Free at last! 30 unusual things to do this half term
This time last year, the usual challenges that face fun-seeking families were made much worse by… you know what. Jack Rear says it’s time to get out there and try something new
For most families, February halfterm is a tricky one. With no summer sun, chocolate eggs, or Christmas presents, nor even a whiff of fireworks to be enjoyed, it’s traditionally a challenging time for family entertainment.
Last year’s February half-term was worse than most. For many it was a total write-off. Locked down for the third time, and banned from leaving the house for all but essential reasons, for a lot of children a week off school probably didn’t feel much different to being stuck in the virtual classroom.
This year is a whole different story, everything is open again, we’re having a relatively mild winter, and everyone seems raring to go. To help provide a bit of inspiration, we’ve selected interesting and unusual family adventures all around the country that you probably won’t have visited, or even heard of before, and certainly weren’t allowed to visit this time last year.
Where we include major attractions, we’ve highlighted new events which will allow your family to experience them in a new way. There should be plenty on this list for all families to enjoy, from those with small children looking to make some memories, to ideas to get sullen teenagers off the PlayStation.
If you and your family are ready to shake off the January Blues in style and start 2022 as you mean to go on, we’ve rounded up some of the best and most exciting activities to keep you busy.
London
USE YOUR IMAGINATION ON THE SOUTH BANK
Theatre, music, comedy, dance, books, activity trails… for its 20th anniversary, the annual Imagine Children’s Festival at the Southbank Centre is pulling out all the stops to entertain the young ones this bank holiday. Among 160 events there’s a Peppa Pig concert, a talk from Horrid Henry author Francesca Simon and Dennis the Menace illustrator Steve May about their new book series Two Terrible Vikings, a DJ masterclass and “gross science” with Adam Kay. Runs Feb 7-18.
Belvedere Road, London SE1; southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/festivals-series/imagine-childrensfestival
CELEBRATE PERU AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM
To mark the final few days of its Peru: a Journey in Time exhibition, the British Museum is holding a series of free events in the Great Court on Feb 17-18 that include arts and crafts sessions, traditional music, storytelling, puppetry and authentic Peruvian food. Families can watch a traditional blessing, hear folk music from the Amazon rainforest, visit galleries run by indigenous Peruvian artists and enjoy a Quechua theatre piece. There are also felt-making and embroidery workshops.
Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG; britishmuseum.org /events/ celebrating-peru
South
GO ON A NAUTICAL ADVENTURE IN CHATHAM
While HMS Invincible’s final resting place is at the bottom of the Solent, a new exhibition at the Historic Dockyard Chatham tells her story, from her launch in 1744 to her capture from the French Navy in 1747 during the War of the Austrian Succession, to her use as a British flagship, subsequent sinking when she hit a sandbank and rediscovery by a Kent fisherman in 1979. The exhibition, which runs until Nov 20, includes a range of fun family activities, including a spot of maritime excavation in a giant dig pit. Those who find their appetite for maritime archeology whetted could also visit Titanic: The Exhibition (titanic exhibitionlondon.com), which runs concurrently in London.
Main Gate Rd, Chatham ME4 4TZ; thedockyard.co.uk
ALIGHT ON EASTBOURNE JUBILEE LANTERN FESTIVAL
Light up half term with a visit to the seafront Pavilion Gardens in Eastbourne, which will be aglow from Feb 14-20 with beautiful, handcrafted paper lanterns fitted with LED lights, as well as flags and community art, to celebrate the beginning of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. There will also be live music and hot chocolate in the Pavilion café. Entry is free.
Pavilion Gardens, Royal Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AQ ; visiteastbourne.com
GET KNIGHTED AT LEWES CASTLE This half-term your children can become kings of the castle at Lewes, with a series of fairytale-themed activities going on throughout half-term. Listen to stories about castles, dragons and princesses, dress up in armour and craft your own dragon to take home. On Thursday 17 February there’s a special “How to attack a castle” day: experts will introduce young warriors to the finer points of medieval siege warfare.
