Haunted Half Term Days Out

With the paranormal more popular than ever, why not use it as an excuse to shoe horn a little bit of history and education into your children's half term break, with Halloween conveniently situated around most schools half term schedules they won't even realise they're learning!

When it was first launched in 1843 the SS Great Britain was the largest ship of its kind and she lead a diverse and exciting life, but since her return to Bristol Docks she has been rumoured to be home to several ghosts and strange happenings. This magnificent ship is open to the public and promises a fascinating day trip for those of all ages. From experiencing what it would have been like to sail on such a ship in the Victorian ages to examining her detail in the dry dock, the SS Great Britain offers a truly educational experience, but if you're after something a little more paranormal, the SS Great Britain is said to be one of the most haunted places in the UK. In 1872 the ship's captain, John Gray disappeared after suffering from illness, thought to be suicide his ghost has been sighted on several occasions about the ship, reports have also been made of hearing piano music playing in empty rooms and locked doors been opened and slammed closed. Between the fascinating history, the stunning visuals and paranormal happenings, there is bound to be something is this day trip to entertain the whole family.

London has a vast offering of entertaining days out for the whole family, and if you're looking for paranormal activities you're not going to be disappointed. Being the oldest standing castle in the world, Windsor Castle as been host to the royal family for hundreds of years and to this day is still one of the official residences to the Queen. Open to the public, you can watch the changing of the guards or explore some of the castle's stunning architecture and view some of the most spectacular pieces of art in the world. After standing for over 900 years it's not surprising it's gathered a few indistinct residents too. Perhaps the most famous ghostly resident at Windsor castle is that of King Henry VIII who has been sighted on numerous occasions wheezing and stomping about in his heavy boots, when she's not too busy haunting The Tower Of London, his ill fated wife Anne Boleyn is sometimes seen looking out one of the windows. A few members of the royal family have even claimed to see Queen Elizabeth I although she is only ever sighted dressed in head to toe black as if in mourning. Like the SS Great Britain, Windsor Castle also offers a great range of entertainment and education for the whole family.

If you prefer your history a little more Romantic and a little less gory, the legend of King Arthur may be for you. Ledged has it that King Arthur led the British defences against the Saxon invasion during the 6th Century. Although little is known about him and his very existence is subject to debate, the legend and the myth surrounding him is encapsulating. The legend of King Arthur is strewn throughout Britain but has some of its strongest routes in Cornwall. The stories of King Arthur and his knights of the round table talk of victorious battles, wizards and magic and love and betrayal and have been circulating for hundreds of years, long before Shakespeare penned his great tragedies or Harry Potter was fighting evil foes yet the parodies prove what a classic narrative it is. Throughout Cornwall there are ties to the myths and legends of Arthur just waiting for you to explore them, The village of Titangel in Cornwall is said to be the birth place of this valiant king and home for much of his early life, the Dozmary Pool also situated in Cornwall is said to be the bottomless lake King Arthur's sword, Excalibur was cast into after he was mortally wounded. No trip to Cornwall's mythical culture would be complete without a visit to St. Michaels Mount, rumoured to be a battle ground in which King Arthur defeated a local giant. If you're in the West Country and looking for an exciting day trip out to capture the kid's imagination this half term, why not see what you can find in Cornwall?

It's always going to be tricky finding something entertaining to please the whole family, but with a little research you're bound to find something worth investigating that can enthral all of you within Britain's diverse cultural heritage.