Under the sea

Perfect for day visits, city stopovers and short breaks, the National Marine Aquarium is a great destination for a group day out. Take a journey through an amazing underwater world at Britain’s biggest and Europe’s deepest aquarium. There are extensive facilities to ensure that everyone is catered for, including an Open View Café with panoramic views of the harbour where special group menus are available. The National Marine Aquarium was the first aquarium in the United Kingdom to be set up solely for the purpose of education, conservation and research. Since it opened six years ago, it has attracted over two million visitors through its doors and is now firmly established as a source of reliable and accurate information. Visits can be tailored to suit all ages and interests, and can occupy a group from one hour to a full day. The Aquarium is open every day.

t 01752 600 301

•  www.national-aquarium.co.uk

Action packed

Each year, over one million visitors pour through the gates of the Royal & West Showground, and this year you can join in the fun too. From antique fairs and show jumping, to gardening events and dog shows, there’s something to suit everyone in your group. The real jewel in the crown is the Royal Bath and West Show, which attracts over 160,000 people per year. From 30 May to 2 June, the show will celebrate all aspects of farming and rural life, along with shopping, food halls, a floral marquee, country pursuits, and equestrian competitions. Other show dates you might like to put in your diary include the Bristol Flower Show from 17 to 19 August, the National Amateur Gardening Show from 31 August to 2 September, and the Royal Smithfield Christmas Fair from 30 November to 1 December. Whatever you decide, it promises to be a great day out.

t  01749 822222.

• www.bathandwest.com

Holiday heaven

If you and your group like to keep active on your travels then Haven Holidays could be just what you’re after. With professionally designed golf courses, fishing lakes, tennis courts, climbing walls, and horse riding, there is something for your entire group to enjoy. You will find plenty of new activities for 2007, including lessons in archery and fencing, professional coaching in tennis, and aerobic workouts for all ages in their heated swimming pools. Every night at Haven you’ll also find great entertainment including pantos and daytime shows, circus performances, and evening shows with tribute bands and party nights. If this sounds appealing to you, then be sure to book early to avoid disappointment. Group holidays start from as little as £89 for three or four nights in standard accommodation. For enquiries, bookings, brochure requests and more, call them on the number below or visit their website.

t  0870 242 1111

•  www.havengroups.co.uk

Wonder walk

Another top attraction where you’ll find great group rates is Bristol Zoo Gardens. Last year saw the zoo introducing activities exclusively for groups and this year is no exception. Dedicated to educate people about the world we live in, Bristol Zoo Gardens offers guided walks & talks where you can learn about the history of their gardens and the role of the modern zoo. You can also experience the wonders of nature up-close with plant and animal interaction. Then at the end of the day, why not be entertained by some of Bristol’s hidden talent as they showcase new and established music and art performers every Sunday afternoon throughout May and June. To find out about their group rate discounts or to receive a copy of their new groups leaflet contact them on the details below.

t 0117 974 7307

• www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Jurassic park

Combining a vibrant city and dramatic coastline with some of the most beautiful countryside in England makes Exeter and the Heart of Devon the perfect destination for a group visit. With many treats on offer for you and your group to enjoy, you won’t want to miss a thing! For your first stop, you might like to take a trip to see the magnificent cathedral or historic quayside. Or perhaps you’d prefer to book a guided tour where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast. Whatever you decide to do during your stay you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty. The accommodation on offer caters for groups of all sizes, making it one of the top visitor attractions in the South West.

t 01392 265204

A toast to the South West

One of the latest attractions to open in the South West is St Austell Brewery’s Visitor Centre in Cornwall. This new multi-media centre tells the unique story of the brewery’s beers, wines and spirits, and the people who worked there for over 155 years. The existing centre has almost doubled in size and has been fitted with a range of innovative and interactive exhibitions. They include; The Brewery Story – where visitors can trace the development of the Brewery, The People Story – which provides video footage and photographs telling the story of the ‘families’ connected with the Brewery over its long history, and The Estate Story – where a timeline slider on an illustrated wall tracks the expansion of the Brewery’s estate of pubs, inns, and hotels. As the largest wholesale distributor in the South West, it’s definitely worth a visit. The Visitor Centre is open Monday to Friday 9 to 5.30pm and weekends from 10 to 4pm.

