to the iron in the soil), sandy beaches and hidden coves.

Across the three towns, you won’t be short of options when it comes to looking for somewhere to stay.

For example, you could stay at the new Hotel Indigo Torquay by IHG which overlooks the beach and sea.

The hotel still has availability for this week, with a king suite sea view with sofa bed for four people costing from £158 per night.

Through Parkdean Resorts you can stay for three nights from this Friday, costing from £119 for an apartment.

The apartments are in a range of areas including the picturesque towns of Totnes and Dartmouth and usually can sleep up to six people.

Swap Normandy for the Jurassic Coast

The Normandy coast in France is known for its dramatic, chalky cliffs often home to tonnes of fossils.

Instead of flying away this half term, head to the portion of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.

Just like the Vaches Noires cliffs in France, the Jurassic Coast features towering cliff faces, with sandy and pebbly beaches at the bottom ideal for exploring to find dinosaur fossils.

In total, the Jurassic Coast stretches over 95 miles, but in Dorset you will find the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, known for its shell-shaped curve that is a result of erosion.

Head to the town of Lyme Regis, which is a popular place to set off fossil hunting from.

Though, depending on what beach you visit, make sure to check that fossil hunting is okay, as some beaches do not allow you to chisel at the rocks.

Near to Lyme Regis, you could stay at Newlands Holiday Park in a poolside apartment from February 18 to 21 sleeping up to four people, costing around £375.

The apartment overlooks the pool with one double room and one twin room.

In other destination news, our 2026 Travel Hot List as we reveal our ten must-visit destinations of the year.

Plus, our top picks for ‘fun under £5’ across all £9.50 holiday destinations in the UK.

FEBRUARY half-term is already here and you might be looking at the week ahead thinking – what do I do with the kids?

Well, many places across the UK are hosting special half-term events and activities at no cost.

With so many different activities you can ensure the kids will have fun without having to spend any money.

The Super Duper Family Festival, Manchester

The Super Duper Family Festival starts on February 18 and runs through until February 21.

Across four days, families can explore Manchester‘s public spaces that will be transformed into free Play Zones with games, dancing, activities, crafts, movies and performances.

For example, The Carnival zone will feature a Victorian carousel, Hook a Duck, Spin the Wheel, a Coconut Shy and Ferris Wheel Hoopla.

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Family Day: impasto studio, National Portrait Gallery, London

On February 17, families can head to the National Portrait Gallery between 11am and 4pm for fun-filled activities.

Between 11am and 1pm and 2pm and 4pm, families can take part in a sketcher’s session, where you get to make your own sketchbook.

At the same times, there will be two relaxed workshops where you can draw from still lives.

Or head to animal attire, to draw and collage an animal accessory to wear.

Across the day there are also free activity trails to explore.

Pancake Day races, various

This year, Pancake Day falls within the half-term holidays which is ideal to enjoy some pancake-themed fun.

For example, you could head to Leadenhall Market in London to see the Pancake Race at 12:30pm, where teams of four run a 20 metre relay flipping pancakes.

In Devon, you could head to Dartmouth between 2:30pm and 4pm to see an afternoon of pan-flips.

There is also pancake making of course…

Search ‘Pancake Day race near me’ to find your local event.

February Festival, Blackpool

Between February 19 and 22, there will be a festival of circus, live entertainment and family activities in Blackpool.

Events include Elton Wrong, who will be roaming the town centre with his mobile white piano.

There will be dancers on the streets too such as ballerinas.

Railway family fun day, Clitheroe Castle in Lancashire

On February 16, Clitheroe Castle Museum is hosting a family fun day to celebrate 200 years of the modern railway.

Across the day, there will be hands-on fun, creative activities and immersive railway heritage.

At the castle, visitors will be able to see a working ‘Rock and Roll’ model railway, meet Lancashire children’s author Susan Brownrigg who will read extracts from her book Wrong Tracks, play train spotting games and decorate your own train wagon.

