For
city lovers Bristol, Bath, Taunton and Cardiff are all within
easy reach either by road or rail.
Glastonbury, Wells and Cheddar
make a good full day out with something of interest for everybody.
Street, with Clarks Outlet
Village, is popular with bargain hunters with a wide range of
well-known High Street retailers.
Both The Mendip and Quantock
Hills are designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
GRAND
PIER WESTON SUPER MARE
Open
every day, except Christmas Day, so come hail, rain or shine,
you’ll always get a warm welcome at the Grand Pier. Whatever
the weather is doing outside, it’s still fun, fun, fun on
the inside.
Offering visitors some world-class rides and attractions, and
admission is absolutely free.
There is something for everyone, young and old alike –
from the arcade machines to thrilling rides, or a relaxing traditional
afternoon tea in the exquisite Edwardian-style tea rooms.
The Pavilion building now boasts function rooms, Wedding venues,
state-of-the-art conferencing facilities, entertainment and event
space, all under one roof.
Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, Somerset BS23 1AL
Open All Year Round! Open daily from 10:00
(Closing times vary throughout the year. Closed Christmas Day.
Times may vary for events. We occasionally close early for private
functions. Please call to avoid disappointment.).
The Grand Pier offers world class rides & attractions within
a world class venue! With attractions including a 250m Go-Kart
circuit, 4D Cinema, Childrens Play Area and much more, there is
something for everyone at the Grand Pier.
Food & drink for all occasions and tastes. With different
outlets serving freshly prepared snacks, meals including traditional
fish & chips and don't forget our delicious desserts &
ice creams. Please
note: only food or drink purchased from the Grand Pier can be
consumed on it.
The Grand Pier hosts many fantastic events throughout the year.
From concerts to stage shows, circus to TV spectaculars. Grand
Pier events are not be missed!
Disabled Access:
The Land Trains have wheelchair access to enable disabled guests
to ride up and down the waist of the Pier. All areas of the Main
Pavilion have lift and escalator access. Function Rooms also provide
full access for disabled guests. The 4D Cinema has wheelchair
access.
There are disabled toilets on all floors and in all areas including
private function rooms.
Unfortunately no pets are permitted on to the Grand Pier
(except guide dogs)
www.grandpier.co.uk
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There
are several National Trust properties within easy reach:
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Clevedon
Court
- Outstanding 14th-century manor
house and 18th-century terraced garden
- 12th-century tower and 13th-century
great hall
- Beautiful Georgian terraced gardens
- Fascinating collection of Eltonware
ceramics and Nailsea glass
- William Makepeace Thackery often
stayed here, sketching and writing
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Montacute
House
- Magnificent
Elizabethan Ham-stone house, incorporating National Portrait Gallery
exhibition, garden and park
- Renaissance
manor house filled with historic treasures
- Fantastic
exhibition of 17th-century textile samplers
- Long Gallery
boasts Elizabethan artwork from the National Portrait Gallery
- Film location
for Sense and Sensibility (1995)
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And one of
the Trust’s most recent acquisitions Tyntesfield
House.
- Spectacular Victorian Gothic
Revival country house being restored in public view, with gardens,
arboretum and rolling parkland
- 19th-century estate now
being restored for the 21st century; bringing alive the conservation
process
- Once in a lifetime opportunity
to witness the restoration of a grand Victorian estate –
complete with rooftop viewing tower
- Home to four generations
of the Gibbs family, Tyntesfield contains everything from grand
Victorian designs to 20th-century objects
- Walled kitchen garden full
of produce and flowers
- Wednesdays, only gardens
open. Open Good Friday. Last admission to house 1 hour before
closing. Free flow entry by timed ticket. Entry cannot be guaranteed
on busy days. Rooms may close for conservation work
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or see: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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Other
places to visit: |
Brunel's
SS Great Britain.
Winner of 10 major awards in 2006 including the Gulbenkian Prize
for UK Museum of the Year and shortlisted for major awards in
2007. Step back in time on board Brunel’s SS Great Britain
– the world’s first great ocean liner. Explore the
beautifully recreated First Class Dining Saloon, steerage quarters
and new Engine Room. Audio tours of passengers' lives and authentic
smells help bring the 19th century experience alive.
http://www.ssgreatbritain.org |
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We The Curious
was previously known as At-Bristol Science Centre; an educational charity with an aim to “make science accessible to all”, it opened in 2000, and welcomed over 5 million visitors in the past 17 years.
We The Curious is an idea and a place for everyone. Our venue on Bristol’s harbourside is a bit like an indoor festival, with all sorts of different experiences, where you can interact with exhibits, test stuff out and participate rather than just visit. We’re all about empowering everyone to ask questions and get creative - with boundaries removed between science, art, people and ideas - a culture of curiosity.
https://www.wethecurious.org/who-we-are |
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Bristol Harbourside
The area near We Are The Curious has lots of other attractions, bars, cafes and galleries including The Bristol Aquarium
https://visitbristol.co.uk/about-bristol/areas/harbourside |
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Court
Farm
Have a great family day out at Somerset's top award
winning farm attraction - all year round.
