After the summer holidays, when the kids are back to school, it is nice to be able to look forward to the October half term holiday. What makes any half term more special is if the whole family takes a short break together in the UK. Whatever the weather, there are destinations in the UK that can provide an exciting holiday.

Devon is a popular destination for families because of the family friendly area. Whether you visit north or south of Devon, there are beautiful beaches to spend the day on and the scenery can take your breath away. On top of that, there are plenty of attractions within driving distance. Visit Paignton Zoo and experience the thousands of interesting animals. Paignton isn’t far from Torquay town which provides a fantastic day out, whether you want to visit the Quaywest Waterpark, Paignton Pier, Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway.

Torquay which is another popular tourist attraction has a vast amount of shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for a great day out for the kids, why not visit the Waves Leisure Pool, Huntfun Torquay Treasure Hunt or AMF Bowling; these are guaranteed to keep them busy for the duration of your stay.

Cornwall is another family favourite holiday destination because it is home to fabulous surfing opportunities and intriguing coastal towns. Newquay is the surfing capital of the UK, and spending half term learning to ride the waves is an exciting experience for any child.

Scotland has everything a half term holiday could possibly need. Wonderful beaches, amazing views and beautiful woodlands surround the area so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Visit John O’ Groats, the furthest northern land marked point of the UK, and learn about its intriguing history. Or stay in the south of Scotland, where Culzean Castle is waiting for you to explore.

Whether you choose to visit John O’ Groats or Lands End, north or south, there are plenty of attractions to keep you busy over the October half term. Choose from one of the many UK holidays available, all with several holiday parks to stay at to suit you and your family’s holiday needs.

There are thousands upon thousands of individuals who book their London festival experience in the UK. However, you have to figure out which one of the London hotels will be best for you. Instead of spending hours trying to find the most comfortable place with the best price, we recommend looking over some of the cheap breaks we’ve found. It’s possible your next stay will be affordable, and one to remember.

Oldfriend Guest House – If you want to experience a bed and breakfast hotel then this is a very inexpensive choice. You can find it located in the heart of Bethnal Green, which is great for transportation purposes. Each one of the rooms has a television, DVD players, as well as Wi-Fi. Take some time to look at the photos these London hotels have to offer. It could be the next choice for you.

Tommy Miahs’ Raj Hote l- Those who don’t mind paying a steady amount for their hotel stay might prefer Tommy Miahs’ Raj Hotel. This choice will offer you a good break from time to time, and even when they don’t it’s still an affordable price for most people. It’s one of the best stops if you only plan to stay in London for the weekend and take in the Field Day festival.

The Old Ship, Urban Inns – If you want a 10 minute walk to the Victoria Park Festivals then consider the Old Ship, Urban Inns. These lavish hotels offer a comforting approach to their elegance and sophistication. Dine within the confines or order room service. It was renovated in 2007 and is still looking as beautiful as ever today.

London Marriott Hotel West India Quay – The LMHWIQ is a little bit further away from Park as opposed to the Old Ship. This might sound like bad news, but at only 2+ miles away you can be there in no time. All you have to do is find a taxi hire or take a walk. Either way it’s a destination that is beneficial to everyone.

Accor All Seasons London Leyton – Another one of the London hotels that offers good deals is the Accor All Seasons London Leyton. When you consider the value to money spent, its well worth every penny. This 139 room is surrounded by several restaurants and shops as well. So, if you’re looking for a centralised location to everything consider Accor.

Those who take the time to look for hotels close to the London Festivals will find plenty options. The one you choose will depend on availability and the overall cost. Each one of the choices today is quite affordable when it comes to averages. If your price range is a little higher then consider other hotels near the Victoria Park Festival like; Apex City or Thread Needles.

Liverpool hotels are a great place to stay when exploring the city and taking a walk down memory lane retracing the steps of the Beatles. Liverpool is world famous as the birthplace of the Beatles and millions of people travel every year. There are many great locations and amazing sights to explore in the city on your short breaks.

Visiting Liverpool is a must for fans of the fab four, with plenty to see and do once you step out of your hotels. The city’s favourite sons will always remain the biggest attraction for Liverpool, and why so many people choose to take a break there every year. Everywhere you look in Liverpool there are reminders and memorabilia of this amazing group.

The Beatles Story is the most popular starting place for all fans and will not disappoint you. This incredible museum is situated in Albert Dock and is packed full of Beatles memorabilia. The museum traces the Beatles days from humble beginnings to the global phenomenon they became. There is so much to see that you should allow several hours to absorb it all.

Leaving the museum and heading towards Albert Dock you will see the Magical Mystery Tour, which is a fun tour bus that will show you the main sights and attractions; this colourful vintage bus will take you back in time. As you pass by Penny Lane and visit Strawberry Field, you will be amazed how everything you had heard comes to life.