In addition, there’s the ‘Tracks of Life: Trains, People and Place’ exhibition, which celebrates the life and work of Ken Roberts (1928–2024) who was a local railway enthusiast and photographer.

Nottinghamshire Festival of Science & Curiosity

Nottinghamshire Festival of Science & Curiosity returns for another half-term full of activities.

Running until February 20, you can get involved in a number of different activities that are designed to inspire curiosity and imagination.

These include geology workshops, bath bomb making, Lunar New Year celebrations and Lego sessions.

Ikea events, various

Ikea is a great day out in itself, but did you know each store often hosts free events too?

For example, you could head to the Hammersmith store this week for Lunar New Year Fun sessions.

Or perhaps visit Ikea Exeter for spring flower garden canvas painting.

Just head to Ikea’s website and then to the events section and explore the activities at the store near you.

Seven Stories – The National Centre for Children’s Books, Newcastle

If your kids love reading and are good with their imagination, then head to Seven Stories – the UK’s National Centre for Children’s Books.

Inside, visitors can explore children’s stories through exhibitions, performances and workshops.

Cotswolds Designer Outlet

Across this week, the Cotswolds Designer Outlet will have special guests from Scrubditch Care Farm.

Kids can meet therapy farm animals, which include baby lambs and goats.

There will also be a farmyard trail where little ones can spot colourful animals around the shopping outlet.

There’s an indoor soft play area and adventure playground too.

Waterstones stores treasure hunts, various

Over this half-term, Waterstones stores across the country host scavenger and treasure hunts.

For example, at Waterstones York Monks Cross, there are events themed on Winnie the Pooh’s 100th birthday.

Every day at 11am there will be a storytime session, then there are themed colouring sessions and a picture hunt as well.

Or at Waterstones Carlisle you can browse the bookshelves to try and find Dav Pilkey’s Dogman.

For more inspiration on things to do during half-term, here’s 12 of the best free or budget activities across the UK to keep the kids busy in half term.

Plus, here’s how to have a fun half term entirely for FREE – from tennis lessons to kids’ meals and epic days out at the zoo.

TREAT the kids to a fantastic half-term day out this week without breaking the bank.

There are superb free and low-cost events across the UK promising a lot of laughs at festivals, farms, forests, castles and animal parks. Trisha Harbord has selected a dazzling dozen.

FESTIVAL FUN

WITH a name like Super Duper, it is bound to be a great family festival.

For four days in half-term, Manchester is transformed into a giant playground with free activities in public spaces, cultural venues and landmark destinations such as the Central Library and Great Northern Warehouse.

There is storytelling with CBeebies, crafts, dancing, music workshops, shows and sports. Get a photo beside a Formula 1 car, or try the Lego workshop.

There will also be a carnival with a Victorian carousel and stalls, in St Ann’s Square.

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GO: From February 18-21. Free. See visitmanchester.com

MARITIME MARVEL

EXPLORE 300 years of fascinating maritime heritage for free.

Pick up a pass from Portsmouth Historic Quarter’s Visitor Centre to access the boathouse, exhibitions and beautiful gardens.

Fantastic artwork installations include the new Standing With Giants — silhouettes of military figures, including Winston Churchill — to celebrate wartime sacrifice.

You can also see iconic vessels including the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, currently docked here.

GO: Free. See portsmouthhq.org.

BRICK SAFARI

THERE’S a new destination for Lego fans — Longleat Safari Park.

The Wiltshire estate is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a Brick Week, including tiny versions of animals, from lorikeets to giraffes.

Families can build creatures, structures, trees or plants, to become part of the brick safari.

Longleat’s Scott Ashman said: “It’s 60 years since the first drive-through safari outside of Africa.

“The brick safari will grow throughout the week.”

Enjoy adventure playgrounds, the railway or lake’s jungle cruise before driving to meet the real animals.

GO: Until February 22. Adult from £39.95, children £29.95, under-threes free. See longleat.co.uk.

