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October Half Term Outdoor Activities In Warwickshire

PLACES TO GO OUTSIDE WITH THE KIDS IN WARWICKSHIRE THIS AUTUMN

The half term holidays are just around the corner, and thanks to Covid-19, you may be wondering what on earth you’re going to do with the kids this year! Perhaps you’d normally go away for October half term or have the whole week planned out with friends and family. The long and short of it is that half term is going to be different this year.

However, that doesn’t mean the kids have to be stuck indoors on the iPads for the whole time! We’ve asked family blogger, Rhian from Warwickshire Kids to pull together some ideas of how to keep the kids busy in the beautiful Warwickshire outdoors during half term. So here’s her top picks for Autumn 2020…

1. Country Parks & Outdoor Trails

Living in Warwickshire, we are blessed to have so many great country parks on our doorstep. These are an absolute favourite for families of all shapes, sizes and ages. Typically, country parks offer fun activity trails during holidays to help the kids explore the great outdoors. There’s usually a play park and cafe at the end of it too, so it’s always a winner for a cheap family day out.

Draycote Water is running a Halloween Trail to explore the reservoir, with little prize at the end. You don’t need to book, although parking may be limited if you arrive at a busy time. Also keep your eye on Coombe Abbey Country Park and Ryton Pools for their latest events

Draycote Water Halloween Trail 

17th October to 1st November | 10:30am to 3pm

“Webby the Witch has dropped her pumpkins at Draycote Water and she needs your help to save Halloween and find them! Halloween doesn’t need to be cancelled this year! Join us for a spooky Halloween trail this October Half term, from the 17th October to 1st November, 10:30am to 3pm. Fancy dress is not mandatory but it highly encouraged. No booking required, just come to site and buy your trail map for £3 each from the shop at the visitor centre. Each completed trail sheet will give one spooky, crafty prize.”

RYTON POOLS COUNTRY PARK AUTUMN TRAIL

24 October to 1 November

The Ryton Pools Country park halloween trail is free this year and can be accessed during site opening hours. Print your trail off before you arrive ( If you don’t have access to a printer – A limited number of pre printed trails will be available from wall dispensers with hand sanitizers situated next to them near the Visitor Centres)

Unfortunately there are no individual prizes this year, but if you send in a picture of your completed spell to parks@warwickshire.gov.uk then you will be entered into a prize draw to win a prize.

2. Nature Reserves & Walks

If you’re still feeling nervous about organised events but want to get the kids out of the house, again, Warwickshire has a tonne of walks and nature reserves to explore. Pop on the wellies and waterproofs, and set off on an adventure.

The Warwickshire Kids blog has lots of ideas of family walks in Warwickshire that you could work your way through. And rewarding yourself with a hot chocolate is an absolute must too! Why not try exploring these links?

3. Pick Your Own Pumpkins

Luckily, October half term falls in line with Halloween, and although it won’t quite be the same, one thing that is certain is that seasonal produce is in abundance. Pumpkins and interestingly shaped squashes are everywhere! Take the kids to pick their own, carve a spooky face, and make a hearty soup (or sweet pie) from the flesh. Most PYO pumpkin venues are operating a booking only system this year so make sure you check ahead before you turn up. Some of our favourite local PYO pumpkin patches include….

Malt Kiln Farm

Friendly relaxed shopping experience. Features a butchers counter, coffee shop, pick your own and plant centre. Lots of delicious locally produced and sourced fresh food.

Pumpkins R Us

Providing pumpkins and squashes to the general public, large wholesalers and organisations, Hotels, Shops and BBC

Lower Clopton Farm

A family run business situated on the border of The Cotswolds, nestled at the base of Meon Hill. Look out for the clock tower when you visit.

Poplars Farm

Poplars Farm and Shop is a family run farm in the Warwickshire countryside, 2.5 miles from Nuneaton Town centre.

4. Animal Lovers

If there’s one thing that’s always a good combination, it’s animals and kids! The great news is that a lot of farms and animal attractions are outside, which gives social distancing a head start. From petting small animals for an hour to spotting larger animals and enjoying tractor rides, there are some great options nearby.

HATTON COUNTRY WORLD

Hatton Adventure World are running a whole programme of Pumpkin Spooktacular events. You’re advised to book these ahead though as they can be popular. Pick your own free pumpkin, brave the Haunted House and create a spooktacular carving, dress up in your scary fancy dress outfit and join in with a FULL programme of spooky activities.

ROUNDSHILL FARM

For a quieter affair entirely, we recently visited Roundshill Farm for their meet and greet session, where you can book an hour slot to feed and pet the animals for £10 per bubble.

STRATFORD BUTTERFLY FARM

Or of course, there’s always Stratford Butterfly Farm, showing off an assortment of creepy crawly creatures. You’ll need to book online for this one too though.

And finally… If the weather takes a turn for the worst and you can’t face a squelchy walk, some soft plays, play villages, and other indoor attractions are open. Just book in advance as tickets are limited at the moment. Or, you can also always create your own Covid-19 safe Halloween activities at home.

Find more ideas of places to take the kids or days out in Warwickshire visit the Warwickshire Kids blog. You can also follow Warwickshire Kids on FacebookInstagram & Twitter.

Written by Rhian Harris (Warwickshire Kids) for The Warwickshire Review