Cheap Things to do During Half Term with the Family

Are you stuck for ideas for half term activities? Fear not, we have complied a list of half term days out that will keep all of the family entertained.

We see no reason that half term days out should break the bank, so why not take a look at some of our cheap and free things to do during half term? Whether you are looking for an action-packed adventure or a relaxing meander somewhere, we have the ultimate things to do guide to suit the whole family.

Read on to discover cheap places to go during half term with the family… 

Free things to do during the half term holidays

1. Visit a local museum

For those families of culture vultures, you could spend the half term holidays immersing yourself in history at one of the UK’s many free museums.

Whatever your family’s interests are, we are sure that there will be a free museum for you to explore.

For those interested in sport, there is the National Football Museum in Manchester, for those interested in art there is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow, whilst for those with a passion for history, there is the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford.

2. Countryside walks

With majestic National Parks in Wales, Scotland and England, you will be spoilt for choice by the opportunity for a walk in the countryside setting.

This is the ultimate way to soak up the UK’s picturesque scenery, as well an enjoyable exercise that the whole family can get involved in for free this half term.

For some walking inspiration, take a look at our circular walks in Scotland, or a pub walk in Cheshire, or perhaps a dog-friendly walk along the Norfolk coast is more suitable during your half term break?

Alternatively, take a look at our top 10 destinations in the UK for a walking holiday and prepare for the adventure.

3. Beach days out

Whatever the weather, a day spent at the beach is an ideal free activity for kids during half term.

The UK plays host to a magnitude of glorious beaches, dramatic coastlines and quaint seaside towns that promise a cheap day out for the whole family.

During your beach day, you could try your hand at watersports, enjoy a stroll alongside your canine companions or refuel with delicious fish and chips before enjoying one of the many Victorian piers.

If you are seeking the perfect beach for your free half term activities, why not take a look at our best beaches of Dorset, the best surfing beaches in Cornwall or the best beaches in Wales?

Cheap things to do during the half term holidays

4. Go to the cinema

Weather during the half term holidays can vary, so during the rainy days why not treat yourself and the children to a trip to the cinema?

A trip with the whole family can leave you reeling at the thought of the cost. However, cinemas across the UK offer deals at a family-friendly price, allowing you to enjoy the magic of film at an affordable cost.

ODEON kids, Vue and Cineworld offer £2.50 tickets for children during the weekends and school holidays, allowing for a cheap day out during half term.

5. Children’s farm park day out

Enjoy a taste of rural life and make friends with farm animals by visiting one of the many farm parks which are situated across the UK.

Many animal parks offer free admissions, whilst others charge a small fee ensuring a cheap day out to explore the various play areas and meet the animals.

Once a year, farms across the UK open their gates to welcome all ages to discover what it takes to be a farmer for free. This year, the free event will take place  on 7th June 2020.

6. Eating out

Keeping the little ones entertained and fed during the half term holidays can get pricey.

However, if you plan ahead you are guaranteed to find great eating out offers.

Across the school holidays many major chain restaurants will roll out special deals and money off deals for families and deal sites offer a plethora of vouchers for meal deals.

7. Visit an aquarium or zoo

Offering the best of a relaxing afternoon and a bit of excitement is a family day out to your local aquarium or zoo, or both.

Sometimes the entry prices to these attractions can be just as scary as the creatures that await you, but if you shop around you will be able to find great deals which will save you up to 50% off entry to some the UK’s most-loved aquariums and zoos.

If you fancy something out of the ordinary this half term, take a look at one of our selection of unusual attractions in the UK.

8. Visit a castle

Across the UK are a plethora of imposing fortresses, charming castles and dramatic ruins of medieval forts awaiting your discovery during the half term school holidays.

In Suffolk, you will be delighted to find Framlingham Castle which is rumoured to be the inspiration for Ed Sheeran’s ‘Castle on the Hil’ and offers magnificent countryside and excellent performances of Shakespeare plays. The castle is open during half term with tickets on sale from £6.00, ensuring a cheap day out with the family.

Promising to be a wonderful day out to North Wales is the charming town of Conwy. Here, you will find a magnificent castle, where you can look forward to winding your way through the looming walls and towers, whilst soaking up the picturesque scenery of the glorious coastline and the dramatic landscape of Snowdonia. Tickets start from £6.00 and a family ticket will cost you £28.90.

A visit to a castle with your family during half term is bound to be a magical day out, as well as a great opportunity to take a delve into the UK’s intriguing history.

When is half term?

School term and holiday dates vary across the UK, these dates should be used as a guideline as differences will occur depending on your local council.

England

February half term 2020: 17th – 21st February (1 week)

Easter holidays 2020: 6th – 17th April

May half term 2020: 25th – 29th May

Summer holidays 2020: From 21st July – 2nd September (usually 5-6 weeks, start and end date may vary)

October half term 2020: 19^th – 30^th October

Christmas break 2020: 21st December – 4th January 2021

Wales

February half term 2020: 17th – 21st February (1 week)

Easter holidays 2020: 6th – 17th April

May half term 2020: 25th – 29th May

Summer holidays 2020: 20th July – 1st September (usually 5-6 weeks, start and end date may vary)

October half term 2020: 26^th – 30^th October

Christmas break 2020: 21^st December – 4^th January 2021

Scotland

February half term 2020: 10th – 14th February (1 week)

Easter holidays 2020: 6th – 20th April

May Day: 4th May

May Holiday 2020: 8th May

Victoria Day 2020: 18th May

Summer holidays 2020: 26th June – 19th August

Autumn half term 2020: 14^th – 28^th September

Autumn holidays: 5^th – 27^th October

Christmas break 2020: 21st December – 6th January 2021

If you fancy going away for half term, be sure to take a look at our catalogue of UK holiday cottages and be sure to share your memories with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!