Published on: Thursday, 18 October 2018
Last updated: Thursday, 18 October 2018
With half term fast approaching, families are looking for activities to keep the kids entertained, whilst not breaking the bank. We know taking the whole family on a day out is not always cheap, so catching the train is a great option for getting to local events and attractions. As well as keeping the costs down, it removes the hassle of having to find and pay for a parking space.
When travelling by train with children, travellers can opt for a Family & Friends Railcard. With the card, up to four adults and four children can enjoy a half term adventure for less, with adults receiving up to 1/3 OFF their rail fare and a saving of 60% on kids’ rates. Alternatively, friends travelling together can take advantage of GroupSave, offering groups of three to nine adults travelling together a 1/3 OFF all fares.
To solve the problem of what to do with the family this half term and beyond, Greater Anglia has rounded up some of the best low-cost and family friendly activities across East Anglia for all the family to enjoy.
Magic Moments
This October half-term, four major locations across the region are hosting a magical celebration of mystery and illusion. The show, headlined by Charlie Caper and Malin Nilsson’s show Minor Miracles, is heading to Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Norwich where visitors can expect laughter-filled, bewitching events and activities for the whole family. Each location will also host a free street show, so there is no excuse not to join in with the magic.
Closest stations: Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Norwich
Tickets:
Charlie Caper Street Show: Free at every site
Minor Miracles: Ipswich 24th Oct – tickets start from £5
Bury St Edmunds 25th Oct – tickets start from £10.50
Norwich 26th Oct – tickets start from £6
Cambridge Film Festival
Visit Cambridge and enjoy their 38th annual film festival in the heart of the city. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience a diverse range of films and events that you may otherwise not have the chance to see. With new titles and old, there is an impressively extensive programme to choose from – with family classics such as ‘E.T’ and new releases like ‘Colette’ being screened across the city. Starting on the 25th of October and running until the 1st November, it’s not one to be missed.
Closest station: Cambridge
Tickets: varying in price
Knightzzz At The Museum – 20th October
Feeling brave? Spend the night at Colchester Castle for a unique, immersive camping experience. See the historic castle after hours for an exciting adventure and to get a spooky perspective on its history. If they’re feeling particularly courageous, people can opt to spend the night in the Prison Area. Going with friends or family? Use GroupSave to get 1/3 OFF all Off-Peak rail fares.
Closest station: Colchester Town
Tickets: tickets start at £30 pp
Cromer Museum
Visit Cromer Museum and see some of the bones from the largest and best-preserved mammoth skeleton in the world, found only minutes from where they are now on display. Whilst there visitors can learn more about the history of this part of Norfolk and explore the Olive Edis exhibition, revealing the extraordinary story of her life as a photographer.
Closest station: Cromer
Tickets: Children’s tickets - £3.65
Adult tickets - £4.30
Fireworks in Cambridge - 5th November
If locals and visitors are fed up with their normal firework night activities, another options is to head to the heart of Cambridge for the annual Midsummer Common firework extravaganza. Featuring a magnificent firework display, enormous bonfire and a crowd of 25,000 spectators, it’s not one to be missed. And if that’s not enough, the Thurston Fun Fair is back in town, providing the thrills for what’s sure to be a spectacular night. Visit Cambridge from London for just £7 when booking rail tickets in advance.
Closest station: Cambridge
Tickets: Free entry but people are encouraged to donate at least £3
Crafty Coffee
Try your hand at pottery painting beside the sea this half term at Crafty Coffee. Let your imagination run wild as you paint, print or decopatch your unique design onto ceramics ranging from piggybanks and elephants to teacups. Afterwards, take your design and go for a picturesque stroll along the seafront. Use GroupSave to get 1/3 OFF all Off-Peak rail fares.
Closest station: Felixstowe
Prices: Ceramics start at £5.50 and there is a £3 studio charge pp