1. Pumpkins in Pembrokeshire

Halloween falls right in the midst of half term this year, so why not thrill little ones with a spooky half term escape? Close to Tenby is Carew Castle & Tidal Mill for family-friendly ghost hunts, a haunted house experience, and live interactive adventures with The Sorcerer's Quest and Room on The Broom Storytelling Workshop. Or hop across Pembrokeshire for some outdoor fun: play hide and seek amid the hay bales at Pembrokeshire Pumpkin Farm, and traverse the wildflower meadow’s creepy trail before heading home with your very own pumpkin in tow. Discover more October half term ideas in Wales.

2. Ruska Season in Finland

Leaf peeping gathers steam every autumn, but it’s Finland (aka the happiest country in the world) on our radar in 2024. Over there, the explosion of fiery colours in the forests is known as ruska (from the Inari Sámi word, ruške), beginning in Lapland in September and spreading south in just a few weeks. Hiking, foraging and camping have never looked better, awash with red, orange and yellow hues. And if you missed the northern lights painting British skies this summer, you might just catch a glimpse in Finland this half term. Plan your adventure at visitfinland.com

3. Woodland Experiences in Cork

As the green morphs into autumnal hues, a hop across the Irish sea has never been more tempting. Immerse the kids in the wonders of woodland with The Montenotte’s brand new Woodland Suite Experience: nine elegantly finished suites perch on a hilltop with stunning views of the rolling Irish landscape and River Lee, and Cork Harbour and Cork City in the distance. It’s the the ultimate in luxurious comfort – and a great base from which to dig beneath the surface of Cork. themontenottehotel.com

4. Greek Beach Escape

If you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to the sun, venture to Greece this October half term and make the most of Sani Resort’s new Sani Asterias Beachfront Residential Suites which opened in June. Expect seamless indoor-outdoor living with direct beach access, natural stone interiors, private infinity pools and views over the Aegean. With upgrades spinning wine fridges to home cinemas, and with some of the resort’s most intimate suites, guests can expect a tranquil escape immersed in luxury. sani-resort.com

5. Cotswolds Getaway

If a staycation is what the doctor ordered, the Cotswolds are top of the pile. And leaf peeping doesn’t get better than at Westonbirt Arboretum, where guests can support a conservation project while indulging in a spot of forest bathing. To continue that nature immersion, check into the rewilded Calcot & Spa, featuring honey hued cottages across 220 sprawling acres, an indulgent spa and 50,000 bees to boot. pobhotels.com

6. Offseason Amalfi

Haven’t you heard? The cool kids travel off season these days – and the Amalfi Coast, with its crystal clear waters and dramatic cliffside vistas, is stunning whatever the season. Check into one of Treville Positano’s 16 suites – all scattered across only six villas connected by a network of stone passageways and flower-lined trails – for a tranquil autumnal escape with fewer crowds and gentler weather for youthful skin. villatreville.com

7. Stargazing in Skye

Foodies have been flocking to the Isle of Skye for years now – but it’s also a lovely spot for stargazing. Check into The Three Chimneys for a dreamy Skye escape, featuring gourmet goodness and the darkest of skies come nightfall, perfect for some serendipitous aurora sights. threechimneys.co.uk

8. Beautiful Balkans

Montenegro is a trending destination, stealing sun-seeking travellers from its neighbour Croatia in droves. With milder temperatures and quieter beaches, October is the best time to visit this Balkan nation – and seaside town Luštica Bay is an idyllic spot to settle in and enjoy a spot of slow living. For an eco-edge, check in to The Chedi to experience the Balkan’s greenest hotel first hand, complete with two restaurants, two bars, an Asian inspired spa and an idyllic infinity pool peering across the Adriatic. chedilusticabay.com

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