With its timeless pleasures, timeless wonders and timeless places, Wiltshire always has lots to offer visitors and residents, and this February half term is no exception.
There are plenty of things to do in Swindon this half term that are all family friendly and won’t break the bank, so make sure you check them out.
A number of attractions are putting on special events for half term, so we’ve put together a round-up of some of the best offers for families and children around the county.
Half Term Attractions
Longleat open their new 2017 season in time for half term. They are open daily from 11 – 19 February and then on selected dates until 1 April.
Don’t forget to check out their daily animal experiences and parrot shows. New for 2017 ‘Marvellous Monsters’ – coming this Easter.
On Tuesday 14 February The Salisbury Museum needs your help to create LEGO Art! Visitors will can help build a life-size version of John Constable’s painting of Salisbury Cathedral out of Lego! It’s a full day of creativity so just drop in at any time to suit you.
Castle Combe Circuit is hosting Startline driving courses over the February half term, hugely valuable and super fun experiences behind the wheel for 12 to 16 year olds.
Families and parents are also welcome to attend to watch their children learn the basics of driving around a real race circuit!
Join in The Gingerbread Race at Roves Farm from 11-19 February. The races bring the classic tale of the gingerbread man to life… with a twist! It’s also lambing time at the farm so you might spot some new arrivals.
There’s a Young Chefs’ Academy Cookery Course on 16 February at Vaughan’s Cookery School, Devizes, where children can learn the principles behind the dishes they create including seasonal soup, Italian-style cottage pie, passion fruit panna cotta and a baking challenge.
Wiltshire Museum in Devizes has a family-friendly exhibition, Fantastic Fossils where visitors can see the collection, learn about dinosaurs in Wiltshire and discover what the area was like in the Ice Age. Normal museum admission prices apply but under 16s go free.
On Thursday 16 February Salisbury Arts Centre will be showing a new kind of dance show, Sponge, for families and children aged 4 months to 4 years. It’s about all things spongy: a child’s ability to soak up things and squishy, squashy textures that fascinate children and adults alike.
Family-Friendly Accommodation
Wiltshire makes a great short break holiday destination, so take a look at these superb family- friendly accommodation ideas.
The Beckford Arms at Tisbury is offering 35% off all room rates in February. It’s on the edges of the stunning rolling parkland of the Fonthill estate only 20 minutes from Stonehenge and Salisbury. From £95 per room per night on a B&B basis.
Families will never get bored at Ashdene Holiday Cottage in South Marston, as they have a heated indoor swimming pool, five-seater hot tub and games/cinema room.
They can accommodate up to 12 people in 5 bedrooms and prices are £3,850 per week with weekend two-night breaks from £2,050.
Manor Farm B&B Collingbourne Kingston near Marlborough has a double/family room with en suite and a twin/family room with private facilities which are both south-facing Georgian rooms.
The B&B offers a sumptuous breakfast and guests are welcome to collect their own free-range eggs from the farm. From £70 per room per night for B&B.
The Methuen Arms at Corsham has a number of rooms which can accommodate large family groups and has been newly refurbished. From £95 per room per night including breakfast.
Eating Out with the Family
Wiltshire has a wide range of dining options suitable for families:
The Cross Keys Corsley is a community-owned free house in the lovely village of Corsley close to Longleat. It’s a family-friendly pub with children and wellies welcome.
Set in the grounds of a Wiltshire dairy farm Rowdey Cow Farm Café, near Devizes, serves cooked breakfasts, lunches, teas and Sunday roasts – all made with local produce. To keep the children happy it also has play areas and animal viewing.
Marina Café at Devizes Marina Village serves breakfasts, sandwiches, baguettes and paninis along with cakes and chocolate treats. What’s more there’s canoe and boat hire on site for trips on the Kennet & Avon Canal!
The Three Tuns Freehouse, 10 minutes from Marlborough, offers superb homemade food and is an ideal stopping off point for those exploring the Savernake Forest or travelling along the Kennet & Avon Canal.
There’s so many restaurants to choose from when it comes to eating in Wiltshire, find the best restaurants in Swindon to visit.
