Half-term is fast approaching, and as the weather turns wintery it’s time for a break. But if the thought of taking the family away for a few days makes you worry about your wallet, think again. Kids under 16 can stay and eat free in our hotels, so a family holiday can be well within budget. If you’re thinking of getting away from it all for a bit, why not book to stay in our Bristol Central hotel for a few days over half-term?
Here are 5 reasons why Bristol is the perfect destination for families:
1) The activities
Bristol Zoo is the oldest provincial zoo in the world. See the seals, penguins, lions, and gorillas among many other animals and learn lots from the clever exhibits. The city also plays home to At-Bristol which is one of the UK’s biggest interactive science and technology centres. The multi-award winning venue has endless fun activities for kids of all ages, from a Planetarium, to an animation studio or even a Live Lab where anyone can participate in real experiments.
2) The food
Bristol is a real foodie’s city with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to ultra-cool little cafés. Bristollians are particularly fond of pub-culture, so you’ll find hundreds of good old-fashioned pubs serving hearty, local sausage and mash, or home made pies. If you love afternoon tea with the family, you’ll find hundreds of homely tearooms selling cakes the kids will love to stick their fingers into.
3) The sights
It can be hard to get kids enthused about sightseeing but it isn’t difficult in Bristol. The big sights will have them jumping with excitement. Walk over the staggering Clifton Suspension Bridge and look down its scary 245ft drop. Board Brunel’s SS Great Britain which brings to life the Victorians who once lived aboard it and will capture the imagination of any child. For train enthusiasts you can ride the Avon Valley traditional steam train and even have a meal on-board in the dining car.
4) The surrounding nature
Don’t think that the end of summer means the end of outdoor activities. Kids love to run around in the fresh air, and there’s no better city to do that from than Bristol. With The Downs, and Blaise Castle Estate and Ashton Court Estate, there are lots of great green spaces right in the heart of the city, but Bristol is also on the River Avon and minutes from beautiful rural countryside. If you like adventure activities you’ll find plenty to do on the river, from kayaking, to sailing or caving. Hiring bikes to ride along the cycle path is a great family day out too.
5) The entertainment
Bristol has a thriving music and theatre scene and while not all of it is family-friendly, some of the top attractions are perfect to take the kids to. The Hippodrome is always hosting the biggest shows touring from the West End, and Colston Hall is a top concert venue for all the biggest names in music. The Watershed, the UK’s first media centre, is another great place to find evening entertainment.
