October half term is creeping up, and if you’re starting to think about how to keep the kids entertained, you’ll probably also be thinking about how much it’s all going to cost.
As it goes with booking anything for families, the prices can soar very, very quickly. Once you've added travel, entry tickets, food and everything else, even a fairly simple day out can become an expensive one.
So, we've had a look at some kid-friendly days out you can get to by train this October half term, along with a few ways to keep the cost down.
Why Travel by Train During Half Term?
Travelling with family can be stressful enough without traffic jams, especially when everyone seems to be trying to get away at the same time, parking charges and trying to work out where you’re going.
On the train, you can sit down, get the snacks out and let someone else do the driving. You also don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to park when you arrive.
Depending on your journey, you may also be able to save with a Railcard and split tickets.
York: History, Chocolate and Family Attractions
York is a good one for families.
You can walk the old city walls, learn about York’s Viking history, visit the National Railway Museum or just wander around the city. And there’s chocolate, which is always a bonus.
A few places to look at:
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Jorvik Viking Centre
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National Railway Museum
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York Minster
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River cruises and city walks
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Chocolate-themed attractions and tours
Why it's great by train
York station is within walking distance of many of the main attractions, so you don’t really need a car once you’re there.
Image credit: Robin Canfield | Unsplash
Llandudno: A Classic Seaside Escape
I know it’s October, but the seaside isn’t just for summer.
Llandudno has the promenade, pier and Great Orme. Maybe don’t pack the swimming costume, but if you fancy some sea air and a walk along the front, it’s worth considering.
A few things to do:
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Great Orme Tramway
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Llandudno Pier
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Beach Walks
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Nearby Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park
Why it's great by train
Llandudno railway station is pretty central, so you can walk to the town centre and seafront.
Image credit: Martina Jorden | Unsplash
Edinburgh: A City Full of Adventure
Then there’s Edinburgh.
You’ve got Edinburgh Castle, museums, Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat. There’s quite a lot to do, so I’d probably make a weekend of this one.
A few places to look at:
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Edinburgh Castle
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Camera Obscura Museum
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National Museum of Scotland
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Dynamic Earth
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Holyrood Park and Arthurs Seat
Why it's great by train
Edinburgh station is right in the city centre, so once you’re off the train you can get going.
Image credit: Jörg Angeli | Unsplash
A Few More Places Worth Considering
Chester
Roman Walls, family attractions, and one of the UK’s most walkable historic centres
Scarborough
Traditional seaside fun, sandy beaches and family attractions throughout the town
Bath
Historic Streets, fascinating museums, and plenty of opportunities to explore on foot.
Inverness
An excellent base for discovering the Scottish Highlands and enjoying autumn scenery.
Don't Forget Railcards
If you’re travelling as a family, check whether a Railcard could save you some money.
The Family & Friends Railcard offers:
Up to one-third off adult fares
60% off child fares on eligible journeys
Have a look at the journeys you’re planning with and without the Railcard added and see what you could save.
Image credit: Neil Fedorowycz | Unsplash
Railcards and Split Tickets
Can you use the two together? In many cases, yes.
If you’re eligible for a Railcard and there are split ticket savings on your journey, the Railcard discount can be applied to eligible tickets.
Split ticketing means using multiple tickets for different parts of the journey rather than one through ticket. It doesn’t necessarily mean changing trains either. You can often stay on the same train.
A little planning before you travel can leave more money for the fun parts of the trip.
Tips for a Smoother Half Term Journey
Book ahead if you can
Half term is a popular time to travel, so it’s worth looking at your tickets before the last minute.
Keep your tickets handy
If you’re using e-tickets and a digital Railcard, have them ready on your phone. And don’t forget to charge it.
Bring something for the kids
Books, games, tablets, snacks. Whatever keeps them busy.
Check opening times
Check the attractions you’re planning to visit before you go. Opening times can change and there may be different events running over half term.
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android - search for TrainSplit in your app store.
Leave room for flexibility
The next family memories often come from unplanned discovers along the way.
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android - search for TrainSplit in your app store.
Get the app
Our Take
If you want to get away during October half term, you don’t have to go far.
We’ve picked a few places here, but there are obviously loads more. It depends on what you want to do, how far you fancy travelling and, probably quite importantly, what the kids will actually enjoy.
Have a look at the fares, check whether your Railcard saves you anything and go from there.
Need Help Planning Your Journey?
Whether you're looking for the best fares, split ticket options or advance on planning your route, our team is here to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are good places to visit during October half term by train?
Popular family-friendly destinations include York, Llandudno, Edinburgh, Chester, Scarborough, and Bath. All are easy to reach by rail and offer attractions suitable for a range of ages.
Can travelling by train be cheaper than driving for a family trip?
It can be, particularly when using a Family & Friends Railcard, booking in advance, or taking advantage of split ticketing where available.
What is the Family & Friends Railcard?
The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to one-third off adult fares and 60% off child fares on eligible journeys, helping families save money on rail travel.
Can I use a Railcard with split tickets?
In many cases, yes. Railcard discounts can often be applied to eligible split tickets, potentially reducing the overall cost of travel even further.
When should I book train tickets for October half term?
Booking as early as possible can provide more ticket options and may help you secure lower fares during this popular travel period.