Autumn’s here and families across the UK are already planning their October half-term getaways. As the days get shorter and it gets colder, it’s easy to stay indoors. But why not make the most of this break and get off the beaten track?
Toyota has rounded up the best, hidden gems for family days out, all within driving distance. Whether you’re looking for outdoor thrills or indoor cosiness, there’s something for everyone. And with the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, the journey’s as fun as the destination.
With the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports is the perfect car for autumn family adventures. This roomy, fuel-sipping estate has nearly 600 litres of boot space to stash bikes and buggies, wellies and picnic baskets. For longer journeys the kids can listen to audio books or their favourite tunes with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Parents can drive stress-free knowing the car has Toyota Safety Sense and cloud-based navigation to help you avoid traffic and get to your destination.
Here are some secret family-friendly spots across the UK for your half-term break.
Northwest England
BeWILDerwood, Cheshire
Location: M6 – 18 miles from Junction 16
BeWILDerwood is an adventure forest for families with young children. Tree mazes and zip lines, activities for toddlers and something for everyone to enjoy. In October and selected dates in November they’re hosting their annual Glowing Lantern Parade – a magical woodland light show for the darker evenings. Accessibility is key here with rugged wheelchairs available to hire.
- Tickets: Up to £22.50, children under 92cm go free.
- Parking: Free, including disabled and EV charging.
Waterworld, Stoke-on-Trent
Location: M6 – 8 miles from Junction 16
Indoor fun? Waterworld has toddler slides and adrenaline-fuelled rides like Thunderbolt and Cyclone. Designed with accessibility in mind, with ramps and wheelchair accessible changing areas.
- Tickets: Adults £24, children under 1.1m £20, babies £7
- Parking: Paid parking nearby.
Northeast England
Danby Lodge, York
Location: A1 – 40 miles from Junction 49
Address: Danby Lodge National Park Centre, Lodge Ln, Danby, Whitby YO21 2NB, United Kingdom
Hidden away near York, Danby Lodge has natural beauty and fun. Kids can get muddy in the woodland kitchen or let loose in the outdoor play area, bookworms can browse the shop for their next favourite book. During half-term Danby Lodge becomes a twilight wonderland for Park in the Dark, where you can explore the grounds after dark.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair routes available, plus off-road electric and manual wheelchairs.
- Parking: Paid, conveniently located near the entrance.
Secret spots in the Midlands
Wroxham Barns, Norwich
Location: A140 – 10 miles from A47 junction
At Wroxham Barns you have petting zoos, indoor play areas and family rides. There’s even mini golf if you want to have a bit of fun competition. Almost the whole site is accessible and wheelchairs are available to borrow if needed.
- Tickets: £9, under 2’s free
- Parking: Free, disabled spaces available
Natural escapes in South East
Location: M25 – 4 miles from Junction 9
Nower Wood is a nature lover’s paradise, especially for bird watchers. With fully wheelchair accessible paths and parking, this nature reserve has several family friendly events during half term including an autumn photography session and the Wild Explorers Holiday Club for kids.
- Parking: £10 for members, £11 for non-members. Booking in advance required.
Aldenham Country Park, Hertfordshire
Location: M25 – 9 miles from Junction 19
Just outside of London, Aldenham Country Park has nature trails, zip lines and more. This October they have Spook-Fest with pumpkin carving, spider mazes and tractor rides. For visitors with special needs there is a dedicated SEND pavilion and the adventure playground is reserved for them during certain hours.
- Tickets: £16.45 per person, SEND visitors half price.
- Parking: £4.50 per day
Scenic adventures in South West England
Watermouth Castle, Ilfracombe
Location: M5 – 17 miles from Junction 27
Step back in time at Watermouth Castle, a 1825 built estate with gardens, a village and classic fairground rides. This October they have a Halloween Scare with mazes and a carnival of clowns. Some attractions are 12+ only.
- Tickets: £18, wheelchair users free.
- Parking: Free on-site
Avon Valley, Bath
Location: M32 – 10 miles from Junction 13
If you love adventure parks then Avon Valley is a must visit. They have a dinosaur valley, sand and water play areas. This October families can visit the Pumpkin Patch and for those who want something scarier the FEAR Scream Park has rides and haunted experiences.
- Tickets: £14.95 on the day for over 2’s, discounted advance tickets.
- Parking: Free, disabled access throughout
Educational and fun in Scotland
Glasgow Science Centre
Location: M8 – 2 miles from Junction 20
For families with curious minds Glasgow Science Centre has interactive exhibitions on space and physics. They have a collection of optical illusions to challenge kids and adults. Accessibility is well thought out with autism friendly hours and an app to inform staff of specific needs.
- Tickets: £14.75 adults, £11.50 over 3’s
- Parking: £3 per day on-site
Northern Ireland fun
High Rise, Lisburn
Location: M1 – 3 miles from Junction 6
Indoor fun at High Rise with climbing walls and soft play for all ages. They have a sensory room for babies and regular autism-friendly sessions that have won an Autism Impact Award.
- Prices: £5-£15.50 depending on activities.
- Accessibility: Ear defenders and sensory assistants available.
Welsh adventures
Zip World, North Wales
Location: A5 – 2 miles from the A470
Zip World for a thrill, where you’ll find the Fforest Coaster and Skyride, a giant swing. During half-term the park becomes Ffear Fforest, a spookier version of the usual adventures.
- Prices: £13-£40 depending on activity.
- Parking: On-site with accessible spaces.
Greenwood, North Wales
Location: A55 – 6 miles from Junction 11
Fun and fright at Greenwood’s SpOokWoOd festival during half-term. Rollercoasters, moon karts and petting zoos, with pumpkin fun for the kids.
- Prices: £7.50 for little ones, £22 for bigger ones.
- Parking: Free.
These little known spots around the UK offer the perfect combination of adventure and accessibility for families to make the most of half-term. With the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports by your side, the journey will be easy.