8 unexpected things to see this Half Term
Get off the beaten track this Half Term – take the London North Eastern Railway to one of these unexpected destinations.
1. TreeZone Aviemore
Need to keep the kids active this Half Term? Why not try something a bit different – located only a short distance from Aviemore station, TreeZone gets the kids monkeying around like never before.
Based in the beautiful Cairngorms National Park, your little ones will have the chance to flaunt their climbing and adventuring skills as they navigate through a treetop obstacle course. And if they aren’t too tired afterwards, they can enjoy guided canoeing, archery and even Segway tours, too.
Find out more on the TreeZone website.
2. Dundee Discovery Point
A short walk from Dundee station lives the RRS Discovery, the wooden steamship that carried Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton on their Discovery Expedition to the Antarctic in 1901.
How better to discover the history of this pioneering ship than by stepping aboard and exploring it for yourself? Take a stroll through the quarters to see how the brave crew lived for many years aboard the vessel, or head through the Discovery Point museum.
Visit the RRS Discovery to learn more.
3. Wonder World Centre at Kirkcaldy
Rainy days don’t necessarily mean you have to put adventure on hold. Kirkcaldy’s Wonder World Centre, inspired by the wonders of the world, is specially designed to provide children of all ages hours of fun and exploration.
Under-12s can get their imagination in gear and immerse themselves in the “Moon Crater”, scale climbing frames and whizz down endless slides. Want to get the whole family involved? Strap into your Go-karts for a family race, or book a slot on the football pitch and show off some moves. Book your indoor adventure to Kirkaldy now.
4. Camera Obscura, Edinburgh
Looking for something a little bit different to pass an afternoon in the Scottish capital? Then head to the Camera Obscura & World of Illusions Museum, just a 10-minute walk from Waverley Station.
Five floors with over 100 illusions, a mindboggling maze and technological trickery around every corner mean hours of entertainment. Get ready to shrink yourself to Borrower-size, get lost in the Mirror Maze and even tour the whole city by standing in one special spot…
5. Mr. Mulligan’s, Newcastle
You may have heard of Mr Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, but what about Mr. Mulligan’s SpaceGolf? Situated only a stone’s throw from Newcastle Station, this adventure golf course is out of this world.
With a plethora of highly stylised space-based mini-golf courses, complete with alien waiters keeping you stocked up with drinks and snacks, Mr Mulligan’s promises to delight and surprise adults and kids alike. For a guaranteed Half Term highlight, book a visit to Newcastle.
6. The Clink Museum, London
If you’ve ever spent time in London, you’ll know there are endless activities to keep kids – and parents – entertained. But if you’re looking for a London museum with a difference, why not take a tour round the Clink Prison Museum… if you dare?
Dating back to 1144, the Clink is one of England’s oldest and most notorious jails. A tour around the creepy corridors will give you the chance to see – and smell – its ancient cells and torture devices. It’s guaranteed to give visitors an educational and eerie experience.
7. Sleep at The Deep, Hull
Hull’s marine conservation centre, The Deep, has plenty of options for a memorable and educational day out. But why stop the fun at nightfall? If you have a big troupe of kids to entertain, try booking a sleepover right beside the shark tanks. “Sleeping with the fishes” has never been so much fun…
Sleepovers are only available for groups or parties, but there are various other fun-filled activities and experience days on offer for children between 8 and 11.
8. The Dome, Doncaster
A short bus ride from Doncaster Station Court you’ll find The Dome – the indoor leisure centre that promises excitement and relaxation in equal measure, depending what you need most!
Experience The Lagoons, a seven-pool indoor waterpark, which is home to water cannons, whirlpools and numerous flumes and slides to keep the daredevils among you busy. Or if you’d prefer to stay dry, take to the ice and show off your skating skills at the Ice Caps two-tier rink instead.