Guide to the May half term in Bristol
Posted on: 26 May 2017Is it really that time again already? Half term begins again next week, with the youngsters given a well-deserved break from the books for seven days of Bristol-based rest and enrichment. To the unprepared parent, this can represent something of a challenge...
***Click here for February Half Term 2018***
Fear not though! For Bristol is more than adequately-equipped to pack the week out and keep the youngsters occupied. We have sifted through all the activities that the city has to offer and have compiled them into the handy list below. Enjoy…
AirHop - Patchway
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In AirHop, Bristol is in possession of the world’s biggest trampoline park. Not only comprised of a staggering 135 interconnected trampolines, the complex also incorporates a series of miscellaneous features including slam-dunk lanes, dodgeball courts, slack lines, battle beams and a ‘Total Wipeout zone’. Half-term is the perfect time to explore this fun-filled indoor play park with your children, who will benefit not just from hours of enjoyment but also physical exercise - which may just tire them out enough for you to have the afternoon off! There are also dedicated bouncing sessions for under 5s.
EatWalkTalk Tour - Old City
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Chart the rich history of Bristol’s Old City through its modern day food products, as this walking tour with a difference allows you to discover its past with your taste buds. Bristol’s Old City dates back to Medieval times, with the years between then and now containing some particularly juicy history as it grew into a bustling trade port, an industrial hub and the cultural plethora that it is today. The EatWalkTalk tour negotiates this area, illuminating sites of historical importance and linking them to food and drink tastings from some of the city’s finest local producers - perfect for a half-term morning, the tours run Tuesday to Saturday.
Clip ‘n Climb - St Werburghs
Clip 'n Climb is composed of a wide selection of climbing-based activities providing healthy, challenging fun for all the family! Test your resolve and determination across all of their separate challenges - climb commando style on the Jungle Gym, reach new heights on the Skyscraper, take the Speed Climbing challenge, tangle yourself in Spaghetti, dare to tackle the Lightning Crack or race your friends up the Stairway to Heaven. No climbing experience is necessary and full briefing is provided.
Arnos Vale Cemetery
Arnos Vale Cemetery is alive with commotion this half-term, with a series of classes and workshops added to its sprawling grounds which are the perfect site for adventures both great and small. The list of activities covers den-building, story-telling and potion-making for the young ones, while adults can indulge in some yoga and mindfulness practice - all set in the tranquil setting of the cemetery’s greenery.
The Matthew - Spike Island
500 years after John Cabot’s ship The Matthew crossed the Atlantic in 1497, a replica of the ship was made to repeat the journey. Ever since returning from the States, the carbon copy has been moored in Bristol’s floating harbor and regularly takes trips around the vicinity. Catch Captain Barnacle as he reprises his Pirate Pantomime on its boards, for two performances on Thursday 1st June.
M Shed - Spike Island
There is always stuff going on at MShed, and half-term, as you might expect, is no exception. As well as the enduring fixtures like the Behind the Scenes tours and the exhibition of 2016’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, there is a special family fun event on Wednesday 30th May, and trips on the Mayflower on the Thursday and Friday.
Banksy tour
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World-renowned street artist Banksy is undoubtedly one of Bristol’s favourite sons and has frequently repaid the faith shown in him by his home by leaving graffiti artworks all over the city. His ink has bled into every nook and cranny from Bedminster to Stokes Croft, which can make the task of a pilgrimage quite a daunting one; fear not though, for we at 365 have collated a list of the finest examples and turned them in an easy walking tour for you to undertake at your own leisure. Click here to follow the tour.
Spike Island - Spike Island
Speaking of art, one of the finest galleries in Bristol is just along from the 365 offices at Spike Island, where there is always a glut of activity for the creative type with which to get their hands dirty. Currently on display are works by Andrea Luka Zimmerman and Giles Round, with talks and classes taking place throughout the week.
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery - Clifton Triangle
The permanent collections at the Bristol Museum are amongst the finest in the South West, so the respected institution is a prime destination for a fun day out on any given day. This is your one-stop-shop for art, nature and all of the other strands which comprise our historical tapestry.
SS Great Britain - Spike Island
The SS Great Britain was the longest passenger ship in the world when it was built by Bristol’s own Isambard Kingdom Brunel back in 1845. Docked where she was built nearly 200 hundred years ago, the ship is a piece of floating history; clamber aboard and back in time! With a ship-shape museum and café to accompany the vessel itself, a day spent on the Great Britain will be a day well spent.
Skins tour
Many of the slightly older residents of Bristol will have notices that Skins, the teen drama set in the city, turned 10 last month. The show, which aired on E4 between 2007 and 2013, grew from a cult hit into a generation-defining phenomenon - and an international showcase for some of Bristol’s most iconic backdrops. To celebrate a decade since the first episode aired, we collated our 10 favourite locations on which the show was filmed into a handy list; why not spend a day checking them all out? Click here to follow the tour.
Bristol Cathedral - Centre
Be honest with yourself: how many times have you walked past Bristol Cathedral without taking a peep inside? Be led by your curiosity this half-term, as there is no better time to knock on its hallowed door with craft workshops for young and old taking place this week.
Article by:
An ardent Geordie minus the accent, Sam seemingly strove to get as far away from the Toon as possible, as soon as university beckoned. Three undergraduate years at UoB were more than ample time for Bristol (as it inevitably does) to get under his skin, and so here he remains: reporting, as Assistant Editor, on the cultural happenings which so infatuated him with the city. Catch him at sam@365bristol.com.
