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If you're looking for February half-term activities in the South West that will keep little ones entertained or family-friendly days out, we've rounded up the best places to visit. Whether you’re looking for rainy-day activities, budget-friendly fun or want to get out in nature, get inspired with our guide to the top half-term events the South West offers. You'll find options to suit all ages and interests, plus SWR Rewards for families can help you save even more on popular attractions!
Nature and wildlife attractions in the South West
The South West is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, from National Parks to breathtaking coastlines. And what better place for little ones to tire themselves out than these outdoor attractions?
Amazon World Zoo Park, Isle of Wight
Nothing beats a family day out to the zoo, and Amazon World Zoo Park is sure to delight both kids and adults! Whether you're looking for day trips from Portsmouth, Southampton or Lymington, or planning a staycation on the Isle of Wight, it's a must-visit attraction during half term.
Price: Tickets cost £18.95 for adults and £16.95 for children. Family tickets are also available. SWR Rewards customers can get 10% off tickets to Amazon World Zoo Park.
Address: Watery Lane, Newchurch, Sandown PO36 0LX.
How to get there: Walk 11 minutes from Sandown to Pier Street, then catch the number 8 bus to the zoo.
Alpaca Meet and Greet, Hampshire
Don't miss the opportunity to get up close with wildlife at this unique experience at Pennybridge Farm. Visitors will get an introduction to these wonderful creatures, learn about farm safety, and assist with feeding and walking the alpacas.
Price: £25 for two people (one must be over 18). SWR Rewards customers can get 10% off the Alpaca Meet and Greet experience.
Address: Pennybridge Farm, Greywell Road, Hook RG27 9GT
How to get there: The nearest station is Hook, where you can catch the number 13 bus to Water End Park. From there, it's an 18-minute walk to the farm.
New Forest National Park
As one of the South West's best National Parks, the New Forest is a great place to go with kids during half term, offering plenty of open space for them to walk, cycle, run and play. Plus, there's plenty of nature to enjoy here, from free-roaming ponies and donkeys to magical forests and sprawling heathland. Discover the best walks in the New Forest to plan your ideal day out.
How to get there: Catch a train to Ashurst, Brockenhurst, Lymington Town, New Milton, Sway or Totton.
Rainy day activities in the South West
The British weather can be unpredictable, so if it's raining during half term, these are the best indoor activities for kids that the South West offers.
Sea Life Centre, Weymouth
A day at the aquarium is the perfect rainy day activity for families, so head to Sea Life Centre Weymouth. From the awe-inspiring displays of marine life to interactive exhibits and play areas, kids will have endless fun here! Explore our guide to Sea Life Centre Weymouth to find out more about this must-visit attraction.
Price: Tickets start from £14 for adults and £11 for children – book in advance for the best prices.
Address: Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth DT4 7SX
How to get there: It's a 29-minute walk from Weymouth to Sea Life Centre or a 7-minute taxi ride.
RockReef Clip' n Climb, Bournemouth
Feeling adventurous? Go rock climbing at RockReef for a thrilling half-term activity the whole family will love! Located on Bournemouth Pier, this indoor centre is ideal for rainy days and has climbing walls suitable for all ages and abilities.
Price: Clip 'n Climb tickets start from £15. SWR Rewards customers can get 15% off Clip 'n Climb tickets – advanced booking is required.
Address: 3 Pier Approach, Bournemouth BH2 5AA
How to get there: Hop on the number 6a, 1c, 1a, 5 or 33 bus from Bournemouth to Bournemouth Pier (Stand BB). Then, walk 5 minutes to RockReef.
Escape in 60, Windsor
Escape rooms are a great rainy day half-term activity for older children (and adults!). Escape in 60 offers several themed rooms, including Escape the Castle, The Curse of the Lost Chamber and The Amber Room.
All are suitable for ages 7 and above, so it's a fantastic activity for family days out or birthday parties. Solve clues and puzzles and play games to help you break free in just 60 or 75 minutes!
