Bristol's half term haven

The kid’s are at home for a week, the February weather is seriously unpredictable, and you have run out of options to entertain them, so why not take the opportunity to explore Britain’s smiliest city?

Easily accessible by rail, bus and plane, Bristol offers a wide variety of activities ranging from climbing the Avon Gorge for those adventure enthusiasts, to enjoying the city’s green spaces for those looking for a more relaxing break.

City sights

Children are fierce critics and will not waste any time in letting you know that an attraction is not up to scratch, but Bristol’s real gems mean there is something to satisfy even the most discerning visitor.

If you are looking for culture and fun combined, then Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s ss Great Britain is a great destination for all the family, with plenty of child friendly activities on offer including an interactive journey back in time and the chance to experience the thrills of rigging by climbing to the mast top.

Explore-At-Bristol is an ideal option if the weather is bad. Describing itself as a ‘true 21st science centre’, it offers a range of exhibitions for all ages. ‘Fossils and funny bones’ is sure to entertain those under eight, encouraging imaginative play and hands on activities to explore the prehistoric world. Also currently running is ‘Love Sport’ which allows visitors to shoot for goal in Penalty Pressure or slam-dunk in Hectic Hoops basketball.

The city, famous for its international balloon fiesta, is the perfect place to enjoy a hot air balloon ride. Leaving from the famous Ashton Court Estate, you are unlikely to get a better perspective of Bristol’s city sights from the air, which may include The Clifton Suspension Bridge, the ss Great Britain, Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe.

Adrenaline adventures

If you are looking to do something different with your family, then Bristol has some unusual options to make your break an adventure.

Bristol is ideally situated to offer a wide range of outdoor pursuits including canoeing or kayaking through Bristol's historic docks, climbing or abseiling the cliffs of the breathtaking Avon Gorge and exploring the beautiful Ashton Court Estate by mountain bike. The Adventurous Adventure Company offers these and more and can even combine them to form an unforgettable ‘Bristol Adventure Day’.

The famous limestone Cheddar gorge is also a great destination if you are looking for a physical challenge and adventure; activities include caving, climbing and abseiling.

Becoming a’ keeper for a day’ is an experience offered by Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm which allows the visitor to give a helping hand behind the scenes, meet some of the animals and learn about conservation and protection. Don’t forget Bristol Zoo Gardens is also worth a visit with over 400 species of exotic and endangered animals to meet and a range of activities including an interactive ‘Zoolympics’ trail and daily themed animal shows.

Saving the pennies

If you are on a budget this half term, there are still plenty of ways to occupy the kids. Bristol is renowned for its green spaces with over 450 green areas in the city. So why not have a picnic on Brandon Hill or take a walk on Durdham Downs and view the spectacular Clifton Suspension bridge?

A ferry trip around Bristol’s harbourside is an exciting and affordable way of seeing some of Bristol’s sights. Whether you want to travel just a couple of stops or take a full round trip, Bristol ferry offers a fun way of getting around the city.

Or, if you fancy learning about Bristol’s pirate past, why not download a free MP3 tour on ‘Bristol’s Quayside Adventure’. Based on the novel Treasure Island, the tour takes you on a journey around the Bristol locations connected with the novel. This can be downloaded at Visitbristol.co.uk

Also, Bristol’s City Museum and Art Gallery is free to enter and full of exciting discoveries for children and adults alike. On February 21st and 22nd a special Rocky Road Show will be in town with hands-on dinosaur and rock activities featuring a life-sized Pliosaur. Experts will also be on hand to examine and identify rocks, fossils and minerals that visitors bring along.

Going green

If your New Year’s resolution is to reduce your carbon footprint then maybe you will be looking for ‘green’ ways to spend the week. Apart from visiting the parks, why not rent a bike and mountain bike through the spectacular Ashton Court Estate. After a tiring morning, head to Mud Dock where you can park your bike and have a shower before enjoying a tasty lunch overlooking the harbour.

Or, take a visit to Bristol’s CREATE, a vibrant environment centre which showcases everything to do with sustainable living, with art displays, exhibitions and an Ecohome demonstrating the latest in sustainable building techniques. This is also free to enter.

If you are looking for somewhere ‘green’ to stay then visit Visitbristol.co.uk for some award winning accommodation providers. The website also provides further information on the above events as well many more activities happening in Bristol for half term.

How to get there

The train is a great option for all the family especially as First Great Western is running a 2 for 1 offer at many of Bristol's attractions with the presentation of a rail ticket. This includes Bristol Zoo gardens, Explore-At- Bristol and even hotels and restaurants. With train tickets from Paddington from £10 each way and trains every 30 minutes, this is surely great value.