All the animals and staff at Court Farm are looking forward to
welcoming hoards of children and their families for a fun packed
summer of fun. With lots of new, baby animals mixed with a range
of great play facilities that can tire out even the most energetic
of kids (and adults), we hope that all our visitors, regardless
of age, will have a day to remember. Don't forget that we have
lots of things going on during the year so whenever you come,
you may well see some new additions.
http://www.courtfarmcountrypark.co.uk |
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Cheddar
is unique.
Its distinguishing feature is the natural phenomenon of Britain's
largest Gorge. The Cheddar Yeo in Gough's Cave is Britain's biggest
underground river, and the Gorge Cliffs are Britain's highest
inland limestone cliffs.
The Gorge is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of
the calcareous grassland, Karst limestone buttresses and Horseshoe
Bats. Peregrine Falcons nest on the cliff face and Soay sheep
keep the scrub in check.
Gough's Cave is an internationally famous archeological site because
of its Late Upper Paleolithic finds (12-13,000 years old) and
contained Britian's oldest complete skeleton (9,000 years old).
It lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a
candidate for Special Area for Conservation status |
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Wells
England's smallest cathedral city, is home to one of the country's
most magnificent cathedrals, preserved in much of its original
glory and surrounded by many medieval buildings. It has an astronomical
clock dating from 1392 with models of knights who joust every
quarter hour. Market days are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays
in the beautiful Market Square. |
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Brean
Down, near Weston-super-Mare
The peninsula is a dramatic landmark on the Somerset coastline.
With a 19th century fort which was also used in World War Two. |
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Hestercombe
Gardens, near Taunton
This tranquil valley, includes lakes, temples and magnificent
views. It has delightful woodland walks.
www.hestercombegardens.com |
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Glastonbury
Tor
The Tor dominates the Somerset Levels and offers spectacular views
over Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. At the top of this very steep
hill is the remains of the 15th centaury St Michael's Church. |
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Steepholm
Nature Reserve
April to October boat trips from Weston-Super-Mare. A haven for
seabirds and other wildlife with ruins and World War II defences.
www.steepholm.freeserve.co.uk
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Bristol
Zoo.
Awarded ‘Zoo of the Year 2004’ by the Good Britain
Guide, Bristol Zoo Gardens has a continuous reputation for excellence,
innovation, and dedication to conservation. It’s the fifth
oldest zoo in the world and the oldest outside of a capital city,
and a long established major tourist attraction in Bristol.
http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk |
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Taunton
Racecourse, Somerset, is the youngest National Hunt racecourse
in Britain and one of the most beautifully located racecourses
in the country, with outstanding views across the Racecourse to
the wooded slopes of the Blackdown Hills, yet only a few minutes
drive from the M5 and the centre of Taunton.
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THE RETAIL
EXPERIENCE |
Clarks
Village is the UK's first and foremost outlet shopping
centre and has established itself as one of the premier shopping
destinations in the country. With over 90 outlet shops
to choose from offering up to 60% OFF rrp on a host of famous
brands, plus regular entertainment and live events all set within
a unique village environment, you have all the ingredients for
a great day out! |
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The
Mall at Cribbs Causeway, the South West's premier
shopping centre based just north of Bristol. You'll find 135 leading
stores, 17 restaurants and cafes and a range of excellent facilities
all under one roof, giving you the finest shopping choice in the
South West. With plenty of free parking, very easy access from
Junction 17 of the M5 and we're open till 9pm, shopping has never
been so convenient. |
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FURTHER
AFIELD |
Slimbridge
Wildlife and Wetlands Trust
Sir Peter Scott's vision became a reality at Slimbridge in 1946,
when he realised how many thousands of geese depended on the shores
of the Severn Estuary.
Today with its award-winning visitor centre overlooking nationally
and internationally protected wetlands, this world famous site
is an important wintering area for migrating waterbirds such as
Bewick's Swans and houses WWT's species conservation programme.
http://www.wwt.org.uk/
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Berkeley
Castle.
One of the most remarkable buildings in Britain and possibly the
most outstanding example of Mediaeval domestic architecture in
the country. Where other Castles were romanticised or "modernised"
by the Georgians or the Victorians, Berkeley quietly survived
as what it is: a Norman fortress with an enclosing curtain wall.
http://www.berkeley-castle.com |
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Westonbirt,
The National Arboretum.
Home to some of the rarest, most beautiful trees in the world,
including the National Japanese Maple Collection. Six hundred
glorious, easy-to-stroll Cotswold acres. An unforgettable experience
in all seasons.
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt |
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Longleat
House & Safari Park Nr. Warminster, Wiltshire
A world of family entertainment. 12 attractions to enjoy.
www.longleat.co.uk
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Badminton
Horse Trials is one of the toughest and most exciting
equestrian events - the pinnacle of the world’s 3-Day-Event
calendar. As the name suggests horses and riders complete the
competition over 3 days, each day consisting of a different discipline
or phase.
http://www.badminton-horse.co.uk |
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Chepstow
Racecourse.
Situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, the picturesque
Wye Valley provides a breathtaking backdrop to the impressive
racing calendar at Chepstow Racecourse.
http://www.chepstow-racecourse.co.uk |
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