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 Family day out in the country |
Pixash Lane Bath Road, Keynsham Bristol BS31 1TP United Kingdom +44 117 986 4929 http://www.avonvalleycountrypa... |
Situated between Bristol and Bath (four and a half miles from the city centre), this park is an excellent place to take your kids for a day out. They'll love it as everything has been geared towards youngsters. So, you'll find plenty of animals for them to watch and pet - Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, kangaroos, Shetland ponies, goats etc. There's an outdoor adventure playground and junior assault course, plus a riverside trail which tells you all about the animals, plants and birds you'll spot along the way. There's also a boating pond, a lake where you can fish (rods for hire), barbecue and picnic areas and a shop. Still not tired? OK, you still haven't tried the quad bikes, mini steam train or the undercover soft play area, complete with bouncy castle - perfect for any rainy interludes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Go on an aerial journey |
Winterstoke Road Bristol BS3 2NP United Kingdom +44 117 963 7858 |
Hot air balloons are big in Bristol - this is the home of the Bristol Balloon Fiesta after all - so, if you've got a head for heights, then why not see the city and surrounding areas by air. The flights last about an hour (allow two-three hours for the whole experience) and you're given a bottle of champagne to ease your journey and help with any nerves! When you land, the ground crew bring you back to the starting point. Tempted? Call ahead for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard Stowey |
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A mini Cheddar Gorge |
Burrington Cheddar Bristol BS27 United Kingdom |
Located on the northern edge of the Mendip Hills, four miles north of Cheddar and 13 from Bristol, are these towering craggy cliffs - perfect for a rather dramatic walk in the countryside. The spectacular setting also features pot holes and caves such as Avenline's Hole, which were used as shelters by Stone Age people around 12,000 years ago. Another popular attraction is a cleft in the rock which formed the inspiration for Augustus Toplady's famous hymn "Rock of Ages". From the top of the gorge there are views over Blagdon, the Chew Valley Lake, Bristol, and (on a clear day) the hills of Wales - so if it's a sense of space and a panorama you're after, you can't go far wrong here. There is a large car park and a public house in the combe, which makes a good start and end point for your walk. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Panorama from an historic hilltop |
Brandon Steep Bristol BS15QT United Kingdom +44 117 926 0767 |
Rising from the summit of Brandon Hill, this famous landmark was built in 1897 to commemorate the fourth centenary of John Cabot's epic voyage of discovery to North America. The spiral stairs of this 105-foot tower climb to around 350 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views of the city center and surrounding countryside. The hill is also the site of a Nature Park which includes woodland, a butterfly garden, meadow, pond and Wildlife Trust Center. Look out too for the remains of a Civil War hillfort, built to defend the north-west flank of Bristol against the Royalists during the siege of 1643. And don't forget to feed the extremely tame squirrels! There is no disabled access to the tower, but many of the park's paths are wheelchair accessible. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Panoramic views of Bristol |
Clifton Down (adjacent to Suspension Bridge) Bristol BS8 3LT United Kingdom |
Very close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Clifton Observatory houses a camera obscura, a rotating mirror in the roof that reflects panoramic views of the area down onto a dish-shaped screen. For a different view, visit the adjoining caves. You have to walk down a narrow passage with steep steps to get to the Giant's cave at the end, through which you arrive at the cliff-face. Here you can stand on a platform, suspended over the gorge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bristol's most famous landmark |
Suspension Bridge Road (Clifton) Bristol BS8 4AP United Kingdom |
Spanning the Avon Gorge, this bridge has become the symbol of the city and is a must for any visitors. Designed by Brunel and completed in 1864, you can learn all about its troubled history in the nearby Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre but the way to really appreciate it is to take a walk across it and look down into the spectacular gorge and beyond. Make sure you see the bridge at night as well, it looks truly amazing lighted against the night sky. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Nature reserve and ancient monument |
Doleberrow Bristol BS25 5PP United Kingdom +44 117 926 8018 |
Located approximately 15 miles from the city center, this is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument - serious history buffs will love it (the less esoteric can ignore all that and just enjoy a great countryside walk here). Dolebury fort is an exceptional example of an Iron Age hill fort and has an adjacent Celtic field system, approximately 2,000 years old and there is also a medieval rabbit warren - a definite contender for "strangest attraction of the year award"! The best time of year to see the wildflowers and 29 species of butterflies on this limestone heath is from late May to August. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Voyage to an isolated, historic island |
Bristol Road Bristol BS14 0 United Kingdom |
The more adventurous among you might like to try this day trip with a difference. Steep Holm is a small island which lies five miles offshore from Weston-super-Mare, and enjoys spectacular views in all directions. It's only recommended for people who are reasonably active however—there is a zigzag climb to the island's plateau, some 250 feet above sea level. Apart from rare plants and vegetation, there are colonies of seabirds and even a small herd of Muntjac deer that graze the island. A medieval priory was established here in the 12th century, and the island was fortified in Victorian times, with the barracks now used as a Visitor's Centre. Sailings are determined by the tide but are made on most Saturdays throughout the year. There are also Wednesday sailings during Jun, Jul and Aug—ring for details of ferry prices and times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Internationally famous seaside resort |
Marine Parade, Weston-Super-Mare Weston-super-Mare Bristol BS23 1AL United Kingdom +44 1934 62 0238 |
With miles of golden sand, this coastal resort has been a firm favourite with tourists for centuries and is a great example of the quintessential English seaside town. The beach is impressively clean and comes complete with donkeys - go for a ride on one for the full seaside experience! There are plenty of shops on the seafront where you can buy buckets and spades to keep the kids happy. The pier itself has been attracting visitors for around 100 years. There is a train which can ferry people from one end of the pier to the other. At the seaward end, there is an entertainment complex with a wide range of attractions, including go-carts, dodgems, a big wheel, haunted house and a rumpus room for tots. Yes, this is beach-life English style, brash, sometimes tacky but full of charm! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ian. T. Davis |
 Photo: Kate Hobson |