The best UK breaks for half term

See a top show in the West End

Whether your thing is galleries, museums, shopping, or snapping historic landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London, half term in London has something for every family – including world-beating West End shows.

A night at the theatre (or a cheeky matinee) in London is bucket-list worthy in our eyes, and luckily for you there are plenty of shows to see this year. First time in the West End? Long-running classics like Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Wicked are sure to delight. After something for the little ones? They'll love Frozen and Matilda The Musical, and you will too!

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Visit a royal palace

Speaking of London, it would be rude not to say hello to the Royal Family while you're there. Buckingham Palace, the King's official London residence, is worth the visit just to explore the surrounding grounds and see the Changing of the Guard. This iconic ceremony is free to watch, and the foot guards will be accompanied by a full military band playing everything from traditional marches to classic pop songs.

Other royal residences are open to the public in too. Windsor Castle, home to countless former monarchs including Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and ready to welcome you and your family. It's as grand as you'd expect, and you can see the Changing of the Guard here too.

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Meet Peppa Pig

Are your kids the world's biggest Peppa Pig fans? Are YOU the world's biggest Peppa Pig fan? Then you'll want to head straight to Paultons Park, as it's home to the first and biggest Peppa Pig World.

You'll find 9 fabulous Peppa Pig-themed rides, a splash park and both indoor and outdoor play areas. You can even meet Peppa Pig and her brother George! And if that's not enough for you, Paultons is the best-rated theme park on Google and is home to more than 80 exciting rides and attractions and 5 themed worlds to explore, so there's something for the whole family to enjoy.

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Visit an RHS garden

Ok it might not be the obvious choice for the kids but hear us out. Plenty of wide-open spaces for the kids to run around in (and wear themselves out), exotic and intriguing flora and some impressive Victorian greenhouses all add up to make some proper educational fun. Take a picnic or treat the family to afternoon tea while the kids run riot in the play area.

There are RHS gardens up and down the country from Surrey to North Yorkshire so you're sure to find one that suits you. RHS Garden Harlow Carr is just outside Harrogate so why not combine your visit with a stay in this iconic spa town? It's also home to world-famous Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms and just a stone's throw from the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

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Dog-friendly breaks

We haven't forgotten your four-legged friends this half term. A short break wouldn't be the same without your beloved pet, so why not choose one of our hand-picked, dog-friendly hotels in idyllic locations throughout the UK? Your pooch will be pampered with free food on the first night of your hotel stay, and dog beds and bowls are included.

Windsor's our pick of the bunch for dog-friendly breaks. Windsor Great Park has over 4,800 acres of parkland for you and your pup to explore, plus the Thames Path and National Trust footpaths and byways make for the perfect long walk.