Short breaks are ideal for a visit to Liverpool and will give you ample time to explore and experience everything that the city has to offer. Once you have jumped off the tour bus, you may want to take a trip down memory lane and visit the childhood homes of Sir Paul McCartney and John Lennon. These two houses will give you a sense of the band member’s humble beginnings.

The Cavern Club has become one of the most famous live music venues due to the Beatles playing over 300 times there. Although when you leave your accommodation, you may think the club is strange being situated deep beneath Mathew Street. However, this unique venue was once an air raid shelter and has a vast amount of history surrounding it.

Mathew Street is also home to other Beatles attractions, including the John Lennon statue that is placed there. Every corner of this area will make your short breaks to the city worth it, as you explore and become involved in the Beatles craze. Beatle mania is everywhere that you look and even if you went to Liverpool not a fan you will leave in awe.

If you are fortunate enough to be visiting the city during the International Beatles week, the hotels will be very busy. Booking in advance is recommended and you will be able to see the huge amount of fans this amazing group still have. Featuring over 200 different live music bands and specialist Beatles events this is the perfect time for a break for all Beatles fans.

Whether you live in London or head there for a holiday, the O2 provides one of the best entertainment platforms around the world. If you love music, take in a concert at the O2, because it’s definitely an experience all its own. If you’re going to be travel to this part of England soon, here is a quick look at some of the events and hotels near the O2 arena:

The British Pink Floyd.
If you love Pink Floyd and want to hear one of the best tribute bands out there, then go see Brit Floyd during this event. The band has been around for years and will be going on a Greatest Hits tour here in the upcoming months. It’s possible you won’t be able to see them for quite some time.

Iron Maiden
If you want to get down with a little metal music then this Iron Maiden concert will be a fantastic choice. The group has been around for years and now they are coming back to the O2 arena. They might not be here in 2012, so you might want to take advantage of it now.

Here are some of the other events happening at the O2 in the month of August:
* Empire presents BIG SCREEN
* Smirnoff Presents Sensation
* Brad Paisley
* Batman Live- World Arena Tour

When you’re coming to London for an event, it’s a good idea to find hotels not far from the arena. Here are some of the best ones to look at when you visit London:
Canary Wharf Serviced Apartments, South Quay Plaza – The Canary Wharf is located in close proximity to the O2 arena. One of the best features of this choice is the ‘home away from home’ feeling. It is one of the most recommended accommodations in the London area.

Ibis London Excel-Docklands- If you’re on a tight budget and want to keep the accommodation prices down, the Ibis provides an inexpensive approach. It’s about a third the cost of the Canary Wharf, and still provides comfortable sleeping arrangements for anyone. This option also provides a lavish view of the water surrounding the area.

Marriott West India Quay Hotel- If you want elegance and sophistication, the Marriott West India Quay is the perfect choice. This stand-alone hotel is positioned close to the docks and offers an unbelievable view. Most people who have stayed in this location give it a 5-star review. One look at both the interior and exterior; you will see why.

There are several other hotels in the area. Your decision is going to be based on preference, price, and the length of your stay. If you do a little research we know you will find the right hotel the next time you stay in London to go to the O2 arena.

Belfast hotels will ensure that your trip to Ireland is pleasurable and memorable every time that you visit. No matter what part of this beautiful country you have decided on for your hotel breaks you will never be disappointed. Whether you want to be part of a guided tour, or go it alone on a self drive holiday, Ireland is the ideal destination.

Travelling around Ireland can be done very easily and will allow you to see a huge amount of different sights. There is such a huge amount of unspoiled landscapes to enjoy as well as the historical buildings and vibrant cities. Although the countryside is beautiful, you may want to stay for a few nights in the cities.

No matter where you have decided to stay the hotels will give you the opportunity to explore the exciting cities. Belfast accommodation is all perfectly located to ensure that you are close to all of the best attractions. Due to the fact the city is very compact; exploring it can be done easily on foot ensuring that you see everything you want.

Visitors to Ireland are often taken aback by the sheer beauty and incredible landscapes that it offers. The short breaks allow you to see every part of this amazing country and explore the parts that other people may have missed. Every day is another adventure in Ireland, and there is so much to explore, you will want to return time and time again.

Whether you want to be in the south experiencing the vibrant life in Dublin or staying in Belfast there is an area for you. The people in Ireland are incredibly friendly, and you will be welcomed no matter where you are staying in the country. If you are staying in Dublin for your break, there are a huge amount of historical landmarks for you to explore.

Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral and the River Liffey are all fantastic attractions that can be experienced by jumping on and off a tour bus. The tour buses in Ireland are world famous and will guarantee that you have a fantastic experience as well as a tour of the city. Your guide on board will entertain you as well as share their extensive knowledge of the city.

