A selection of high class holiday cottages with half term availability in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset - we find cottages to make you say 'wow'.

Our half term search takes into account that not all schools are off on the last week of October, so you can find the holiday dates you're looking for.

Holidays for October half term

The first few weeks back to school are always the toughest, so reward little minds with some getaway time in the south west.

Classic Cottages has over 800 self-catering properties across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Hampshire sleeping from two to 20+ people. Many of the cottages come with cots, highchairs, stair-gates, baby baths, bath mats and changing mats as standard; simply click the baby-friendly button when you're browsing the website.

Maybe you missed out on a summer holiday or maybe you miss it so much you want to go back, so let Classic fill the gap and get the family back together for an Autumn half term holiday. This year schools can choose their own dates, so we've made a search that covers the last two weeks of October, to make sure every school is covered.

Classic Cottages' October half term availability (15th to 29th) includes the following selection of self-catering holiday cottages:

CORNWALL

A renovated waterworks in Art Deco style

The Filter House (3235) (sleeps 6 +cot) not far from Truro and Cornwall's south coast, fill your half term full of vintage fun with some very modern twists. Under-floor heating, surround sound and smart TVs mean your little ones won't be missing any home comforts, but there are books and games, a piano and music to entertain, as well as the big garden for wildlife spotting. Don't miss the pink bathroom…

Half term week from Friday 21st to Friday 28th costs £741 (£645 for less than 4 people)

A family eco paradise with all the mod-cons

Coast (2822) (sleeps 6 + cot) is a luxury let not far from Falmouth. Part of The Emerald, these are the only zero carbon holiday cottages in the country. Let little ones learn a bit about the environment and go back to school with some eco-experience after exploring the five acres of paths, woodland, orchard, lake, 24hr indoor heated pool, gym, tennis courts, play park, chickens…

A week in October costs £1128

DEVON

Back to school in the school holidays

The Old National School (3266) (sleeps 6) near Tavistock might not be for very little ones, but children over 8 will be able to appreciate the quirky accommodation and recognise the days of slates and chalk, a bit of a jump from the tablets of today. Enjoy this 'old skool' vibe.

A bargain 3rd week of October costs only £539

Christopher Robin's cottage for Winnie the Pooh fans

Eeyore's Cottage (2949) (sleeps 6 + cot), along the coast from Dartmouth, was once owned by the son of Winnie the Pooh author, A. A. Milne – in other words, the real life Christopher Robin Milne. The name is a nod to its past, but inside is fresh and modern, with a few Pooh touches.

The first half term week costs £618

A holiday cottage for history homework

Leigh Barn (2877) (sleeps 4) just north of Kingsbridge, this Grade I Listed ex-outbuilding is the perfect place for older children to study up on Medieval history – it's a medieval monastic grange and part-designated ancient monument! Thankfully its been well renovated so its gorgeous ancient trimmings are offset with modern luxuries.

An October week here is as cheap as the old days at £471

DORSET

Self sufficiency and private boats on the Jurassic Coast

Cider Barn (2505) (sleeps 4 + cot) is an easy drive inland from Lyme Regis and has a paddock with livestock to keep the children entertained, with the offer of private boat charter by the owners for the whole family – head out and catch a fresh fish supper this half term.

First week of half term is a small(holding) price of £441

SOMERSET

Picture postcard setting a short drive away

Brookside Cottage (2638) (sleeps 4 + cot) is a quick drive down to Somerset for a quintessential British holiday in a classic thatched cottage that would be at home on a postcard. Explore the trails of Autumn leaves through the Quantock Hills and make leaf prints for show and tell from the ancient woodland nearby.

Half term week is £498 

For more information and to book one of Classic Cottages' holiday homes on the coast or a rural retreat - whether for a short break or longer - call 01326 555 555 or visit www.classic.co.uk