Half term fun on the Isle of Wight

When it comes to family holidays, staying in the UK is one of our favourite ways to take a break, particularly at half term.

If you want pack your holiday with fun activities and have lots of choice of things to do, heading to one of the UK's islands is ideal as you do not have to go far to find manor houses, theme-parks, walks and zoos.

The Isle of Wight has many different family-orientated events and attractions this October half term, from Halloween-themed events to historic homes, gardens and more.

There will be a Harry Potter-themed Wizard Week taking place from October 22nd to 28th involving magic shows, steam train rides, visits to the an exotic animal zoo and bat hospital. There will also be a fancy dress competition.

For fans of history, a visit to the Needles Old Battery is a must. The Victorian coastal defences were built in the late 19th century to protect the island against the threat of a French invasion and features cannons, war maps and the uniform of a Master Gunner.

However, on October 23rd there will also be a chance to find out more about how the defences were the testing ground for space rocket engines between 1956 and 1971.

More outdoor exploring can be done at the National Trust's Mottistone Manor Garden on October 25th 2007, which will have a family day including activities and trails around the garden.

If you are looking for some Halloween adventures then you can visit Appuldurcombe, a grand 18th-century baroque house which has a falconry and owl centre, between October 22nd and 27th 2007.

The house has 11 acres of grounds to explore with ornamental areas designed by the famous English landscape gardener Capability Brown and also offers self catering accommodation on the grounds.

There are also ghost walks and gruesome story telling events at Blackgang Chine, a historic theme-park, from October 25th to 26th 2007.

Rides and attractions in the park include 100-metre boat slide, a roller coaster, a hedge maze and a hall of mirrors.

For more information on visiting the Isle of Wight and half term events see the official Isle of Wight tourism website.