October half term is nearly here. In Hertfordshire, most schools break up on Friday 23 October and the holiday runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026. You can check the dates for your area on the Hertfordshire County Council school term dates page, as some academies and free schools set their own.
Book Your October Half-Term Cricket Sessions
The clocks also go back on Sunday 25 October, so the evenings get dark early and the weather can be wet and cold. That makes it harder to keep children busy outside. This guide gives you simple ideas for the week, with a few cricket ones too, as that is what we do best at HECC.
Come and Explore Our Indoor Cricket Nets
Why an active half term matters
After eight weeks of school, children are often tired but full of energy at the same time. A week on screens can leave them restless and grumpy. Experts advise that children and teenagers should be active for about an hour a day, and half term is a good chance to build that in without the rush of the school run.
The best weeks usually mix a few busy days with some calm ones. You do not need to plan every hour.
1. Book a day at a cricket camp
Our holiday cricket camps run every half term, all indoors at our Sawbridgeworth centre, so the rain never stops play. A camp day includes a warm-up, coaching on batting, bowling and fielding, lots of games and matches, and time in the nets to try out new skills.
Children are grouped by age and ability, so a total beginner and a keen club player can both enjoy the day. Camps cost £45 a day, and you can book one day or several. Just send your child with trainers, comfy clothes, a water bottle and a packed lunch. If they have their own bat and pads, they can bring them, but we have kit they can use. Keep an eye on our events page for the October dates.
Come join the fun at HECC Cricket!
2. Try a family net session
Want to play together? Our family net hire starts from £28 per lane per hour. You get your own lane with ECB specialist flooring, bright lighting and a long run-up for bowlers. You can add a Bola bowling machine for £15 an hour, which children love, as it fires the ball at them just like a real bowler.
It is a fun, cheap way to spend a dark afternoon, and nobody needs to be good at cricket to join in.
3. Get some extra help with one skill
Some children want to get better at one thing before the indoor season, such as bowling straighter or hitting the ball with more power. A session of one-to-one cricket coaching lets a coach focus fully on your child. It is a great confidence boost, and the week off school means there is more time to fit it in.
4. Simple ideas for the rest of the week
Not every day needs to be a big day out. Here are some cheap or free ideas:
- Go on an autumn walk. Collect conkers and leaves, then make a leaf picture at home.
- Visit your local library. Many run free half-term reading challenges and craft sessions.
- Bake something together. Pumpkin muffins or apple crumble are easy and seasonal.
- Get ready for Halloween. It falls on Saturday 31 October, so use the week to make costumes and decorations.
- Play garden cricket. All you need is a soft ball, a bat and something to use as stumps.
- Have a games night. Board games and card games are a good way to end a busy day.
A sample half-term week
Here is one way to plan the week so it has a good mix of active days and rest.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Indoor or outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Lie-in and baking | Autumn walk and conker hunt | Both |
| Tuesday | HECC cricket camp | HECC cricket camp | Indoor |
| Wednesday | Library visit | Games and reading at home | Indoor |
| Thursday | Halloween crafts | Family net session at HECC | Indoor |
| Friday | Garden cricket or a trip to the park | Film and pizza night | Both |
Plan ahead and book early
Half term camps and lanes get busy quickly, especially when the weather is poor. If you want a cricket day in the plan, it is best to book early.
You can find us at Tharbies Farm, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0LL, a short drive from Bishop’s Stortford and Harlow, with free parking on site. Call us on 01279 724782 or email enquiries@heccsport.com, and we will help you make this October half term one to remember.