October half-term breaks

Half-term is looming but it's not too late to book a short break. In fact, there are some great deals to be had.

Here are five of the best half-term offers currently available in the UK and overseas, with Mumsnetters' reviews from our travel reviews and Talk boards.

Cottages4you

Cottages4you has availability throughout the UK for cottages of all shapes and sizes. The most recent deals include a week in the Lake District for six from £435, Wales from £368 and Yorkshire from £558. For more information on breaks from 20 October click here and from 26/27 October click here.*

Mumsnet rating (average across properties) - 4/5
"Without exception, the cottages have been clean, comfortable and well-equipped. The photos and descriptions are accurate." InsanityScratching

Mumsnetters get an exclusive discount with Cottages4you - click here to find out more.

Hoseasons

Hoseasons has October half-term promotions on at the moment for breaks in lodges at various parks around the UK, with discounts of up to £80. For more information, click here.*

Mumsnet rating (average across properties) - 4/5
"I've been to Hoseasons a few times, and I've always found the accommodation really nice and clean, and the facilities are always OK as well. In particular, I recommend Finlake Park in Devon, which is really nice." TheMags

Spain

Casamirado Baby and toddler-friendly retreat Caserío del Mirador, in Jalon is offering a 25% discount for stays over October half-term, with prices from £675 per family. You can stay in your own apartment (so you can enjoy your own home-cooked food), plus all the family-friendly facilities, like tons of Lego, ride-on tractors, animals, slides, sand-pit, and plenty of space for playing and exploring. Find out more details here.

Mumsnet rating - 5/5
"We recently returned from our second visit to Caserío del Mirador and we would heartily recommend it to anyone with young children. From the beautiful, peaceful location to the extremely welcoming and generous hospitality of the hosts, everything is designed to ensure a really relaxing and enjoyable break for parents while children have a fantastic time too." Claud43a

Crete

Thomson is offering seven nights at Sensatori Crete on an all-inclusive basis from £888 per adult, while the first child travels from £399 and from £444 for the second. The price is based on four people sharing and includes flights departing from London Luton airport on 27 October 2012. Find out more here.

Mumsnet rating - 5/5
"It was a great holiday, we just wished we had booked it for 10 days, because a week was just not long enough." Sailorsgal

Turkey

First Choice has seven nights at Aqua Fantasy Aquapark Hotel in Turkey on an all-inclusive basis from £579 per person (saving £171 per person). Price is based on four sharing, and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 28 October 2012 and transfers. Get more details here.

Mumsnet rating - 4/5
"All in all, this is a great place to take a particularly active family - there's loads to do in terms of beach and watersports - and there are numerous interesting spots to visit nearby including the ruins at Ephesus." CatherineHmumsnet

Related links

*T&Cs apply - see website for details