16 things to do in Bristol during May 2019 half term

Keep the whole family occupied this half term with some great activities around the Bristol area.

Matilda the Musical
To June 8
Bristol Hippodrome, St Augustine’s Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ
A musical adaption of one of Road Dahl’s most popular books. Follow Matilda as she uses her new found powers to stand up for herself and her friends against evil principal Miss Trunchbull and her cruel parents. Tickets start from £15.
www.atgtickets.com

Big Bear Sculpture Trail
To September 1
Wild Place, Blackhorse Hill, Easter Compton, Bristol, BS10 7TP
Are you ready for a bear hunt? Explore the grounds at Wild Place Project and follow the trail as you’re taken on a journey around the world to find 20 giant bears, each with their own story. Prices start from £7.03 for children when purchased online.
www.wildplace.org.uk

Meccano: an engineering hobby for everyone
May 25
M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol, BS1 4RN
If you have some budding engineers in the family then pop along to M Shed. You’ll find out the history of Meccano and see what’s new with this creative building hobby. Entry is free – donations are welcome.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk

Celebrating 25 years at Tobacco Factory
May 25 & 26
Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1TF
Join in with the celebrations as the Tobacco Factory turns 25. Brush up on your circus skills, admire the street artists or keep it simple by taking part in some crafting. Entry is free.
www.tobaccofactory.com

Tractor Ted Big Machines Weekend
May 25-27
Bowood House, Old Rd, Derry Hill, Calne, SN11 0LZ
If your kiddies love animals and tractors then head to Bowood House this May. Tractor Ted will be visiting with his farmyard pals to put on a spectacular. A fun day out for all the family. Prices start from £8.00 for children.
www.facebook.com/event/tractorted

Gloucester Tall Ships 2019
May 25-27
Gloucester Docks, Gloucester, GL1 2ER
Head to Gloucester with all the family for the Tall Ships Festival over the late May bank holiday. You’ll find plenty to keep the whole family entertained, from Captain Jack and his shipmates dramatically duelling, to joining in and singing some sea shanties. Prices start from £11.39 when purchased online.
www.facebook.com/event/tallships

Whitsun Holiday at Wookey Hole
May 25 – June 2
Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1BB
The dinosaurs are back at Wookey Hole. Go on an adventure as you walk with the giant dinosaurs or simply sit back and relax as you watch Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs in 4D. Prices start from £13.55.
www.wookey.co.uk

Spring to Life
May 25 – June 2
WWT Slimbridge, Bowditch, Gloucestershire, GL2 7BT
We are well and truly into spring which means lots of newborns will be entering the world at Slimbridge. How will you discover them? By 4×4, canoe or on the nature trail? Prices start from £7.11 for children when purchased online.
www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge

PLAY!
May 25 – June 2
Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Great Western Dockyard, Gas Ferry Road, Bristol, BS1 6TY
Go back in time on the SS Great Britain this half term. Explore the ship by looking for the six chess pieces of the Play! trail. On your adventure, you will discover how passengers made their own entertainment on their travels. Prices start from £9.50 for children.
www.ssgreatbritain.org

H2WOAH!
May 25 – June 2
Bristol Aquarium, Anchor Road, Bristol, BS1 5TT
There’s lots to learn at Bristol Aquarium, including the science behind the water and the fascinating creatures that make it their home. Are you brave enough to touch real shark’s teeth? Prices start from £9.31 for children when purchased online.
www.bristolaquarium.co.uk

A very Victorian birthday party
May 27-31
Tyntesfield, Wraxall, Bristol, BS48 1NX
Who doesn’t love a party? But have you ever been to a Victorian party? Head to Tyntesfield to celebrate William Gibbs’ birthday in a very Victorian way. Tickets start from £8.25 for children.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Detective Project: CSI Kids
May 28
Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bath Road, Totterdown, Bristol, BS4 3EW
Then head to Arnos Vale this half term to find out what it would be like to be part of the crime scene investigation team. You’ll even get to keep your CSI suit. Prices start from £11.37.
www.arnosvale.org.uk/events

Children’s nature trail
May 28
Dyrham Park, Dyrham, Gloucestershire, SN14 8HY
Does your family love the outdoors and being at one with nature? Then make your way to Dyrham Park and get involved with the nature trail around the vast parklands. Tickets start from £8.25 for children.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

LEGO days at Zion
May 28 & 29
Zion Community Art Space, Bishopsworth Road, Bedminster Down, Bristol, BS13 7JW
The young and the young at heart can get creative with building and be in with a chance to win a prize. Entry costs £2 for adults.
www.facebook.com/event/zion

May half term kids’ cookery classes
May 28-30
Cooking It, 3 Clare Avenue, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8JF
If you have a budding chef in the family then book onto a cookery class at Cooking It. You could try chocolate, Italian or baking: the choice is yours. Prices start from £35.00.
www.facebook.com/event/cookingit

Leaf printing workshop
May 29
Lawrence Weston Community Farm, Saltmarsh Drive, Lawrence Weston, Bristol, BS11 0NJ
Visit the Water Vole woodland for a go at leaf printing. Bash the leaves with a hammer to make prints in a fun way. Free for everyone.
www.lwfarm.org.uk

Horrible Histories: Dreadful Deaf at Bristol Old Vic
May 29 – June 1
Old Vic Theatre, King Street, Bristol, BS1 4ED
Go back in time to hear about the horrible histories of the past. Meet the extraordinary Greeks, Georgians, Romans and Victorians and listen to their fascinating stories. Tickets start from £8.00 for children.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk

Read more: Six buggy-friendly walks around Bristol