The balmy days of the summer holidays may have drawn to a close, but October half term is fast approaching! School breaks are perfect for quality family time; a chance to rest, regroup and reenergise in equal measure. With many holidaymakers opting to stay in the UK for school breaks, the Beach Check app ensures a smooth and simple seaside visit every time.
The Beach Check app is the must-download resource for planning beach breaks – and day trips – to the coastline. The app is free and simple to use, downloadable from Google Play and the Apple App store (with no in-app purchases), allowing users to check individual beaches or see a map showing red (crowded), amber (less congested) and green (uncongested) beaches. To date, the app has had more than 80,000 downloads.
Following a successful launch in 2020 followed by a national roll-out last summer, the Beach Check app now offers an even wider range of features for 2022. The new functions include handy tide times and weather features for all coastal regions across England.
From music and wildlife to spooks and thrills, there’s a whole host of events and activities to look forward to across the UK’s beaches this October half term – round up the troops, prepare the layers and get ready for a cosy half term of fun with these holiday and day trip recommendations from Beach Check UK:
What’s on in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole:
Bournemouth Beach Race – Winter edition 2022 (23rd Oct)
Go head-to-head with the breath-taking shoreline of Bournemouth Beach in an attempt to beat the tide! With 5 km and 10 km runs available to enter, get the whole family together and see if you can make it to the finish line before the tide comes in. Participants are also welcomed to enter as a team of four and will receive a discount on entry. Tickets from £22.50 pp.
Rock Reef (22nd – 30th Oct)
Calling all adrenaline junkies! Rock Reef offers activities to keep the half term jam-packed whatever the weather. Put your speed, stamina and agility to the test with the clip ‘n climb rock wall or brave the ultimate adventure in the dark: the Pier Cave, consisting of three separate caving tunnels, each colour coded with varying levels of difficulty ensuring a challenge for all ages! Book online and save money on your ticket price. Varying prices starting from £10 pp.
What’s on in Thanet, Kent:
Reef playing at Dreamland (28th Oct)
Situated just off the waters of Margate Beach, Dreamland has been one of the UK’s best-loved amusement parks for a century. This October half term, Glastonbury rockers, Reef, take the stage at Dreamland after their swift climb back into the UK Top 20 earlier this year with their recently released new album “Shoot Me Your Ace”. Grab tickets early to avoid disappointment and prepare for a truly invigorated seaside spectacle. Tickets from £30 pp.
What’s on in East and West Sussex:
Arundel Wetland Centre: Eek! Week (22nd – 30th Oct)
Buckle up for a week of unforgettable experiences at Eek! Week. Keep your eyes peeled and your ears pricked as guests are invited to embark on an immersive sensory adventure. Will you dare to slide your hand in the snake box, or get up close and personal with scaly reptiles? As well as an array of wildlife to explore, the Wetland centre offers pond dipping, an owl pellet family workshop and a Wetland discovery boat safari. Make sure to keep a look out from the “chatty” tawny owls that like to make themselves especially known at autumn time. Tickets from £7 per child and £13 per adult.
Bateman’s Autumn Scavenger Trail (1st – 30th Oct)
Breathe in the wonders of autumn and feel the crunch of crimson leaves underfoot as you spot spooky decorations on Bateman’s autumn scavenger trail. Weave your way through the gardens’ paths, steps and slopes and see how many autumnal things you can find. Admission to Bateman’s starts from £6 pp. The event is free of charge.
What’s on in Hayling Island, Havant:
Funland Amusement Park – Fright Night (22nd, 26th & 29th Oct)
This October half term, Funland amusement park has three nights of terror and gore in store. Enter the old asylum with caution and roam amongst the spirits lurking in the shadows. Throughout the night sweets and treats will be available for the children as well as a host of prizes up for grabs for the best fancy dress outfits. The ticket price is £15 pp which allows access to the park, an unlimited ride wristband for use on the rides throughout the evening and entry to all mazes.
What’s on in West Wittering:
Weald and Downland Living Museum: Horrible tasks of the past! (22nd – 30th Oct)
The beautifully historic interiors of Weald and Downland Living Museum call out to be admired, but there’s a twist; upon your arrival you will be given an instruction note directing you to a special location. There you can start your route to find out more about horrible things that people (including children) had to eat, smell, or do as jobs or household tasks in the past. Additionally, there are a range of woodland walks and trails for guests to enjoy here also. Tickets from £7.50 (up to 17s) and £15.50 per adult.
What’s on in the Isle of Wight:
Guys and Dolls at Shanklin Theatre (27th – 30th Oct)
This October, join the Island Savoyards for their 50th anniversary. The theatre company will be taking to the stage of the Shanklin Theatre with a performance of the timeless classic, Guys and Dolls, a celebrated musical comedy about rolling the dice and falling in love under the bright lights of Broadway. After receiving outstanding audience reviews being compared to performances in the West End, this spectacular night at the theatre is not to be missed. Tickets from £15 pp.
Isle of Wight Coastal Path
Breathe in the fresh sea air with the backdrop of the stunning coastline on the Isle of Wight circular walk. Perfect for a trip with a four-legged friend, this track will gently guide you through parks and wildlife, passing through Alum Bay and the famous Needles rocks, where you will find fabulous views of the Lighthouse. The coastal path boasts beautiful sweeping views the whole way round, each part offering something unique, allowing you to walk for as long or a little as you want.
What’s on in Redcar and Cleveland:
Halloween Spooktacular at TunedIn! (25th & 26th Oct)
Head down to Redcar with all the family for the “Fang-tastic” Family Panto at TunedIn!, a community centre based on the seafront. All is calm at Creaky Towers until the wicked Belladonna wreaks havoc on the Halloween Party when she doesn’t receive an invitation! Will Tommy the Ghostbuster manage to save the day? Brought to you by the same team behind last year’s production ‘Pirates of the Spooky Lagoon’, guests can expect a fun-filled evening of spooks and thrills. This show is one for all ages. Tickets from £10.85.