Price: Tickets start from £22 per person but vary depending on group size. SWR Rewards customers can get 10% off at Escape in 60 Windsor.
Address: Windsor Leisure Centre, Stovell Road, Clewer, Windsor SL4 5JB
How to get there: Walk 13 minutes from Windsor and Eton Central to the escape rooms.
Budget-friendly family days out
Entertaining the kids during school holidays can quickly add up, so if you're looking for free or budget-friendly days out in the South West, these are our top picks.
Nothe Fort, Weymouth
This historic sea fort and museum promises a fun day out for kids and adults, where you can learn about its changing roles since it was built in the Victorian era. It has served as a coastal defence and a nuclear bunker and is now a museum. Visit the gun deck, explore a maze of underground tunnels, and enjoy the spectacular views along the Jurassic Coast from Nothe Fort!
Address: Barrack Road, Weymouth DT4 8UF
How to get there: It's a 27-minute walk from Weymouth to Nothe Fort or a 7-minute taxi ride.
Go fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast
The South West is home to many of the UK's top fossil-hunting hotspots, and kids will love finding their ancient relics on the beaches of the Jurassic Coast! Whatever the weather, a trip to the seaside is always a treat, and it's a fantastic free half-term activity.
How to get there: Axminster is the closest station to the Jurassic's Coast most popular fossil-hunting beaches, like Charmouth and Lyme Regis. Hop on a bus or take a short taxi ride from the station.
Cultural experiences for kids
Looking for culture-packed days out with the kids? Galleries and museums are among the best places to go, with something suitable for every age.
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, Dorchester
With exhibitions ranging from geology to archaeology, literature, art, and so much more, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery has plenty on offer for kids. Their interactive trails are sure to keep kids occupied throughout your visit, while Storytime at the Museum will captivate young imaginations. Or, head to an arts and crafts workshop to let them unleash their creativity!
Price: Free
Address: High West Street, Dorchester DT1 1XA
How to get there: It's an 11-minute walk from Dorchester South to the museum.
Roche Court New Art Centre, Salisbury
This sculpture park and art gallery is a great place for families, offering plenty of outdoor space for kids to explore along with family activities. Their seasonal activity packs for sculpture explorers will help little ones engage with the works on display and are suitable for a range of ages.
Price: Free
Address: Roche Court, East Winterslow, Salisbury SP5 1BG
How to get there: It's a 13-minute taxi ride from Grateley to the art centre.
Theme parks and kids' attractions in the South West
For a fun-filled day out during half term, there's no better place to take the kids than a theme park! These are the top locations in the South West, with attractions and rides to suit all ages.
Paultons Park, Southampton
Paultons Park has themed lands, rides, shows and entertainment for all ages, so it's the perfect family attraction to visit during half term. It's also the home of Peppa Pig World, which younger children will love!
Price: Tickets start from £45 per person, and children under one metre tall go free. Book in advance for the best prices.
Address: Paultons Park, Romsey SO51 6AL
How to get there: From Totton, take the X7 or X7R bus to Paulton's Park.
Go Ape
For an adventurous family day out, book a high ropes activity at Go Ape. Kids and adults will love this thrilling attraction as you soar through the forest on zip wires, swings, rope bridges and tunnels. With several Go Ape locations across the South West, you won't need to travel far to enjoy this unique experience!
Price: Costs vary depending on your chosen activity. SWR Rewards customers can get 22% off for two people when booking the Tree Top Challenge at Go Ape.
SWR makes train travel with kids easy
Getting around during half term is easy when travelling on our network, as many of the top kids' attractions are located near our stations.
Looking for South West train travel deals this half term? We offer a range of ticket types to suit your journey. Book your train tickets in advance to secure the best prices, and check out our GroupSave tickets to save even more on family days out. Our Sunday Out and Semi-Flex return tickets give you extra flexibility if plans change on the day. For additional discounts, check your eligibility for a Family and Friends Railcard.
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