What happened to the summer holidays? They seemed to flash by so quickly that if you’re anything like us, you’re feeling a tiny bit cheated!
Luckily, there’s some more holiday-time on the horizon. And here’s the good news: we’ve got a fabulous selection of family-friendly retreats all ready and waiting to help you make the most of it.
Each of these retreats has current availability for the October half-term holidays*. You’ll also find each one boasts such a wonderful sense of unusualness, that you’ll have no problem recalling every moment of that precious holiday time.
Our tip? Nab your favourite quickly, because it won’t be free for long!
*Please note, October half term dates differ between regions, but cover the last three weeks of the month in Oct 2025
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: Kids room at The Witches Mill, Isle of Man
Broxted, Essex, England
Indulge your wanderlust with an off-grid, self-drive adventure aboard your very own Land Rover Defender, complete with rooftop tent set-up, a cosy lounge, and all the equipment you could want!
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 roof tents
Sleeps: 2-7 guests
Current availability for October half term!
Drimnin, The Highlands, Scotland
An exquisite, architect designed ‘oak house' for soothing family getaways, secluded in nature and boasting glorious views of the Sound of Mull.
Availability in Tigh Darach from 16th October to 27th October
Rothiemay, The Highlands, Scotland
A sumptuous collection of Scottish Highland hot tub retreats for couples and families on a sweeping, heritage-rich estate surrounded by 900 acres of peaceful nature in the Deveron Valley.
We have fantastic availability this October at Mayen, with two beautiful family friendly holiday cottages (Bailies and Butlers Cottages) plus MidPark, our romantic A-Frame Cabin available this October. Each cottage has its own hot tub, garden, pizza oven and miles of stunning woodland, countryside and riverside walks, and we are close to Scotland’s historic castle country, the majestic Moray Coast and many brilliant family days out.
Castletown, Isle of Man
Immerse your souls in magic and mystery with a family-friendly stay in the Isle of Man’s oldest windmill, a major hub for witchcraft in times past and a short walk away from the medieval Castle Rushen.
The Witches Mill makes a perfect quirky family retreat for the October half term and Halloween! The Isle of Man has its own version of Halloween called Hop tu Naa - a very important festival with a lot of celebrations that families with children will enjoy.
Near Bridport, Dorset, England
A stylish bolthole on a welcoming Dorset farm, perfect for an eco-friendly, all-weather rural escape from everyday life.
The Cider House is a popular family retreat with good availability for October half term. Children especially enjoy the mezzanine space and our proximity to the Jurassic Coast beaches with fossil hunting adventures.
Lydbury North, Shropshire, England
Imaginative accommodation, set amongst 30 acres of picture-perfect grounds in the Shropshire Hills.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
We have excellent half term availability, with 4-night Monday to Friday stays starting from just £275.
Portlaoise, County Laois, Ireland
A private, magical haven with joyfully quirky retreats and idyllic wildflower meadows, peacefully secluded in Ireland’s ‘Ancient East’ close to bustling Dublin.
Current availability for midweek dates.
Southwold, Suffolk, England
Lovingly custom-created havens, rich in holiday luxuries and peacefully secluded on a private estate just minutes away from the beach.
Bedrooms: 1, 2 or 4
Sleeps:
For October half term – family friendly and fantastic seaside location * The Listening Station (sleeps 4) available 25 Oct – 1 November * The Warren House (sleeps 8) available 25 October – 1 November
Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Simplicity, adventure, and beautiful outdoor living - that's what you'll find at fforest farm.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
Availability and lots of fun for October Half Term including •Breakfast daily*•Guided walk•Pumpkin carving •Movie Night •Kids Disco - find out more at https://www.coldatnight.co.uk/october-halfterm
Aberdovey, Gwynedd, Wales
A welcoming, eco-friendly glamping site with eclectic accommodation, peacefully secluded amongst private woodland in Snowdonia National Park.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-12
We have availability in all our accommodation for 3 nights or more for the October half term
Cullompton, Devon, England
A retro, TV-featured showman's living van, vibrantly restored with authentic 1970s style, and secluded on peaceful a Devon farm that's surrounded by wildflower meadows.
The Big Hoot Caravan is a retro 70s family-friendly caravan, with a private play barn for kids of all ages. We have availability for the October Half Term break.
Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Indulgent rural luxury on a blissfully remote, dog and horse-friendly family farm nestled in sublime Aberdeenshire countryside, with private hot tubs for stargazing and a wealth of natural wonder to discover.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per lodge
Sleeps: 6
Half term availability
Dittisham, Devon, England
An exquisite collection of luxury treehouses, a gleaming American airstream, and artisan shepherd's lodges, all with al fresco hot tubs and beautifully nestled in the scenic heart of Devonshire countryside.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 1-5
We still have good availability for Dittisham Hideaway and are family friendly!
Helston, Cornwall, England
Distinctive, lovingly hand-crafted retreats for couples and families, with sumptuous delights including log fires and al fresco bathing, gloriously secluded in a picture-perfect Cornish waterside village.
Bedrooms: 1-2
Sleeps: 2-5
we have availability in Daskor our treehouse that sleeps 5... Escape to the treetops this October half term at Daskor Treehouse. Wake up to golden autumn views, explore Cornish beaches and woodlands, then cosy up with hot chocolate and board games. A magical family break, wrapped in style and comfort.
St Osyth, Essex, England
A petite and pretty glamping site featuring Megapods, a CargoPod, Armadillas and two farm cottages with glorious countryside and estuary views.
Bedrooms: varies
Sleeps: varies
Good availability for the October half term.
Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland
An award-winning selection of five-star retreats with hot tubs, enticingly set amongst acres of scenic, wildlife-steeped farmland in the big-sky Scottish Borders.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-10 per unit
Good availability for the October half term
Ventnor, Isle of Wight, Isle Of Wight, England
A delightfully quirky ‘tin tabernacle' on the Isle of Wight, a divine setting for a bracing island escape you'll soon be saying your prayers to return to!
12-16 Oct and 20-23 Oct inclusive are all available to book.
Shotley, Suffolk, England
Open-plan, contemporary luxury by expert architect design, set on the stunning Shotley Peninsula...spectacular views are guaranteed both inside and out.
10 - 26 Oct inclusive open for bookings during the half term period
Upper Tysoe, Warwickshire, England
Your family home-from-home amongst nature, filled with luxurious delights and nestled on the edge of the Cotswolds.
Chicken Shed Lodge is fully available for most of October, with available dates from 1st to 26th inclusive
Ballintra, County Donegal, Ireland
Luscious, off-grid lakeside retreats and a strawbale lodge, mesmerisingly secluded amongst 90 acres of diverse, wild, and unspoilt landscapes on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 2-4 per unit
Skydome Yurt sleeping 2 adults and 2 children is available between 6-10 Oct, 12-16 and 19-24 October
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