FABULOUS FORESTS

RAIN or shine, get the kids outside with Forestry England.

There are trails, cycle courses, play areas and stargazing in woodlands across the country, including Hicks Lodge, Leics; Gisburn Forest, Lancs; and Kent’s Jeskyns Community Woodland.

A highlight is the Room On The Broom trail, based on Julia Donaldson’s famous story, at sites across the country, with themed activities to help the witch find her hat and wand.

An adventure pack costs £4 and includes a lanyard, stickers and spell cards.

Many forests also have a Gruffalo orienteering course, with giant sculptures littered among the trees.

GO: For free and low-cost events, see forestryengland.uk.

HORSING AROUND

MARVEL at the magnificent 100ft horse head sculptures that are the pride and joy of Falkirk.

The Helix: Home Of The Kelpies offers tours to learn about the engineering and how they represent the country’s history and industry, with horses having played a huge role in the development of the area.

There are exhibitions about the steel horse heads — the largest in the world.

And the surrounding Helix parkland has an adventure zone and splash play.

It is also perfect for walking and cycling.

GO: Tour for adult £8.50, child £3.50 (free with an adult ticket), under-fives free. See thehelix.co.uk.

ANIMAL KINGDOMS

LET the kids play at being vets, with a third off zoo tickets.

Vets In Action runs throughout this week at London Zoo and Whipsnade, Beds.

Youngsters will be shown how to do a health check on real animals while practising on cuddly toys.

At London, they will join a rescue mission to save precious Darwin’s frogs from extinction.

And at Whipsnade — a 600-acre site with 11,000 animals — kids can learn about the conservation and well-being of the chimpanzees.

GO: Until February 22. Adult tickets from £29 and children £20.30, under-threes free. Use code WEB30 at londonzoo.org and whipsnadezoo.org.

ADVENTURE TRAILS

NATIONAL Trust properties have a huge selection of events for little outdoor adventurers.

Croft Castle, near Leominster in Herefordshire, has a Wildlife Detectives trail where kids track down clues among the trees.

The 17th century manor house, complete with turrets and towers, has a secret garden and play area with rope swings and balance beams among 1,500 acres of parkland.

There is a welly hunt at Charlecote Park, Warks; orienteering at Wentworth Castle, South Yorks, and a Winnie the Pooh exhibition at Nymans, West Sussex.

GO: Croft Castle family ticket costs from £42.50. Detective trail with a prize costs £3. See nationaltrust.org.uk.

MAGICAL RESORT

HAVE a spell-binding time in Blackpool as the resort bursts into life for the February Festival of Circus and Magic.

There are free spectacular shows, live performances and hands-on workshops for four days at venues including the Blackpool Tower.

Street entertainers roaming through the town centre include singer Elton

Wrong driving a white piano. Try your hand at puppetry and circus skills.

Last year’s Britain’s Got Talent winner, magician Harry Moulding, headlines a show at the Pleasure Beach Resort.

GO: From February 19-22. Festival free. Harry’s show from £12.50. See visitblackpool.com/febfest.

PERFECT PASS

PACK in a host of attractions in York, there is something for all the family.

Most famous sights are just a short walk from one another and you can take your pick from 35 with a one-day pass.

They include the 7th century Minster — one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals — the Jorvik Viking Centre, which is a fascinating journey back in time, and The Cocoa Works — a yummy lesson in chocolate-making.

Why not take a sightseeing tour down the River Ouse to hear about York’s history with City Cruises?

GO: A day’s Visit York Pass costs from £65 per adult, child £40. See yorkpass.com.

BARGAIN GARDENS

HERE is an offer you can’t refuse — pay what you can afford to enjoy a major attraction.

Throughout February, Cornwall’s Lost Gardens of Heligan, which normally cost £28 an adult and £12.50 a child, are letting families choose their own admission price.

The Neon Jungle roller rink is a highlight this half-term — skate to a playlist of retro hits.

