Ten things to do in the half term break (as suggested by Classroom's consultants!)

Its hard to believe but from Monday October 26th it is half term week - a full 5 days off for our weary teachers and support staff. With London and its surrounding area being a positive cornucopia of opportunity - just what do Classroom's consultants suggest to keep yourselves entertained when money is tight? Read on....

• Nicole suggests "No trip to Trafalgar Square is complete without a visit to the imposing St Martins in the Field Church situated on the North East side of Trafalgar Square. This stunning Eighteenth Century landmark boasts a spire taller than Nelson’s Column, and has been witness to many a royal Christening throughout history including that of Charles II. Upholding one of the finest musical reputations of churches across the world, St Martins in the Field hosts an incredible repertoire of music performed and recorded on a daily basis at the church which is also famed for its incredible acoustics and (fairly pricey) candlelit concerts. Our advice? Get in before the evening crowds and don’t pay a penny! Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 1pm grab yourself a pew, sit back and relax to a free lunchtime recital in one of the city’s most serene settings".


• Lucy suggests "A lazy Thursday or Friday morning and then a trip to the Borough Market (open from 11am on Thur and 12pm Fri), soak up the atmosphere whilst perusing the vast array of stalls, grab a delicious bite (so much to choose from) but don’t leave without the world famous brownie! Then wander down along the Southbank – if it’s wet escape into the Market Porter pub– my perfect afternoon"


• Eleanor suggests "The Battersea Art Centre is great. It has a month long festival with lots of play over the half term. Some only £5. Check it out"!
  
• Louise suggests "Why not treat yourselves to a wonderful meal at a top London restaurant during the half term break but for half the price it would normally cost. TopTable is a restaurant website that has offers on some of London’s finest restaurants where you will find amazing deals such as 50% off the bill or 2 for 1 offers at some of the most exclusive restaurants in London. You get to check out the menu beforehand and customers have rated the restaurants on food/ atmosphere/service etc so you can do your research before deciding which one to go for. I have used TopTable many times and have never been disappointed".


• Deon suggests "I recommend visiting my local area, The Chiltern Hills. Only a few miles north west of London is this wonderful area of outstanding natural beauty which couldn't seem further away from London! Rolling hills and charming villages. Hop on a train from Marylebone and you can be there before you know it. Check out the website for walking guides etc! Or even better - call me and get the inside scoop"!
  
• Matt suggests "A visit to the Chislehurst caves in my neck of the woods is a great trip on the outskirts of London. 20 mins on the train from Charing Cross and you can be exploring 20 mile labyrinths and passageways of Saxon, Druid and Roman descent. The caves are often used as a tv and film locations - Doctor Who and more recently Merlin have been filmed here. Its a cheap entry price and the area around the caves is lovely - why not pop in to one of the local pubs nearby for a typically english ploughmans lunch? Much needed after your exhausting explorations"!


• Jenna suggests "How about a day out near where I live! Bushy Park & Hampton Court Palace – also close to Kingston if you want to incorporate some shopping and/or lunch on the river into your day out! Hampton Court Palace in particular is great! If you cannot afford the entry in to the palace itself - why not explore the vast gardens (a much cheaper alternative!) and try to escape from the very confusing maze"!


• Nicole's second suggestion: "The Old Bailey has dealt with some of the most publicised criminal cases in London's history. Amongst those to have stood trial here are Oscar Wilde in 1895, Dr Crippin in 1910 and Peter Sutcliffe in 1981. Today, when the courts are in session the public are admitted to watch trials. There are 19 courts and the oldest courts. one, two and three, usually hold the most interesting trials. The public galleries at the Old Bailey are open daily from Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm for members of the public to watch trials in session".
  
• Deon says "For you Pizza lovers, I have discovered a little place in Brixton who make the BEST pizzas in town! This little restaurant goes back to the pizza making basics with well-sourced, quality ingredients (many are organic) , a fire oven imported from Naples and a cheese maker flown in from Sorrento, teaching their Somerset suppliers the art of mozzarella making. The toppings are absolutely delicious and the prices are CHEAP! A perfect way to spend a hungry hour on a rainy half-term day"!


• Jason says "One of my wife's favourite things to do is a daytrip to Bicester village, a heavily discounted outlet mall in a lovely setting - west of London. A short train ride from Marylebone will get you there! Break for lunch in one of their exclusive but affordable eateries. Its bargain city - on our last visit I managed to buy 2 pairs of Ralph Lauren chino's for just £4!! Its the perfect place to buy gifts for Christmas"!

So what do other readers recommend? We would love to hear your ideas!