Shorter, darker days are upon us, and although we do autumn very well in Manchester, sometimes you just want to get away and have something to look forward to. October half term is just a couple of weeks away – and for many families with school-aged children, it’s the ideal time for a short getaway, with cooler weather, lower prices and fewer crowds than in the peak summer season, and now the best family city breaks to escape to from Manchester have been revealed.
Manchester Airport has an enviable network of more than 200 destinations, including some of Europe’s most iconic cities, waiting to be explored this October half term. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not too late to grab a bargain, with city breaks to a variety of destinations still available from as little as £33 per person return during October half term week, so the whole family can look forward to a getaway – and soon.
The best family city breaks from Manchester Airport this October half term
Paris
From £103pp return (Ryanair)
The ‘City of Light‘ needs little introduction and a visit during October will mean shorter queues to get into world-renowned museums, galleries and attractions, from the Louvre to Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. On the edge of the city, the sprawling Palace and Gardens of Versailles are worth a day trip in their own right – or, for a different type of family break altogether, Disneyland Paris will be hosting its annual Disney Halloween Festival throughout October half term.
Brussels
From £53pp return (Ryanair)
Belgium is world-famous for its chocolate and you can discover its history at Brussels’ award-winning Choco-Story museum, packed with interactive exhibits and indulgent treats. Other popular options for families exploring the city include Mini-Europe, a model village made up of famous European landmarks, and the Museum of Natural Sciences with its huge Dinosaur Gallery, one of the continent’s largest museum exhibits of its kind.
The Belgian Comic Strip Center examines the country’s contributions to the comic book genre, including, most famously, Tintin. Perfect for the kids, and big kids for that matter.
Milan
From £122pp return (easyJet)
A global centre of culture and fashion, Milan has plenty to see and do – from its imposing Cathedral to clothes shopping on Via Torino and taking in a game at the San Siro, home of the city’s two football clubs, Inter Milan and AC Milan.
If you’re staying for more than a couple of days, it’s well worth working in a trip to one of the nearby Italian Lakes, like Como or Garda. The Alpine scenery provides a stunning backdrop to picturesque lakeside villages, and you’ll want to take advantage of them being situated so close to the city.
Oslo
From £67pp return (Ryanair)
October half term falls in the run-up to Halloween, so there’s no better time to see the haunting painting that has become Norway’s most famous artistic symbol. ‘The Scream‘, created by Oslo native Edvard Munch in 1893, depicts an anguished figure crying out on the city’s waterfront, with a blood red sky overhead.
You can see the renowned artwork at the Munch Museum, take an autumnal boat tour of Oslo Fjord, and check out Viking Planet, a stunning immersive museum which uses giant screens, VR exhibits and 3D galleries to bring the age of the Vikings to life.
Cologne
From £118pp return (Ryanir)
Cologne is home to Germany’s most-visited tourist attraction. The Kölner Dom, a towering Gothic Cathedral, was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1880 and remains the world’s tallest twin-spired church. Visitors are drawn not only by its impressive size but also by its intricate decoration inside and outside. For families, the city also boasts one of Germany’s oldest zoos, a stunning Old Town to explore, and Brühl Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Dublin
From £33pp return (Ryanair)
Just a short hop over the Irish Sea, Dublin is a great option for families with young children who prefer to stay closer to home. Although it’s arguably most famous for its Guinness and its pub scene, the city offers plenty for families as well.
Attractions include The Ark, a creative arts space with workshops and classes aimed at 2 – 12-year-olds, as well as the National Museum of Ireland, with exhibits ranging from ancient artefacts to contemporary art, and the National Leprechaun Museum, exploring Ireland’s rich and varied folklore.
Prices are the cheapest available for return flights in the period Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November (inclusive), with a minimum stay of two nights, when booked directly through the specified airline’s website and are correct at the time of publication – hold baggage may not be included.