You maybe aware that we are currently updating www.time2share.org.uk and the new website will include area pages in the form of a blog (like this one). We are adding information for North East Somerset at the moment- if you would like to read about summer activities in North East Somerset, click here.
Archive for Out of town venue
Sun & sand explorer reinstated
“A train service, much loved by Bristol’s cyclists, is back on the rails. The Sun and Sand Explorer runs between Bristol Temple Meads and Weymouth every Saturday until the end of AugustA similar service used to run twice daily down to the south coast, but it was not included in the latest franchise agreement between the Department for Transport and First Great Western. However, following lobbying by disappointed sun seekers, First announced that it would reinstate the service during the summer months.
It’s a reminder of how rail travel used to be. The vintage diesel locomotives that haul the train are (gosh!) reliable. The old carriages have (gasp!) lots of space. Passengers get to enjoy (wow!) comfy seats and tables. And most amazing of all (get this!) there’s a humungous guard’s van that takes bicycles.
Read the full story by clicking this link. For timetable and booking info, click here.”
(this post was copied from LifeCycle’s July ebulletin)
ANIMAL FARM ADVENTURE PARK
Red Rd, Berrow, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset TA8 2RW. Zone C.
Open daily 10am-5.30pm (5pm in winter), admission £7 adult/£6.50child/£6 senior/£26 family of 4 (slightly more for bigger families)/under-2s free.
Ffi: 01278 751628, www.animal-farm.co.uk
• “All-weather family fun. Stay and play all day” says the publicity of this huge, unpretentious place. It’s got a big park with farm animals as well as a petting zoo. There’s a vast outdoor adventure playground and an indoor play barn and some of the most awesome slides in the west. A good prospect for kids on rainy days. Also hosts themed fundays.
BIRDLAND PARK & GARDENS
Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water, Glos GL54 2BN. Zone D.
Open daily 10am-6pm Apr-Oct (10am-4pm Nov-Mar), 2008 prices not confirmed (2007 prices were £5.25 adult/£4.25 senior/£3.25 ages 4-14/£15.50 2 adults + 2 children) – phone or check website for details.
Ffi: 01451 820480, www.birdland.co.uk
• One of the major attractions in Bourton, this place has been going for yonks, celebrating its 51st birthday last year. It was once a trout farm and poplar tree plantation but is now home to hundreds of birds, including flamingos, pelicans, cranes, storks, penguins and waterfowl. There are also aviaries with parrots, falcons, pheasants and lots more, plus indoor tropical and desert houses for creatures used to very hot climes. The penguins are fed at 2.30pm daily. Phone or check website for bird of prey encounter days. Dogs welcome as long as they’re kept on leads.
COTSWOLD FARM PARK
Guiting Power, nr Stow on the Wold, Cheltenham, Glos GL54 5UG.
NB: Beware using SatNav systems to travel here as they may direct you through a deep ford; follow brown & white tourist signposts instead. Zone D.
Open daily 10.30am-5pm from 15 Mar-7 Sept, then weekends to 19 Oct, closed in winter, admission £6.50 adult/£6 senior/£5.25 under 16/£21.25 family. Ffi: 01451 850307, www.cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk
• One of the original and best of the ubiquitous rash of farm parks that broke out in the 1980s and 90s, and one which has stood the test of time. It’s big, with loads of rare breeds, including sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, horses, poultry and waterfowl. There’s also a big play barn, plus “Touch Barn” (petting zoo), farm safari rides (no extra charge anymore) and a tractor school. Also a nice new woodland adventure playground and a regular programme of seasonal demonstrations. Oh, and a “jumping pillow” which sounds brilliant – something between a bouncy castle and a trampoline that both children and adults are allowed on.
