October half-term 2024: autumn cottages and forest lodges
For October half-term, a few nights in an autumn cottage or forest lodge is one of the easiest family breaks in the UK: crunchy leaves by day, a log burner or hot chocolate by night. In most of England, October half-term 2024 runs from 28 October to 1 November, with Halloween falling in the middle of the week. Here are seven areas and four holiday operators to look at, plus travel tips, food, a rainy-day plan and a packing list.
Why an autumn forest break works this October half-term
Autumn is when British woodlands look their best, and a forest base lets children explore for hours without long drives. Leaves turn copper and gold, conkers and pine cones appear and deer are easier to spot. Short days make a cosy lodge feel like an adventure in itself, with board games and torchlit walks.
Half-term is also Halloween week, so many forests, holiday parks and attractions put on family trails and spooky activities. Booking early matters, as lodges with hot tubs and dog-friendly cottages go first.
Top family destinations for autumn lodges and cottages
The New Forest, the Forest of Dean and the Lake District are the classic autumn picks, with Kielder, Westonbirt and Pembrokeshire close behind.
| Area | Best for | Ages | Travel from London | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Forest | ponies, cycling, villages | 0+ | about 2 hours | ££ |
| Forest of Dean | trails, caves, steam train | 2+ | about 2.5 hours | ££ |
| Cotswolds and Westonbirt | autumn colour, arboretum | 0+ | about 2 hours | ££ |
| Lake District | lakes, forests, boats | 3+ | train, about 3 hours | ££ |
| Kielder, Northumberland | dark skies, lakes, forest | 4+ | train, about 3.5 hours | ££ |
| Pembrokeshire | coast, lodges, Bluestone | 2+ | about 5 hours | £££ |
| Holiday villages (various) | all-weather fun | 0+ | various | £££ |
Price for a family short break: £ = under about £400, ££ = about £400–£1,000, £££ = over £1,000. Rough guide only, prices change.
Check prices, opening times and any half-term events on the official website before you book.
Plan your autumn break on the Kid.ooo map
New Forest. Wild ponies, flat cycle paths and pretty villages make it ideal for young children. Visit the New Forest lists walks, cycle hire and family attractions.
Forest of Dean. Ancient woods, sculpture trails, caves and a steam railway nearby. Visit the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley has autumn ideas and places to stay.
Cotswolds and Westonbirt. Westonbirt, The National Arboretum is famous for its autumn colour and has a treetop walkway that's great with a pushchair.
Lake District. Base yourself near Grizedale, where family trails and play areas sit among the trees, and add a boat trip on Windermere or Coniston.
Kielder. Visit Kielder covers England's largest forest and a huge reservoir with lakeside trails and some of the darkest skies in the country, perfect for stargazing.
Pembrokeshire. Bluestone is a lodge village with an indoor water park and adventure activities, close to the coast path.
Lodge operators. Forest Holidays has cabins in forests across the UK, Center Parcs villages combine woodland lodges with indoor pools, and Landal and Hoseasons list lodges and cottages from Cornwall to Scotland.
Getting there with kids: car, train and stops
Drive on the Friday evening or Saturday morning before half-term to avoid the worst traffic, and plan a stop every two hours. Farm shops and services with play areas make better breaks than standard services; our guide to motorway farm shop stops lists favourites near the M1, M5 and M6.
By train, the Lake District, Northumberland and parts of the New Forest are well connected, and a Family & Friends Railcard keeps costs down. Book a taxi or car hire from the station for the last stretch, as forest lodges are often remote.
Where to stay: forest lodges and family-friendly cottages
Choose a lodge or cottage within walking distance of woodland trails, with a kitchen, washing machine and space to dry wet clothes.
- Forest lodges: great for nature lovers, often with decks, hot tubs and wildlife on the doorstep.
- Cottages: cosy and good value, especially in villages with a pub and a playground.
- Holiday villages: best for mixed weather, with pools, play and activities on site.
- Farm stays: animals to feed and fields to explore, lovely for younger children.
Check for a travel cot, high chair, stair gates and safety covers on hot tubs. A log burner is magical, but bring a fire guard if one isn't provided.
Where to eat with kids
Self-cater for breakfasts and suppers, and treat yourselves to a pub lunch after a morning walk. Many country pubs have kids' menus and roaring fires in autumn. In half-term, book Sunday lunch in advance.
Pack slow-cooker meals for the first night and stock up on hot chocolate and marshmallows. Find kid-friendly restaurants near your lodge on the Kid.ooo map.
Rainy-day plan B
Autumn rain is almost guaranteed, so pick a base with an indoor pool, museum or soft play within half an hour. Holiday villages have pools and indoor play on site. In the Forest of Dean, caves are a brilliant wet-day option, and Lake District towns have museums and cafés.
Our ranking of indoor play for autumn covers trampoline parks and soft play across the UK. For outdoor Halloween ideas when it's dry, see last year's guide to October half-term pumpkin picking and Halloween trails.
Packing checklist
Pack for mud, rain and cosy evenings.
- Wellies, waterproofs and warm layers for everyone
- Head torches for dark evenings and forest walks
- Board games, cards and a few books
- Halloween costumes and a bucket for trick-or-treat trails
- Slippers and comfy clothes for the lodge
- Swimwear if there's a pool or hot tub
- Snacks, hot chocolate and marshmallows
- A spare bag for wet and muddy clothes
For London and family days out inspiration, take a look at @kidrated on Instagram, and for Scottish family ideas try @everyday_withleo.
Save your autumn places in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share forests, playgrounds, pubs and cafés they love. Use it as your app for days out with kids: save trails and cafés before you travel, then find playgrounds near me when you arrive.
Save your half-term places on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a great forest walk or family pub from your trip? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents plan their October half-term.
Frequently asked questions
When is October half-term 2024?
In most of England, October half-term 2024 runs from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November, though some areas break a week earlier. Scottish schools have a longer October break earlier in the month, so check your council's dates.
Where is good for an autumn family break in the UK?
The New Forest, the Forest of Dean, the Lake District, Kielder in Northumberland and Pembrokeshire are all beautiful in autumn. Look for a lodge or cottage near woodland trails and a good rainy-day option.
Are forest lodges with hot tubs suitable for children?
Many lodges with hot tubs welcome families, but children must always be supervised and some operators set age or time rules. Check the safety guidance and cover locks before you book.
How can I find a cheaper half-term cottage?
Book early, travel midweek or choose a shorter break, and look at areas just outside the most famous villages. Sharing a large cottage with another family also lowers the cost per person.
Find family places near you
Open the kid.ooo map in your browser – no download needed.