169 High St, Lewes BN7 1YE; sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/lewes-castle-museum_
COOK UP A STORM AT CHEWTON GLEN
Young masterchefs will love the juniorand teen-focused cookery classes in The Kitchen, the restaurant at luxury hotel Chewton Glen, where profesional chefs will teach young people about everything from correctly filleting fish to making the perfect scones for afternoon tea. Classes start at £75pp and run on various dates throughout the half-term holiday.
Chewton Glen Hotel, Christchurch Rd, New Milton BH25 6QS; chewtonglen.com/the-kitchen-cookery-school/find-a-cookery-course/search
DO A TON AT RUSSELL-COTES ART GALLERY & MUSEUM
One hundred years after Victorian collectors Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes donated their collection of art and artefacts to the public, their museum is still going strong. Known for its warm and peaceful atmosphere, the museum is the perfect place for families to unwind with treasure trails, explorer tours and crafts inspired by the artwork to keep young visitors busy.
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum East, Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth BH1 3AA; russellcotes.com
East
TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT AT NUCLEAR RACES WILD FOREST OBSTACLE COURSE
Parents are not allowed on this obstacle course, which will push children to their limits and see them scrabbling under cargo nets, crawling through tyres, climbing ramps, hopping over walls and swinging on monkey bars. Muddy feet are guaranteed, but there are hot showers and hot chocolate to greet those who manage to complete the challenge. Afterwards make sure that you visit Kelvedon Hatch itself, the supposedly-haunted secret bunker that was intended to house the government in the event of a nuclear strike during the Cold War.
Nuclear Races Wild Forest Activity Centre, Parsonage Farm, Ongar Road, Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex, CM15 0LA; wild-forest.co.uk/justgetoverit
SEEK THE RING AT WEST STOW ANGLO-SAXON VILLAGE AND COUNTRY PARK
If Harry Potter doesn’t float your family’s boat, but Tolkien does, why not visit West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village? This festival of all things Lord Of The Rings is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022 with a new quest. There are clues to decipher and runes to decode to save Middle Earth. Success enters you with a chance to win a twonight stay in an ultra-luxury Shire-style Hobbit hole, complete with cosy bedrooms, a comfortable sitting area and full kitchen facilities.
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village & Country Park, Icklingham Road, West Stow, Suffolk IP28 6HG; weststow.org/Anglo-Saxon-Village
FEEL THE POWER OF STORIES AT MOYSE’S HALL MUSEUM Designed to help inspire young people to reflect on their background and who they want to be, a new exhibition at Bury St Edmunds’ iconic museum will feature a collection of photography, historic objects and, perhaps most excitingly, genuine props and costumes used in Marvel’s Black Panther film, as well as the comics they sprang from. Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds, Bury Saint Edmunds IP33 1DX; moyseshall.org
HAVE A FLUTTER AT HOLKHAM ESTATE
This year’s February half-term coincides with Valentine’s Day and to celebrate, Holkham Hall is hosting special “Love Birds”-themed events across the week. There are trails highlighting the birds and wildlife around the hall, as well as history trails focusing on the human lovers in its history such as Thomas Coke, Earl of Leicester, and his long-suffering wife Lady Margaret Tufton; or Queen Mary, who was scandalised upon visiting the hall with her husband, King George V, at a lewd painting of the Roman god Jupiter “caressing” his wife. Families can even have a go at making their own love shack for birds with daily birdbox building workshops. Holkham Rd, Wells-next-the-Sea NR23 1AB; holkham.co.uk/events/details/love-birds
GO SEAL-SPOTTING WITH DOGLEG CHARTERS
See the UK’s largest grey seal colony up close and personal on your own private RIB ride which can be tailored to you. Options include sunrise wildlife-spot-s
ting along the coast to Salthouse and family picnic trips to Wells-next-the-Sea. As an added bonus, Ian, the man who’ll be your skipper, is a travel photographer by trade: he knows how to snap the shots that’ll light up your children’s Instagram accounts. Charters for up to five are £250.
