Plenty to enjoy right on your doorstep this half-term

If you’re struggling to think of things to do with the little ones during this rather different October half-term than fear not, for some of the best attractions the country has to offer are still open for business – and what’s more they’re right here on our doorstep.

Merlin Entertainments is bringing some fang-tastic family fun to London. From the South Bank to Baker Street, five London attractions are offering guests a huge range of activities for adventure seekers big and small to get stuck into.

From spooky scarecrows to creepy crawlies, sensational sights and celebrity selfies, Merlin’s London attractions have something for everyone to enjoy this half-term.

While visitors can expect to see some new measures in place – such as reduced capacities, pre-booking tickets online, clear social distancing measures, face coverings to be worn by staff and guests, and cashless payments, when it comes to the fun, scares, sights and adventure that each attraction offers, nothing has changed.

The London Dungeon: The Final Straw

Running until Saturday, visitors to the London Dungeon can venture through the Corridor of Misdemeanours to hear all about the dark history of scarecrows and why they were first invented. But guests will need to keep their wits about them, as not every scarecrow is what they seem.

While at The London Dungeon, guests can also explore the rest of the attraction and all the horrors it’s home to, from Jack the Ripper to the Great Plague, and everything in between. Click here for more.

SEA LIFE London Aquarium: Creepy Crawly Adventure

Open until Sunday, SEA LIFE London Aquarium’s Rainforest Adventure is taking a scary turn this Halloween as it is overrun by thousands of creepy crawlies. If brave enough, guests are invited to discover some of the Amazon’s most amazing inhabitants, including the UK’s largest population of Piranhas, Crocodiles, Poison Dart Frogs and Snapping and Pig Nosed Turtles. There is so much more to discover throughout the rest of the attraction too, from Shark Walk, Penguin Point and Rock Pool Explorer, all the way to Coral Kingdom. See here for more.

Shrek’s Adventure! London

Shrek’s Adventure! London is perfect for families looking for something brilliantly bonkers to do this half-term. Until Sunday, little ones will have the chance to help Shrek, Donkey and Fiona on a special Halloween mission. Someone from The Kingdom of Far Away has carved characters into pumpkins and hidden them around the attraction. If visitors collect a trail card at admissions and manage to find all six pumpkins, then they’ll receive a special prize!  For ticket information click here.

Madame Tussauds London

While the world of showbiz has had to cancel concerts, premieres and parties this year, the famous faces at Madame Tussauds London will still be celebrating Halloween. The world famous attraction’s figures will be sporting spooky accessories and guests will be encouraged to don their favourite fancy dress outfits when they visit throughout half-term to earn themselves some delicious chocolate treats.

If fancy dress isn’t your thing, Madame Tussauds London is still teeming with half-term fun. Meet the recently reinstated One Direction boys, square up to Anthony Joshua’s new figure or share any burning opinions with Boris Johnson and Donald Trump in the Downing Street set – they’ll be all ears! For more see here.

lastminute.com London Eye

Friends and families are invited to visit the lastminute.com London Eye this half-term to enjoy unrivalled 360 degree views of the city at 135m high. If visiting on Friday or Saturday, groups can take advantage of the Happy Half Hour offering and enjoy an early evening drink at one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks. Nothing will beat taking in the sights of London, sipping on your favourite drink and watching the sun go down. Click here for more.

Pictured top: The London Dungeon