February half-term 2023: family city breaks by train
For February half-term, a two- or three-night city break by train is one of the easiest ways to get away with kids: no motorway queues, no parking stress and plenty of indoor attractions if it rains. York, Edinburgh, Bath, Liverpool, Bristol and London all have family-friendly museums within walking distance of the station. In most of England, half-term runs from 13 to 17 February 2023, so now is the time to book.
Why a train city break works this February half-term
In mid-February the countryside is often wet and cold, but cities are packed with warm museums, cafés and short walks between them. A train trip turns the journey itself into part of the adventure. Children can snack, draw and watch the scenery instead of being strapped in for hours.
City breaks are also flexible. If the weather turns, you swap the castle walk for a museum. If it's bright and crisp, you head for the river or the city walls. Two nights is enough for most families with young children.
Top 6 family city breaks by train
York, Edinburgh and Bath are the classic picks, with Liverpool, Bristol and London close behind. All six have a station near the centre, so you can walk or take a short bus ride to most sights.
| City | Best for | Ages | Pushchair-friendly | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| York | trains, Vikings, chocolate | 3+ | mostly | ££ |
| Edinburgh | castles, illusions, views | 5+ | hilly | ££ |
| Bath | Romans, river walks | 5+ | mostly | ££ |
| Liverpool | museums, waterfront | 0+ | yes | £ |
| Bristol | ships, harbourside | 4+ | yes | ££ |
| London | free museums | 0+ | step-free routes vary | ££ |
Price for a family day of sightseeing: £ = mostly free, ££ = about £20–£60, £££ = over £60. Rough guide only, prices change.
See family attractions in York on the Kid.ooo map
York. The National Railway Museum is free and full of giant locomotives, which makes it a dream for small train fans. York's Chocolate Story adds a sweet tour for older kids, and the city walls give you a short, flat walk with views.
Edinburgh. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions near the castle is five floors of optical tricks that keep children giggling. Arthur's Seat and Calton Hill are short climbs with big views on a clear day.
Bath. The Roman Baths bring history to life with costumed characters and steaming water. Afterwards, a walk along the river and the parks is easy with a pushchair.
Liverpool. The Museum of Liverpool on the waterfront is free and has a great space for under-sixes. The Albert Dock is right next door.
Bristol. SS Great Britain lets kids explore a real Victorian steamship from the dry dock to the deck.
London. The Natural History Museum is free and has the dinosaurs every child wants to see. Book a free timed entry slot for half-term to avoid queues.
Find attractions in London on the Kid.ooo map
Getting there with kids: trains, railcards and stops
Book advance tickets early and buy a Family & Friends Railcard before you travel; it usually pays for itself on one family trip. The railcard takes a third off adult fares and gives a big discount on children's fares. Children under five travel free if they don't take a seat.
- Reserve seats together, ideally at a table, so you can spread out snacks and colouring books.
- Travel off-peak mid-morning, when trains are calmer and fares cheaper.
- Pushchairs: a compact, foldable one is easiest. Most major stations have lifts, but check step-free access before you go.
- Break up long journeys: a change of trains is a good moment for a quick run around the platform and a toilet stop.
Where to stay: family-friendly stays
Choose a hotel or apartment within walking distance of the station, with a family room or two bedrooms. Budget chain hotels often have family rooms where children stay at a reduced rate, while serviced apartments give you a kitchen for breakfasts and early teas.
Check whether there is a lift, a travel cot and blackout curtains. Being close to a supermarket and a park helps a lot with toddlers.
Where to eat with kids
Look for cafés and restaurants with high chairs, a short kids' menu and early dinner times. Most big museums have a family café, which is handy at lunchtime. In the evening, eat early, around five, when restaurants are quieter and staff have more time.
Pack a few snacks for the train and the queue, and pick one sit-down meal a day rather than three. Kid-friendly cafés and restaurants are on the Kid.ooo map.
Rainy-day plan B
Every city on this list has at least one free or low-cost indoor option you can switch to when the weather turns. In York and London, free national museums are the obvious fallback. In Liverpool, the waterfront museums sit side by side. In Edinburgh, Camera Obscura works well on wet days.
If you are travelling with toddlers, a soft play session can save the afternoon. Our guide to the best soft play centres in the UK lists options across the country, including a few in big cities.
Packing checklist
Pack light, but keep the essentials in one easy-to-reach bag.
- Railcard, tickets and seat reservations on your phone
- Snacks, water bottles and a few small surprises for the journey
- Waterproofs and wellies, plus a spare set of clothes for little ones
- Nappies, wipes and a travel changing mat
- Headphones and a tablet with downloaded shows
- A lightweight pushchair or baby carrier
- Phone charger and a small power bank
For honest parenting tips and Scottish days out, take a look at @everyday_withleo on Instagram.
Save your city break places in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share the places their children love. Use it as your app for days out with kids: save museums, playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés before you travel, so you know where to go when the little ones need a break.
Plan your half-term break on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a place you loved? Add it to Kid.ooo and help the next family planning a February half-term getaway.
Frequently asked questions
When is February half-term 2023?
In most of England, February half-term 2023 runs from Monday 13 to Friday 17 February. Dates differ in some council areas and in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check your school's calendar.
Is a Family & Friends Railcard worth it for one trip?
Often, yes. The railcard takes a third off adult fares and a large discount off children's fares, so on a longer return journey for a family of four it can pay for itself in one go.
Do children travel free on UK trains?
Children under five travel free on National Rail services, as long as they don't take up a seat someone else has paid for. Children aged five to fifteen pay a child fare.
Which UK city is best for a short family break by train?
York is hard to beat for a first trip: the station is a short walk from the centre and the National Railway Museum is free. Edinburgh, Bath and Liverpool are also compact and easy with a pushchair.
Find family places near you
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