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T e Modern Family Travel, Days Out & Attractions


Half term, full fun T


Even if the February half term doesn’t involve a trip to the airport, there’s plenty of family fun to be had in the UK. Words by Priya Raj


he February half term is just days away and, while some parents might approach the week with concern,


it presents a great opportunity to immerse yourself in quality family time. February is a wonderful month to take in the sights, sounds and history of the UK’s most beautiful towns and cities.


Set-jetting in York At fi rst, it might not sound like the most exciting destination, but there’s a surprise around every corner of this quaint English city. Potterheads would be remiss to not experience the wonder of T e Shambles — a medieval street in the city centre of York, which is widely recognised for inspiring Diagon Alley. Now, it’s home to numerous Harry Potter themed shops. For those with an undeniable


sweet tooth, a tour around the city with York’s Chocolate Story will be the perfect afternoon treat. T e tour explains how some of the world’s best-known chocolate names originate from York: Kit Kat, Smarties, Terry’s Chocolate Orange — you name it. yorkschocolatestory.com


Camping in the Lake District If camping and embracing nature is more appealing to your family, the National Trust’s camping pods will surely be a hit — even in February. T ere are an endless number of


stunning trails and hikes in the Lake District. Lake Windermere is the perfect location to hire a paddleboard or kayak and spend some time exploring serene waters outside of the summer season. Camping pods are available in four locations and can be booked completely furnished. nationaltrust.org.uk


Culture and history in Edinburgh A visit to London can sometimes feel overwhelming, but Edinburgh off ers a quieter alternative UK capital city. While the weather in Scotland is unpredictable, there’s a certain beauty in braving the cold for a walk or adventure before ending the night in a cosy tucked-away spot. From a journey through history at


Edinburgh Castle to exploring T e Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture, you’ll never be lost for things to do. Be sure to take time to feast in the city’s aff ordable eateries — like Chez Jules and Taco Libre. visitscotland.com


KAYAKING ON LAKE WINDERMERE/GETTY HALF-TERM DAYS OUT


ADVENTURES AT BLENHEIM PALACE, OXFORDSHIRE Enjoy a day out in the grounds of this grand historic house where 2,000 acres of parkland can be explored. Visitors should hop aboard a miniature train to the walled garden where little ones will enjoy getting lost in the Marlborough Maze. blenheimpalace.com


THE SUPER DUPER FAMILY FESTIVAL, MANCHESTER There are a host of events across the city for families to enjoy, all for free. There are eight ‘play zones’, where some of Manchester’s landmark buildings and locations are transformed, each with a variety of fun to discover. From 18-21 February. superduperfamilyfestival.com


SOUTHBANK CENTRE’S IMAGINE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL, LONDON And just like that the Imagine Children’s Festival returns for another year of half-term fun. This 10-day programme turns the iconic London landmark into a half-term wonderland for children of all ages and their families. From 11-21 February. southbankcentre.co.uk


Promotional Content • Saturday 7th February 2026


Step into secret underground spaces


Looking for a unique family day out that’s packed with history, adventure and a touch of mystery?


London Transport Museum’s award-winning Hidden London tours are now open to children aged 10 and above, with tours running throughout February half term. T ese exclusive guided tours invite


curious minds to explore secret parts of the London Underground that are usually closed to the public, including disused stations, wartime shelters, closed platforms and even hidden fi lm locations. With more than 10 locations to explore, there’s plenty to discover for the whole family. Families can venture into disused


Aldwych station, which closed more than 30 years ago but still has plen- ty of stories to tell — from its role as a wartime shelter to becoming a fi lm set. Alternatively, they can step into the cinematic world of the former Ju-


bilee line platforms of Charing Cross, where scenes from Skyfall, Paddington and Killing Eve were fi lmed, or walk alongside disused tracks in the ‘Cat- acombs’ section of Moorgate station. Other highlights include Clapham


South’s deep-level shelter, where a Second World War warden will take you in the footsteps of a 1940s family to explore recreated spaces and dormitories, as well as the closed Edwardian tunnels of Piccadilly Circus, which reveal how the devel- opment of the Underground helped shape modern London. For those who would rather stay


above ground, there’s also a walking tour through T eatreland and Covent Garden, perfect for families who love exploring on foot. Tours run Wednesday to Sunday


all year round. Each ticket includes half-price entry to London Transport Museum within a month of a tour, where under-18s go free.


Tickets are currently available


to book until the end of March. Summer


dates will be released on 25 February


Book your tickets via ltmuseum.co.uk/hidden-london


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