Self-Drive Secluded Holidays in Europe for October Half Term with Oliver’s Travels

Family-Friendly Properties to Visit by Car

For families looking to get away this October half-term without having to step on a plane, villa holiday specialist Oliver’s Travels is here to help with its ‘Holidays by Car’ collection. With a wide range of secluded family-friendly properties to choose from, there is something to suit all groups and ages from lakeside villas to tranquil stays surrounded by countryside.

Chateau Quatre Saisons, Normandy – For Families Looking to Keep Fit

Getting there: 50-minute drive from the Caen ferry port in Ouistreham, connected to Portsmouth.

Nestled within 60 acres of private woodlands, Château Quatre Saisons is within easy reach of the UK, just under an hour from the nearest ferry port. Ideal for families looking to keep fit whilst on holiday, it features its own gym, tennis courts and bikes for exploring the area on two wheels. Sleeping 10 guests, the chateau has a range of rooms to suit all ages including a twin room for the youngest guests. Families can also partake in a range of outdoor games including croquet, boules, and badminton.

Rates from £4,838 for a seven-night stay during October half term, sleeping 10 guests in five bedrooms.

Chateau Beaucharm, Champagne – For Families Seeking a Quieter Life

Getting there: Five-hour drive from the Eurotunnel crossing in Coquelles, connected to Folkestone and the Calais ferry port, connected to Folkestone and Dover.

Located in the Haut-Marne department, Chateau Beaucharm offers a tranquil escape in an unspoilt area made up of valleys, forested trails, and quaint villages. The three-bedroom stone villa features expansive grounds for kids to roam free and has its own bikes for families looking to explore the rolling countryside. Families can partake in a range of activities in the area including hiking, horse riding, tennis and swimming in one of the many nearby lakes.

Rates from £991 for a seven-night stay during October half term, sleeping eight guests in three bedrooms.

Blackstairs Mountain House, Republic of Ireland – For Nature Lovers

Getting there: One hour and half drive from Dublin port, connected to Liverpool, or one-hour drive from Rosslare port, connected to Fishguard in South Wales.

Blackstairs Mountain House is ideally placed for families who love nature; it has a rural setting and is within easy reach of multiple mountain walks. Set on a hilltop within the ruins of a rustic farmhouse on the Kilkenny and Carlow border, the property offers striking views across Mount Leinster and the Castlecomer hills. For outdoorsy children, the opportunities are endless with cycling, white water rafting, and horse riding all offered in the area.

Rates from £2,307 for a seven-night stay during October half term, sleeping eight guests in four bedrooms.

Maison Charente, Aquitaine – For Young Children

Getting there: Five-hour drive from Le Havre ferry crossing, connected to Portsmouth.

Located in a sleepy hamlet of the Aquitaine region, Maison Charente lends itself perfectly to a family with young children. It sleeps eight guests in four bedrooms including one kid's bedroom with twin beds. The property is dotted with baby friendly touches including highchairs, cots, a baby monitor, buggy and a baby bouncer. It also has a playroom full of toys for all ages and an outdoor play area. The owners provide a welcome hamper on arrival and can also arrange bike hire, babysitting and in-house beauty treatments. Le Rejallant is a riverside spot only a five-minute drive away, with paddling, swimming, and sunbathing it is a must for all the family.

Rates from £1,475 for a seven-night stay during October half term, sleeping eight guests in four bedrooms.

Villa Regina, Italian Lakes – For Sporty Teenagers

Getting there: 12-hour drive from Le Havre ferry crossing, connected to Portsmouth, or 13-hour drive from Dieppe, connected to Newhaven.

Lying on the east shore of Lake Garda just above the Roman town of Brenzone sul Garda, Villa Regina is situated in a peaceful area with no neighbours in sight and one of the best views of the lake. Set on a 21-private acre estate, the villa is surrounded by ancient olive groves and beautiful gardens, with an outdoor heated whirlpool, hot tub and sauna. The lake can be reached by a 15-minute walk downhill where sporty teenagers can partake in a range of water-based activities including sailing, wind surfing and kite surfing. The area also offers countless hiking routes in the surrounding mountains with trails to suit different abilities.

Rates from £4,758 for a seven-night stay during October half term, sleeping eight guests in three bedrooms.

All properties come with Oliver’s Travels Book with Confidence pledge, giving guests the option to postpone their holiday to alternative available dates, up to 28 days prior to their holiday start date.

To book visit https://www.oliverstravels.com/ or call 0800 133 799.

To see more of Oliver’s Travels Holidays by Car Collection, visit www.oliverstravels.com/holiday-by-car