Escape to the Country for Half-Term Holidays

Spring half-term is always the most dismal break in the school calendar: it’s not actually spring yet, everything’s still cold and damp and there’s very little on the horizon to look forward to. Instead of another week spent trying to convince the kids that really they do want to help you clean the house, perhaps this year it’s time to up sticks and treat yourself to a stay in one of our luxury holiday houses for a week of uplifting outdoorsy fun – whatever the weather! Take a look at these three stunning locations to see how you could turn rainy days into lasting childhood memories. 

Lake District

The Lake District is Britain’s definitive adventure playground, and the mountains, lakes and parks are perfect for young Ray Mears’ and Bear Grylls’ to start training for the wilderness. Stock up on Arthur Ransome’s classic ‘Swallows and Amazons’ books for the journey, then let the kids relive the adventures on Coniston Water. Hire a dinghy, explore Peel ‘Wild Cat’ Island and take a hike up the Old Man of Coniston to enjoy the view with a well-deserved ginger beer. Spiffing!

Top 3 things to do with kids in the Lake District:

• If your kids know and love Beatrix Potter, then you might want to take them to the vibrant World of Beatrix Potter exhibition!
• If you’ve got budding hikers in the family, the young’uns might enjoy a brisk hike up Catbells, an ideal peak for beginners!
• If it’s a rainy day, how about some weird and wonderful optical illusions? The Puzzling Place in Keswick will have everyone intrigued…

Wales

You may think it’s too early for a seaside holiday, but there’s nothing like a sight of the beach to give hope of impending spring. Our villas and cottages in Wales are the ideal base for bracing coastal walks and sweeping sea views, where you can get the kids interested in wildlife by watching for Aberdyfi otters and ospreys together,  Take a ride on the Talyllyn Railway, or head to Dolgellau for treetop adventuring at Go Ape!

Top 3 things to do with kids in Wales:

• Go for some treetop adventuring at Morgam’s Go Ape – the only one of its kind in Wales and also home to the UK’s biggest Tarzan swing!
• There’s something so magical about riding a steam train – kids can’t get enough! Ride one through Snowdonia and ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at the amazing scenery.
• Head below ground into the caverns below the hills – Bounce Below is a trampolining activity with a difference, with trampolines, walkways, tunnels and slides!

Scotland

Another perfect outdoor playground for families, Scotland is home to lakes, peaks, beaches, and national parks, offering up a myriad of ways to get back to nature with the little ones. For kids who dream of being knights and princesses, the castles dotted across the landscapes of Scotland will have them living out their fairytale dreams. The fresh air and activities will surely tire the kids out, so when it’s time to retreat back to your cottage, villa (or even… castle!) it’ll be all about cosying up and snuggling down. 

Top 3 things to do with kids in Scotland:

• Ride the Hogwart’s express. That’s right – gone are the days of dreaming for that Hogwart’s letter… the whole family can ride this scenic train! Unfortunately, an actual trip to the famous wizarding school is not included. 
• If your kids love a bit of wildlife spotting, then take to the waters with EcoVentures… a company that’ll have you exploring all manner of marine life in the Moray Firth, from dolphin’s to whales. 
• A little spooky, but a whole load of fun… the Edinburgh dungeons are great for the whole family! Learn about the history, the prisoners, and maybe let out a little squeal in the process. 

Browse our full portfolio of beautiful luxury villas, castles and holiday homes to rent in the UK and Ireland.

Best holiday reads for kids

The ultimate half-term survival guide

Wales travel guide

Scotland travel guide

The local’s guide to the authentic Lake District