We Explore What Things to Do This October Half-Term
With the October school half term upon us, we’ve put together a roundup of the best things to do during the holidays, from Peppa Pig Tours with the kids, to Instagrammable Afternoon-Tea with friends. You can make the most of the time off with a number of safe activities and events still running across the UK.
Things to do with the family this school holiday:
- Brigit’s Bakery specialises in Afternoon Tea with a French twist – L’Afternoon Tea. Enjoy their afternoon tea either at the luxury bakery in Covent Garden or on the move on our unique and hugely popular Peppa Pig Bus Tour where they serve Birchall tea!
The Peppa Pig Halloween Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is available between 22-31 October 2020. Bridget’s bakery chefs have created a special spooky Peppa Pig Halloween themed afternoon tea menu to delight kids and grown-ups alike.Taking in the best views of Central London, the bus will take you past some of the most famous London landmarks. That includes Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Hyde Park, Nelson’s Column, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market, Green Park, Piccadilly Circus and more.
The kids will be fully entertained, as tablets are available on each table to provide a Peppa Pig guided animation of the London tour. So prepare for the children to be excited with sing-along songs, activities and more in their special Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea Bus Tour Activity Book along the journey.
BOOK THE PEPPA PIG HALLOWEEN BUS TOUR HERE.
- EL&N Cafe
The pink-perfect EL&N is London’s most instagrammable restaurant and cafe, where you can enjoy a Birchall cup of tea with a slice of cake. EL&N provides an engaging ambiance as well as a high quality food offering. Book for breakfasts, brunches, lunches, cake and Birchall tea in a pink-hued paradise. EL&N now have seven sites around the fanciest parts of London: in Knightsbridge, Park Lane, Selfridges, Oxford Circus, Belgravia, South Kensington, and now at St Pancras.
If you don’t fancy a trip to London, a brand can be found in the equally beautiful surroundings of Bicester Village, Oxfordshire. Where you can pair this trip with a pleasant wander around the outlet alfresco shopping centre.
El&N branches open around 7.30am – midnight, seven days a week – although they vary slightly across all sites, so check the website for exact hours.
The perfect spot for a cup of Birchall tea in the most luxurious setting. Located in the heart of Mayfair and Piccadilly, The Cavendish London provides contemporary and stylish 4 star accommodation in central London. The location is ideal if you’re needing a change of scenery and wishing to experience everything London has to offer, from the beautiful St James’ Park, iconic sites of Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. Whether you’re visiting for the day with family for afternoon tea or on a romantic weekend getaway it’s the perfect escape for you to relax and unwind. Pair this with a London park walk, view Cavendish’s roundup of the top 10 Parks in the London area here.
Afternoon tea at The Cavendish
Overlooking Jermyn street you will be able to enjoy homemade sandwiches, buttermilk scones, a selection of cake and pastries, all paired with an extensive selection of Birchall tea and Champagne.
Afternoon tea starts from £45 per person, served everyday 2pm-5pm.
Nestled in the middle of Kings Cross St Pancras train station, the Betjeman Arms is the perfect spot for those meeting up in the city or seeking something slightly different for their time off. With an ever changing seasonal, British menu and thirst quenching craft beers and moreish wines from around the world to sip it’s the go to spot in Kings Cross. They additionally have an outdoor terrace with heating if you would prefer to dine outdoors.
Pair this with the endless fun activities Kings Cross has to offer, and you have a fun-filled day out.
We’ve listed a few ideas below:
- Book a terrarium workshop with The Botanical Boys at Coal Drops Yard. These guys are passionate about reconnecting people to nature, and their terrarium building workshops are a chance to de-stress, get creative, plus you get a low-maintenance, self-sustaining living garden to bring home.
The weekly workshops are on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and all sessions follow the latest government guidance on safety and social distancing.Click here to select class times and book tickets.
- Canopy Market at West Handyside Canopy. The perfect spot for alfresco shopping. Every Friday to Sunday you can browse a line-up of London’s best artisan traders – outdoors! Think farm-fresh produce, craft beer and wine, cheeses, exquisite desserts as well as jewellery, ceramics, accessories and homewares from independent designer-makers. A great way to support independent businesses and buy directly from local producers.
And be assured, there’s enhanced cleaning in place, hand sanitiser units all around King’s Cross, as well as social distancing reminders. The public WCs are open and cleaned often.
Canopy Market will be at West Handyside Canopy, the covered outdoor area just off Granary Square, Friday – 11am – 7pm, Saturday 11am – 6pm and Sunday 12-6pm.
- Regents Canal runs through the heart of King’s Cross. This nine-mile waterway winds its way through our capital, from the River Thames at Limehouse to Paddington. People still live along the canal and the mix of colourful boat moorings, heritage buildings and a connection to nature make for a charming setting for a walk. At King’s Cross, the canal has been transformed, access has been improved with steps, ramps, new moorings and new bridges. All along the towpath, the brick walls have been draped in climbing plants.
As you walk along the canal from Granary Square towards Gasholder Park, you’ll see Camley Street Natural Park on the opposite bank. This two-acre nature reserve was created from an old coal yard back in 1984. The woodland, grassland and wetland habitats provide a haven for birds, butterflies, amphibians and plant life. Continue along the towpath and you’ll reach Gasholder Park and St Pancras Cruising Club. This is a great area to explore with your loved ones this October half-term.
- Many of the King Cross neighbourhood restaurants and cafes have plenty of space and outdoor terraces where you can meet up and enjoy a meal safely. Here you’ll find a listing of restaurants that are open for dine-in.
We hope you all have a fabulous October half-term, be sure to tag your Birchall moments on our social channels: Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
Imagery by Fas Khan
