Bristol welcomes Bank Holiday visitors

As the holiday season gets into full swing, tourism officials and businesses in Bristol are preparing to welcome visitors during the May bank holidays with a wide-ranging programme of special events and promotional incentives.

Destination Bristol, the tourism marketing partnership for Bristol and South Gloucestershire, has published an online May bank holiday planner that includes travel offers and events to welcome visitors over both the first May bank holiday weekend (1 – 3 May) and the second May bank holiday and Whitsun school break (29 May – 6 June). The organisation’s marketing manager, Feisal Khalif said, “With so many great attractions and events offering such high quality experiences, Bristol is shaping up to be the ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy a short break or a great day out over the May bank holidays.”

Holiday travel offers range from 2 for 1 attraction and hotel deals when travelling by train to Bristol on First Great Western. Participating 2 for 1 Bristol attractions include Bristol Zoo Gardens, Brunel’s ss Great Britain, At-Bristol, and many more. In addition, visitors can purchase one hotel night and receive one night free at selected Bristol hotels, including the Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, Mercure Holland House and Ramada Bristol City, among others. National Express are also offering 2 for 1 deals for those visitors travelling to Bristol by coach.

Events included by Destination Bristol in its holiday planner feature family-based activities such as Hands On… Toy Time at The Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the chance to meet Postman Pat and Jess the Cat at Bristol Zoo Gardens, listen to Torrid Tales on Brunel’s ss Great Britain or practise Experi-mania at At-Bristol. Nature lovers can experience Shark Week at Blue Reef Aquarium or Berkeley Castle’s Butterfly House Opening. Special nature walks will also take place at Westonbirt Arboretum, along with photography workshops in the gardens at Tyntesfield. Arts and culture lovers can enjoy Art From the New World at The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery or the Bristol Hippodrome’s Sing-along-a-Hairspray during the Whitsun holidays.

A full guide to early and late May bank holiday activity, including offers and events in Bristol is available at VisitBristol.co.uk.