Shake up your children's February half term and treat to them to some extra fun on a great family day out.

It beats them watching TV all day and it's also a great opportunity to broaden their horizons by taking them to places they've never been before.

National Rail is offering 20% off its Family and Friends Railcard from Friday, February 3 to Monday, February 20.

To apply for your card visit the official website and enter the code FEB17 when prompted.

Here are five hotspots across the UK you can visit with the Family and Friends Railcard.

Get back to nature

There are plenty of opportunities for children to learn about nature this half term. Why not get up close with some furry and fluffy new friends. The Hop Farm Family Park in Kent is fun for all ages (and only £1 admission), the park has a whole host of animals to meet, an outdoor adventure playground and a birds of prey zone.

Travel: Off-Peak Return tickets from London (Charing Cross) to Beltring, for a family of four with a Family and Friends Railcard – £40.70

Usually: £53.05

Total Railcard saving: £12.35

Have a kick around

Visit the National Football Museum in Manchester and celebrate football’s greats (there’s also free admission). This museum has plenty to do, including the chance to take part in a Match of the Day commentary challenge, lift a (virtual) cup, test your ball-stopping skills and explore the football walk of fame.

Travel: Off-Peak Return tickets from York to Manchester (Oxford Road), for a family of four with a Family and Friends Railcard – £48.70

Usually: £85.80

Total Railcard saving: £36.80

Go on an archaeological adventure

Experience the excitement of making a hands-on archaeological discovery. Kids become trainee diggers for the day and discover artefacts from 2000 years of York’s history. There's four indoor excavation pits filled with replica Roman, Viking, medieval and Victorian finds.

Travel: Off-Peak Return tickets from Bristol (Temple Meads) to York, for a family of four with a Family and Friends Railcard – £198.50

Usually: £350.10

Total Railcard Saving: £151.60

Explore Edinburgh’s treasure trail

Explore Edinburgh on a self-guided treasure hunt in the heart of the historic capital city of Scotland. The 1.75 mile trail is a great family day out with something for everyone from spotting clues and solving tricky puzzles to learning more about the history of the city.

Travel: Off-Peak Return tickets from Leeds to Edinburgh, for a family of four with a Family and Friends Railcard – £174.60

Usually: £308.10

Total Railcard Saving: £133.50

Underwater wonders


Become an underwater explorer and see all the wonders of the ocean at the Sea Life London Aquarium. Rare green turtles can be seen swimming above your head as you walk through the Ocean Tunnel. If you're feeling brave the Shark Walk allows visitors to walk across glass above seven different species of sharks.

Travel: Off-Peak Return tickets from Southampton Central to London (Waterloo), for a family of four with a Family and Friends Railcard – £75.90

Usually: £110.65

Total Railcard Saving: £34.75