It only feels a short time since the children went back to school but before you know it Halloween and the mid term break will be here. With fantastic low cost fares and 16,000 seats every week on nine Irish and UK routes direct from Ireland West Airport Knock it could not be easier on you or your pocket to treat the kids to some of Ireland and the UK’s top family attractions. Here are just a few suggestions on how to enjoy the mid term holiday:.  

Alton Towers is billed as the place thrill-seekers can confront their most terrifying nightmares, and Halloween is the perfect time to visit. Alton Towers is only a short trip from Manchester and is an ideal trip away for the whole family. There are fabulous, fun-packed activities for all ages, scream, let off steam on rides like the Rita - Queen of Speed - Faster than a shuttle take-off, speedier than a Ferrari and with more lift than a plane; Rita will blow your mind! Or for those who want a magical experience go on Charlie’s amazing journey into Willy Wonka's fantabulous world on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory™: The Ride. Accompany him on foot and by boat through a fantastical landscape in a journey that culminates with a jaw-dropping trip to the clouds in a multi-sensory glass elevator. Britain's first water-park hotel, Splash Landings opened at Alton Towers last June, which has everything from a shark cage lift to bubbling water fountains, an perfect place to stay while you visit Alton Towers. Getting there:  Ireland West Airport Knock offers daily flights to Manchester with bmibaby for more information on this service log onto www.bmibaby.com Accommodation close to Alton Towers or Manchester can be booked via www.irelandwestairport.com/yourtrip/book_hotelroom.aspx

 

Nottinghamshire offers an exceptional combination of peaceful rural character, essential English history and one of the world's most enduring legends, Robinhood. No matter what your age the opportunity to experience the life of Robinhood is too good to refuse by following his trail from the mystic glades of Sherwood Forest, to the naturalistic carvings of Southwell Minster and on to Nottingham Castle. A year round programme of events draws visitors from around the world for example on the 25-26^th October the Robin Hood Pageant will take place. The city of Nottingham, at the heart of the county, is a vibrant city, with quality shopping, fantastic places to eat and abundant cultural opportunities. Getting there: Flights to East Midlands are available from Ireland West Airport Knock four times a week on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday with Ryanair www.ryanair.com

For more information on accommodation in Nottingham or the East Midlands log onto www.irelandwestairport.com/yourtrip/book_hotelroom.aspx

 

There is always a good time to go to London and this Halloween is no exception. London is fabulous for families of all ages. This Mid Term break there are heaps of exciting things to tempt teens away from the computer and tots away from the telly with the excitement of meeting the stars at Madam Tussauds or foster their interest in the past, at the London Dungeon which combines real history, horror and humour to bring gruesome goings-on back to life in the 21st century. Let all the family explore the amazing collections in museums as diverse as the Tate Modern and Natural History Museum or immerse yourself in the history of the city at Westminster Abbey or the Tower of London.  While there take a breathtaking family trip on the London Eye or treat the whole  family to a West End show this mid term break with productions ranging from Billy Elliot to The Lion King. Getting there Ireland West Airport Knock operates daily flights to London Luton and London Stansted with Ryanair www.ryanair.com . For more information on all your accommodation needs in London log onto www.irelandwestairport.com/yourtrip/book_hotelroom.aspx

 

 

Birmingham offers an incredible amount to get through, whether with toddlers or teens there is plenty to do to inform, inspire and excite them! Kick off with Drayton Manor Theme Park with 280 acres of white knuckle action through to Europe’s first land of Thomas the Tank Engine. Afterwards make a trip to Thinktank, which has themed galleries of immense, inspiring, interactive fun. It is the most modern of science museums. Investigate everything from full size locomotives and aircraft to intestines and taste buds. There’s the awe-inspiring planetarium; using state-of-the-art digital technology to present breathtaking images on a 360° domed ceiling. It puts you at the centre of the action - a totally immersive science experience. Visit the IMAX Cinema at Millennium Point which is by far the largest movie screen in the Midlands - high as a five-story building and wide as four buses. All the family will love a visit to Cadbury World as it is choc full of fun for all ages. Discover the history, find out about the magic of chocolate, and of course, see how the yummy stuff is made. Looking for roaring fun and adventure? Then track down the UK’s only African Big Five - exclusively at West Midlands Safari Park. See elephants, rhinos, lions and new 'Cape Buffalo’ and many more extraordinary animals. Getting there: Ireland West Airport Knock offers daily flights to Birmingham with bmibaby for more information on this service log onto www.bmibaby.com Accommodation in Birmingham can be booked via www.irelandwestairport.com/yourtrip/book_hotelroom.aspx

 

There are few better places to enjoy a taste of Scotland’s charm and diversity than Glasgow. Glasgow offers high-tec visitor centres, fun- filled museums and an unrivalled collection of parks and gardens in which the kids can run free.  Make this mid term fun with a trip to the Glasgow Science Centre, which stands on the River Clyde. The interactive exhibits can keep, not only the children entertained but the adults too and that’s before you hit the IMAX cinema and the Scottish Power Planetarium! No matter what your team the Scottish Football Museum at the national stadium, Hampden is a must see. As well as souvenirs from throughout the history of Scottish football, you can also take a stadium tour where you can take a shot at goal. The speed will be electronically measured and if you are in the top 100 you will appear on the leader board. Take a trip outside of the city to Kelburn Castle & Country Centre in Ayrshire. Within it Kelburn Glen offers some fantastic walks including the waterfall pool set in amazing sandstone grotto. There is also the Stockade play area, the adventure course and the most popular feature, the Secret Forest. Several paths and raised walkways lead you through a wild wood, in search of the Secret Grotto, the crocodile pool, the maze, the Castle with No Entrance, the Gingerbread House and the secret passage leading out of the woodmans cottage! Getting there:  bmibaby operates a twice a week service to Glasgow International Airport, on Friday and Sundays making this an ideal weekend destination www.bmibaby.com. For more information on accommodation in Glasgow log onto www.irelandwestairport.com/yourtrip/book_hotelroom.aspx

 

Flights to Bristol and Liverpool are also available with Ryanair and Aer Arann also offers daily flights to Dublin with fares starting from €20 one way! For more information on flight services from Ireland West Airport Knock and accommodation in Ireland and the UK log onto www.irelandwestairport.com