Plan the Perfect Half Term Holiday
September 23, 2022
Half term is on the horizon and if you haven’t made your plans yet, then we are here to help! Our view is you should definitely consider a trip to the glorious Monmouthshire countryside (and a stay at Penhein of course..). There is so much holiday fun in the area, and here at Penhein we are offering not one, but two all inclusive Halloween parties when you book with us. There are also plenty of other adventures on the farm to consider, including three Junior Bushcraft courses at Penhein, on Tues 25th Oct, Sat 29th Oct and Tues 1st November, all now open for booking.
Here are just a few fabulous ideas for the happiest of half terms….
1. Halloween at Penhein
Our annual Halloween party is back! Book for a mid week stay starting on Monday 31st October and you can join our Halloween party that same evening. The children (and adults if you like!) can join in with some jam jar lantern making, a fancy dress parade, trick or treating, hot dogs around the fire and plenty more. All included in the price of your stay!
2. Local Halloween Fun
Some of our most favourite local attractions are running a series of Halloween events, including Halloween Trails at Chepstow Castle, a School of Magic at Raglan Castle or visit the Dean Heritage Centre for a week of spooktacular half term fun, including Halloween craft, pumpkin carving and spooky trails!
3. Not Keen on Halloween?
If Halloween isn’t your thing, take the children for a visit to Perrygrove Railway, a self confessed Halloween Free Zone! They offer some wonderful alternative half term fun,with additional indoor activities in the carriage shed, including colouring, crafts and BigJig play sessions with the giant wooden railway. All these along with their regular TreeTop Adventures, The Twilight Village and Foxy Hollow and Warren Adventure. This is perfect half term entertainment.
4. Half term fun for grown ups too!
We always think half term is for children, and Halloween in particular, so we were delighted to see that Raglan Castle has noticed that there are some grown ups that would like some fun. They are running an adult only evening of Ghost Stories and Folklore. Join them in the tower at Raglan Castle for an evening of local ghost stories and Welsh legends, recounted by storytellers. Followed by hot chocolate and cookies (we’re all children at heart..)
5. Visit Clearwell Caves
Another favourite of ours is Clearwell Caves where you can discover the secret world beneath the forest. It is open to all ages and there are nine awesome show caverns full of exciting things to discover, plus a cafe and gift shop. Although temporarily closed through September for the dismantling of the Back to the Cave exhibition, they re-open again in October for weekend days plus the week of half term. This will include their children’s Halloween Pumpkin Hunt.
6. Discover Puzzlewood
If you enjoy walking, the great outdoors, breathtaking scenery or discovering nature whatever the season, you’ll love Puzzlewood. Experience twisted trees in an otherworldly woodland through a mile and a half of paths, bridges and lookout points. It’s a wood like no other, and its magic will cast a spell to entice you back time and time again. To inspire everyone, pick up a Wizards Guide at admission and seek out and tick off 20 objects, items, places and faces.
7. Step into Stunning Tintern Abbey
Always worth a visit at any time of year, Tintern Abbey can be at its most beautiful in the Autumnal dusk. Full of ancient history, this awe inspiring ruin is not one to be missed. For those half term holidayers amongst you there is the Alchemy and Artistry display towards the end of October. The Abbey grounds will be illuminated with a thousand flickering candles and sculptures. There will be live atmospheric music and delicious and warming autumnal treats on site from local independent suppliers, offering spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate.
8. Autumn at Llandegfedd Lake
Test your hand/eye coordination to the limit at Llandegfedd Lake’s new activity arena. Become a modern-day Welsh Water Warrior, channel your inner Celt, and learn the ancient skills and techniques of axe throwing. Follow your axe throwing experience with traditional archery and laser clay shooting. This is great fun for families and groups, with the opportunity to get competitive and have your own activity league! There is also Lakeside Café serving a delicious menu from hot filled sandwiches to tasty burgers and a great selection of cakes and hot drinks to choose from, perfect for a post activity treat.