Astonishing, isn’t it? It seems only a few weeks since the kids went back to school and already October half term is upon us! Fortunately, the coming of Autumn means that you have a whole new set of activities you can do with your children or grandchildren that are better in the October half term than the summer holidays. Here are a few of our favourites:

Go pumpkin picking

Pumpkin picking is a great alternative to the customary conker collecting which has long been a feature of British children’s October half terms. If you live in Warwickshire, Worcestershire or the West Midlands, there are lots of nearby farms offering pumpkin picking days for families. This is a fabulous way to get your kids into the Halloween spirit. Remember to take your wellies—you’re likely to get muddy!

Visit an arboretum

October and November are the best months to visit an arboretum—the trees have burst into an array of vibrant colours and look truly amazing at this time of year. Kids love playing in the woods and exploring trails, and toddlers and younger children will enjoy running through the fallen leaves and looking for all sorts of animals and insects.

Give glamping a go

For most of us, by October/November the weather is too cold and miserable for a normal camping holiday with the kids. When you also consider that it will be getting dark from about 5.30pm and children will need to be entertained for long hours without light under wet canvas, family camping in autumn half term seems best left to the brave (or mad!) few. Glamping is a terrific alternative. Superior lodges and tents have a range of luxuries—from modern kitchen facilities, hot tubs and heating. In autumn, glamping offers the outdoor feel of camping without the dampness, dirt, gloominess and general discomfort of pitching a tent in a wet and windy field.

Visit the Dorset coast

The South West coastal path has some of the finest cliff top walks in the world. These are best with a heaving sea and a fresh breeze, as well as the option for a cosy pub lunch at the end of it (excellent motivation for children who only have little legs!). From Lyme Regis in the west to Hengistbury Head in the east, Dorset has a large selection of wonderful coves and beaches. Over the half term, there’s lots for kids to do at the spooky Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck near Poole and if you’re willing to drive an hour or so north into Somerset, Wookey Hole has a vast cave network and its annual Halloween event.

If you have any questions around this topic, please feel free to get in touch with us directly on 01789 263888 or email hello@charterswealth.co.uk.