Morston Quay, Quay Lane, Morston, Holt NR25 7BH; doglegcharters.co.uk
Midlands
DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW AT CHESTER ZOO
While visitors to the UK’s top wildlife attraction will no doubt be familiar with the elephants, tigers, giraffes and orangutans, this half-term Chester Zoo is shining the spotlight on some of the animals you may have missed on previous visits, with talks and activities based on lesser-known species like rock hyraxes (guinea pig-sized animals which are the closest relative to elephants), the shy tree kangaroos, and amphibious “mountain chickens” (otherwise known as the giant ditch frog, which was hunted to near extinction by humans because it allegedly tastes like chicken – it’s being brought back from the brink by the scientists at the zoo).
Chester Zoo, Chester CH2 1EU; chesterzoo.org
NORSE AROUND IN THE GOLDEN VALLEY
Translating the traditional pastimes of Nordic Raiders into fun activities for modern teenagers, this experience offers axe-throwing, archery and bull rings along with ancient games like kubb (stick throwing), molkky (similar to skittles), and stige (a precise throwing game). All are expertly supervised by a team of professional Vikings, so don’t worry about your teens ending up like Harald Hardrada by the end of the day. Two hours on the site costs £29.99pp and you can pay extra for modern pursuits like laser clay pigeon shooting or paintball. Afterwards, why not explore the Golden Valley in the lee of the Black Mountains, which is home to Arthur’s Stone, a neolithic tomb, said to be where King Arthur slayed a giant?
The Viking Games, Battlelands, Middle Cefn Farm, Ewyas Harold, Hereford, HR2 0JH; thevikinggames.co.uk
MAKE HISTORY
AT BOLSOVER CASTLE
Little lords and ladies will find lots to enjoy at the fairytale-like Bolsover Castle this half-term. Behind the high, crenelated battlements and in the picturesque courtyards they’ll find all manner of activities, including an expansive outdoor adventure featuring puzzles, quizzes, activities and stories to help them get fit, have fun and learn about history, all at once.
Bolsover Castle, Castle St, Bolsover, Chesterfield S44 6PR; english-heritage. org.uk/visit/places/bolsover-castle/
PACK IN THE FUN WITH THE ALPACAS OF CHARNWOOD FOREST They’re big, they’re very fluffy, and they’re excited for half-term adventures – the alpacas down at Charnwood Forest Alpaca Farm, that is. With a range of different experiences, from 90-minute walking sessions with the ‘pacas to workshops on caring for them, to afternoon teas enjoyed by their sides, there’s plenty of different options to suit your needs. Children under nine go free (but must be accompanied by one adult per child) – and you can relax at the Chilli Bean Café afterwards.
Ashby Rd, Boundary, Swadlincote DE11 7BA; pukkapacas.com
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME
AT BLISTS HILL VICTORIAN TOWN Once you’ve exchanged your modern money for some pounds and shillings, explore the recreated Victorian town, meet the townsfolk from over a century ago, buy curios from a bygone era (you’ll have to work out the difference between a shilling, sixpence and farthing on your own) and ride on the oldfashioned fairground. It’s all laid out just as Victorians would have lived, making this attraction the ideal fun and educational family activity.
Blists Hill Victorian Town, Legges Way, Telford TF7 5UD; ironbridge.org.uk/ explore/blists-hill-victorian-town/
West
ACT NATURAL AT HESTERCOMBE FOREST SCHOOL Hestercombe is celebrating half term with a pop-up forest school offering nature crown-making workshops, woodland crafts and more in a fun forest school. If the weather doesn’t play ball, there will also be indoor crafts to get stuck into while grown-ups can explore the house and its beautiful gardens.
Hestercombe, Taunton TA2 8LG; hestercombe.com
BECOME A CASTAWAY IN CORNWALL
To mark the centenary of the shipwrecking of the Osten, Newquay is hosting an experience putting you in the shoes of the boatmen – could you have survived? Partakers on the day-long excursion will enjoy wild swimming in the Cornish sea, scrambling over cliffedge rocks, foraging and stand-up paddleboarding for an adventure which will stick in the memory. Be advised – this is one for confident swimmers only. £69pp. Newquay Activity Centre, 60 Fore Street, Newquay, Cornwall TR7 1LW; newquayactivitycentre.co.uk/coastal-adventures/ cornwall-castaway/
North
GET CRAFTY AT LIVERPOOL MUSEUMS
With dozens of exhibitions and activities, the National Museums Liverpool are places to be this half-term. Our pick of the bunch is Liverpool World Museum which hosts Thursday crafting sessions, ancient Egyptian stories and objects to touch on Fridays and Saturdays, and two half-term exhibitions based on glowing plants and animals and explosive kitchen science experiments.
