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| With February half-term on the horizon, it's a good time to start looking for activities to keep the whole family occupied. That's not always easy, especially if finances are tight or you have a large family and everyone wants to do something different. |
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| The good news is you don't have to spend a fortune to come up with some cracking ideas which kids of all ages will love. And, when the UK has so much to offer, and flights and trips abroad can be costly at peak holiday times, you don't have to travel overseas to give your family a fantastic and memorable half-term break. |
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| You can always stay at home and enjoy day trips and activities such as theme parks, the cinema or bowling. Alternatively, you may feel that your children have spent too much time cooped up inside since Christmas and need a healthy dose of fresh air and to experience and explore the countryside, perhaps getting some healthy exercise at the same time. |
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| You could consider staying in a mobile home in a holiday park, or choose one with its own accommodation. You should find a covered waterpark and other facilities for rainy days. Another idea to consider if you can't face roughing it is to go 'glamping' on a British farm. This means glamorous camping, so you'll have all your creature comforts! (Think wood-burning stoves, warm showers and hot water bottles.) |
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| To save even more money, consider a winter break with 'real' camping: it's not as crazy as it might sound and it's increasing in popularity. After all, only during the colder months can you truly appreciate your shelter, and you'll love the contrast between the conditions outside and the cosiness of your camp. |
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| Not only that, but, wherever you go, you'll have the pick of the plumiest pitches. You won't be plagued by midges, ticks or other biting insects, and you should find most sites very peaceful and quiet. |
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| The sounds and smells of the countryside are very different to what you'll find in summer. It may not be for the faint-hearted, but, if you do get to camp out in snow, winter camping can be a magical experience. Clear, frosty weather can also be ideal. |
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| That's not to say you don't need to plan very carefully, more so than you would at other times of year: or you could find yourself facing a losing battle against rain, mud and sodden clothes. |
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| Choose your pitch well, for a start. Forest and woodland can provide perfect shelter from the elements, while also adding atmospheric benefit as the wind blows through the trees. |
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| Having the right camping equipment during the colder months is also vital. You should plan to be active during the day, and that also means being prepared. If you're covering any distance at all on foot, don't even think about going out without good quality waterproof walking boots with adequate ankle support. You will also need good outer garments for everyone, and that means children's, women's and men's waterproof jackets. |
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| Finally, of course you'll also need a sturdy tent and four season sleeping bags. You can also buy fleece-lined sleeping bag sheets for added warmth. And don't forget to stay toasty with layered clothing and thermal underwear, including long-johns. |
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| Pack properly though and you could look forward to a real winter-time adventure this February half-term. |
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