Although the south of the country is very popular with short breaks, there are many that cover other areas. Whether you want to kiss the Blarney stone, walk the Giants Causeway or enjoy a glass of the finest Guinness you will be able to experience it all.

Visiting Ireland will leave a lasting impression on your mind. With the seducing countryside, amazing hotels scattered around the country and warm friendly people you will never want to leave. Ireland attracts people from all over the world that want to experience culture and mystery all in one place.

Sometimes taking a flight into or out of London can be a drawn out process. We’ve heard horror stories over the years about individuals waiting as long as 10 hours just because of a layover. The good news is you can find theatre breaks right around the corner. So it’s possible for your London breaks to turn into an adventure while you’re waiting for the flight.

We could go on and on about all the things to do in various London locations. Whether it’s eating at a nice restaurant, taking the kids to a museum show, or even hitting one of the outdoor flower shows; you definitely have plenty of possibilities. However, if you’re not sure what to do while you’re there, have a look at some of the choices below:

Restaurants are probably the best way to kill some time. It’s a great way to curb any of those short breaks and get a bite to eat. Since there are several different food options available, it can definitely be an experience while you’re waiting for a flight.

If you still have time to spare there are plenty of shops as well. Whether you’re just window shopping or you really want to make a purchase, there will be a plethora of items at your disposal. Just remember to go outside the airport or else you’re going to be paying a lot more for everything.

Now, if you’re seriously considering a show because of a long layover, then hit the local theatres. Even though something you want to see might not be in your schedule, there could be something else starting soon. It’s a great way to kill a few hours and be entertained at the same time.

Be sure to check the local museums as well, because they will usually have some sort of show going on throughout the day. This is a great choice if you have the little ones and need something a little more ‘family-friendly’. Then again; if you’re thinking about the art museum it is a great choice, but probably not the best one for children.

Outdoor cafes don’t have shows themselves, but on many occasions there will be individuals providing the entertainment nearby. This is the perfect chance to grab a bite to eat and still be entertained for a small while. If you’re considering this option then it’s a good idea to consider checking the local hotels for happenings around the area.

If you feel a little uncomfortable taking this route then just ask someone. There are going to be plenty of things going on to help you stave off the boredom of your short breaks. Just make sure you are well aware of the time until your next flight. Some of these shows are so great, you could get lost in all the enjoyment. It’s simple – just don’t forget to get back to the airport!!

Known as the Cruise Capital of Northern Europe , Southampton has long been the hub of the British cruise industry. Home port of the historic Cunard line, and a start port for many others, a cruise from Southampton takes us back to the Golden Age of sailing, when legendary vessels like the Queen Mary and Mauretania proudly lined the quayside.

The most infamous cruise from Southampton was that undertaken by the Titanic, on her maiden voyage almost 100 years ago. Officially, it was a crossing rather than a cruise, ocean liners mainly being a way of getting from A to B. Nonetheless, the glamour and luxury associated with those early crossings directly affected the way cruises from Southampton operate today.

Today, Southampton is the embarkation point for some of the world’s most famous cruise liners. Many cruises from Southampton are maiden voyages, on ships that were often named there. This includes some of the largest and fastest cruise ships in the world. Vessels like Independence of the Seas, a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship which, at the time of its launch in 2008, was one of the largest cruise vessels afloat.

The Celebrity Eclipse, which was also named here, is another ship with a famous past. When the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajkull erupted in 2010, grounding all air traffic, Spanish tourists stranded in England were offered a surefire way of getting home – a cruise from Southampton! British holidaymakers were offered the same unexpected deal from the Bilbao end, on what was the vessel’s maiden voyage.

P & O have a long history of running from Southampton – after all, they invented the concept, back in 1837. Cunard, the only line whose ships are actually registered here, gained fame for the speed of its transatlantic crossings, the fastest ever recorded. Today, a Cunard world cruise can last 100 days or more.

Probably the most memorable recent cruise from Southampton was the one taken by the QE2, when she set sail for Dubai on her final voyage, in November 2008.

Scotland is renowned for being one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit. It has a certain aesthetic quality about it that has drawn everyone from film crews, artists and even simple tourists to it.

There are many things for tourists to enjoy, and there are a huge variety of Edinburgh hotels. Even if you are making vacationing plans on the go, late hotel deals are always available for tourists. These hotels allow you to always have a place to stay if you are vesting Scotland and allow you to enjoy the countryside easily and on a whim so long as you have the money for the flight and expenses. This makes it an ideal spot for anyone who is looking to have a scenic vacation.

Scotland has many different sites for you to see and you can experience them all easily. It’s one of the more frugal holiday spots in the world especially compared to how costly it can be to go to other countries these days with air fare, food and housing included. Scotland manages to have cheaper flights, and offers hotels that are much cheaper than many hotels in the world, while also being high in quality. There are also many houses available that have rooms for rent within them that can be quite cheap and work as late hotel deals for anyone visiting. There are always options for you even on short notice if you are attempting to holiday in Scotland.

