It is barely weeks since the tinsel came down and yet February half-term is already looming, so we have rounded up the best family breaks.
Whether it’s staying in the new floating holiday pods on the Channel Island of Jersey, sliding down the world’s longest water slides in Turkey or visiting the new surf park in Virginia Beach, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy this half term.
‘Sleep on water’ in Jersey’s new sustainable floating pods
Visitors to St. Helier can now ‘sleep on water’ in two new floating holiday pods in Jersey Marina. These smart, sustainable and eco-friendly pods are 10m x 4.5m and have a bedroom, bathroom, living room/kitchen, and a deck overlooking the marina. Sleeps up to 4 from £175 a night. freedomholidays.com
50th anniversary of The Bahamas People-to-People Programme
Launched in 1975, The Bahamas People-to-People Programme has been connecting tourists with local hosts to share meals, traditions and insights into everyday Bahamian life. To celebrate 50 years, the islands have a host of special events and initiatives, including storytelling sessions and cultural showcases planned. bahamas.com
Pharrell’s multi-million-dollar surf park to open in Virginia Beach
A new surf park inspired by musician Pharrell Williams opens in Virginia Beach this spring. The £248m Atlantic Park will include a state-of-the-art Wavegarden surf lagoon and a multi-venue entertainment complex, securing Virginia Beach’s status as one of the premier surf scenes on the East Coast. virginiabeach.gov
Spend February half term in Fort Myers
White sands, wild manatee, winter estates, Fort Myers is the sun-soaked Gulf Coast gem you didn’t know you needed this half term. Away from the hustle of Florida’s better-known resorts, Fort Myers is a peaceful beach retreat with stacks of family appeal. Visit The Edison and Ford Winter Estates, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Manatee Park. With direct flights into Tampa from London Gatwick and Heathrow, it’s an easy two-hour drive to Fort Myers. visitfortmyers.com
Washington DC is the Land of the Free (attractions)
World-class museums, kid-friendly gardens and one-of-a-kind events, Washington DC is ultimate family trip. And best of all, many attractions are completely free, gratis, gratuit, complimentary. The National Mall is the main museum district and home to 17 Smithsonian museums, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of American History, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and the National Museum of Natural History, all of which are completely free. washington.org
London-based adventures
After dark tours of the Tower of London
Hold on to your head on this VIP after-hours tour of the Tower of London. Guided by a “Beefeater” Yeoman Warder, this is a rare chance to watch the historic Ceremony of the Keys, the formal locking of the Tower which has taken place every night for 700 years. See the Bloody Tower, walk through Traitors’ Gate and learn the grisly tales of those who lost their heads in Execution Square. From £154 for adults and £144 for children (2-14) cityexperiences.com
All aboard the Tootbus!
See the capital’s most famous sights from an open-top London bus. Designed to engage both grownups and nippers, this 45-minute London Kids Tour whizzes past the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Pall Mall, Piccadilly Circus, Downing Street and much more. Family tickets (2 adults/2 kids) from £66. tootbus.com
Messing about on the River with City Experiences
Explore London by river this half term with City Experiences, who are offering a 24-hour Family River Pass for just £48. With unlimited ‘hop-on, hop-off’ access, two adults and up to three children can whizz up and down the River Thames like James Bond, without breaking the bank. cityexperiences.com
Stay ‘Up West’ for less
A new ‘affordable luxury’ hotel in Leicester Square opens this February. Z Leicester Square at Garrick House on Charing Cross Road will be the 12th London property to open within the Z group. Positioned moments from the bright lights of Leicester Square and Theatre District, from February guests will be steps from some of the capital’s most popular landmarks. thezhotels.com
Fancy some last-minute winter sun?
Luxury villas fit for the whole family
CV Villas’ ever-growing portfolio of properties offers the perfect escape for the half-term holidays, helping families of every size make the most of some last-minute winter sun. Le Querce, an intimate and informal family villain Tuscany, offers four spacious rooms for up to eight guests and is well placed within easy reach of medieval towns, vineyards, riding trails and water sports. In Portugal, CV Villas boasts availability across a range of family properties, including Casa Vista and Calendula (Albufeira and Surrounds) and Casa Ruina (Boliqueime & Loule) – all of which are available to book at a 10% discounted rate (subject to availability). Prices for the above villas start from £360 per person (villa only, based on maximum occupancy of 8 guests over 7 nights). cvvillas.com
Malta Uncovered
Swap the February fog for Maltese sun this February half-term. One of the warmest places in Europe, Malta is jam-packed with family-friendly attractions. Explore the ancient streets of Valletta and Medina, visit the Popeye Village film set, and learn something new at the Esplora Science Centre. With direct flights from multiple UK airports, including a new route from Liverpool and London Luton, Malta is a must this half term visitmalta.com
Last-minute half term deals:
Family holiday at the Paradise Bay Hotel in Malta from £249 per person, including flights from Liverpool. 17-21 February loveholidays.com
Families can stay at the QAWRA Palace Resort & Spa from £229pp, including flights from London Luton. 17-21 February loveholidays.com
A Turkish Delight
For an action-packed adventure this half term, head to Turkey and visit the first and only kids concept hotel! Home to one of the world’s longest water slides, kids will love the Land of Legends’ Kingdom Hotel by RIXOS in Antalya. With its all-in concept, parents don’t need to worry about any extra costs. The all-inclusive package includes complimentary access to The Land of Legends theme park and WaterMania, spa access, and a day pass to RIXOS’ luxury beach hotel and spa. rixos.com
Last-minute half term deal
A week’s all-inclusive holiday departing on 16 February starts from £823 per person including flights from London Gatwick and transfers. tui.co.uk
For guaranteed sunshine, head to Dubai
Perched on the tip of The Palm, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites is Dubai’s only true all-inclusive hotel. Guests can lounge on a private beach, kick back in the spa, dine at one of 11 award-winning restaurants, all whilst the kids enjoy the Rixy Kids Club, live entertainment and aqua park slides all for no extra cost. rixos.com
Fancy a half term family holiday? Tui is offering seven nights from 14th February from £2,695 per person, based on four sharing (two adults, two children) a Premium Double Room with Sea View, including Emirates flights from London Gatwick and transfers. tui.co.uk
Furore Grand Hotel Reopens on The Amalfi Coast
Revealed: The best month to book a flight, join a gym or buy a car