Meet the Home Farm animals, including piglets, goats and donkeys, take part in question-time sessions and try horse tail-braiding. There’s a shop and cafe, too.

GO: Skate session £10. See heligan.com.

CUT PRICE FUN

BUTLIN’S is slashing day visit prices until February 26. There is 20 per cent off at Minehead and Skegness, and ten per cent off at Bognor Regis.

Families have access to the Skyline Pavilion at all resorts, with a packed schedule of shows and activities including Dino Expo, where kids come face-to-face with pre-historic predators.

There are fairground rides, Splash Waterworld pools with slides and flumes, football, plus arts and crafts sessions.

Bognor Regis has a four-storey soft play centre for 200 children, and the sister parks have playgrounds with climbing towers and trampolines.

GO: Adult day pass now costs from £29, child £12. See butlins.com.

CUDDLY ENCOUNTERS

IT always feels like spring is on its way at a lambing festival.

Get up close to the cuddly newborns at Park Hall Countryside Experience, Shrops, and, if you are lucky, see a birth.

The team will be on hand to educate youngsters on the new arrivals.

There are lots of other animals too including ponies, pigs, alpacas and chinchillas, on the farm near Oswestry.

And there are fun activities galore, with indoor play areas, science and music rooms, tractor and barrel train rides, go-karts, an adventure course and a 130ft zip wire.

GO: Until February 22. Ticket £14.95. See parkhallfarm.co.uk.

I HAD been shrunk down to the size of Woody, Jessie and Buzz in Andy’s room – suddenly I wasn’t visiting an experience, I was a part of it.

The new Mundo Pixar Experience – the biggest of it’s kind in the world – has landed in the UK for the very first time at Wembley Park in London, after success in Madrid, Barcelona and Brussels.

Spread across 14 rooms, visitors can step into their favourite Pixar stories and meet the characters of each film.

As a 25-year-old who still loves Pixar films, I felt like I could be a big kid again as I ventured into the Monsters Inc Factory and met Sully and Mike before opening the door to glimpse into the bedrooms to see where the ‘scarers’ go to work.

The experience features all the movies you would expect including Toy Story, Up, Cars and Inside Out.

However, there are still a few classics missing such as The Incredibles and Wall.E.

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There are newer Pixar movies featured in the experience too, such as Luca and Elemental.

Before you enter each set, you are greeted by an information board telling you which film you are about to enter.

They also share interesting behind the scenes knowledge.

For example, did you know that the Pizza Planet Truck that Woody and Buzz travel in, in Toy Story, appears in nearly every Pixar film?

Once inside, the attention to detail in each room is impressive.

In Andy’s bedroom there were 3D-printed Green Army Men – though probably at least 100 times the size they normally are.

On the set of Luca you can even hop on the Vespa.

You can even step inside the diver’s goggles in Finding Nemo.

My only disappointment was to see that Anger in Inside Out was essentially a cardboard cutout and Bing Bong was nowhere to be seen.

All of the sets also have handy picture stickers on the floor too, to show you where the best photo moment is in the room.

And there is a crew member in each room to lend a hand in snapping the perfect shot.

A little bit of added fun for the kids and parents is to find Pixar’s iconic yellow and blue ball with a red star on it, in every room.

Trust me, it isn’t as easy as it seems…

The experience is open every day except Tuesday until June with sessions starting at 9am and 10am and running through until 7pm.

Each session approximately lasts 45 to 55 minutes, though if you can, I definitely would spend longer really exploring the sets.

And of course, taking lots of pictures and videos.

When you get to the end of the experience there is a large shop – which, be warned, you will want everything from.

Prices aren’t too bad either, with mugs costing £19.95 and t-shirts costing £29.95.

There are some really nice items as well such as the Adventure Book from Up and you can even own your own Pixar ball for £19.95.

Tickets are a little on the more expensive side considering the experience is mostly a picture and video opportunity, starting from around £20 per child and more for an adult.

