Well, as I couldn't find any individual categories for attractions in Bristol, I decided to focus this opinion on two places I enjoy the most in the city. The general facilities and shopping centres have already been covered, so in this one, I want to concentrate on Bristol Zoo and Blaise Castle.
BRISTOL ZOO
We usually go to Bristol Zoo about twice a year, but would go more often if it was cheaper. My in-laws have an Annual Membership which makes a day out there much more affordable, but without this, it usually costs us around £40 or more, which puts it out of our financial reach most of the time.
The zoo has everything you would expect, but with plenty more besides. The animals seem well cared for, happy and have very good areas to live in and play in. Whenever the zoo spends money, it seems to be on improving the animals' surroundings, which can only be a good thing.
One of the best developments they have done in recent years is the excellent Seal and Penguin Coasts. It was opened in July 1999 and cost two million pounds.
This is a wonderful feature where you walk around the water on a bridge and various walkways, then you go underground and past the side of the water, where big glass windows give you a privileged view of the seals and penguins inside.
But then, as if that wasn't enough, you get to walk *underneath* the water in a tunnel. It is quite eerie and disorientating but also awe-inspiring. You can look upwards and see these beautiful creatures swimming round. If you are lucky, you will get a seal or penguin come to the glass and peer at you, which makes you wonder who is watching who...
There is a strong emphasis on education too,
so the day is punctuated by regular talks on various animals and chances to see the penguins and gorillas being fed.
One of my favourite parts of a trip to the zoo are the Animal Encounters, which are small groups who hear a talk about some of the animals which people often have phobias about - snakes, rats, spiders, etc.
These are very informative and you can ask questions and touch the animals too. Being a recovering arachnophobic, I am hoping to one day build up the confidence to touch a tarantula (I picked up a money spider the other day!). So far though, I have always ended up at the snake talk - and I have no fear of snakes - or the Giant Hissing Cockroaches, ugh!
Children can follow a course around the zoo called Zoolympics. They can collect a little booklet and complete it as they go round. This is fun, but also educational, as they get timed running, see how far they can jump, see how heavy they are and so on, then compare it to the best in the animal world. I'm sure everyone will learn something through this.
Children are also entertained by a large, well-equipped playground area, and indoor activities such as face painting and badge making - with an animal theme, of course.
One place I love is Twilight World, which is rather dark, so hold on to your little ones. This houses the rodents and nocturnal species and contains some of my favourite animals, including the beautiful sand cats and the gorgeous teddy-bear faced bats.
Another of my favourites to see are the red pandas - more teddy bears, but warnings remind you they do actually bite. Look out for the cute little prairie dogs too, which are very active little rodents.
There are good facilities all over the zoo for ice-creams, hot and cold drinks and souvenir shops. There is a big restaurant too, with a large area indoors and another area outside, but undercover.
It is a great day out, but be warned, it can turn out to be very expensive. If you are on a limited budget, take a packed lunch or picnic and your own drinks.
The recent Foot and Mouth crisis shut the zoo for several months, but it is now open again (Two of my kids are going there next week on a school trip.) although the giraffes and elephants might not be able to be seen, as the last I heard, they were most likely to be affected and therefore were being kept out of the way for a while.
Check out the official website www.bristolzoo.org.uk
BLAISE CASTLE
This place is a dream - plenty to do for all the family and you don't have to spend anything. You can easily spend most of the day at Blaise Castle and everything is free. If you take a packed lunch or picnic, you won't even need to buy refreshments. There is plenty of parking too.
There are toilets there, although these are old, dirty and graffiti is in abundance. These are the next thing scheduled to be renovated though, so should hopefully be improved by the Summer.
There is a little refreshments place - two women in a hut - which sells cheap food and drink, so you can finish off a nice walk with the essential cups of tea.
During the peak season, there is also an ice-cream van for your little cherubs to whine for, as you reluctantly count your coppers to see if you can afford cones with flakes all round.
