Warwickshire &amp; West Midlands


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WARKS:&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.warwick-castle.com/" target="_blank">Warwick Castle</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/warwick-castle-1-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38961" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/warwick-castle-1-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/warwick-castle-1-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/warwick-castle-1-1-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/warwick-castle-1-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/warwick-castle-1-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/warwick-castle-1-1-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/warwick-castle-1-1-200x200.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>It’s business as usual at this spectacular family attraction with both the grounds and castle open (although you’ll have to wear face masks inside). For half-term, the venue will be transformed into a haunted castle brimming with ghouls and ghosts (the building is 1,100 years old so there are plenty lurking), along with spooky(ish) activities for little ones. New for 2020, there’s also The Castle After Dark (book or you’ll be disappointed) with evening access to the grounds, award-winning Digbeth Dining Club street food stalls, scare mazes and live music.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">WILTS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.longleat.co.uk/">Longleat Safari Park</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="500" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/monkey-longleat.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38970" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/monkey-longleat.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/monkey-longleat-300x150.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/monkey-longleat-720x360.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/monkey-longleat-768x384.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/monkey-longleat-900x450.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For wild animals that aren’t of your own creation, head to Longleat for the zoo’s drive-through safari. It’s ideal for social distancing (just watch out for the monkeys – they have been known to steal sandwiches) and is guaranteed to captivate the kids for an afternoon thanks to the tigers, rhinos, zebras and lions. Booking essential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BERKS:&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle" target="_blank">Windsor Castle</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="807" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-21-at-09.12.36.png" alt="" class="wp-image-38969" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-21-at-09.12.36.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-21-at-09.12.36-300x242.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-21-at-09.12.36-620x500.png 620w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-21-at-09.12.36-768x620.png 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-21-at-09.12.36-651x525.png 651w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Queen’s weekend hangout,&nbsp;Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world – pretty impressive, right? Inside the castle you can see a new display of Princess Beatrice’s ‘something borrowed’ vintage Norman Hartnell wedding dress (until 22 Nov), famously worn by her Granny to the premiere of&nbsp;<em>Lawrence of Arabia</em>&nbsp;at the Odeon Leicester Square in 1962. Plus, there’s also a collection of WWII pantomime pictures, painted as backdrop for the shows Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret performed to raise funds for troops at the front (they’re usually covered by portraits). There is a timed ticket system and booking is essential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">LONDON:&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/home" target="_blank">Science Museum</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/light-zone-science-museum-london-.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38959" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/light-zone-science-museum-london-.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/light-zone-science-museum-london--300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/light-zone-science-museum-london--720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/light-zone-science-museum-london--768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/light-zone-science-museum-london--787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>At this super-cool museum, kids will be fascinated by the The Equinor Gallery (part of the museum’s Wonderlab exhibition) which features 50 interactive elements. You can also visit the new addition, ‘Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries’, which features one of the largest medical collections in the world including the first MRI scanner, Fleming’s penicillin mould and specially commissioned artwork including Marc Quinn’s ‘Self-Conscious Gene’ and portraits by award-winning photographer Siân Davey. Entrance is free but booking is essential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BERKS:&nbsp;<a href="https://wellington-country-park.co.uk/">Wellington Country Park</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="669" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38968" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1-300x201.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1-720x482.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1-768x514.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/Jumping-Pillow-2-1536x1027-1-785x525.jpg 785w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This family fun palace has got it all. Particularly good for under-8s, it contains an awesome adventure play area with giant zip wire, dinosaurs, mini golf, animal farm, jumbo bouncy pillow, miniature railway and so much more. There’s also a superb cafe serving quality local produce, much it from the Wellington Estate itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>HANTS:&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.marwell.org.uk/zoo/plan/marwell-events" target="_blank">Marwell Zoo</a>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/marwell_zoo_-_spooky_supersized_2-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38967" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/marwell_zoo_-_spooky_supersized_2-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/marwell_zoo_-_spooky_supersized_2-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/marwell_zoo_-_spooky_supersized_2-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/marwell_zoo_-_spooky_supersized_2-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/marwell_zoo_-_spooky_supersized_2-1-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Marwell is always a good day out, with a chance to see tigers, flamingos and other exotic animals. Half-term is also your last chance to check out the&nbsp;<em>Supersized</em>&nbsp;exhibition featuring ginormous lego models of curious animals (ever heard of the venomous blue-ringed octopus?) in 25 locations across the park.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">GLOS:&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.the-warehouse.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Warehouse Climbing and Caving Centre</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="625" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/the-warehouse-climbing-centre.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38966" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/the-warehouse-climbing-centre.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/the-warehouse-climbing-centre-300x188.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/the-warehouse-climbing-centre-720x450.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/the-warehouse-climbing-centre-768x480.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/the-warehouse-climbing-centre-840x525.jpg 840w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>This cleverly transformed Victorian warehouse contains a climbing wall and indoor man-made cave&nbsp;so if you’re harbouring a young Ranulph Fiennes, chances are you’ll discover that here as they scale the impressive 13m wall or ditch the ropes to go bouldering in the lower levels. You can book in as a small group of the same household or a social bubble.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SURREY:&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans" target="_blank">Bateman’s</a></strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="438" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/RudyardKiplingBatemans171683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38965" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/RudyardKiplingBatemans171683.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/RudyardKiplingBatemans171683-300x131.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/RudyardKiplingBatemans171683-720x315.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/RudyardKiplingBatemans171683-768x336.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/RudyardKiplingBatemans171683-900x394.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The former gaff of&nbsp;<em>The Jungle Book</em>&nbsp;creator Rudyard Kipling, this 17th-century National Trust property has re-opened the gardens, ground floor and Mulberry Cafe for take-out food and drinks. Pre-booking essential.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SURREY:&nbsp;</strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/" target="_blank"><strong>Hampton Court</strong>&nbsp;Palace</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="557" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/HamptonCourtPalace1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38964" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/HamptonCourtPalace1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/HamptonCourtPalace1-300x167.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/HamptonCourtPalace1-720x401.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/HamptonCourtPalace1-768x428.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/HamptonCourtPalace1-900x501.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The stunning former home of Henry VIII has 60 acres of formal gardens and 750 acres of historic parkland so easy-peasy to social distance and plenty of space for the kids to burn up some energy. The inside of the palace is also open – make sure to check out the Great Hall, it’s a must-see.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BERKS:&nbsp;<strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/brick-or-treat/" target="_blank">Brick or Treat</a>, Legoland</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://warks.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/legoland-windsor-brick-or-treat-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-38963" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/legoland-windsor-brick-or-treat-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/legoland-windsor-brick-or-treat-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/legoland-windsor-brick-or-treat-2-720x479.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/legoland-windsor-brick-or-treat-2-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/warks/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2020/10/legoland-windsor-brick-or-treat-2-789x525.jpg 789w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I’ve run out of jokes about Brick or Treat – that’s how long this Legoland event has been running! Lots of spooky(ish) additions to the park, plus new for 2020, there’s a brand new dance extravaganza – The Haunted&nbsp;Lighthouse&nbsp;Halloween&nbsp;Show – and a new scary character, Scarecrow.</p>


Boredom buster! October half-term day trips

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