Author: Serena Rudge 

Heading off in your roadsurfer home-on-wheels makes adventuring during half term a breeze – and with a little help from trains and boats you can travel further afield than you might think! England, Scotland and Wales require little other than a bit of driving, or cross the pond to Ireland or France. When planning your half term campervan holiday in October, remember that the weather in the UK can be a mixed bag. Our top tip? Pack layers, waterproofs, and wellies, and maybe opt for slightly better equipped campsites with good showers to warm up after a day outdoors.

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France

The land of bread, cheese and wine (we promise it’s so much more than that!) is the perfect Euro destination for a week away in your roadsurfer. You might have a couple of longer days of driving but they’re worth it – and the perfect opportunity to experience the country’s delicious food when stocking up on car snacks.

• Explore the châteaux of the Loire valley. Château d’Amboise and Château d’Azay-Le-Rideau are recommended with their amazing apps that have great activities for children.
• The delightful Île de Ré has ample opportunity for outdoor entertainment. Hikes, bikes, history and adventure await!
• Wine tasting with children in tow? Yes, actually. Many of the vineyards in Bordeaux are well-prepared for children. Some even have their own non-alcoholic tastings to teach younger ones how it’s done.
• It’s a long drive down the Atlantic coast to Biarritz, but with October marking the beginning of the winter waves, it’s the perfect place for avid surfers (or beginners – there are breaks for all levels) to soak in the surf culture.

Scotland

Pick up your roadsurfer in Edinburgh and find adventure at your fingertips. Road trip through glens and lochs stopping for a chilly swim, a picnic in the sun, or to gaze at the immense autumnal beauty of the country. Top tip: visitors have been given a bad reputation recently for leaving behind their litter – remember to Leave No Trace!

• One of the best places for adventure is Aviemore. Mountain biking, horse riding, and kayaking are just a few of the many activities on offer, or pack a bag and head out into the hills (make sure to pack extra layers and food just in case!).

• It seems everyone is choosing the North Coast 500 these days, and for good reason. It’s not all about the open road – little ones will love dragon hunting, bike riding, and all manner of adventurous activities.
• Ride on a steam train over the Glenfinnan Aqueduct.
• Visit breath-taking Glen Coe, learn about its climbing history, and set off on one of its many walks with options for all abilities.

Ireland

October is the perfect time to visit as most international tourists have headed home for the winter, so the roads should be a bit quieter. If the weather doesn’t go in your favour, remember that rainy days make cosying up for a pub dinner in the evening all the more special!

• Not sure where to start? Look up Ireland’s scenic drives – you know, those ones with the brown sign posts that you thought were for Sunday leisure drivers? Not so! These are designated scenic for a reason and can be a great jumping off point for a day of exploration.

• Plan the ultimate West Coast road trip. Options are limitless and there are plenty of itinerary ideas out there, but think about taking in Connemara National Park, Galway, the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle, and the Ring of Kerry.
• Little legs might have some loud words to say when you mention the word “hike”, but there are some child-friendly walks in Ireland that are breath-taking in a good way. Try Horn Head in Donegal or Bray Head near Dublin. Wicklow Mountains National Park also has plenty of family-friendly trails.
• The Bram Stoker festival in Dublin, celebrating connections with the author of Dracula. It promises entertainment for the whole family.

Wales

An easy drive from London, forget the memories you have of school trips in the rain. Wales has it all – beaches, mountains, and plenty to do with the kids.

• Pembrokeshire, Gower, and Glamorgan are the go-to areas for surfing when the early Winter swells come in.
• Adventure through the Brecon Beacons, home to some of the best roads to drive in Wales. There’s plenty of adventures to be had, and the national park has been awarded dark sky status so stay up late and check out the stars.
• If the weather is good, make the trek to the top of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales. If the weather isn’t looking so promising or the mini adventurers in your troop rebel, there are plenty of family-friendly options, as well as cycling on the Mawddach Trail.
• For a little less adventure, try Cefn Mably Farm Park, Oakwood Theme Park at the weekends, or Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park.

Devon

If you’re struggling to choose between the north and south coast, we can’t help you – our advice is do it all!

• Exmoor and Dartmoor are Devon’s two incredible national parks, with their own breeds of ponies, cream teas, and plenty of outdoor adventure.
• Find a stable and go horse riding or pony trekking through Devon’s beautiful countryside.
• If the water looks a bit too cold to get into, take aboat trip to see the coast.
• Explore Devon’s enchanting towns – visit the market town of Barnstaple, Salcombe with its peaceful coastal setting, or quirky Totnes which promotes ethical, fair trade goods.
• Visit Devon has all the information you could need to plan your perfect half term adventure.