October half term holiday ideas

With Halloween approaching and the autumn leaf-falling in full swing, October half term is a great time to escape with the family, friends or a loved one. Breaking up the long stretch between the end of summer and the beginning of Christmas festivities, we’ve put together our top October half term holiday ideas – from exploring the beauty of Scotland to canal boat holidays across the British waterways.

Where to go in October half term

October holidays in Scotland

With the weather on the turn - not too chilly but also the heat of summer already a distant memory - exploring Scotland is the perfect choice, as it has ample things to do in every weather condition. Whether you choose to discover the sights Edinburgh has to offer, including the historical Edinburgh castle and Arthur’s Seat, or venturing to Glasgow to visit the wealth of art galleries and museums, the Scots’ cities know how to entertain and keep travellers occupied.

And what better way to explore the country than by the waterway? Reach both Glasgow and Edinburgh on a canal boat holiday from our Falkirk and return route – experiencing the majestic Campsie Fells rise from the valley en route, as well as superb scenery encapsulating the breath-taking nature of Scotland. Perfect for your October half term break, learn more about boating holidays in Scotland now.

Countryside retreat

Whether you’re looking for a staycation with your loved one, or something for the whole family to enjoy, hiring out a remote country cottage is a great way to enjoy the October half term. Watch the leaves fall and the trees turn bare from the comfort of a cosy country retreat – while being able to spend some quality time with loved ones. With the temps crisp but not yet too frosty, grab your walking boots and head out on some countryside hikes in a group. And, don’t forget to pack the board games for evenings in!

City break in Europe

October half term is also a great chance to explore to foreign plains in Europe – either hop on the Eurostar and zoom off to a local European city, such as Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam, or fly a bit further afield to explore a city less close to home. To experience some European cooler temps, Scandinavia is a great place to explore – and a great time to go before the weather turns too icy! Whether you want to discover Helsinki, Denmark or Reykjavik, a city break in Europe is the perfect plan when deciding what to do in October half term.

Canal boat holidays

Wanting to stay in the UK for your October half term break? A canal boat holiday exploring the British Waterways is the perfect choice. With multiple locations across England, Scotland and Wales, ABC Boat Hire offer canal boat holidays exploring popular waterways in the UK, spanning across a variety of main cities. From short routes to featured routes, discover the perfect route for you and your family, friends or a loved one. Also, pets are welcome, too!

Learn more about our canal boat holidays – get in touch with one of our experts now.