Having said that though, it was heaps of fun and the more time you spend there, the more your imagination really immerses you in the sets.

Whilst obviously great for kids and families, as an adult I thoroughly enjoyed a walk down memory lane and allowing myself to be a child once again by running around Andy’s room and ‘swimming‘ with Nemo.

With half-term here and the rain not stopping, it is the perfect indoor escape to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained.

In other experience news, a brand new crime-themed train experience is coming to UK city… but you don’t actually go anywhere.

Plus, a huge new cowboy themed immersive experience will launch this summer – where you step into a real life western.

FEBRUARY seems to be flying past already, with both Valentine’s Day and the start of the school half-term holidays this week meaning lots of themed and kid-friendly events.

Whether you are in a couple or solo, you can head off to a number for Valentine’s Day-related events.

And as the kids get excited for time off school, there are activities you can take them to for free.

Together Through Art, London

From February 10 to 14, Mall Galleries in London will be hosting Together Through Art.

The exhibition aims to show work that helps keep families together when they need it the most.

Over 100 artists are part of the exhibition, including illustrator Emma Bridgewater.

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The art at the exhibition can also be purchased with any money raised going to Homes from Home, which helps families with critically ill children to stay together.

Fylde Ice Festival in Lytham, Lancashire

This Valentine’s Day, you could head to the Fylde Ice Festival.

Found in Clifton Square, the festival features ice sculptures to marvel at and visitors can test out their own ice-carving skills on the ice carving wall.

There will also be live ice carving demonstrations.

Half-term at The Harris in Preston, Lancashire

This weekend marks the first weekend of half-term for many schools across the UK.

And The Harris in Preston will be hosting a number of activities for free.

There will be chemistry sessions, Lego workshops and visits to Planetariums.

There will also be a museum and gallery trail for children over nine-years-old, which is a “creative mission designed to help them chat and look at artwork in fun new ways”.

Chain of Hope, London

Also in London, at the Saatchi Gallery from February 11 to 15, you can visit the Chain of Hope – Share your Heart exhibition.

The exhibition focuses on the connection between art, humanity and compassion.

In total, the exhibition features over 70-heart-themed artworks that have been donated to support children born with congenital heart disease.

The art is also available for purchase, with pieces by famous figures including Olivia Colman, Alison Hammond, Mel B and Shaggy.

Enchanted Realms Week at Affinity Lancashire, Fleetwood, Lancashire

From Valentine’s Day, visitors can step into an enchanted world to meet the K-pop Demon Hunters with unicorns, a Mystic Hunters Trail and opportunity to create a heart-shaped biscuit at a Cupid’s Cookie Workshop.

You can park at Affinity Lancashire – which has 40 shops and outlets – for free and dogs are welcome too.

There’s also a free indoor soft play centre for the under five-year-olds.

London Card Show

From February 13 to 15, the London Card Show – Europe‘s biggest card event – will be at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher.

The event will have 1,000 tables with around two million cards including sports cards, retro gaming, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh and more.

There will be live interviews too, unboxings, raffles and kids’ activities.

Linlithgow Family Adventure, West Lothian, Scotland

This Wednesday, February 11, between 10am and 12pm visitors can attend a hands-on outdoor session for children five-year-old and over.

During the session, you will explore Linlithgow Loch and Peel as well as learn about the area’s wildlife and history.

Valentines Mingle at Dogs Trust Loughborough

Over in Loughborough, from 10am to 12pm on February 13, you can meet some of the dogs from Dogs Trust Loughborough.

The event will be full of fellow dog lovers too so a great chance to make friends with the same interest.

There will also be tea, cake and a raffle.

You can also head to a coffee morning at Dogs Trust Snetterton in Norwich on the same day between 10am to 12:30pm.

Vintage Valentine’s Day Card Making, Norwich

From 4:30pm to 6pm, on February 14, you can head to the American Library Archive in Norwich to create a 1940s inspired Valentine’s Day card.

