Looking for something closer to home for your October getaway? We’ve found five amazing destinations the whole family can enjoy, spanning the length and breadth of the country. Here’s our pick of the best places to visit in the UK during October half term.
1 Enjoy Cornwall without the crowds
Cornwall is perennially popular but can suffer from overcrowding in peak season. It’s far better to visit this jewel in England’s crown when you have the run of the beaches, clifftops, attractions and eateries without the hordes.
Base yourself at laid-back Merlin Farm Eco-Cottages on the North Cornwall coast, with surfing beaches and the seafood restaurants of Newquay and Padstow just a short drive away. The well-equipped two-bed cottages are just a 15-minute stroll from the nearest beach.
Another fantastic option is pretty St Mawes, in south Cornwall, which has three beaches and some stylish shops and is a ferry ride from Falmouth across the Truro River estuary. St Mawes Hideaways is a quartet of lavish self-catering houses, with dressing-up boxes, super kitchens, large gardens and generous interiors.
2 Escape to the country
Family holidays work best when they work for everybody. Of course, the capricious Great British weather will have its say too! But if you find somewhere with plenty of space, a heated swimming pool, and hotel-level concierge services, then all bases will be covered.
Step forward utterly unique Temple Guiting Manor in the glorious Cotswolds. There’s a trio of stone houses sleeping 6-14, so you can choose the right one for your family gathering; self-cater or be catered for as suits (there’s a cafe up the lane too). There’s no end of attractions nearby including Cotswold gems Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway and Winchcombe – if you can tear yourselves away from the gorgeous ornamental gardens, tennis court, secret cinema and hot tub.
In complete contrast, head for Herefordshire to this trio of luxe two-bed lodges, each with a private terrace with hot tub and fire pit plus under-stair dens with games and puzzles. The idyllic Wye Valley Hideaways are set in 7 acres of meadows and trees under star-spangled skies and are only 5 minutes from Hay-on-Wye – perfect for outdoorsy families.
3 Ditch the car and head for London!
Holidays don’t have to be centred around the family car. Take the train to London, the UK’s best city for terrific public transport. There are plenty of attractions for October. Head to Kew Gardens for autumn colours; make the most of the London Restaurant Festival (which runs all month); enjoy the Halloween makeover at the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studios; take in some family-friendly theatre in the West End; or visit the capital’s brilliant museums – many are free of charge.
Stay near the heart of the action in trendy Spitalfields so you can walk to sights including the Tower of London, the City and Leadenhall Market (as seen in Harry Potter). Elegant and unique boutique hotel Batty Langley’s has interconnecting rooms and is in a quiet residential street close to Liverpool Street station, which connects to Heathrow and Paddington on the Elizabeth Line.
For a less busy part of London, we recommend the elegant 2-bedroom apartments at Europa House in residential Maida Vale, just north of Paddington, which has a large communal garden and small playground to the rear.
4 Tour the Lake District & the Dales
Autumn is a great season for walking in the peaks and dales: the landscape benefits from that wonderful clarity of October light, with the autumn colours and scents creating a memorable sensory backdrop. The summer crowds have vanished, giving you the freedom to explore the great outdoors as you please: think walking and cycling, sailing, rock-climbing and kayaking.
On the edge of the Dales, set in gentle rolling countryside in Co.Durham, with long views over fields, handsomely styled Teesdale House is perfect for multi-generational get-togethers, with 7 bedrooms (and 4 bathrooms), an excellent kitchen and lots of space to chill. Fun stuff includes a pool table, table tennis, croquet and a playroom with TV and games.
Or, in a pretty market town in the south of the Lake District is an endearing old townhouse with a swish kitchen, three bedrooms (including a twin), a sleek bathroom, a roaring fire and comfy sofas. The Ulverston Hideaway is only a 15-minute drive from Lake Windermere and Coniston Water, and is close to watersports, horse riding and steam train rides.
5 Be beside the seaside (tiddley-om-pom-pom!)
Even in October, who doesn’t like to fall under the magical spell of the seaside? Luckily the UK is blessed with long coastlines with picturesque harbours, dramatic cliffs and stunning beaches to suit all.
Try the miles of golden flat sands of Saunton in North Devon, great for surfing and strolling. You can stay right on the beach at The Chalet Saunton in large luxuriously minimalist apartments with wraparound balconies and picture windows showcasing incredible sea views.
Alternatively, explore the lesser-visited Lincolnshire coast with its blissfully empty beaches. We love architect-designed, high-spec 3-bedroom beach house The Sandy Feet Retreat, which has a boat house complete with various watercraft, a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, bunks and a snug with Netflix and games.
