Enjoy half term on a budget

What do you think, is the current sunny weather going to last until half term? Some people reckon it'll be snowing by the end of October. One thing's for sure - our children will be off school and in need of entertainment. Here are some ideas that should leave you with change for a snow shovel.

Free days out

A day trip doesn't have to mean huge expense. Autumn is the best time ever for a walk in the woods, and there's no charge for seeing how many crunchy leaves you can step on. In fact, why wait until half term, since it's Walk in the Woods Week this week. Here are some ideas and events from The Ramblers Association.

For more ideas for free days out, have a look at the Enjoy England website. Their top 10 free attractions include:  The National Gallery and the Science Museum in London; The Winter Garden, Sheffield; Maiden Castle, Dorset; Sherwood Forest Country Park, Nottingham; and the Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds.

And in Wales, don't forget that all the national museums are free to visit. How many have you been to? And has Doctor Who been there too?

Free pudding

Nothing like a walk in the countryside to build up an appetite, so with that in mind, the National Trust is offering free autumn pudding with a main meal at some of its properties. Valid from now until the end of October, you'll need to print out a voucher from here.

Two for one in Brighton

These offers range from rides on the pier, to hotel stays and visits to places like the Sea Life Centre and Toy Museum. Just visit this page to print out a voucher.

Mini-break offers

For a longer trip, check out the Choice Hotels special offer activity breaks, where you can combine an overnight stay with a visit to attractions including Chester Zoo or Thorpe Park.

Other last minute bargains can be found in Dorset, where you can get 10% off all cottage booking here.

Or half term is a great term to visit Northern or Southern Ireland - the schools don't take as long a break as other places, so you'll find that most attractions are far less busy. You'll find some fab Ireland travel offers here.

Catherine has selected some more excellent getaways for half term. 

Scottish savings

And finally, if Scotland is your half term destination, don't go without visiting the special offers page here, where you can make savings on accommodation, activities and meals.