Think love letters and vintage-style drawings.

All supplies are included and the activity is for those aged 10 and over.

Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market 2026, Manchester

This Saturday and Sunday, you can head to Manchester’s Hong Kong Lunar New Year Market 2026 which celebrates Hong Kong culture.

The family-friendly event has over 130 stalls and 20 live performances, with handmade decorations and games, short-film screenings and guided tours.

Birmingham Light Festival

From February 12 to 15, you can visit Birmingham Light Festival with different illuminated artworks and a number of special events.

This year marks the second year the festival has run and it will take over streets, squares and a number of public spaces in the city.

Live events include fire performances, music performed by a metal band and a silent disco.

For more things to do, here are the top 15 UK attractions for 2025.

Plus, the best-rated activities in London for families – with rooms from £18.50pp a night.

STRESSED about your half-term family getaway stretching your bank account? Well, many hotels offer free stays for kids.

Whether you are heading out of the country and need a hotel near an airport or are just heading on a staycation, hotels can be expensive when you add on the kids.

But there are a number of hotels all over the UK that offer free kids stays making it more affordable.

Some even offer free meals and other perks too…

Down Hall, Bishop’s Stortford

Named AA Hotel of the Year, Down Hall nestled in the English countryside is just 45 minutes from central London and 15 minutes from Stansted Airport.

The hotel is an Italianate mansion with a history dating back to the 11th century.

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Inside, there are 98 individually designed bedrooms, including ones with views of the garden.

There is also an on-site restaurant called The Garden Room, which uses ingredients from its own vegetable garden.

Visitors can head to the Eden Spa too, a 24-hour gym, tennis courts and 11 acres of woodland.

Kids stay free between February 14 and 22, based on two adults and two children under 12 years old sharing.

It is worth noting though that the spa facilities are not included.

From £212 per room.

Mallory Court, Leamington Spa

Surrounded by gardens, Mallory Court Hotel is pretty to just look at.

Then, once inside, there are 42 individually styled bedrooms with a traditional country house feel.

There is a spa as well with a pool and gym.

For a bite to eat, you can head to The Warwick which is run by MasterChef winner Stu Deeley.

Over February half-term, children under the age of 10 can stay for free when sharing a room with an adult.

And included in the stay is bed and breakfast accommodation and designated family pool times.

To benefit from the offer, you must call to book.

Langstone Cliff Hotel, Dawlish, Devon

Set in 19 acres of woodlands, the Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish, Devon boasts spectacular views of the sea.

Nearby there are sandy beaches to explore, which can be reached via a short walk.

There’s lots to do at the hotel as well, including an indoor and an outdoor pool, and both indoor and outdoor play areas for children.

During the half-term break, kids under 10-years-old stay free when sharing with two adults.

Rooms start from around £123 per night.

The Grove, Watford

If you fancy something a little more luxury, The Grove is a great option.

The five-star hotel is just 18 miles from London and used to be the home of the Earls of Clarendon.

In total, there are 214 rooms and suites, an 18-hole golf course, a spa and a number of restaurants.

Over half term, kids stay free when sharing with parents and get breakfast at The Glasshouse, two hours of free childcare for kids aged two to nine, use of the Sequoia Spa and use of Asher’s Woodland Trails.

The offer runs from February 13 to 22 and costs from £550 per room.

The Fish Hotel, Broadway, The Cotswolds

This back-to-nature retreat looks over the village of Broadway in the Cotswolds.

The hotel has 500 acres to explore, as well as a number of activities and well-being classes.

There are a range of rooms to choose from too, such as treehouses, suites and huts.

When it comes to having something to eat there are a couple of options on site, including a bar and lounge and Hook – a seafood-focused restaurant.

Kids stay for free between February 13 and 22 with rooms costing from £340 based on two adults and a child sharing.

Britannia Hotels, various locations

Britannia Hotels has locations across the country and between February 13 and 22, kids under 14-years old stay for free when sharing a room with two adults.

