Top 5 Places To Visit In The UK This October Half Term

October half term is not far away and it’s always good to get away for a long weekend or the full week. If you are on a budget, don’t worry you can have a great time without leaving the UK. Here are my top 5 best UK locations for an October half term holiday.

1. new Forest

The New Forest national park is home to untouched rivers and vast woodlands that are waiting to be explored. It is a great place to visit if you want to get outdoors and see the colours of Autumn in abundance. Watch out for the 3,000 New Forest ponies can be found roaming throughout the forest and the surrounding areas. There is also plenty to do for the kids with Paultons Park, home to the UK’s only Peppa pig world. The 140 acres of woodland is home to big rides, small rides and an amazing collection of birds and animals. If you fancy staying inside, visit the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu where you will find over 250 vehicles including Formula 1 cars and World Land Speed Record Breakers. At the Motor Museum you can also visit the World of Top Gear and see the iconic cars as seen on TV in the same condition they were left in.

2. lake District

This list wouldn’t be complete without including the Lake District. This breathtaking location is great all year round, but what better time to see it then in the most colourful season of the year. Get wrapped up and get outside, Autumn is a great time to hike up one of the many mountains and be rewarded with the view that waits at the top. Some of the most notable attractions in the Lake District include the World of Beatrix, Ullswater Steamers and the Lake District Wildlife Park. With a wide range of cosy lodges and cottages to stay in, what are you waiting for?

3. the Cotswolds

Arguably one of the best places to see Autumn in its full glory. At Westonbirt Arboretum there is over 15,000 tree specimens spread across 600 acres of land, boasting every shade of red, brown and gold you can imagaine. The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s not hard to see why. With sweeping meadows and honey coloured houses, the Cotswolds looks like something from a fairy tale. While you are there you can explore many idyllic villages that are all unique from one another. The kids will love the Cotswolds Wildlife park which is inhabited by over 260 different species of animals. Why not take a trip back in time? The area is rich in history and there is a countless amount of historical structures and museums you can spend hours at.

4. orkney

orkney-islands
If you want to go off the beaten track, Orkney is the place for you, that’s if you don’t mind a short ferry journey. Located North-East of Scotland, Orkney is an archipelago with 70 islands of which 20 are inhabited. The islands have been occupied by humans for at least 8,500 years so the islands are filled with lots of history. In fact, the islands are so rich in history that the Heart of Neolithic Orkney is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Orkney islands is also home to one of the tallest sea stacks in the UK, standing at 449ft high! Throughout September and October, you can go up to the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory and watch seasonal migration of both land and seabirds.

5. salisbury

This medieval city is in the south of the county Wiltshire, best known for its impressive cathedral which has had the tallest church spire in the UK since 1549. The city itself is well known for been friendly and welcoming, with many markets to shop in. Even better still, the famous Stonehenge is only 8 miles away from the town, making Salisbury a great place to stay. Again, like many other places on this list, Salisbury is packed with history including ruins from the Norman times and an 18th century house. There are also several Ghost Walks you can take around the city to get you in the mood for Halloween.

If you plan on visiting any of these locations, make sure your car is big enough to carry your luggage and passengers. We offer car hire across the UK with a range of vehicle sizes, all the way up to 7 seaters. If you are interested in booking a car for October half term or any other time, please get in touch with us. You can contact us via call on 0113 88 00 748, email at [email protected] or by using the live chat function.

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.