Play time. Photo © agostinosangel
Base a family holiday in Bristol and you’re surrounded by top day-trip destinations as well as plenty to do in town. Our top three picks take in wildlife and wild science, so you can entertain the nature lovers as well as the tech fiends.
Even better, with three hotels in the city, none of these attractions are far from a Bristol Travelodge.
1. Bristol Zoo
Bristol Zoo may have to be your first stop – it’s always a kids’ favourite. Set over five acres, the zoo stays open from 9.00 to 17.00 every day apart from Christmas Day. Some highlights include the family of six gorillas living on site with two little ones names Komale and Kukena, the rare red pandas and the fearsome Asiatic lions.
Any little explorer will love ZooRopia, an adventure ropes course that lets you swing alongside the gorillas, lemurs and gibbons. For an extra special day out try the new Lion Feeding Experience where you will get the chance to prepare the meat and hand-feed a lion with the help of an experienced keeper.
Normal adult entry to the zoo costs £15.99* with a donation, while children’s tickets are £10 and children under two go free!
2. SS Great Britain
The SS Great Britain is a museum ship, originally built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1843 as the world’s first great ocean liner. Not only is this an interesting museum for any adult, but a visit to the SS Great Britain is a top pick for an educational day out for kids.
Bow of the SS Great Britain. Photo © Maisna
Here you can wander the deck of the ship and experience first hand what life onboard would have been like as she prepared to sail for the first time. You’ll definitely want to explore the first class cabins and the cook’s galley.
The Dockyard Museum also tells the story of the ship, from her launch as a liner to service as a coal carrier bound for San Francisco and her rescue from the bottom of the Atlantic.
Adult tickets cost just £14 and tickets for children between the ages of 5 and 17 cost £8. What’s more, you can return as many times as you like within one year for free.
3. AT-Bristol
AT-Bristol is one of Britain’s coolest interactive science centres – yes, even for people who don’t like science. There’s a lot to do here, including the UK’s first 3D planetarium and exciting hands-on experiments for all the family to try. You won’t be disappointed!
Build your own flying object in the flight zone, become an animator for the day or get cooking with AT-Bristol’s very own RoboChef. Check the website in advanced for special events such as the Festival of Ideas and seasonal kitchens. Even if you miss the kitchen events, the cafe is an easy spot for lunch, with Fairtrade delicious soups, sandwiches and cakes.
Adult tickets costs £13.90 and tickets for children under 15 cost £8.95.
*All prices valid at the time of writing in September 2015. Please check attraction websites for current prices.
