Essential October Mini Breaks

When summer is gone and you just need something to look forward to...

While I should be busy completing my long-promised Japanese city guides, this month I had found myself distracted. When September kicks in, the back-to-school vibes peter out and the weather shifts for the worse, all I can think about is planning an escape.

Wood-fired lodges, sunny backstreets and vibrant cities packed with culture all call out to me so loudly, that really it’s unfair to expect me to do anything else until I have that “essential” October mini break booked.

But with limited time off to take and an even more limited budget after the big spends of summer, the October mini break can be a tough nut to crack. Especially if you have school age kids and need to stick to half term.

Having decided to forgo Marseille (hard to justify flying somewhere for 3 days) and West Mersea (hard to convince my children to spend 3 days on an Essex island cut off by the tide twice a day with “no shops”) it’s looking likely we’re going to eat our way around Manchester for a few days instead (send food tips).

Decision (almost) made here, I thought I’d share a couple of sure-fire October hits from the past few years, in the hope it might help inspire anyone also consumed by the idea of an autumn break, but yet to make it to that “BOOK NOW” button.

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One Cat Farm (near Aberaeron, Wales)

As a family who rarely return to the scene of even a criminally good holiday (there’s just so much else to see!), One Cat Farm has proved itself to be the exception to the rule

Stunning cosy cabins, warming campfires, wood-fired outdoor baths and the most welcoming hosts make this a hands down the best “glamping” site we stayed at (and we have stayed at MANY).

That’s not to mention One Cat Farm’s location. In walking distance to the Ceredigion coastline and lovely Aberaeron (depending on how far you are willing to walk), it’s also only a short drive from an array of other incredible towns and beaches. Let hosts Jessie and Lyndon explain how to park by The Plwmp Tart tea room and walk the most magical path to Penbryn Beach, clamber across rocks to see the cascading beach waterfall at Tresaith and head into Cardigan to feast on baked goods and riverside pizzas.

Prague

Considering when I had last visited Prague in 1998, my main motivation was 30p pints, it’s safe to say that our more recent trip was quite the revelation. Not only are Prague’s central historic sights all walkable on foot, making it great for mini breaks, it’s also a seriously cool city. Tick off the traditional ‘Things to do’ like Prague Castle and the Old Town Hall astronomical clock, before hitting up the hipster coffee shops, vintage kilo shops and Insta-worthy abandoned palaces.

For added short stay smugness we tagged on a cabin stay south of the city at the end. A woodland retreat complete with cosy fire, cinema-night projector and draft beer on tap. Yes really! They even still has availability for October half term (sign up to paid subscription to access direct booking link).

(Flights from the UK to Prague start at £36pp this October)

Liverpool

If you’re feeling a UK city break itch, Liverpool might be the one to scratch it. We had a fun-packed few October half term days staying right at the heart of Liverpool One and it’s something I’d recommend to almost anyone, especially families with older kids (like any city centre, parts of it can change when the sun goes down, but that’s all part of the fun, isn’t it?).

Visit the Tate Liverpool, ride the Magical Mystery Tour bus around all the Beatles sights, watch live music at The Cavern, get your street food kicks at Baltic Market and just generally embrace why Scousers are justifiably so proud of this vibrant city.

Ghent

Bored with Bruges? Not bothered about Brussels? Ghent is the Belgian city where it’s at for short stays. It’s perfect for budget adventures due to the abundance of frites stands (or frituur/ frietkot’ as they are known there) and free or low cost things to do.

Browse the Saturday flea or flower markets with the locals, go and see the legendary Ghent Altarpiece, explore the historic Winter Circus and stroll down Graffiti Alley, before relaxing with a flight on Belgian beers in the shadow of one of its gothic landmarks.

(Ghent is a 2 hour drive from Calais, we travelled by car using Le Shuttle, currently costing around £170 return for trips in October. For details of the best city centre parking and other direct links upgrade to paid).

Dublin

If time and money is short but you are determined to be somewhere entirely different, Dublin could be the one. With cheap short flights a plenty and ample accommodation it’s also a great last minute option. While city centre can be expensive, the public transport is great and the car hire usually cheap, so you don’t have to feel tied to the city centre.

We especially loved walking the historic streets, eating Irish Boxty fries, exploring the Trinity College Library and the beautiful, free Hugh Lane Gallery.

Make time to immerse yourself a distinct take on the city’s history at the inspiring 14 Henrietta Street and if you get time to head out of the city to see some of Ireland’s fames countryside, The Glendalough Valley is only 1 hour 20 mins from Dublin and is a great place to start.

(Flights from London to Dublin throughout October start at £30pp)

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