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15 February 2007

BRISTOL HALF-TERM SURVIVAL GUIDE

February half-term is just around the corner and parents everywhere are seeking advice on how to keep the children entertained. Destination Bristol has created a special half-term events page available through www.visitbristol.co.uk with all the latest information on holiday fun in and around the city.

Michaela Norris, Visitor Services Manager for Destination Bristol said "There are more activities, attractions and events for the whole family to discover than ever before. Bristol has something to offer parents and children of all ages from Brunel's ss Great Britain, winner of the 2006 Gulbenkian Prize to half price glass and bubble blowing at Bristol Blue Glass visitor centre".

It's all a little hairy at Bristol Zoo Gardens with special half-price entry for all children aged 3-14 on February 19th. Just make sure the little ones come sporting the fancy dress facial hair of their favourite furry animal to qualify! Whilst at the zoo take part in the Big hairy half-term trail, check out the latest exhibition 'Monkey Jungle' and don't forget to pay the new baby gorialla a visit

Take the children on a harbourside cruise, running everyday throughout half-term the Bristol Packet is offering trips onboard Bagheera, a beautiful glass Amsterdam-built sight seeing boat with panoramic vision. The 45 minute trip of the historic harbour includes commentary and provides a great way to learn about Bristol's maritime history.

At-Bristol offers new and exciting exhibitions; baffle your brain with fun illusions in Explore's new exhibition Alice Through the Looking Glass or go wild in the jungle at Wildwalk with an interactive exhibition especially for children under eight. From jungle costumes and story-telling to bamboo huts and investigation stations, there are plenty of wild adventures to be had!

There's fun for all the family at Brunel's ss Great Britain with special Puppet shows taking place on February 17, 23 and 24. Isambard Kingdom Brunel will also be entertaining visitors onboard the ship when Actor Martin Williamson steps back in time, playing host as a professional storyteller, in character and costume.

Spectacular half-term fun is also plentiful at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum with Africa - for kids! Enjoy the sheer vitality, colour, hope and excitement of a continent as seen through the eyes of a modern African child, featuring music and dance, live shows, themed indoor attractions and a safari playground. Africa - for Kids! is suitable for ages three years and above and all activities are free with normal museum admission.
Among the top free holiday ideas is a visit to the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery where you can take part in a special family workshop entitled 'Picture a Story'. Visit the Work, Rest & Play exhibition, choose a story to tell and learn how to create a storyboard. Workshops will be held on 19th February at 10.30am - 12.30pm and 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Painting workshops are also availble taking place on the 21-22 February.
Bristol is incredibly well-placed for families that like to get out and about. Michaela Norris suggested "If you want to tour out and escape the city, then within a short drive from Bristol there are many favourite family attractions to visit. Take to the beautiful Somerset countryside for a day trip to Cheddar Caves and Gorge, climb onboard a steam train at the Avon Valley Railway or head north of Bristol to WWT Slimbridge and Westonbirt Arboretum!"

Micheala Norris added "If you want to stay local then there are plenty of open spaces; get active mountain biking at Ashton Court Estate, climb Cabot Tower on Brandon Hill, fly a kite on Clifton Downs or enjoy the museum and grounds of Blaise Castle. Bristol offers so much to see and do for both residents and visitors alike"

For further details on any of these activities and attractions or for further half-term suggestions log on to www.visitbristol.co.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Photo Credits:

Africa - for Kids! - Please credit image to British Empire & Commonwealth Museum

Underneath the ss Great Britain - Please credit as; "image by Graham Flack (c) Destination Bristol"

Monkey Jungle/Photo of Lemur - Please credit image to Bristol Zoo Gardens

For more information please contact:

Kerrie Grist
Marketing Executive
Destination Bristol
Tel: 0117 946 2205
Email: kerrie.grist@destinationbristol.co.uk
Web: www.visitbristol.co.uk

1. Destination Bristol, formerly the Bristol Tourism and Conference Bureau is a not for profit partnership between Bristol City Council and Business West. Destination Bristol is the destination management partnership for Bristol and South Gloucestershire and leads the marketing of the area as a travel destination. The aim of the organisation is to work with members and partners, to increase business competitiveness, support employment and economic growth, and raise the profile of the Bristol city-region as a European-class travel destination.