The park facilities a couple of years ago consisted of a couple of dodgy swings and a creaky see-swa, but they have ploughed money into it and the playground is wonderful now.
It is split into two areas - a big sandpit with slides, swings, a see-saw, roundabout and other fun stuff for the little ones. Then a larger area for bigger kids, including climbing frames, tyre swing, a big fort and other intimidating equipment which kids love and parents watch anxiously from a few feet away.
The "official" attraction there is the Blaise Castle House, which has apparently been part of the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery since 1949.
It is an impressive building to look at and inside it contains rooms of old household equipment, old clothes, an old fashioned school room, a collection of old toys and so on.
You can easily spend half an hour there, although the kids do get bored after a few visits and some of the models can be a bit spooky for younger children. But it is worth seeing and admission is free, although there's a small shop there, if you want to buy a few souvenirs.
The woods are lovely to walk through and you can take a short trip or follow a suggested walk of several miles. There are always people walking their dogs there and it is great for them to be able to run off the lead for a change. The other dog owners are generally very friendly too.
There are different layers of the woods, so you can take a steep hike or walk on flat ground. There is a river running through the woods, an old water mill (StratfordMill) and a thatched dairy, as well as the interesting wildlife. You can often see squirrels in the woods, for example.
A walk we often do takes us up a hill on a narrow path until we reach the remains of the old folly castle, which was built by Thomas Farr in 1766. It is open for visitors, albeit rather erratically, it is a good idea to read the sign on the door about opening times. You can climb up to the top and admire the view, but personally, I let the others do that and stand shaking at the bottom, being scared of heights!
Of course, there are a few drawbacks, nothing is perfect. Blaise Castle has had some bad publicity from people being attacked - only a few admittedly, but it is better to be careful, as anyone could hide in the woods. It is sensible to never walk alone - another reason to take a dog!
When it rains, the woods get quite slippery and some places are quite marshy. It is a good idea to wear old clothes and sensible footwear. We have ended up lost and have had to slide down a steep, bumpy hill before now. You do not want to be wearing high heels or a skirt! It is also advisable to have a mobile phone with you, in case you get lost or someone gets injured.
It is a good idea to go to Blaise Castle early in the Summer, no later than 10am, or you will find it gets packed, especially if there is an event on, as there are often fetes, Brownie jamborees, Historical Reconstruction events and so on.
The hottest time of the day is usually between noon and 2pm during the Summer and it is easy to get sunburnt, walking in the woods and believing you are sheltered by the trees. Again, be sensible, wear a hat and use sunscreen.
Blaise Castle was recently shut due to the Foot and Moth crisis, but I went there last Saturday with my family and it all seemed to be open, but walking dogs in the woods is temporarily discouraged.
But overall, it is a great place to visit, it is a wonderful way of exercising without thinking you are doing, and the whole family can enjoy some time together - away from the anti-social Playstation, Gameboy and computer.
(Historical information courtesy of www.about-bristol.co.uk)
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I have been to Bristol Zoo. I go there when I visit my Great Grandma in Weston-Super-Mare. It is lots of fun.
kathchurchill 19.05.2001 15:08
Brilliant op. I took my son to the zoo for his 2nd birthday in January (thought we'd do it before his sister arrived - she was born in Feb!) It really good with the penguins and seals. I have also been told that Blaise castle has the BEST playground for little children, and after reading this I must make the effort of going there, especially as my brother lives near!
minxette 18.05.2001 22:11
I love Bristol Zoo!! Last time we ventured up there was on the way back from an All Saints concert...Can't wait to go again!!! Great op, luvvy!! Kez
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Advantages: Really gives an insight into Bristol's Maritime Heritage. Gives children a chance to learn by seeing. Excellent in all aspects. Disadvantages: Don't try to compete with the locals during the rush hour home!
poet831 02.02.2001 ·
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Feb 3rd, 2001
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