Category Archives: October Half-Term Breaks

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Perfect last-minute half term breaks – holiday lodges across the UK

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Autumn holidays in the UK and irelandThe first term of school is really flying by and half term is almost here, so have you got something planned to keep the family entertained during the week off?

The Autumn half term is always a difficult one to predict the weather, changeable is most likely this late in October, so planning your half-term break with indoor and outdoor activities is a must.

We like to stay in family holiday lodges over the Autumn half term because it provides so many great solutions:

  • Whether situated on the coast or the countryside, a lodge is perfect for getting out and about quickly when the weather is clear and dry.  So you can quickly get out and about exploring and burning off some of that excess energy.
  • Of course, coming back to a lodge caked in mud or wet-through is always a bit easier…. mop-able floors and not your carpet!
  • Many lodges are on holiday parks which tend to run activities during the half term break – so you can get some time without the kids asking what’s next.
  • Of course lodges have some great facilities such as swimming pools and adventure playgrounds, so whatever the weather you can keep them entertained.

We think a holiday lodge is hard to beat for a half term holiday break and don’t worry, it’s not too late to book one for October/November.  There is still last-minute availability at some great prices.  Take a look at some half term holiday lodges.  For checking out last-minute availability you can also call 0844 847 1143.

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Perfect for a half term break: Combe Martin, Devon, England

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With the October half term nearly upon us, we think that Combe Martin in Devon will keep the whole family happy on a short break – seaside, Exmoor, North Devon…need we say more?

Located on the border between Exmoor National Park and the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is the picturesque settlement of Combe Martin.

This little seaside resort, with a wide variety of amenities, is a great attraction for locals and visitors, and is home to a very popular beach. Lynton and Lynmouth, Woolacombe, Croyde Bay, Saunton Sands, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple are all within easy reach.

There are also numerous National Trust properties and gardens close by, offering unique insights into local history. Woolacombe beach is close by and is an excellent place for surfing, whilst the South West coastal path passes within a mile for those who love rambling.

So plenty of places to burn off energy, lots to explore and see… for a family getaway it’s just about perfect, so what’s stopping you?  Here is a few places to stay to get you started but there are plenty more for you to choose from… self catering in Combe Martin

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Autumn colour at The National Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire – Perfect for a Cotswold cottage day out

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During the October school half term we  stayed in a lovely Cotswold cottage and visited Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.  With over 17 miles of forest walks, glorious colour from 16,000 trees (2,500 different species) it is a lovely day out even on a cooler day.

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Find out more about the National Arboretum.

Find a Cotswold cottage break

 

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Enjoy Wonderful Autumn Colour at Exbury Gardens in the New Forest

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Exbury Gardens in the New ForestIf you want to enjoy the splendour and beauty of an English Autumn day then it’s time to check out Exbury Gardens in the New Forest, Hampshire on the south coast.

At this time of Exbury Gardens are full of resplendent and spectacular fiery seasonal colours from maples, dogwoods and deciduous azaleas to the stunning National Collection of Nyssa and Oxydendrum. You can also enjoy a 45 minute self-guided trail leading you to the best of the colour in Yard Wood, with descriptions of over 23 trees associated with the season, and discover arguably the country’s finest display of Nerine sarniensis (the jewel lily) in the Five Arrows Gallery displayed alongside Peter Thwaites inspiring ‘Wild Autumn Art.’

It is a great family day out with over 20 miles of pathways, three woods and parkland to explore. Even the wet cannot spoil the fun – simply put on your waterproof and see a new side to Exbury! In the Gardens children can discover plants that existed before dinosaurs roamed the earth; plants dinosaurs liked to eat; a Chinese Coffin Tree and even the Devil’s Walking Stick!

Exbury is also home to a Steam Railway that runs every day the Gardens are open and a special Halloween ghost train runs during late October.

Find out more about Exbury Gardens including website details and opening times.

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Getting Mixed Signals

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It’s been a strange week so far, winter weather conditions one moment, blue skies and sun the next, but it’s clearly not just me that is confused judging by my mail  in-box.

So far I have been offered some great discounts off sunglasses, holiday discounts for October half term and in my local supermarket I was confronted by row upon row of Christmas special offers!

So which ‘urgent’ need should I be addressing first?  The up and coming school half term, our Christmas plans or our 2013 summer holiday!

I don’t know about you, but I am not quite ready to write off 2012 yet, after all it’s only the beginning of October.  And, there are still things to look forward to including Halloween, Bonfire Night (and Fireworks), a number of music festivals and events, and of course the prospect of many cosy nights in. I still see plenty of opportunities for an October short break, a November get-away and a December holiday – but then I am all about the holidays!

