Looking for things to schedule now the holidays are stretching ahead? We’ve got plenty of ideas here for a summer of family fun, including picnicking in areas of outstanding natural beauty, dancing, taking up archery and exploring Formula 1’s interactive pitstops.
American Museum & Gardens
Claverton Manor, Claverton Down, Claverton, Bath BA2 7BD
americanmuseum.org; 01225 460503
The American Museum & Gardens is hosting an array of activities for all the family this summer. On 4 July, join a special family fun day to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the museum’s opening and an all-American independence day, with live music, dancing and kids activities including a range of special American food and beverage options. On 21 July, prepare for an evening of enchanting storytelling full of magic, puppetry, and music, as you enter into the fantastical world of the Brothers Grimm – with altered endings and a modern twist. Pack the picnic basket (or order a delicious hamper at the museum before 19 July), dress for the weather, and don’t forget to bring something to sit on, as Heartbreak Productions invites you to Wonder With Grimm. Over the summer, look out for the museum’s Garden Grooves event with live jazz music in the garden and enjoy children’s yoga classes on every Friday during the school holidays. Book in advance to avoid disappointment!
Boogie N Bath
St Saviours Junior Church School, Eldon Place, Bath BA1 6TG
boogienbath.com; 07710 440071
Boogie n Bath is a dance school with a difference – it has three things at its core: fun, kindness and diversity. All children are welcome and each lesson includes a section on strength and flexibility. This is followed by technique training of core ballet, jazz, tap and ballroom skills. In the last two-thirds of the lesson the children learn an originally choreographed dance routine. Dancers will be given the opportunity to show off their talents in small performances at schools and on stage at a yearly show. The team know each child individually and love to see their confidence and abilities grow every week. School day classes each include a savoury snack, piece of fruit and homemade sweet snack, plus drinks. Boogie n Bath offers weekly classes, holiday workshops and birthday parties.
Hestercombe Gardens & Gallery
Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton TA2 8LG
hestercombe.com; 01823 413923
Nestled at the foot of the beautiful Quantock Hills AONB, Hestercombe Gardens features a stunning collection of historic gardens, steeped in history and bursting with wildlife. A visit should include a meander through the splendid Georgian Landscape Garden, followed by the vibrating colours of the formal gardens, designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens. Lose yourself along the cool rills, or under the picturesque pergola, adorned with fragrant roses and lavender.
The whole family will enjoy Hestercombe, with 50 acres of gardens to explore, two play areas, a café and restaurant, gift shop, and plant centre, plus art exhibitions at Hestercombe Gallery. During school holidays there are fun-packed activity days for children. See the website for more information and tickets.
Wimbleball Lake
Brompton Regis, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9NU
swlakestrust.org.uk/activities; 01398 371460
Prepare for a summer of fun and adventure at Wimbleball Lake. Less than a two-hour drive from Bristol and Bath, Wimbleball is the perfect location for your next family escape. Try your hand at watersports, have a go at archery, swing from the high ropes or enjoy a tasty treat from the café. You can also extend your stay and camp onsite.
Whether it’s a day trip or a longer camping break, the lake offers the ideal escape for friends, family and couples. For more information or to book activities and camping visit South West Lake’s website.
Ultimate Activity Camps
Prior Park College, Ralph Allen Drive, Bath BA2 5AH
ultimateactivity.co.uk; help@ultimateactivity.co.uk; 0330 111 7077
Here’s some ultimate holiday fun offering something for every child. Whether your child likes is active, wild about the outdoors, a budding creative or mad about sport, Ultimate Activity Camps at Prior Park College have something for every child aged 4–14 years.
The camps offer the opportunity for children to have fun, meet friends and learn new skills during the holidays. They run at some of the best independent schools, which offer first-class facilities including indoor heated swimming pools, large sports halls, designated art rooms, and lots of outside space for fresh air fun. Over 40 activities include swimming, combat archery, pedal karts, fencing and more. Visit Ultimate Activity Camps’ website for specific dates, other locations, special offers and more information.
We The Curious
1 Millennium Square, Anchor Road, Bristol BS1 5DB
wethecurious.org; 0117 915 1000
Have you ever wondered why rainbows make you happy? Why time flies when you’re having fun? Whether there’s another you out there in the Universe? Step inside We The Curious this summer and explore what it means to be human in their stunning new experience Project What If. Inspired by seven intriguing questions, the science centre’s transformed ground floor features 68 new exhibits and 25 art pieces. Marvel at the beauty of our brains, see what you look like in slow motion, turn invisible. Then head upstairs for mythical eagles and meteor showers in the UK’s only 3D Planetarium. Open 10am to 5pm every day of the school holidays. Booking in advance essential. Visit the website for tickets
Bristol Zoo Gardens
College Road, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3HA
bristolzoo.org.uk; 0117 4285300
Bristol Zoo Gardens is the perfect fresh-air destination for summer with over 12 acres of outdoor space and the chance to see animals from all over the globe, including many endangered species. Spot adorable youngsters including two western lowland gorillas, a sloth and a tiny mouse deer, among 400 other incredible species.
There’s fun to be had for all the family; kids can run wild in the adventure playground and big and little adventurers alike can climb, clamber and swing through the air in the thrilling aerial ropes course ZooRopia. Fancy a bite to eat? The Hide restaurant is open for eating in or takeaway! Visit the website to book online.
Haynes International Motor Museum
Sparkford, Yeovil BA22 7LH
himm.co.uk; 01963 440804
The multi award-winning Haynes International Motor Museum is truly a must-see attraction for the whole family, with brand new exhibitions to explore this year including Williams F1: The Drivers and The Driven. Home of the UK’s largest collection of cars and motorbikes you can get up close to some of the very first cars invented in The Dawn of Motoring; learn how a car works with the working cutaway; explore reds around the world in the famous Red Room and feed your need for speed with some of the most iconic Formula 1 cars in Williams’ history. There is plenty to keep the whole family entertained with interactive pitstops, an onsite café and a fantastic outside playground. If you are feeling competitive, the onsite Karting at Haynes track (booked separately) is also open for a fun family race. To book your family day out this summer visit the website or call the museum directly.
Soccer Shooters
Ralph Allen School, Bath BA2 7AD
soccershooters.com/bath-holiday-clubs
Soccer Shooters – football engagement and enjoyment specialists – is delighted to be hosted by Ralph Allen School during this summer holiday.
Football Fundays are a really popular and fun way for children from Reception to Year 7 to learn football skills, social skills, build confidence and self-esteem. The Fundays are a mixture of fun games, football matches and mini tournaments.
Soccer Shooters combine top-quality coaching with a relaxed and inclusive environment, enabling children of all backgrounds and abilities to sharpen their football skills while also learning life skills that will serve them well, no matter what they want to do in the future. Book soon to avoid disappointment!