FULL ON HALF-TERM!
Times are hard but get out into the great outdoors and let nature work its magic
Who needs trips to exotic climes? here’s our pick of the UK destinations where you can enjoy a family getaway this half-term . . .
LIONS IN THE MIDLANDS
A REAL safari may be impossible, but we can all take a drive over the ‘African plains’ at the West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley, Worcestershire. have cameras ready for the elephants, white rhino, giraffe . . . and lions and tigers, of course. Then do the Discovery Trail to see penguins, meerkats and lemurs, followed by the Adventure Theme Park. DON’T MISS: The UK’s largest animatronic dino in Land of the Living Dinosaurs. STAY: cottages.com have a selection in the area; from £539 for a week sleeping four.
LEAF-PEEPING DELIGHTS
THE FOREST of Dean and Wye Valley are often billed as the ‘leaf-peeping capital of the UK’, with 20 million trees spread over 200 square miles. They have a downloadable Leaf Peeping Drive. The 50-mile circuit starts in Symonds Yat, herefordshire, with stop-offs such as New Fancy, Gloucestershire, with its 360- degree views over the treetops. Just be sure not to cross the border into Wales, which is in lockdown. See wyedeantourism.co.uk/leafpeeperswelcome. DON’T MISS: The ancient woodland at Puzzlewood ( puzzlewood.net), star of many a TV show. STAY: In cosy cabins and treehouses ( forestholidays.co.uk), from around £200 a night.
PUMPKIN PATCH KIDS
AT WILLOWS Activity Farm’s pumpkin festival, children can pick their own pumpkin. Non-halloween-related activities at the attraction near St Albans, herts, include 3D cinema screenings and, character shows featuring Peter Rabbit and Friends. There are also milking demonstrations, pig racing and funfair rides (£22 for both children and adults, willowsactivityfarm.com). DON’T MISS: The halloweenthemed Gourds Grotto. STAY: Sopwell house, a Georgian country house. B&B doubles from £169 ( sopwellhouse.co.uk).
DOLPHINS AHOY
YOU don’t have to do ‘far-flung’ to see exciting sea creatures. on a boat trip off the Cornish coast, dolphins are regularly spotted, as well as porpoises, gannets and Atlantic grey seals. Padstow Sealife Safaris offer trips to ‘Puffin island’ — one of the last places puffins nest in Cornwall (from £22.50 per adult, £15 a child, padstowsealifesafaris.co.uk). DON’T MISS: Browse the cafes and shops at pretty Padstow harbour.
STAY: Padstow Townhouse, a cosy 18th- century property. Doubles from £240 ( paulainsworth.co.uk/ padstow-townhouse)
TREETOP THRILLS
BEDGEBURY Pinetum and Forest in Kent has all-weather cycling, mountain- biking, hiking and imaginative adventure play areas. Little (and bigger) monkeys can swing from trees at Go Ape. More sedate is the Pinetum — where strolls take in autumn colour on trees native to five continents. DON’T MISS: Seven giant characters from The Gruffalo dotted through the Pinetum. STAY: The Bell in Ticehurst ( thebellinticehurst. doubles from £100; £220 for a lodge.
SHORE SCAVENGING
FORAGE by kayak along the Dorset coast for edible goodies — seaweed, razor clams and the like — then cook them on the beach. The five- hour Kayak, Fish, Forage And Feast course with Fore Adventure ( foreadventure.co.uk) is suitable for children aged 12 and over.
DON’T MISS: The half-hour coast walk to see old harry Rocks, huge chalk formations in the sea.
STAY: Dorset Coastal Cottages ( dorsetcoastalcottages.com) offers properties for four, from £195 a night.
MONKEY AROUND
MEET rescued chimps during a visit to Monkey haven on the Isle of Wight. other activities include a pumpkin hunt, a reptile lodge and monkey talks.
DON’T MISS: Monkey Brunch feeding time every day at 11.15am. STAY: The Seaview hotel, a historic hotel in the picturesque village of Seaview. Doubles from £145 a night ( seaviewhotel.co.uk).
All prices are for half-term week (October 26 to 30).