Author: Horizon Cottages - January 18, 2022
Last updated: November 7, 2023
Christmas is a distant memory. You have survived January, just, and the February half-term is almost here.
Yes, the days and nights will still be cold, there may even be snow on the ground, but the February half term is a great time to get away with the family, especially if you want to avoid the Summer crowds at Britain's popular holiday hot-spots.
Put on an extra layer. Wrap up warm. Grab your hat, scarf and gloves and venture out into the great outdoors. Enjoy the best of the Britain's coast, beautiful countryside, charming towns and villages, or bustling cities.
Here are some ideas for places to stay and things to do during the February half-term break.
Who doesn't enjoy heading to the coast, walking along a sandy beach and witnessing the raw power of the sea?
Summer on Britain's beaches can get very crowded as families seek some sun, sea and sand - but you could well be the only people for miles if you head to the beach during February - except for, perhaps, the odd dog-walker and jogger keeping up their resolution to get fit this year - oh, and the local wildlife.
Encourage the kids to get outside to explore their surroundings during February half-term, rather than staying inside on their phones all day. Let them run off some of their boundless energy getting out and about to explore the countryside, a forest, woodland or national walking trail.
You'll be rewarded with stunning vistas, bucolic countryside, spooky woods and you might even spot some wildlife making the most of the lack of human traffic in the colder months!
Suffolk has some wonderful forests and wooded areas to explore including Rendlesham Forest, Tunstall Forest and Dunwich Forest. The often sandy forest floor is great for walking on compared with heavy mud which is common at this time of year.
The Jurassic Coast is known for its rich history and plenty of fossils that have been found in the prehistoric sea beds and scattered along the beaches. It begins in Exmouth, East Devon, and runs across 95 miles of coastline, ending at Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage in Dorset.
The cliffs are made up of limestone from millions of years ago when they were once under water. As they are slowly being eroded by the sea they offer up gifts of fossils never before seem by humans.
And if you're planning a holiday in Dorset, you can read our blog 5 towns to visit in Dorset
If you have a family National Trust membership, make use of it by visitng one of the more than 500 National Trust sites across the country. And if you're not yet a National Trust member, now could be a great time to join the over 5 million people who enjoy membership!
From stunning castles, houses and estates to beautiful countryside, National Trust membership opens the door to some wonderful places. You can even cross a causeway to an island in Cornwall or explore a lighthouse.
Many National Trust venues host special February half-term events. These will vary from year to year but expect things such as building your own birdbox at Souter Lighthouse, planting a seasonal bulb in the Kitchen Garden at Kingston Lacy, following the outdoor trail at Dyrham Park and a scavenger hunt at Prior Park.
After all the fun and excitement talking in the best of what Great Britain has to offer during February half-term, there's nothing better that cosying up in front of a wood burner with a cup of hot chocolate, maybe even a few marshmallows on top!
The colder months, including the time around February half-term, is a great time to seek out a holiday cottage with a wood burner or open fire, thaw out your frozen toes and warm up chilly fingers in front of a real fire.
We have some wonderful holiday cottages with a woodburner to choose from.
Or if relaxing in a hot tub is your thing, then choose one of the many holiday cottages with a hot tub. Enjoy some time relaxing with a glass of bubbly whilst the children amuse themselves inside watching TV, catching up with the friends on social media or, perish the thought, playing a boardgame or reading a book!!
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