Learning is Fun - on Holiday in Bath
The summer holidays are fast approaching and children are starting to dream of weeks without having to concentrate on very much else than just having fun - playing, watching TV and perhaps going on a family beach holiday. However, parents like you are sure to be concerned that your children's concentration might be badly affected without being challenged for such a long time.
The UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath has the ideal answer for everyone - lots of great, fun ideas for things for children and families to do, and if you are very sneaky, they might not realise that they are learning lots as they go! After all, since when was watching cowboys and Indians, or tasting chocolate, or riding a steam train, learning...?
Traditionally known as a romantic destination for couples and a fashionable place for celebrities to be seen, Bath is less well known as a destination suited to families of all shapes and sizes. However, there is a lot to do, and lots of fun to be had!
It might not be school, and it might be great fun, but these ideas are sure to teach your children a thing or two as they have fun in Bath - giving you the chance to watch them enjoy themselves, while giving yourself a smug 'what a responsible parent I am' pat on the back!
Here are some of our favourite, fun learning activities to enjoy this summer.
Roman History
The Roman Baths museum is so much more than a museum! As the children walk around the relics 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 history come alive.
Cookery
The Bertinet Kitchen is a unique learning experience offering unaccompanied classes (primarily during the school holidays for children from 7years up), for those times that you may need a little 'you' time - it is great to be able to leave them in a stimulating, fun environment. For those that little bit too young to go it alone or if you and your child would like to share the cooking experience together, you can opt for a parent and child(ren) class. Try some unusual tastes and flavours and then roll up your sleeves and get really messy together!
Chocolate Workshops
Minerva Chocolate, situated in the centre of the city offers 'Chocolate Initiation Workshops' which are great fun - a great way to teach children about this skilful craft, and give them an insight into the sort of chocolate they might be eating too much of!
American History
American History may not have been the most stimulating subject during your school days, but learning about the travels to the 'New World' at the American Museum in Britain is a fascinating and fun experience for the whole family. A newly opened interactive, computerised exhibition sits happily alongside rooms that are displayed in the style of different stages of American History, and the whole thing is brought to life wonderfully by entertaining and friendly guides. On special event days, watch as your children interact with cowboys and Indians, and see them transfixed as a civil war battle rages on the lawn.
Museums & Galleries
Bath has a huge range of museums and galleries all of which offer a fun, interactive learning experience throughout the year. Look back on over 400 years of fashion at the Fashion Museum or visit the William Herschel Museum of Astronomy, the site where the planet Uranus was discovered in 1781. Discover a different culture at the Museum of East Asian Art, where children can take park in a range of different workshops, or learn about architecture and social history first hand as you discover the development of the city at the Building of Bath Museum. Many museums in Bath offer educational programmes and activities during school holidays and weekends, and exhibitions aimed soley at children. See the Visitbath.co.uk website for more details.
Railway Heritage
There are a number of heritage railways in the area, which offer a wonderful insight into the bygone ages of steam and diesel, with reconstructed historical stations, refurbished carriages and the opportunity to travel along track, lovingly restored by real enthusiasts. The Avon Valley Railway offers rides into the beautiful countryside between Bath and Bristol, and the unique opportunity to disembark the train in favour of a boat ride back if wished. The Somerset and Dorset, based at Midsomer Norton is another railway in the process of restoration, where children can learn about train restoration and the Somerset and Dorset project itself.
Living History
A number of historical attractions offer 'living history'. At Farleigh Hungerford Castle, a castle with a sinister past, history comes alive with an extensive programme of military re-enactments, music and drama throughout the year. During the summer months at Glastonbury Abbey, characters from the Abbey's past are brought back to life by actors who make interesting and entertaining presentations throughout the day, giving your children a good knowledge of history with them realising they are learning. If you have ever wondered what it would have been like to live at Bath's premier address during its Georgian heyday, step into No.1 Royal Crescent which has been painstakingly reconstructed to show how the rich lived in Bath at that time. Children will be enthralled by the stories told by the live guides and by the extraordinary décor - they will feel as though they have stepped onto a movie set.
English Literature
A real love for one of the world's best loved authors is easy to instigate in Bath. Having spent six years in the city and featured it is two of her novels, Jane Austen is still very much celebrated here. Call in to the Jane Austen centre, where you and your children can enjoy a guided tour, and short film about the author. You can view fashion from her era, and even enjoy 'Tea with Mr Darcy' in the regency tea rooms. If you want to get out into 'Jane Austen's Bath', download the free Jane Austen walking tour from the VisitBath.co.uk website onto the kids MP3s and watch them explore - that should keep them quiet and amused for a couple of hours!
Glassmaking
Watching the skilled craftspeople at Bath Theatre of Glass is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. An audio presentation explains to the audience what is happening as the glassmakers go about their work against a backdrop of burning furnaces. Watching the skill involved is completely mesmerising, and after you will have the opportunity to purchase your own pieces - without any complaints from the children.
If these ideas are not enough to inspire you, there are many more ideas for days out in Bath and the surrounding area, family friendly places to eat and even places to stay on the 'Family Friendly Bath' section of the official destination website. If you plan to stay in the area, the website provides a hassle free, easy way to book, at any time of day or night.
See www.visitbath.co.uk/family-friendly
Alternatively, helpful, friendly advice can be found at Bath Tourist Information Centre. For advice on days out contact Bath Tourist Information Line: 0906 7112000 (50p/min), or to book attraction tickets, events, and accommodation phone: 0844 847 5256 (national rate).
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Notes to Editors
Further Information
For further information please contact Lucy Weaver at Bath Tourism Plus on 01225 477441 or by email on: lucy_weaver@bathtourism.co.uk
Bath Tourism Plus
Working with the public and private sectors Bath Tourism Plus takes full responsibility for co-ordinating the work of a busy tourist information centre, the marketing of Bath and the surrounding area to leisure and business travellers, PR activity to attract the nation's top travel writers, a conference office and development of Bath's official tourism internet site www.visitbath.co.uk. Its primary objective is to optimise the value of tourism for members and partners.
Featured Tourism Businesses
Details and links to all of the featured tourism businesses can be found on the official destination website for Bath: www.visitbath.co.uk
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