Half-term hot spots

Get together with the family and make the most of a fun day out this half term

Alton Towers, Staffordshire

Hit a theme park this holiday and enjoy all that Alton Towers has to offer, including The Curse. This brand-new, haunting ride takes you on a hair-raising journey through spectacular twists and turns of the cursed manor. Next up, try some of the iconic thrill rides such as Oblivion, Rita and The Wicker Man, or enjoy the family-friendly Conga River Rapids and the Runaway Mine train, before slowing it down with a journey on Gangsta Granny: The Ride. For the little ones a visit to CBeebies land with its colourful characters and fun adventures is a must. Make a weekend of your visit and stay over at one of the on-site hotels with their themed rooms, great dining, and early park access.

Dino adventure, Norfolk

There’s big. There’s bigger. And then there’s ginormous-saurus. Kids – and adults – will love a trip to Roarr!, the dinosaur-themed adventure park this half-term. Situated in Norfolk, it’s the only place to go for authentic prehistoric action, hot from the Jurassic era. Plunge into Dippy’s Splash Zone, grapple the Predator High Ropes, and explore Valley of the Dinosaurs –  which is home to eleven huge dinos! At Dino Dig, see what fossil relics you can uncover, or head to the Secret Animal Garden. For outdoor excitement or indoor play, this is the perfect immersive, fun-packed day out for the whole family.

Chocolate heaven, Bournville

Chocolate lovers will love a trip to the home of Cadbury’s. At this real life chocolate factory there’s plenty to discover through a self-guided tour of Cadbury World’s chocolatey zones. Families can catch the talented chocolatiers in action and take a delicious taster for themselves in the Chocolate Making area, before heading to the Have a Go zone to practice their piping skills. Visit the 4D cinematic Chocolate Adventure zone to experience riding on the Crunchie Rollercoaster before coming face to face with everybody’s favourite drumming gorilla in Advertising Avenue. This half term there’s the new Freddo magic show which will take to the stage from May 6 until September, but before you leave don’t forget to stock up at the gift shop!

Life-sized Monopoly, London

If a family game of Monopoly turns your home into chaos, then why not give the life-sized version a go! This immersive game has a choice of four different challenge boards: Classic, Luxury, City and new Classic: Own It All. Your tour around Monopoly London lasts around 80 minutes where you will complete challenges, build houses, charge rent and escape jail, all with the legendary tokens as your real-life guides. And yes – there’s even a meeting with Mr Monopoly himself. After you’ve completed your game, enjoy drinks and food in the Top Hat Bar & Restaurant. We’d recommend The Cash Cow Burger followed by the Monopoly’s Millionaire Cheesecake – delish!

Walk on the wild side, Doncaster

Stroll around the fabulous Yorkshire Wildlife Park and come face to face with all manner of exotic beasts. With over 450 animals including lions, polar bears, tigers, giraffes, meerkats and zebras, there’s something for everyone. During the day animal rangers hold talks on some of the most endangered animals, along with feeding time with the carnivores, before watching Whose Poo!, an interactive live show that the kids will love! There’s opportunity to become a ranger for the day and get up close and personal with monkeys, lions and more, before enjoying a picnic and playtime in one of the many fun play areas. After a busy day, make the most of your visit and stay at the on-site Hex Hotel from as little as £50 per person per night.