Author: Holiday Junkie

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Save £75 on a Southwold Cottage Break in October 2012

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Southwold is on the Suffolk Coast, one of the most unspoilt coastlines in the country, and a hugely popular cottage holiday destination.

Considered a genteel seaside resort without the tacky nature of so many seaside towns, it has a lovely sandy beach, open heathland and a lovely harbour.  Although sedate the town does have a pier, you can take boat rides and enjoy fish and chips.  Also in town is the popular Suffolk brewer, Adnams.

In the holiday season Southwold and the surrounding area can be very busy and so if you want to explore this beautiful area in relative peace and relaxation it is well worth heading there later in the year.

The Saltings, Southwold, SuffolkThere are some great offers and availability on self catering holiday accommodation in October, especially with the October half term approaching, and we particularly like a holiday cottage saving of £75 on a weeks stay at The Saltings in Southwold.

The Saltings, sleeps 5 and has 3 bedrooms, is ideally situated next to the beach with lovely views of the Denes and the River Blyth. It has been transformed by the addition of a conservatory and decking at the rear which make the most of the evening sun and stunning views. All on one level, the property is light and homely, has easy access to the town and is only a short walk from the beach.  Ideal for families, it also caters for young children with the provision of cots and high chairs if required.  Pets are also allowed.  Broadband Internet is also available.

The £75 off Special Offer is due to a last-minute cancellation and it’s available from 19th to 22nd October with a £75 discount. Use the link above to see more information about the cottage break and a link to check availability, confirm prices and book online.

 

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October Half Term Holiday Cottage Breaks

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Today’s blue skies have made me all hopeful that the October half term break could be a relatively warm and fun school holiday this year.

October Half Terms BreaksI have to admit that I love the October half term as it is usually the last good chance to spend a short break outside in the fresh air in the UK and Ireland before the colder weather arrives.  It’s also a holiday that’s filled with happy memories of carving pumpkins outside with my children ready for Halloween fun and games.

Although this break can be chilly later in the day, there is usually plenty of sunshine that means you can make good use of the day.  If you are doing pumpkin carving though, do it earlier in the day, one year I did it later in the day and my fingers had gone numb with cold by the time we had finished!

There are lots of great places to stay on a half term break but with the nights becoming cooler a cosy holiday cottage is ideal.  There are plenty of good family sized self catering holiday cottages and at this time of year there is quite good availability.  If you are looking for some inspiration we have put together a list of great family cottages ideal for the half term break.

Of course if you are looking for something a little cheaper or something with lots of kids activities lined up for the school half-term then it is well worth considering a holiday park.  The accommodation is heated and cosy and perfect for a family sized group.  You will find many of the holiday parks will have an entertainment programme for the Half Term holiday which will keep your children occupied.

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First Day of School, Must be Time to Plan the October Half-Term Break

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The summer holidays have barely ended, it’s the first day at school for many, and yet our thoughts are already turning towards the October half term.

It’s not as mad as you may think as with most half-terms being 6 weeks long that means the October half term is rapidly approaching.  It’s also one of those tricky half terms because the weather can be highly unpredictable which is never a good thing if you are confined to the house with the family for a long period.

A self catering cottage or apartment are ideal during the October school half-term as they guarantee warmth and comfort at the end of a day exploring, playing and having fun. The availability and prices are also better for a family at this time of year, once the high season has passed, so you can get some great deals whatever the size of your family.  Although October can be chilly its quite often fairly dry so you are able to get out and about during the day and with lots of self catering in the country, near the coast or close to some of the UK wonderful towns and cities you will not be short of things to do and see.

A great alternative to a cottage or apartment, and a little bit cheaper still, is a holiday lodge, log cabin, chalet or static caravan.  You will find that they do have heating for those chilly nights and are a perfect base for exploring the great outdoors. You will often find these lodges and caravans on holiday parks which is perfect during the half term as most tend to run activities to keep children entertained whatever the weather – nothing better than letting someone else wear them out a bit!

So where to head?  Well there are great locations across the UK and Ireland to choose from but favourites at this time of year for us have been the New Forest (Hampshire), Oxfordshire, Brecon Beacons and the Yorkshire Dales.  Although it has to be said we are tempted by the Scottish Borders as well this year.

Wherever you intend to go there is just 6 weeks left to book so click here if you are looking for some ideas for the October school half-term

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