12 Fun Things To Book For October Half-Term
Up At The O2
Up at The O2 has reopened, offering a more intimate experience than ever before and with enhanced health and safety measures in place. In line with social distancing guidelines, each climb has been reduced to less than half the capacity previously in place, offering a more exclusive experience for families. Groups should opt to climb the roof during the day – when it's clear, you can see landmarks up to 15 miles away. Children must be aged eight and over, and over 1.2m high, to take part.
Greenwich Peninsula, Greenwich, SE10 0DX
Visit TheO2.co.uk
Wonderlab at the Science Museum
This interactive gallery in the Science Museum is perfect for kids. The space is designed for seven to 14-year-olds and encourages children to discover the wonder of science. Filled with 50 exhibits, visitors are encouraged to get hands-on safely: they can race down a giant friction slide, see how clouds form and travel through space under a canopy of stars. New measures have been put in place to help maintain social distancing and ensure visitors can enjoy themselves safely. Where possible, interactive exhibits have been kept open thanks to an enhanced cleaning regime, and timed free tickets need to be booked in advance.
Exhibition Road, South Kensington, SW7 2DD
Visit ScienceMuseum.org.uk
ArcelorMittal Orbit
Created by Anish Kapoor, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is a symbol of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the London 2012 Games. The UK’s tallest sculpture, at the top of the structure, families can ride on the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide. At 178m long, the 12 twists and turns offer chances to glimpse at the park and London’s skyline through transparent sections before plunging into darkness. Extra precautions in place include temperature checks for all visitors, a robust cleaning regime and a one-way system to maximise social distancing. Hand sanitising stations are available throughout the venue and visitors will be required to wear a face covering to ride The Slide.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton Street, Stratford, E20 2AD
Visit ArcelorMittalOrbit.com
Go Ape Battersea Park
This Battersea Park attraction offers a forest experience in London. A head for heights is a must as Battersea’s treetop challenge crossings are twice the height of most Go Ape locations. A firm favourite with families and suitable for children (over 1m tall) and adults alike, Treetop Adventure is a daring escapade in leafy surroundings. Highlights include the Stepping Stones, Fisherman’s Net and a range of zip wires.
Battersea Park, Battersea, SW11 4NJ
Visit GoApe.co.uk
Lee Valley White Water Centre
You’ll find lots to do at Lee Valley White Water Centre, from white water rafting on the Olympic course to family paddling on its lake. Families can choose from a range of activities or just sit back and watch the action at The Terrace Bar & Café and stroll through River Lee Country Park. Teenagers will love the thrill of Rafting Unleashed. Suitable for those aged 12 and above, participants will use the water to speed down the Olympic course’s rapids like a rollercoaster.
Station Road, Waltham Cross, EN9 1AB
Visit GoWhiteWater.co.uk
Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea at Brigit’s Bakery
Brigit’s Bakery has launched the first official Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour, welcoming children on board its bus for sightseeing and sweet treats. The guided tour lasts approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Taking in the best views of central London, the tour takes you past some of the most famous London landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column, Tower Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral. The tour is available weekly from Thursday to Sunday at 12:15pm and 2:45pm. Prices start from £35 for children and £45 for adults.
Tours leave from Somerset House
Visit B-Bakery.com
Mini Picassos
Mini Picassos is an art school for children aged 15 months to 15 years, based in north-west London. Over half-term, classes will be taking place from 26th October until 30th October – with a few extra safety measures in place. Workshops will take place over two days with only ten children per session, for ages 6-8 years and 8-10 years, plus a one-day workshop for ages 10-13 years. Classes will be three hours long to adhere to social distancing measures and children will need to bring their own snack and apron. Sample classes include making a haunted house complete with soft furnishings and a ghostly family, and baking pumpkin pie with a delicious filling – zombie finger and creepy crawlies.
8 Station Terrace, Kensal Rise, NW10 5RT
Visit MiniPicassos.co.uk
Bread Ahead
Bread Ahead is now hosting its popular doughnut workshops online. Participants will be sent a workbook to follow in advance, along with an ingredients list, and during the live workshops, the Bread Ahead team will break down each of the steps in person. During the two-hour live workshop, bakers will learn to make doughnuts, crème pâtissière and raspberry jam. Best of all, the recipes are designed for bakers of all skill levels and to be mixed by hand, using domestic kitchen utensils – no specialist equipment is needed.
Visit BreadAhead.com
Backyard Cinema
Backyard Cinema has redesigned its seating plan and reduced capacity, so ticket holders can be transported to new worlds while rediscovering their favourite films. This month, the venue has launched The Snow Kingdom. Guests will venture through this mysterious passage to an ice kingdom filled with ‘wondrous marvels to behold’ and giant beanbags. Of the collection of half-term films, we’re looking to book Mrs Doubtfire on 23rd October.
13 Wandsworth Plain, Wandsworth, SW18 1ET
Visit BackyardCinema.co.uk
Treasure Trails
Treasure Trails in an imaginative and fun way to discover and learn about different areas of the UK. Ideal for budding detectives, the activities provide a captivating challenge that combines mind-twisting clues and fascinating stories around a variety of routes and areas. From catching crooks to tracking down spies and hidden treasure, these trails are highly addictive (even for parents). There are over 1,000 routes to try across the country, and the activity is suited to children over the age of six.
Various locations
Visit TreasureTrails.co.uk
Football Escapes
Football Escapes, the company co-founded by footballers Rio Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora and premiership football coach Sam Hubert, is returning to The Grove in Hertfordshire for October half-term. Budding footballers aged 5-15 can expect a fun itinerary spread over three days, with highlights including daily training, meet-and-greet sessions with the players, a FIFA tournament in the hotel’s cinema room and a certificate presentation on the final day. Families can also look forward to some Halloween-themed fun and games.
Chandler's Cross, Watford, WD3 4TG
Visit FootballEscapes.com
Exclusive Hotels
If you’re looking for a rural retreat getaway with the family, then take a look at Exclusive Hotels. Each of the group’s seven properties – located everywhere from Surrey to the Cotswolds – has family room set-ups, relaxed and friendly dining, as well as something fun to offer – from kid’s cookery classes and pool splash times to garden walks and great local attractions. This half-term, expect plenty of Halloween-themed fun.
Various locations across the UK
Visit Exclusive.co.uk
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