Last minute school holiday getaways

Last minute school holiday getaways

last-minute / affordable half-term travel

By Guest Contributor

Are you looking for a last-minute / affordable half-term travel round-ups? If so, Holiday Inn Express, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, has your back… 
 
Explore the best staycation spots across the UK and Europe – all just a stone’s throw away from thrilling attractions for all the family.  

 And here’s the cherry on top: with our Holiday Inn Express brand ‘Kids Stay & Eat Free’

 

UK  – Staycations 

 

Holiday Inn Express Droitwich Spa 

35 min drive to Go Ape Wyre 

30 min drive to West Midlands Safari Park  

30 min drive to Worcester Cathedral  

25 min drive to Worcester Woods Country Park  
 

Holiday Inn Express Windsor 

9 mi drive or 26 min transport to LEGOLAND Windsor Resort  

15 min drive to Jump In by AirHop Trampoline Park  

5 min drive or 15 min walk to Windsor Castle  

14 min drive to Ascot Racecourse  
 

Holiday Inn Express London – Watford Junction  

12 min drive or 19 min transport to Warner Bros. Studio Tour  

35 min drive from Wembley Stadium  

39 min drive to Whipsnade Zoo  
 

Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh – Leith Waterfront  

6 min walk to Royal Yacht Britannica  

10 min drive or 35 min walk to Royal Botanic Gardens 

19 min drive or 32 min transport to Edinburgh Castle 

BROOD MAGAZINE

Europe Holidays  
 

Holiday Inn Express Marne-La-Vallee Val D’Europe 

13 min drive or 30 min transport to Disneyland Paris  

11 min drive or 32 min transport to La Vallee Village  
 

Holiday Inn Express Brussels – Grand-Place 

18 min drive or 7 min transport to Grand Place  

20 min walk to Atomium  

17 min drive or 26 min transport to Royal Belgian Institue of Natural Sciences 
 

Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam – North Riverside  

 30 min transport to NEMO Science Museum  

 24 min drive or 32 min transport to Van Gogh Museum    

BROOD magazine podcast
The Balance of Play

The Balance of Play

I hate admitting that because I value play so deeply, especially in those precious early years. It’s how our children learn, explore, imagine and build confidence. But as a mum trying to keep a household running and a business growing, it’s not always easy to appreciate those moments.

Introducing Amanda Marks

Introducing Amanda Marks

We’re thrilled to welcome our new columnist Amanda Marks. Amanda is a Renowned Breastfeeding, Food & Sleep Consultant

With over 40 years of experience supporting families, Amanda Marks is a highly respected breastfeeding, food, and sleep consultant. Based in prestigious locations including 10 Harley Street, London, and Alderley Edge, Cheshire, Amanda has worked with families from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities and royalty, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.

Why Family Gardening Is Having a Quiet Comeback

Why Family Gardening Is Having a Quiet Comeback

There’s a noticeable shift happening in how families spend their time. It isn’t loud or trend-led, and it’s rarely documented with before-and-after shots. Instead, it’s quieter and slower, rooted in small routines and shared moments. Family gardening is part of that change.

From Parliament to the Premier League: Campaigning for survivors of domestic abuse during this #16DaysOfActivism

From Parliament to the Premier League: Campaigning for survivors of domestic abuse during this #16DaysOfActivism

Our Head of Social Causes and Sub-Editor Teresa Parker was joined by BROOD Editor-in Chief Lolo Stubbs at an event in Parliament on the 2nd December 2025 to mark ten years of coercive control legislation. Teresa organised the event through her consultancy Teresa Parker Media, in partnership with Hawkins, Laxton & Co, which is run by her former colleagues Clare and Sian.

PETER SIDWELL’S HOMEMADE WAGONWHEELS & HOB-NOB STYLE BISCUITS

PETER SIDWELL’S HOMEMADE WAGONWHEELS & HOB-NOB STYLE BISCUITS

This month, I’m thrilled to share two of our all-time favourite bakes: our homemade Hob Nobs and nostalgic Wagon Wheels. These recipes are more than just sweet treats—they’re time capsules. The Hob Nobs came from a rainy weekend when we had oats, butter, and not much else in the cupboards. The kids loved rolling the dough into little biscuit balls and watching them flatten in the oven. Dipping them in chocolate was the final touch—well, that and licking the spoon clean!

About The Author

Leave a reply