Half-term fun and mischief in Bristol this May
It's half-term again! The schools are closed, the children are at home for the week and parents everywhere are left thinking of ways to keep the little ones occupied. Destination Bristol, the tourism organisation for Bristol and South Gloucestershire has produced a special half-term survival guide on the city’s tourism website, visitbristol.co.uk.The website pages have been created to provide inspiration to parents by highlighting the many wonderful things to see and do on a family visit to Bristol. Michaela Norris, Visitor Services Manager said: “Bristol has so much to offer this May half-term. No matter what your preferences are, you can rest assured that Bristol will have something to keep you and your family entertained, engaged and inspired”
“You can travel back in time on-board Brunel’s ss Great Britain, delve into the mind of a scientist at Explore-at-Bristol, take a trip to Bristol Zoo Gardens with its brand new butterfly house or enjoy a picnic in the city’s many parks and open spaces. The options are endless, every age group is catered for and many events are free”.
Get Hands On
Enjoy a free day out and exercise young minds at Bristol City Museum & Art Gallery. Along with the popular exhibits currently on display at the museum, you can also drop in on special Hands On Activity days, where children can get creative and handle real objects.
Explore Science
Go back in time with Fossils and Funny Bones, try your hand at LoveSport, or get inside the mind of a scientist with Inside DNA. All of these fantastic activities, and more, are taking place now at Explore-At-Bristol, located on Bristol's harbourside.
Take to the Water
Take a boat trip to experience the sounds and sights of Bristol’s historic harbour! The Bristol Ferry Boat fleet offers a regular year round hop-on-hop-off service. With stopping points near the city centre and a regular schedule throughout the day, this is a great way to connect from one attraction to the next, whilst travelling in style.
Alternatively Bristol Packet delivers a range of river and dock cruises, whilst the Tangaroa sailing vessel will take you down the Avon Gorge and beyond. A special trip on this beautiful classic tall ship will set sail on Wednesday 28 May at 10am, returning to port in the centre of Bristol at approximately 1pm.
Walk On The Wild Side
Places are still available on a 'minibeasts and mud paintings' session for youngsters at Bristol Zoo Gardens over half-term. This fun-packed event gives children the opportunity to explore the undergrowth in search of little creatures on a minibeast safari, create a minibeast nature reserve and enjoy an afternoon of mini beast mud paintings. Also at the Zoo, the official unveiling of an exciting new exhibit took place on Friday 23 May, in time for the half-term break. Step inside the state-of-the-art temperature controlled 'Butterfly Forest’ and get up close with exotic and colourful butterflies, moths, flowers and plants.
Have A Go
Bristol Blue Glass is opening its doors to the public on 31 May and 1 June with exciting activities for all the family. See how the famous Bristol Blue Glass is created and have a go at blowing your own glass bubble or make a sand cast of your hand.
Back In Time With Brunel
Just a short ferry boat ride from the city centre is Brunel's majestic ss Great Britain. Explore the saloons, living quarters and engine room of this historic steam ship, and take part in Sinbad's Sea Chests crafty workshops or listen to a maritime story told by Mr Brunel himself.
Free Tours of Brunel's Bridge
Each Sunday at 3:00pm, an expert tour guide will commence a walking tour of the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. The tour is suitable for all ages and abilities, and admission is absolutely free. Also there is no need to book - just turn up. The tour will take about 45 minutes and will start from the toll booth at the Clifton end of the bridge.
Dress Up At Noah's Ark
Throughout the half-term week, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm will be offering half price entry to all children who take part in animal fancy dress. To take advantage of this roaring deal, simply turn up at the entrance gate dressed as your favourite animal and make great savings on your visit! Be the first to set eyes upon the safe arrival of not one, but three baby marmosets, who were born just two days ago.
A Royal Country Show
Enjoy a day outside the city at The Royal Bath & West Show near Shepton Mallet. This popular event runs from 28 - 31 May 2008 and allows all who attend to get involved in everything that's rural. Try your hand at sheep shearing, take part in craft workshops or watch intriguing wildlife and farm animal shows.
Free Fun
Bristol also offers many free outdoor activities for the family, for inspiration why not try the Bristol to Bath cycle path, bikes can be hired from the new Ferry Station on Bristol’s harbourside. Other suggestions include a picnic on Clifton Downs, flying a kite at Ashton Court Estate, a trip to Brandon Hill for wonderful panoramic views of the city or why not learn about Bristol’s history with the Bristol Quayside Adventure, a fun downloadable MP3 Audio tour available free from visitbristol.co.uk.
Travel by train
It's your last chance to take advantage of some brilliant savings at top family attractions around the city when you travel to Bristol by train. Until 31 May 2008, First Great Western in conjunction with Destination Bristol and Bath Tourism Plus is offering its customers 2 for 1 entry to Bristol’s favourite attractions when purchasing a ticket. Pick up a voucher from the station, Bristol and Bath’s Tourist Information Centres or download a coupon and check terms and conditions online at firstgreatwestern.co.uk/bathbristol2for1.
Make the most of your visit and book a short break in Bristol. Accommodation bookings can be made on-line at visitbristol.co.uk . Discover a range of hotels, apartments, cottages and farm houses to suit every need.
For further details on any of these activities and attractions or for further half-term suggestions log on to visitbristol.co.uk.
