5 Half Term Staycations for the Whole Family

Still haven’t booked a getaway for the October half term? If you’re on the hunt for child-friendly UK holidays with late availability, you’ve come to the right place. From chic family-friendly hotels in Britain to cosy country boltholes you can call home for a week or two, check out our round-up of the best half term staycations… 

Half Term Staycations for Families 2019

ST ANDREWS: Old Course Hotel

There’s something for everyone at this Scottish gem. The Kohler Water’s Spa features an oversized hydrotherapy whirlpool, ice fountain, cool plunge pool, steam room, and dry-heat sauna and two wet treatment rooms, while the whole family can enjoy golf lessons at the hotel’s first-class facilities. There are walking trails along the St Andrews cliffs and beaches, with ample opportunities for nature watching, from bird spotting to seal, porpoise and dolphin sightings.

BOOK: Room rates at the Old Course Hotel start from £307 per room per night on a B&B basis, based on two people sharing. oldcoursehotel.co.uk

YORK: The Grange Hotel

If you want to get out and about and explore York with the family this half term, check out The Grange Hotel’s ‘What Buster Did’ adventure, taking inspiration from the hotel’s resident dog. Younger guests will get a trail to follow in Buster’s footsteps around the city’s most iconic sights, from the Railway Museum to Clifford’s Tower. The reward will be their very own Buster cuddly toy to take home with them.

BOOK: Rooms at The Grange Hotel start from £139.00 per room per night, both including full English breakfast. The What Buster Did activity is available free for children aged 3-11 staying at the hotel. Dogs are welcome to stay at The Grange Hotel at a cost of £20 per stay which includes a homemade Pooch’s treat bag. grangehotel.co.uk

CORNWALL: St Mawes Hotel & The Idle Rocks

How about an autumnal escape to the seaside at luxury boutique Cornish hotel duo St Mawes Hotel and The Idle Rocks? The Idle Rocks features 19 bedrooms and an award-winning restaurant with outdoor decking overlooking the bay, led by Chef Guy Owen, while St Mawes Hotel has seven bedrooms featuring furnishings by local artisans. Guests have the opportunity to ‘fish for their supper,’ combining the traditional Cornish activity of mackerel fishing with new experiences such as collecting oysters or diving for scallops. You can then enjoy your catch fully prepared and cooked by the chef in the hotel later that day. The dredging season begins in October, kicking off with a family-friendly Oyster Festival form the 10 – 13 October.

BOOK: From 1 October – 19 December, St Mawes Hotel offers a three-for-two nightly package based on two people sharing for £165 per room, per night, with a complimentary Cornish cream tea. stmaweshotel.com | From 1 October – 19 December, The Idle Rocks offers a three-for-two nightly package based on two people sharing for £228 per room, per night, with a complimentary Cornish  cream tea. idlerocks.com

COTSWOLDS: The Chestnuts

Planning a group escape for the half term? The Chestnuts is a beautiful holiday cottage with plenty of room for all the family (sleeping up to eight) in a quintessential Cotswolds village. Country walks (to the local pub if not beyond) and bike rides are a must, while local attractions include Blenheim Palace and The Ashmoleum Museum.

BOOK: A seven-night break for up to eight guests, arriving 18 or 25 October costs £2265 premiercottages.co.uk

LONDON: Dukes London

Dukes London is offering a Family Escapes Package all year for those seeking London staycations, with 10% off, up to five hours of complimentary childcare and in-room children’s amenities. Kids eat for free in the Great British Restaurant, or you can make the most of Dukes’ gorgeous picnic in the park offering. Just a short walk from the likes of Buckingham Palace and Hamleys toy shop, it’s the perfect spot for exploring all that the city has to offer.

BOOK: Offer valid until 31st December 2019. Applicable to stays in Junior Suites, One-bedroom Suites and DUKE of Clarence Penthouse Suite. dukeshotel.com

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