Thursday 24 March 2016
Bristol City has so much to offer! Here are 10 free things you can do with your foster family in Bristol.
Gromit Trail
http://www.gromit-unleashed.org.uk/
Gromit Unleashed in a public art exhibition in the city of Bristol, featuring giant fibreglass sculptures of Gromit in placed in various parts of the city. Each 5ft sculpture was individually designed and created by invited guests. Artists include Gromit creator, Nick Park, Aardman co-founder, Peter Lord and Where’s Wally creator, Martin Handford. Create your own trail and find the 80 unique pieces any time between 1st July – 8th September.
All funds that are raised from Gromit Unleashed will go towards Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal to support the expansion of Bristol’s Children’s Hospital.
Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/node/2193
Situated just three miles from the centre of Bristol is Oldbury Court, a beautiful estate combining woodland and riverside walks. Aside from its beautiful surroundings, Oldbury Court has a range of facilities making it a perfect place for a family day out. The estate’s new play park consists of a sand pit, pirate ship, swings, a zip wire and an embankment slide, amongst other fun play equipment. Guardians can keep a close eye on the children by enjoying some light refreshments and snacks from the estate’s Café.
Enjoy walks through the parkland where you may be able to catch a glimpse of some wildlife animals including owls, herons and foxes.
The Georgian House Museum
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/node/2916
Be transported back in time to 18th Century as you wander through this fascinating six storey townhouse which has been restored and decorated to its original glory. Built in 1790 by wealthy slave plantation owner, John Pinney, the Georgian House provides a great insight as to what life was like in the home hundreds of years ago. Guests can wander freely around the house’s 11 rooms, spread over 4 floors and embrace the house’s rich history and elegance.
The museum is open on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (and bank holiday Mondays) from 10:30am to 4pm from Easter to the end of October.
Blaise Castle
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/blaise-castle-estate
Blaise Castle is surrounded by 650 acre Grade II registered parkland and includes magical landscapes, dramatic scenery and a deep wooded limestone gorge. To keep children entertained there is a large play area with designated zones for younger and older children. Younger children can enjoy endless hours of fun on the play area’s climbing frames, swings and sand pit. Older children can go wild on the play area’s tube slides, zip wires and trampolines. After hours of playing, sit back and relax and enjoy a family picnic in the grounds benches and picnic areas.
Admission is free; however check whether the grounds are open for access as the area may be closed on some major event days.
The M Shed
The M Shed is a new history museum, situated on Bristol’s historical harbourside. The fun and thought-provoking museum explores the city’s history from prehistoric times to the 21st century. Discover stories about the city and its people, brought to you by experts and communities across the city. Guests can explore rich collections of objects, art and archives which help bring these stories alive.
After exploring over 2,000 years of Bristol’s history, you can enjoy some lunch and refreshments at the museum’s café which looks out onto the beautiful dockside.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge
http://www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/home
Designed by the famous Victorian engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, The Clifton Supension Bridge has been a defining symbol of Bristol since 1864.
Stroll across the bridge and experience breath-taking views of the city, the ancient Avon Gorge and beyond. Close by is a range of cafes and restaurants in the centre of Clifton Village should you want a spot of lunch.
Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/leisure-and-culture/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery
The Bristol Museum & Art Gallery displays world-class collections of archaeology, geology and art throughout its 19 galleries, spread over 3 floors. Each floor showcases fascinating world cultures, ancient civilisations, human invention and creativity.
There are activities for the children to enjoy too such as arty hands-on activities and a play area suitable for children under age 7.
Ashton Court Estate
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/leisure-and-culture/ashton-court-estate
The gardens at Ashton Court Estate are open to the public, allowing guests to scroll through the 850 acres of ancient woodland. Now a major recreational area for Bristol, Ashton Court grounds have a range of areas to explore including woodland, wildlife and deer parks. Other activities families can enjoy are golf, deer feeding walks and mountain biking trails.
Bristol’s International Festival Of Kites And Air Creations
http://www.kite-festival.org.uk/
Back for its 26th festival, people of Bristol will experience spectacular flying displays in Ashton Court Estate between 31st August – 1st September.
The action-packed festival will wow guests with fascinating kite battles, artistic kites and synchronised displays played to music from international kite enthusiasts from as far as Kuwait and America, as well as enthusiasts from across Europe.
There will also be many activities taking place throughout the day including kite-making workshops. This fantastic FREE event is a great way to spent time with your family.
Brandon Hill & Cabot Tower
Brandon Hill is Bristol’s oldest park which has been beautifully preserved. The park features a child’s play area, beautiful paths throughout the grounds and a nature conservation area. Cabot Tower was designed by Bristol architect William Venn Gough. The tower welcomed guests to climb up the tower’s spiral staircase to view panoramic views of the city of Bristol. The tower closed in 2007 for refurbishment; however it reopened in 2011, once again allowing guests to climb the spiral staircase.