Looking for ways to make the most of the school holidays and time with the family? Look no further! From half-term breaks to summer getaways and family weekend holidays, we’ve got boredom-busting ideas for fun-packed family trips that will keep all ages entertained. Some of the best attractions in the UK are free to visit and, thanks to our great-value rooms, you can treat your family to UK short breaks without breaking the bank! Check out our exciting list of attractions and discover some of the best things to do with the kids this October half-term 2025.
Family breaks in the UK
Half-term holidays 2025
Get the most out of half-term October 2025 with the kids. From exciting days out to unforgettable adventures, enjoy the perfect opportunity for fun seasonal activities with a family twist.
Whether you choose to be great explorers on leafy outdoor trails, or history buffs checking out popular landmarks and museums, the UK is bursting with things to do for an action-packed autumn
Looking for a little inspo? Check out some inn-spiration and sign up for magical memories with Premier Inn this October half-term.
Eureka! in Halifax
Days out with small children
Britain is full of wonderful things for the under 5s - it took us some time to pick our favourites. Here’s our favoruites for pre-schoolers and bigger kids too!
- Immerse in over 400 interactive exhibits at Eureka! in Halifax.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Halifax Town Centre hotel
- See creatures great and small at Chester Zoo.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Chester Central North hotel
- Step into a world of fun at Peppa Pig World.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Southampton West hotel
- Examine tiny insects to full-sized dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – London Kensington (Earl's Court) hotel
- Get closer to the wonders of nature at Kew Gardens.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – London Richmond hotel
Edinburgh Castle
Adventure holidays
Step into adventure with your little daredevils for family breaks to remember! Here are our top adventure holidays for families.
- Piece together great Scottish stories at Edinburgh Castle.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Edinburgh City Centre (Princes Street)
- Explore the largest indoor rainforest in the world at the Eden Project.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – St. Austell hotel
- See the archaeological marvel of Hadrian’s Wall.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Carlisle Central hotel
- Soak up Jurassic coastline at Durdle Door.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Dorchester hotel
- Study the mysteries of the Stone Circle at Stonehenge.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Salisbury North Bishopdown hotel
Bude, Cornwall
Active holidays
The best UK breaks for families with an active theme? Let’s get those hearts pumping with action-packed activities designed for a weekend away with kids!
- Surf’s up! Bude in Cornwall is calling…
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Bude hotel
- Blow off the cobwebs with a leafy walking trail in Christchurch.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Christchurch West hotel
- Speed down the slopes at Cardiff Ski and Snowboard Centre.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Cardiff City Centre (Stadium) hotel
- Take your pick of watersports at Sandbanks Beach, Poole.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Bournemouth Westbourne hotel
- Conquer the great British wilderness at the Lake District National Park.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Kendal Central hotel
Alton Towers
Holidays with teenagers
Computers and mobiles away – it’s time for action with these thrill-filled attractions your teen will love.
- Strap in for the ultimate thrill ride at Alton Towers.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Uttoxeter hotel
- Walk through an ancient history lesson at the Roman Baths.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Bath City Centre hotel
- Step inside one of London’s best-known Anglican landmarks, St Paul’s Cathedral.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – London Blackfriars (Fleet Street) hotel
- Cameras at the ready for Liverpool’s Albert Dock.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Liverpool City Centre (Albert Dock) hotel
- Soak up the Cambridge sights with a River Cam punting experience.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Cambridge City Centre (Corn Exchange/Lion Yard) hotel
Harry Potter Studio Tour
Indoor activities
While you can’t always rely on the weather, you can make sure it doesn’t spoil your family fun when you pick one of our favourite things to do on a rainy day.
- Wands at the ready for the Harry Potter Studio Tour!
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Watford North hotel
- Mingle with stars past and present at Madame Tussauds.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – London Paddington (Paddington Basin) hotel
- Marvel at creatures of the deep at Deep Sea World, Fife.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Edinburgh (South Queensferry) hotel
- Passengers, all aboard! Destination: National Railway Museum.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – York City (Blossom St North) hotel
- Piece together an event that shook the world at Titanic Belfast.
Nearest Premier Inn hotel – Belfast Titanic Quarter hotel
Great locations for family breaks
Scotland
From legendary lochs and ancient castles to the breathtaking Highlands and historical cities showcasing the best of Scottish culture, family breaks in Scotland always spark great stories to tell.
Cornwall
Beautiful beaches, sumptuous seafood, relaxing rambles, quaint seaside villages. Check, check, check and check. Cornwall family breaks are pure therapy for the heart and mind.
Devon
Whether it’s the national parks, dreamy coastline or the scrumptious cream tea (famous the world over), family holidays in Devon are up there with the best of British destinations for kids.
Wales
Embrace a warm Welsh welcome in the land of myths and legends. Teeming with amazing wildlife and adventures around every valley, family breaks in Wales are filled with wonder.
Isle of Wight
From history buffs hunting down fossils to great adventurers tramping the cliff tops, family holidays to the Isle of Wight offer something for every kind of explorer. It might be small, but it’s rich in activities!
London
Holidays in London for families pack a punch, no matter the personality type on board. From walking tours to London Zoo, kids (and big kids alike) have all the fun they could wish for at their feet!
Free attractions for families
Some of the best things in life are free – it might be hard to believe, but that can include things to do on weekend breaks with kids. From museums to outdoorsy outings, fun doesn’t have to cost the Earth every time!
Family-friendly F&B offers
Did you know that up to two kids can eat for free with every paying adult that orders a Premier Inn Breakfast? Or that you can save up to 30% with our Meal Deal, that packages your evening dinner with breakfast the next morning? Refuel on us with food and drink discounts too good to miss!
Family rooms
Need space for two adults and up to two kids under 16? Our family rooms have it covered. Many of our family rooms offer a kingsize* Premier Inn Bed or a cosy double, plus a pull-out bed and a sofa bed for one. Travel cot? We can supply one at no extra charge.
FAQs about family breaks
What are the October half-term dates?
The October half-term holidays in 2025 run from Monday 27th October to Friday 31st October, so you can look forward to enjoying free UK activities, spending fun days out with the kids or just discovering somewhere new! Get some inn-spiration from our UK travel guides if you’re looking to top up on culture, or check out some of the best places to visit in autumn.
Where is the best place to visit this half-term in October 2025?
From the Big Tree Climbing event at Wimpole Estate near Cambridge to Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights near Windsor, you’ll find plenty of autumn events in the UK to visit in the half-term holidays 2025. You don’t need to wait for an event to have fun with the kids though – enjoy family days out at world-famous museums like the British Museum, take the little ones to meet the animals at popular spots like Dublin Zoo, get out and explore the great outdoors at National Trust sites, and more!
What are the best ways to stay with us on October half-term breaks?
Great news for families – thanks to our super-comfy beds, free Wi-Fi and family-friendly rooms, our Premier Inn hotels are perfect for family breaks this October half-term. Did we mention our on-site restaurants? Not only can you look forward to delicious and nutritious meals for all ages, but best of all, when an adult orders a Premier Inn Breakfast or Meal Deal, up to two kids eat breakfast for free!
* A small number of rooms have twin, double or single beds.