Liverpool World Museum, William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EN; liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
TAKE AFTERNOON TEA
WITH BEATRIX POTTER
Once a favourite haunt of Peter Rabbit’s author, Beatrix Potter, Storrs Hall on the shores of Lake Windermere is offering a tots tea this half-term. Little ones will enjoy bunny- and star-shaped ham and cheese sandwiches, sausage rolls, chocolate-dipped strawberries and marshmallows, mini fairy cakes and tiny chocolate éclairs, all served on little china tea sets decorated with tales of Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-Duck, Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, and friends. The tea costs £10 per child and from £23.95 per adult for those parents who can’t resist getting involved. Those parents who’d like to stay the night would be welladvised to book one of Storrs Hall’s legendary Lakeside Suites to enjoy a private hot tub.
Storrs Hall Hotel Storrs Park, Bownesson-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3LG; https://www.storrshall.com/eat-drink/afternoon-tea/
Wales
GET PSYCHED ON A PADDLEBOARD After last year’s lockdown, Sian Sykes, founder of Psyched Paddleboarding noticed that the children she’d take out on paddleboard adventures were more nervous on the water and more worried about being out and about. This year she’s fighting back with special family paddleboarding sessions aimed at getting families back into nature and promoting mindfulness. From £68pp, call 01248 717978 to book.
8 Bridge St, Menai Bridge LL59 5DW; psychedpaddleboarding.com
OWL WITH DELIGHT AT PICTON CASTLE & GARDENS Joining forces with the Wildlife Trust and the RSPB, Picton Castle is hosting a special week of adventures through Welsh half term (Feb 21-25). Children will receive a free activity bag with a trail, quizzes and puzzles all themed around wildlife. There are also ranger walks for families and don’t forget to visit the The Welsh Owl Garden and Zoo onsite too.
Picton Castle, Rhos, Haverfordwest SA62 4AS; pictoncastle.co.uk/wildlifeweek-21st-25th-february
Scotland
BECOME A WILDLIFE RANGER WITH ARGATY RED KITES
The reintroduction of red kites to the Highlands has been a rewilding success and families can see it up close at the Argaty Estate. Visitors can learn all about nature conservation, enjoy wildlife walks to meet the kites and squirrels, go pond dipping and take a dragonfly safari. There are even ATV buggy tours of the estate. Ranger-led visits cost £7 per adult and £3 per child (concessions are available; under-sixes visit free.)
Lerrocks Farm, Argaty, Doune, Perthshire FK166EJ; argatyredkites.co.uk
SEE THE COLOURS OF ABERDEEN AT THE SPECTRA FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
Known as the Granite City and perhaps not celebrated for its bright colours, Aberdeen will be lit up as you’ve never seen it before at the Spectra Festival Of Light. Featuring the work of light artists from around the world who’ll be bringing the city to life with colours, designs and intricate works of art. To tie in with the Scotland-wide Year Of Stories, there are also storytellers and poets on hand to add a touch of culture.
10-13 February; Citywide; spectrafestival.co.uk
Northern Ireland
GAZE AT THE STARS AT THE NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL
Taking place at museums, galleries, and theatres across the province, the NI Science Festival (Feb 17-27) features over 120 activities for families exploring all aspects of science. Created in collaboration with all manner of science organisations from National Museum NI, to the Royal Society of Chemistry, to the Institute of Physics in Ireland, to the RSPB in Ireland, the festival will feature film screenings, stargazing workshops, interactive science experiments, walking tours, history experiences and guided tours across the country. Locations across Northern Ireland; nisciencefestival.com