Janis P.
It’s hard to believe that another half term is just around the corner; it feels like yesterday that we packed the little ones off to school to start another term in a brand new year. However, February half term beckons which can leave parents stuck for fun activities for the kids. Although it’s out of season, many theme parks around the UK open their gates exclusively for the February half term break, so we wanted to let you know where you can plan to go during yet another week off school…
Alton Towers
Alton Towers will be opening on Saturday 11th Feb- Sunday 19th Feb for the half term crowds. Alton Towers is a firm family favourite and appeals to kids of all ages. Note that only selected rides are open, including Air, Nemesis, Oblivion and Hex. It is best to check the Alton Towers website first to make sure your favourite rides are open before you book tickets. You can book online in advance to receive a 20% discount off ticket prices which could save you a fortune if going as a large group.
Drayton Manor
Drayton Manor is the perfect theme park to visit if you have a family spanning across a variety of ages; you have the theme park including several world class white knuckle rides, Thomas Land and a zoo and conservation area. The Staffordshire theme park is opening a little earlier than other parks this year, starting from 3rd-6th March, then almost continuously into the summer season. This means that you will have plenty of date options depending on which dates your children’s school closes for half term. Tickets are heavily discounted for February half term if you book online- you can get an adult ticket for £15.50 instead of £28.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Fancy a bit of seaside fun? Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be opening from 11th Feb-19th Feb so you can enjoy a spot of sea air while you enjoy some of the world’s most famous rides and attractions. The Pleasure Beach is also introducing a host of workshops and classes this February to add a new dimension to what they have to offer. These include a face painting festival, a dance workshop called Dance It, a soap opera workshop called Act It as well as a different activity/workshop for every day of the holiday. If you book your tickets to the Pleasure Beach online you can enjoy 50% off normal wrist band prices. If you can’t book online make sure you go armed with another Blackpool Pleasure Beach voucher.
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is open throughout the year anyway, but should get a mention for being a fantastic day out for the whole family. During half term the zoo is open for an extra half an hour per day so you can take your time exploring and viewing the 4000 plus animals that live there. The zoo will open at 10:00am and stay open until 4:30pm. On Wednesday 15th February Chester Zoo are hosting a “Photosafari”, led by Ron Pickering, a biologist and photographer. He will give plenty of hints and tips on how best to capture your zoo visit on camera. This is the perfect activity to any budding photographer and a wonderful way to cherish your memories. Make sure you book yourself in early as there are limited places available.
Longleat Safari Park
Longleat Safari Park is one of the UK’s most popular wildlife attractions, and is set to become even more popular with their new arrivals for 2012. One of the major new attractions is the Gorilla Colony, featuring a group of new gorillas who will join Nico, their resident silver back gorilla to create a fantastic sight for primate fans. You will also be able to hand feed giraffes at the Watering Hole this year; don’t worry, you won’t have to use a ladder! Longleat have designed a special way for you to come face to face with the tallest animals on the planet. Longleat’s new season starts on 11th Feb, just in time for half term. Make sure you keep an eye on this page to see if you can grab a Longleat Safari Park voucher to make your trip that bit cheaper.
