Things to do with the kids this half-term

Stuck for ideas for what to do with the kids this half term? Take a look at our half-term hit list.

Half term holidays start next week in some schools and the week after in others, with most breaking up in a fortnight. Check out our half term hit list for inspiration

Narrow escape – Get up to £675 off a week-long Shropshire Union Canal trip with Waterways Holidays. Hire boats at Norbury from October 27 start at £558 (saving £441) up to £720 (saving £675). All craft are centrally heated and cost inc fuel. Call: 01252 339023.

Take the garden path at half term for family fun, from pumpkin carving and monster trails to making bird boxes and dens. Visit Royal Horticultural Society gardens at: Harlow Carr in North Yorks, Hyde Hall, Essex, Rosemoor in Devon and Wisley, Surrey. Charges apply.

If you fancy a go at surfing, the waves around the UK are at their best in autumn – and as long as you pack a wetsuit it makes a great family break for ­October half-term. Surf schools are still running and hotel rates are much ­cheaper than in the summer. The Waves Apartments at Watergate Bay in Cornwall has apartments for up to six people from £390 per week.

Hat’s life – Grade II Listed Westwood Lodge, near Ilkley Moor, West Yorks, right, sleeps up to 14 in 5 bedrooms. 7nts from October 26 reduced £400 to £1,995. Call: 01943 433430.

Ilkley Moor, West Yorks
Fit’s all go – Get 20% off 4 night activity breaks on start dates between October 15-29. Prices for a family of 4 start at £742 f/b on PGL sites in Shropshire, Lincolnshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Surrey and Perthshire. Book by October 26. Call: 0844 371 2424.

Fuerte-something – 7 nights all inc on Fuerteventura from £2,752 for a family of 4 at the 3* star Elba Castillo San Jorge Complex in Costa Caleta. Fly from Manchester on October 27. Call: 0844 871 6636.

Andorrable – from £1,099 based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing a family room for 7nts h/b at 4* Sport Hotels Resort & Spa, Andorra. Inc entry to Naturlandia Adventures Park and hotel spa. Stay dates October 27-November 4. Flights extra.

Hawk win – Devon cottage for four at Wyld Court, near Hawkchurch, down 20% to £292pw. Arrive October 27. Call: 01647 434063.

Jersey sure – 4nts B&B for price of 3 at Merton Hotel on Jersey throughout October, including half term. Prices for 2 adults and 1 child from £587 in fast ferry from Poole to Jersey, transfers and use of Aquadome leisure complex. Call: 0845 230 3241.

Wight stuff – 3nts s/c from October 26 from £150pp at 5* Niton Barns on the Isle of Wight. Based on 4 sharing and inc Wightlink car ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington.  0871 376 0013.

Rhodes trip – 7 nights h/b with wine at 5* Levante Beach Resort, Rhodes, from £775pp (save £315pp). Fly from Gatwick on October 27 with BA, inc transfers, watersports, tennis, mountain biking and free childcare for children over 2. Call: 0844 273 6796.

Lloyd’s banker – 3nt break to Amsterdam staying at 3* Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy and Cultural Embassy, £260pp r/o (saving 15%) based on 2 sharing and departing from Cardiff on October 29.

Ox factor – £149pn dinner, B&B for 2 adults and 2 children under 12 sharing at Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Heythrop Park, near Oxford, throughout October. Call: 01608 673 333.

Storming barn – 3nts s/c at Cowan’s Butt Barn (sleeps 6, outdoor heated pool), near Wigton, Cumbria, for £220.80, arriving October 19. Call: 0845 268 1866.