5 cheap days out this half term

10th February 2022

1. London

Take a photo at one of London's most iconic tourist attractions before enjoying lunch at one of the many instaworthy cafes and restaurants housed within the Millennium Dome. If you're travelling on a budget or don't fancy lunch out, take a picnic with you and scope out the perfect spot from high above as you take a trip on the Emirates Air Line, an urban cable car that crosses the Thames. Top tip - With an Oyster card, adult one-way fares cost from £4 and child fares from £2.

Getting there.
Stratford is the nearest rail station; from there, you can get to Emirates Royal Docks with the DLR in just over 20 minutes. Two adults travelling to Stratford (London) can save over £12 with a Two Together Railcard1.

2. Edinburgh

Visit the 'other castle' of Edinburgh, Craigmillar Castle, which stood outside the city walls, offering a respite from the city. The castle was famously used as a safe haven by Mary Queen of Scots in 1566.

A great hall and a prison are among the fascinating features of this tower house, one of Scotland's oldest. From the tower, enjoy sweeping views of Edinburgh, and seek out the remains of an unusual fishpond on the grounds shaped like the letter P.

Getting there.
Haymarket is the nearest mainline rail station. From there, you can take a bus ride, approximately 40-minutes, to the castle. Two adults can save over £12 travelling from Newcastle with a Senior Railcard2.

3. Manchester

Treetop Adventure Golf offers two indoor 18-hole mini-golf courses (Tropical/Ancient), as well as a bonus 19th hole where you can win a free round. You can tee off at this centrally located course, just five minutes from Manchester Victoria, while still having plenty of time to explore more of the city.

Explore the rainforest canopy on the Tropical Trail, dodging stalactites in Bug Canyon, conversing with cheeky toucans, and talking with Grandpa Nut. Be on the lookout for singing barbershop frogs as you make your way to the Cascading River.

Ancient Explorer - Cloud Village awaits you with The Sacred Mask and The Sleepy Head. You can pay your respects to Mabel the Monkey Queen on your trip to the mountain, and despite the crumbling temple being home to ancient spirits, it's the Sniping Viper's tongue that has to be feared.

Getting there.
Manchester Victoria is the nearest station, a five-minute walk from Treetop Adventure Golf. Two 16-25-year-olds can save over £3 travelling from Liverpool with a 16-25 Railcard3.

4. Birmingham

The Winterbourne House and Garden are rare examples of a suburban villa and an English garden from the early 20th century located within the University of Birmingham's Edgbaston campus. In terms of its original design, Winterbourne was intended as a small country estate with rustic outbuildings and a large garden following the Arts and Crafts movement, with local craftsmanship used throughout the house.

Margaret and John Nettlefold created the garden with the help of Gertrude Jekyll's books as a guide and inspiration. It’s now Grade II listed with its incredibly diverse plants throughout the year, welcoming visitors of all ages with an activity trail for families and a children's area too.

Getting there.
University is the nearest station, a 14-minute walk or an 8-minute bus ride and a short walk to Winterbourne. Two adults can save over £17 travelling from Lemington Spa with a Disabled Persons Railcard4.

5. Cardiff

Located in Cardiff Bay's heart, Techniquest and its interactive, hands-on exhibits make an excellent destination for families and science enthusiasts.

With over 120 exhibits, incredible science theatre shows, and Wales' only Planetarium, get a close-up look at distant galaxies and exploding stars through its unique presenter-led shows.

Getting there.
Cardiff Bay is the nearest station, a 9-minute walk to Techniquest. Two adults and two children can save £130 travelling from London Paddington with a Family & Friends Railcard5.


Railcard Savings.

1 Railcard price savings are based on Off-Peak Day Return tickets from East Croydon to Stratford (London) for 2 adults with a Two Together Railcard. Prices checked on 2nd February 2022 for travel on 14th February 2022.

2 Railcard price savings are based on Off-Peak Day Return tickets from Newcastle to Haymarket for 2 adults with a Senior Railcard. Prices checked on 2nd February 2022 for travel on 14th February 2022.

3 Railcard price savings are based on Off-Peak Day Return tickets from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Victoria for two 16-25 year olds with a 16-25 Railcard. Prices checked on 2nd February 2022 for travel on 14th February 2022.

4 Railcard price savings are based on Off-Peak Day Return tickets from Leamington Spa to University (Birmingham) for 2 adults with a Disabled Persons Railcard. Prices checked on 2nd February 2022 for travel on 14th February 2022.

5 Railcard price savings are based on Off-Peak Day Return tickets from London Paddington to Cardiff Bay for 2 adults and 2 children with a Family & Friends Railcard. Prices checked on 2nd February 2022 for travel on 14th February 2022.