The kids may have only just gone back to school but they will be off on holiday again for half term in October, so why not take this chance to squeeze in some last minute sun or get away with the family before the weather gets cold and the festive season kicks in.
We have found options for all the family, at home and abroad, whether your kids are little explorers or potential farmers. We have even found somewhere that the kids can stay in their very own mini-hotel, just in case a bit of extra peace and quiet is needed!
GREECE
Costa Navarino is a luxury destination in the largely unspoilt Southwest Peloponnese in Greece that is excellent for families, offering fun and interactive programmes year-round for toddlers and older kids. They even have an on-site education centre called the “Natura Hall” which is an interactive indoor space dedicated to teaching visitors about the region’s flora, fauna and how we can be sustainable.
In fact it is so family friendly that the kids get their own mini-hotel called the SandCastle for children aged from 4 years to 12 years. With spacious game areas, slides, design and drawing workshop and a theatre style court yard, SandCastle is the ultimate play area and is truly innovative, offering younger guests the opportunity of overnight stays as well. They enjoy their own bedding and room and gain their independence while an experienced hotel team member is always on their side to guide them and help their nights be fearless and make it a fun sleepover.
Original Travel offers seven nights at Westin Costa Navarino from £2,750 B&B, based on two adults and two children sharing a junior suite, including international flights and transfers www.originaltravel.co.uk
TURKEY
Sail on a traditional gulet from Bodrum across the Aegean Sea from Knidos to Symi and Rhodes. Budding junior classicists, archaeologists and architects (plus a parent or two) will be inspired by this tour of the ancient world with plenty of time for fabulous swimming in clear turquoise waters in idyllic bays. Amal Asfour (D.Phil. History of Art, Oxford) leads this tour of castles, islands, knights, medieval towns, plus visits to classical sites including The Acropolis and the Temple of Athena.
£1,800 includes all meals, drinks and visits. Flights to Bodrum/from Dalaman with Easyjet are not included.
To book Ancient Deities and Medieval Knights with Westminster Classic Tours – 25 Oct-1 November 2014 call 0208 286 7842 or go to www.westminsterclassictours.com. Suitable for ages 8+
JAMAICA
Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica is the perfect family resort with an unrivalled choice of onsite activities as well as specialist facilities for children of all ages.
The luxury resort is set in 400 acres with two miles of beaches to enjoy. In addition the resort offers a host of activities that families can enjoy together such as swimming with dolphins, horse riding, water sports, golf, tennis and cycling.
The Anancy Children’s Village offers daily supervised activities such as storytelling, steel pan playing, cookery, arts and crafts for 3 to 12 year olds. Parents can also arrange a bedtime tuck in and storytelling treat for youngsters. Nannies and babysitters are also available.
The Hype Zone was created just for teenagers aged 13 to 19 years and includes a games room and a cyber-lounge with internet access, while special events such as karaoke, movie or disco nights are held in the Vybz Lounge.
Caribtours (020 7751 0660: www.caribtours.co.uk) offers 7 nights from £8,649 per family, based on 2 adults and 2 teenagers under the age of 17 years sharing two Superior rooms on an all inclusive basis including return scheduled flights, private transfers and use of a lounge at Gatwick. Price for travel 26 October to 2 November.
ENGLAND
Lunedale Cottage in the Yorkshire Dales is a stone-built cottage on a smallholding amongst the stunning countryside of Teesdale. Perfect getaway for a small family who want to escape the hustle and bustle, relax and get away from it all in this lovely holiday home. The location is ideal for family walking opportunities such as the Teesdale Way, which offers many circular walks, and also Hamsterley Forest which is fantastic for cycling.
Available for 7 nights from 24th October for £378.00. Sleeps 4.
To book call Sykes Cottages 01244 356 695 or go to www.sykescottages.co.uk
WALES
This October Half Term (18 October – 1 November) families can become farmers looking after their own chickens and pigs under the watchful eye of Farmer Rob at Cwmcrwth Farm in Carmarthenshire. Families can help milk the Golden Guernsey goat and brush the horses and will spend the whole day on the farm getting involved, learning about rare breed animals and experiencing the good life! There will be loads of quizzes and treasure hunts and if the weather takes a turn for the worst then everyone heads back to the farmhouse for the sausage making course.
Three or Four night Junior Farmer breaks from £475. Three cottages sleep up to seven people.
To book call 01558 669160 or go to www.cwmcrwthfarm.co.uk
