WATCH: Hop on the train with Merseyrail for half term fun this February

Merseyrail has got your half-term sorted with lots of destinations to visit across Liverpool City Region

What, half term again? Already?

It doesn’t seem like two minutes since the kids were off school for Christmas, but holidays are just around the corner – yes, again!

But don’t stress about what to do to keep them happy and occupied, there’s loads going on and some great events across the region to maintain the smiles and stop the scowls.

And if you want to make it easier than ever to have trips to some fun places, just hop on the train.

With fast and frequent services, you can be guaranteed go-to activities with many just a short walk from a Merseyrail Station, and not only do you save yourself the hassle of parking, you could even save yourself money with a Family Day Ticket* for up to 5 costing just £13, and a Day Saver starting from £4.45 for adults and £2.20 for young people (5-18).

If you want to get organised, you can book ahead online at Merseyrail.org

And, if you’re looking for a few ideas, what about these?

Southport/Sefton

Southport’s amazing beach is always worth a visit along with its stunning vintage pier – the second longest in the country. You can even try the revamped food and drink market in the seaside resort, have a scootch around the shopping arcades, or go for a picnic in Victoria Park.

And there are lots of events and activities to enjoy too:

Beauty and the Beast – The classic fairy tale performed by Ballet Theatre UK is on at The Atkinson, just a six-minute walk from Southport Station.

Tenpin – You can have a game of bowling, pool, table tennis, laser tag and more! There are great deals every Tuesday and Friday if you’re watching the pennies and pounds, and it’s only a 17-minute walk from Southport Station.

Chester

It only takes three-quarters of an hour to get from Liverpool Central station to Chester and it’s just a seven-minute walk from the station right into the centre. Once you’re there, you can soak up all things Roman about this beautiful historic city from the amphitheatre to the award-winning Dewa Roman Experience or a walk around its famous city walls.

The kids will love a river cruise or the chance to work up an appetite with a trip in a pedalo.

And, let’s not forget, the fabulous animals and attractions at Chester Zoo, for which you can get on a 15-minute bus journey right outside Chester Station.

New Brighton/ Wirral

A train ride beneath the Mersey is an adventure itself but there’s still loads of exciting things to do once you get ‘over the water’.

New Brighton has got golden sands – but it’s more than just a beach, there’s the marine lake, Perch Rock Fort and Perch Rock lighthouse, and the Marine Point leisure complex, with shops, bars and restaurants.

And across the Wirral there are tons of activities from museums and galleries to gardens fun, soft play and adventure trails.

Things you might want to get in your diary are:

Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight, which houses one of the most beautiful collections of fine and decorative art in the UK, and currently has special exhibitions  ‘Inspired by Lady Lever’ in celebration of 100 years of the gallery, and ‘Pure Brilliance’ the stunning story of Boodles. We could also add that it’s FREE and only six minutes from Bebington Station. 

And The Potting Shed – a four-minute walk from Hoylake Station – is a hidden gem and a great place for crafty kids to make something they can keep whether it’s a painting or a practical pot or plate.

Liverpool City Centre

It’s really where we start with the city centre because there’s always something to do whether it’s a walk on the magical waterfront, a shopping expedition in Liverpool ONE or the Metquarter, a trip to the theatre or cinema, or a cultural visit to its collection of museums or one of its two incredible cathedrals.

Perhaps these might give you inspiration:

World Museum – An exciting way to explore the world around them, kids can dive into the deep to discover fish from Australia to Anglesey in the Aquarium, meet the creepy crawlies in the Bug House,  go on a journey to Ancient Egypt, or blast off into space at the Planetarium.

Liverpool Central is only a five-minute walk from Junkyard Golf with three crazy courses to choose from; Bounce House inflatable arena is only eight minutes from Brunswick Station, and Nerf Centre’s fun and friendly battle zone is a 12-minute walk from Moorfields.

South Liverpool

Sefton Park’s a shoe-in when it comes to adventure and activity in South Liverpool, whether you want to just stroll around the lake or admire the statues of Eros and Peter Pan, grab a bite to eat in the café, marvel at the breath-taking restored Palm House, or have a game of footie in the 200-acre grounds.

Nearby Lark Lane – an 11-minute walk from St Michael’s Station – is another great place to head to with its great indie shops, and bars and cafes. Maranto’s is a favourite restaurant (family-run and family-friendly) along with Pippin’s Corner. And if you fancy having a sweet treat, Gelato is a must!

Plan your half-term journey now with ease at merseyrail.org

Off-peak tickets cannot be used for travel between 06.31 – 09.29 Monday to Friday. There is no afternoon/evening peak on the Merseyrail network. Off-peak tickets can also be used at anytime on weekends and bank holidays.

* It covers 1 or 2 adults travelling with children aged 5-15 and is valid for unlimited travel, excluding peak hours 06:31 – 09:29 Monday – Friday. Outside of these hours, including all day weekends and Bank Holidays, you can get on and off the train as much as you want!