Breakfast is included and so are kids meals.

Though if you stay on a Saturday night at Royal Court Hotel; Prince of Wales Hotel Southport; Britannia Airport Hotel Manchester; Norbreck; Castle Hotel Blackpool; Grand Hotel Scarborough; Grand Hotel Llandudno; Carrington House Hotel Bournemouth or Grand Hotel Blackpool – there will be a £10 supplement.

Otherwise, rooms cost from £59 per night.

The Swan at Lavenham, Sudbury 

Inside a 15th century building, The Swan at Lavenham is a cosy hotel with traditional oak beams and large fireplaces.

There are 46 rooms to choose from, with period features in each.

There is also a spa with an outdoor heated pool, steam room and sauna.

The hotel is dog-friendly too so your beloved furry friend doesn’t have to miss out.

Children stay free between February 15 and 21 and also get breakfast for free.

Rooms cost around £254 per night.

Watergate Bay Hotel, Newquay, North Cornwall

Watergate Bay Hotel in Cornwall is the ultimate surfers spot on Watergate Beach, which stretches over two miles long.

Just metres from the beach, guests can enjoy relaxing rooms with views of the sea.

Some even have roll-top baths, hanging chairs and seating around a large fire.

For kids, the hotel features a games room with a Lego station and there is a play area as well.

Kids stay for free when sharing an adult double room between February 13 and 21.

Rooms cost from £280 per night during the half-term.

The Alverton, Truro, Cornwall

The Alverton in Truro, Cornwall, is a Grade-II listed hotel with a cosy feel.

Inside, there are classic rooms and executive suites, as well as a bar, restaurant and terrace.

Over the February half-term, kids under 12-years-old stay for free and also get a Cornish breakfast each morning of their stay.

There are two room types in the offer to choose from.

Firstly, the classic room which costs from £110 based on one adult and one child sharing.

Or, secondly, the executive suites, costing from £203 based on two adults and two children sharing.

Holiday Inn, various locations

Holiday Inns are great for budget travel or if you are heading off on holiday but want to stay near the airport before your flight.

Perfect for half-term trips out of the country, kids under the age of 17-years-old stay for free during the school break when sharing a room with up to two adults.

Kids under 12-years-old also get free meals during their stay.

Prices vary depending on Location, but as an example you could stay at Holiday Inn London Bexley for £68 per night.

The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands,

The four-star Belfry Hotel & Resort sits in 550 acres of countryside and is well-known for its world-class golf.

The hotel features over 300 rooms, as well as a Fire and Ice spa with a 12-room thermal journey, restaurants such as Ryder Grill and Sam’s Club House.

If you are heading on holiday from Birmingham Airport, the hotel is ideal to stay at the night before as it is less than 20 minutes away.

To get the offer, you will need to use the promo code ‘FAMILYPROMO’.

Rooms cost from £259 per night and include breakfast, buffet dinner, kids’ activities and access to the leisure club (but not spa).

Carlyon Bay Hotel, Cornwall

With 86 luxury rooms, Carlyon Bay Hotel in Cornwall is a great spot for families as it has a large entertainment programme.

There’s magic shows and an appearance from Chloe the Clown…

For the adults, there is also a golf course and a large spa.

Kids under 15-years-old stay for free between February 14 and 22, with a room and breakfast costing from £85 per night.

Kids under 15-years-old also get to eat for free during their stay.

Included in your stay is access to the supervised Funzone, a complimentary round of golf and use of the spa and leisure facilities which features an indoor pool.

A room and breakfast costs from £85 per person per night (so from £170 per night for two adults and two children).

In other hotel news, here’s 12 of our favourite UK hotels to visit this year – from cosy farm retreats to £55 all-inclusives in London.

Plus, the affordable seaside hotel right by the train station.

YOU might think a holiday city break with the entire family would be an expensive staycation – but I’ve found a cheap way to do it.