Whether you visit for the lush green scenery, the many trails or the many traditional buildings there are still standing to explore, there is always something for you to do in Scotland. Even the famous Edinburgh castle is there for you to visit and enjoy, not to mention the architecture that the entire land has emanating through it. It’s a very nice aesthetic for you to bask in while you can enjoy the night life at any time, safely, by using a hotel as your base.

Edinburgh has a large draw for tourism, but luckily the place has adapted greatly to the huge amount popularity it has endured. Edinburgh retains its classical architecture and feel as it ages, allowing people of all ages to enjoy the look and feel of the place while it still develops in terms of night life and social activities. It makes Edinburgh a unique blend of traditional scenery and contemporary entertainment, a combination that anyone can enjoy, especially with the huge variety of hotels available. Late hotel deals are always available when visiting Scotland and Edinburgh in particular offers so many sites and fun things to do that there really is no reason not to make a booking.

Stratford upon Avon hotels have had quite a rush of business. Stratford upon Avon has received a huge amount of publicity and tourism due to it being William Shakespeare’s birthplace. Shakespeare has been dubbed the bard of Avon for his great poetry and epic stories making him one of the world’s most renowned story tellers of all time. With the large boom of tourism, the town has retained its classical architecture and quaint looks making it one of the more charming places to spend a holiday in the world, and luckily the prices haven’t sky rocketed either.

There are many hotels in the Avon area, all of which are built in the traditional style of the town that rings synonymous with William Shakespeare’s era. The old English aesthetic rings synonymous with Avon and the many buildings, while often are renovated and have new interior or exteriors, still carry that same look. They are a pleasure to visit and explore. The famous RSC theatre has recently been reopened as well and is a great place to visit for fans of Shakespeare and the theatre. It is a great trip for anyone interested in the arts and can be inspiring to those looking to enter into that field.

Many tours explain what made Shakespeare stand out as a poet and an author. They take you on a virtual tour through his life, starting with him being born in Stratford upon Avon, and how he grew to become the famous icon we know him as today. No matter what, the town is a joy to take in, and there are plenty of last minute hotel deals for you to utilise when visiting, in case anything goes wrong. There are many hotels that allow you to breath in the history of the small town.

There is a huge variety of hotels to pick from as well, all offering access to a huge variety of activities that can take you back in time, teach you about a large part of our worlds history, while also being entertained. It’s a great experience for everyone whether you will be going as a family or simply to appreciate the arts. Last minute deals are there to aid you in your trip at all of the Stratford upon Avon hotels. There is simply no reason not to go especially at the low price you can book a trip today.

With the cheap cost of this holiday and how the educational aspects of it can be more fulfilling than any normal other break. There are many exhibitions for you to enjoy and you will come away feeling proud that you can be part of something as traditional and classic as Shakespeare.

So what exactly is a staycation? It is a term that’s used to describe staying at home or at least in your home area and enjoying your surroundings just like you would on a regular vacation. Some people might stay in Birmingham hotels for a night just to get away from it all, while others choose to have weekend breaks in England by visiting a local park, zoo, cinema, or other attraction in the area.

There are those that simply take a break at home and read a nice book, lounge in the pool, play a game of cards, or just relax on the porch. However, why not take the chance to explore your surroundings if the opportunity arises? It is a lot less expensive than taking a trip abroad but it’s a lot more exciting than staying at home for the well needed rest and relaxation. Here are some ideas for your short staycation:

Day Trips

There are many things you can do during your weekend breaks. Having a brunch picnic at the park is a great way to start the day, and a trip to the zoo, library, or museum is a great follow up adventure. End the day at the ice cream shop and you’ve got yourself a stress free day that can have you feeling relaxed and renewed, ready for the week to come.

You might consider an evening with a loved one at a romantic restaurant, or take dancing lessons at your local community centre. The aquarium and Warwick Castle are also excellent ideas.

Weekend Getaways

If you want more than just a day trip, you probably want to find Birmingham hotels to stay in for the weekend. This will give you the opportunity to sleep somewhere that you do not have to clean yourself, and where you can enjoy all the amenities. Find a room with a huge bathtub to spend some time relaxing.

Make sure there is an excellent restaurant in the hotel, or at least within a short walking distance to dine at. Make sure that you can take advantage of a swimming pool and hot tub that should be available in the hotel you choose. Most importantly, you want to be sure that whatever it is that you do, it’s relaxing and enjoyable.

So whether you choose weekends breaks in England that include nothing more than a stroll down the road or you want something more in depth like a weekend getaway to one of the many luxury Birmingham hotels in the area, you will find that that is something for just about everyone no matter what your specific interests are.