Have an eggcellent time in Bath this Easter!
With the Easter Holidays fast approaching Bath Tourism Plus are highlighting the city and the surrounding area as an ideal place to visit, with lots of things to keep the kids entertained from adventure at Castle Combe Race Circuit to lions and giraffes in the UK's original safari park! And there's something to suit all budgets and all types of weather.
Outdoor Entertainment
Bike Rides and Walks
Take in some fresh air and enjoy a walk by the Kennet & Avon Canal or along the scenic Bath Skyline, with six miles of marked trails offering views of valleys, woodlands, patchwork meadows and beautiful Georgian cityscape. A bike ride along the picturesque Colliers Way - running between Frome and the Dundas Aqueduct near Limpley Stoke - is a perfect place to cycle, traffic-free, along a former railway line. Or, for some Easter fun, visit Prior Park Landscape Gardens or Longleat where trails take children around the grounds and prizes are given to those who complete the walk.
Golf
Challenge the family to a round of golf at one of the Approach Courses in Royal Victoria Park (suitable for all levels) with 12 or 18 fun-packed holes. There are also a number of courses for the more advanced golfer including Cumberwell Park near Bradford on Avon and The Park, situated in Wick, which has two golf courses in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Railway Heritage
There are several heritage railways in the area which offer a wonderful insight into the bygone ages of steam and diesel trains. The Avon Valley Railway offers rides in the beautiful countryside between Bath and Bristol and the unique opportunity to disembark the train in favour of a boat ride back. In Midsomer Norton, children can enjoy exploring the station buildings, signalbox, goods shed as well as the original stable block and wartime pillbox at The Somerset and Dorset Railway.
Adventure at Castle Combe Race Track
The Castle Combe Race Track is just a few miles from Bath and has a jam packed programme of events happening throughout the year including fast racing cars, motorbikes, classic cars and rallies. During Easter you can see the 'Alfaholics Track Day' taking place on the 12th April and the 'Car Track Day' on the 18th April - both events have free admission. The Race Track also hold Junior Karting Masterclasses which take place on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of every month.
Longleat
Voted 'UK Family Attraction of the Year 2002' by the Good Britain Guide, Longleat is a great place to visit for a whole day's entertainment. Experience incredibly close encounters with the world's most magnificent animals including lions, tigers, rhinos and giraffes in the UK's original Safari Park, get lost in the 'Longleat Hedge Maze', voyage on the Safari Boats, journey on the Longleat Railway or discover the treasures and heirlooms in Longleat House.
City Sightseeing
To learn more about the city and its heritage take an open top bus tour with City Sightseeing, allowing you to hop on and hop off at your chosen destination. Or for a free walking tour of Bath, join one of the Mayor's Honorary Guides who leave from the main entrance of the Pump Room.
Parks
Bath is home to some beautiful parks where parents can relax while children run around and burn off some of that excess energy! Royal Victoria Park below the Royal Crescent stretches over 57 acres and has two approach golf courses, a pond to float model boats or feed ducks and a thrilling play area complete with slides, swings, climbing frames and a skateboard park.
Indoor Entertainment
Roman History
The Roman Baths is so much more than a museum! As children walk around the remains of a real Roman spa complex and marvel at the archaeological treasures that have been unearthed, they will be constantly entertained by the special children's audio tour that will help to bring history alive.
Living History
If you've ever wondered what it would have been like to have lived at Bath's premier address during its Georgian heyday, step into No.1 Royal Crescent. Reconstructed to show how the rich lived in Bath at that time, children will be able to experience an authentically furnished 18th Century town house as well as listening to stories told by knowledgeable guides.
Shopping
Bath is a shopper's paradise with hours of retail therapy to be enjoyed! Explore the city's interesting mix of independent shops and high street chains with intriguiging passages and alleyways. And if you need a break there is a welcome café or restaurant on every corner.
Glassmaking
Watching the skilled craftspeople at Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. An audio presentation explains what is happening as the glassmakers go about their work against a backdrop of burning furnaces.
The Egg Children's Theatre
The 'Egg' - Bath Theatre Royal's award-winning theatre especially for children, young people and their families - offers an extravaganza of performances and shows as well as frequent workshops and participatory sessions for children aged up to 18. 'Does a Monster Live Next Door' and 'Dragon's Teeth and Other Tales' are just two of the performances showing over the Easter holidays. Complete your visit with refreshments in the family-friendly cafe on the ground floor after the show.
American History
Learning about the travels to the 'New World' at the American Museum in Britain is an interesting and enjoyable experience for the whole family. A newly opened, interactive, computerised exhibition sits happily alongside rooms that are displayed in period style throughout different stages of American history, and the whole thing is brought to life wonderfully by entertaining and friendly guides. You can also see the fascinating exhibition 'Titanic - the ship that shook America', with private collections of Titanic memorabilia. There is also a Bunny Trail taking place over the Easter weekend which children follow to find the bunny's secret password and win a chocolate egg!
Where to Stay
Hotels, B&B's and self catering properties are plentiful in Bath and the surrounding area and with establishments such as Woolley Grange - a Jacobean Manor House with award-winning children facilities - and Beeches Farmhouse - complete with a large games room with table tennis, table football and a pool table, a selection of toys, books and videos and a playing field to run around in - there are plenty of family-friendly options to choose from. Accommodation can be booked online at www.visitbath.co.uk or alternatively you can call the Tourist Information Centre who provide a personalised, accommodation booking service on 0844 8475256.
Eating Out
Enjoy mouth watering treats, sample delicious local produce, relax over lunch or treat the family to fine dining; there are many places that welcome children as well as offering special menus and discounts, all of which can be found on www.visitbath.co.uk.
Bath Visitor Card
To make the most of a visit to Bath, purchase the official Bath Visitor Card which costs just £3 and offers exclusive discounts at a wide range of businesses in and around the city including food and drink, shopping, attractions and sightseeing tours. The card can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre in the Abbey Churchyard or online from the www.visitbath.co.uk website.
For more information on what to do this Easter see the www.visitbath.co.uk website which gives comprehensive details on things to see and do, restaurants and accommodation, and in the ideas and inspiration section you will find information giving tips on how to enjoy a family-friendly holiday or day out in Bath and the surrounding area.
Copyright © 2008 Bath Tourism Plus