My family of five stays in a different UK city or town every February half-term for less than £50, thanks to a cheap-as-chips offer from the Youth Hostel Association.

What we especially love about our little break away is that we can get a room in a beautiful building in a luxury location for very little money.

Family rooms and cabins are already pretty affordable at this time of year anyway and the annual YHA January Sale discount code takes an extra 20 per cent off, which makes it incredible value for money.

The deal is still running and covers February half-term and the Easter holidays, so you can take a trip to city, countryside or coastal hostels during the school holidays for next to nothing. 

We love a city break at this time of year as it’s the perfect way to while away the grey days. Generally there are very few tourists about and we can normally find lots of free stuff to do indoors at museums and the like. 

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My favourite was when we stayed at YHA Chester Trafford Hall a couple of years ago, as that was the perfect blend of city and countryside.

It was glorious to be greeted by a carpet of snowdrops as we arrived at the hostel, an old Georgian mansion set in lovely grounds.

You can hop on the bus nearby to get into the city centre in less than half an hour and go for a wander through the historic streets, taking in Roman ruins and the Rows, covered wooden walkways that allow access to shops at first-floor and street level, a famous feature of the city since medieval times. 

Our family room only cost £29.25 (£5.85pppn) and another great element of a hostel stay is that there’s generally a self-catering kitchen, a restaurant where kids eat for £1 and a games room.

We can choose whether to cook for ourselves or order from the restaurant menu and the boys have somewhere to entertain themselves while waiting for food.

It’s lovely staying somewhere that’s got a bit of character and seeing a historic building given a new lease of life for the 21st century.

And it’s great to chat to other guests using the communal areas and pick up tips for where to visit next.

This February, we’re heading for Canterbury to stay in a cosy log cabin for just £34 a night for the five of us – which works out at £6.80 each.

We can’t wait to check out the sights, including the historic cathedral, and hopefully head to the Kent coast if the weather is okay.

It was a bit of a toss up between Canterbury and staying at the iconic Albert Docks in Liverpool for just £28 for a room for four people.

I’ve been visiting this northern powerhouse since I was a child and I love the warm Scouse welcome we always get when we go back.

So if you want to follow in the footsteps of the Beatles or take a ferry across the Mersey, this could be the perfect base for you. 

YHA Manchester also has £40 rooms for a family of five and its canalside location is just a 15-minute walk from the city centre.

One year, we took a trip to YHA Bath, another gorgeous Georgian villa a walk or bus ride away from the city centre.

Bath can get pretty crowded once the weather warms up so going in February is perfect if you don’t want too much hustle and bustle. A stay in a family room there is £72 during half-term.

Using a youth hostel as a base can also be a really affordable way to visit the capital over in the holidays. We stayed in a log cabin at YHA Lee Valley one February, which is next to Cheshunt railway station, where trains stop en route to Liverpool Street.

It was slightly surreal waking up in a nature reserve surrounded by birdsong and then being in the heart of the city within half an hour. The best London deal I’ve spotted for this half-term is at YHA Earls Court, where a six-bed family room costs just £48.

If you’re not a fan of city breaks, the January sale discount code also works for lots of the Lake District hostels and other countryside locations, which often have outdoor cabins and glamping options as well as family rooms. 

We visit YHA Stratford-upon-Avon most years to stay in the deluxe camping pods behind the main building.

They’ve got a little kitchenette and a built-in shower room with toilet, so the pods are a lovely place to get a bit of peace and quiet, before heading into town to enjoy some of the tourist hotspots before they get busy later in the year.

We’ve stayed for less than £20 a night for all of us before, but this half-term, the pods cost £48 using the sale code.

You really can’t beat a YHA stay if you want to bag a bargain and take the family away for a night in half-term for next to nothing. 

For more budget stays here are the UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks, B&Bs and pubs from just £22 a night.

And if you’re heading abroad – here are the most popular hotels in the loveholidays sale with rooftop pools and beautiful beaches… and holidays from £149.