THE BEST HALF-TERM HOLIDAYS

Emma Love

Back to Inspirations
The new year has only just begun but now’s the time to plan ahead for half-term. From well-located cottages for rent to whizz-bang hotels with fun activities for all ages onsite, here are excellent options for a family getaway.

The Auckland Project, County Durham

The northern market town of Bishop Auckland is a regeneration success story. Since the demise of the mining industry, it had been in decline; then charitable organisation The Aukland Project began to spearhead positive change – from the restoration of Auckland Palace and its gardens to the opening of the Spanish Gallery, the UK’s first art space dedicated to the Spanish Golden Age. In 2023, individually-designed cottages in the heart of the conservation area were launched to encourage visitors to stay overnight (or longer). There are eight, all of which are ideal for groups or families. They include the brightly painted Trevor Cottage (sleeps six); The Clarence, an Edwardian hideaway (sleeps six adults, plus two children in a bunkroom); and No 2 Townhouse (sleeps four) with a galley kitchen and dining room. There is plenty to keep all ages entertained, whether you fancy climbing Auckland Tower to the viewing platform to look out across the park or riding the heritage Weardale Railway to Wolsingham. The dog-friendly cottages are also within easy reach of child-friendly attractions such as Diggerland Durham and Hall Hill Farm.

Crieff Hydro, Perthshire

This hotel in Perthshire ticks all the boxes for an adrenaline-filled family getaway. There are over 30 activities to try onsite at Action Glen, including high ropes and ziplines at the Aloft Treetop Adventure, trekking with resident alpacas Harry Potter and Chewpaca (if they hum, they’re happy), air rifle sessions and Glen’s Adventure Park (the giant tube slide inside the wooden fort is a highlight). Some rooms come with bunkbeds, others are apartments with sofa beds, plus there are dog-friendly rustic cabins and self-catering lodges dotted around the 900-acre estate for those wanting more privacy. Dining is relaxed too, meaning no-one bats an eyelid at toddler tantrums and menus are geared towards the fussiest of eaters: think mini beef burgers and spaghetti bolognese at The Brasserie at The Terrace, homemade pizzas at Piccolo, and cheesy nachos and gourmet hot dogs at The Hub. No need to fret about rainy days either: head to the cinema, the teenage games zone or the indoor pool for afternoon splash-abouts.

Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, Climping, West Sussex

An easy-breezy beach setting is always a winner with families and that’s exactly the case for this luxury hotel, surrounded by 30 acres of parkland leading to the coast at Climping (ask staff about the rules of seaside snakes and ladders). Rooms range in style from medieval (stuffed with antiques and art, and with a four poster) to modern, and most have space for an additional bed or cot. Spend afternoons drinking hot chocolate and playing boardgames by the fire in one of the lounges around the inner courtyard, or, if the weather’s fine, getting stuck into a multi-generational game of giant Jenga. There are dedicated family time slots in the hotel spa, which has a heated indoor and outdoor pool, plus tennis courts. The medieval restaurant (mullioned windows, tapestry-hung walls) is locally renowned for Afternoon Tea; there’s also a children’s menu for early evening sausage and mash suppers. Don’t miss the walking trail around the grounds or discovering the secret woodland rope swing.

The Dovecote Barns, near York, Yorkshire

When third generation arable farmer Richard Bramley and his wife Brigita decided to convert several 18th-century barns into rentals, they put sustainability front and centre. From renewable energy to the renovation itself, their all-encompassing eco approach led to the project being awarded Green Tourism Gold status. Now you can book each self-contained space separately or together (the barns have 11 bedrooms in total); each has its own private garden area and barbecue, and access to a games room. The biggest is the Grand Barn (no children under eight), which has an oak framed living area with snug and mezzanine lounges and a huge kitchen for family suppers. Baby and toddler essentials such as travel cots, highchairs and a stairgate are provided to save you cramming the car full, and there’s a complimentary supermarket delivery unpacking service so supper ingredients are already in the fridge on arrival. In the village of Kelfield, 10 miles south of York, the farm is within day-tripping distance of the North Yorkshire Moors and coast. 

Hay Bluff House, Hay-on-Wye, Wales

There are Brecon Beacon walks straight from the door at this oak-beamed 16th-century stone cottage in the Black Mountains (it sleeps eight) which was recently added to the Luxury Holiday Cottages Wales portfolio. With a huge garden and grounds (ideal for restless children to run off excessive energy), it feels remote yet is only a convenient 15-minute drive from the bookshop-lined streets of famed literary town Hay-on-Wye. It’s equally spacious inside too, with a pair of living areas (one with a pool table, both with log burners), a country kitchen (with underfloor heating) and table tennis in the garage. From rock climbing to archery, canoeing to horse riding, there are plenty of outdoor adventure activities to try nearby. Return at the end of the day to soak in the hot tub or toast marshmallows around the firepit.