t  01726 66022

•  www.staustellbrewery.co.uk

Past and present

If you enjoy discovering the past, then The North Somerset Museum is the perfect place for you to visit. The museum is full of fascinating displays that tell the story of North Somerset, from pre-history to the present. Once inside, you can find out about the history of seaside holidays or go to Clara’s Cottage and see what it was like to live in a typical Weston home in 1900. There’s an archaeology gallery that goes back to the Ice Age with animal bones and stone tools from Mendip’s caves. There are also costumes and jewellery on display, with a special showcase of wedding dresses. And if all that wears you out, why not relax with a drink in the courtyard café or browse in the museum shop to look for the perfect souvenir of your day. North Somerset Museum is based in Weston-super-Mare, and is open Monday to Saturday 10 to 4.30pm.

t 01726 66022

• www.n-somerset.gov.uk  

Snap happy

The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, at Slimbridge Centre has been welcoming groups and educational parties for over 60 years, and is the UK’s only specialist wetland conservation charity with a national network of wetland visitor centres. WWT is a world leader in the protection of ducks, geese, swans and flamingos and the wetlands they inhabit, and was founded in 1946 by artist and naturalist Sir Peter Scott. At the center you’ll get the chance to see exciting and unusual species, plus the opportunity to wander through a relaxing environment away from the stresses of everyday life. WWT has also teamed up with leading photographic manufacturer Nikon to launch their first national photography competition. For the chance to win some amazing prizes, they invite you to send in photos showing exactly what the WWT means to you. If you’ve never visited a WWT centre before, this is the perfect reason to spend a few hours at one of their nine reserves. When you visit WWT Slimbridge, you will also be helping wildlife conservation by supporting the important work of The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, both in the UK and internationally. To take advantage of their special group rates contact them on the details below.

t 01453 891128

•  www.wwt.org.uk/visit /slimbridge

Farming fun

Bibury is one of the “must see” destinations in the Cotswolds, and has a place on the itinerary of most tourists. The area is made up of two villages, Arlington on one side of the River Coln and Bibury on the other. Whilst in Bibury, why not visit Bibury Trout Farm in the beautiful Cotswold village. There you can feed the fish and even catch your own at the Beginners’ Fishery. There’s also a gift shop, picnic and play area, fresh and smoked trout and a free car park. Groups and coach parties are welcome and the farm is open form March to October. Times vary so check their website or give them a call for more details.

t  01285 740215

• www.biburytroutfarm.co.uk

Exhibit overload

This year, The Royal West of England Academy will be hosting the BP Portrait Award exhibition in Bristol, after it proved a huge success at the National Portrait Gallery, London in 2006. People who didn’t get to see it in London have a second chance to view the contemporary portraits in Bristol – from 25 March to 20 May – in one of the prime gallery spaces in the South West. To coincide with the BP Portrait Award the RWA is also staging a contrasting exhibition of abstract work from their permanent collection. The show presents an enormous range of attitudes, techniques and skills from hyperrealism to the most severe geometric abstraction. The show will be in the RWA’s Milner gallery from 21 January to 6 May. The New Gallery will also be showing works by RWA members Neil Murison, Peter Swan, Robert Hurdle, Alfred Stockham and Ian Black until 30th January, followed by ‘An Inner Eye’, an exhibition of paintings by George Tute from 2 – 27 February. Large groups are welcome to all exhibitions, but be sure to book your visit in advance. You can find their contact details below.

t 01179735129.

•  www.rwa.org.uk

Harbour delights

Housed in an award-winning building on the Falmouth harbour-side, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall transports you into the world of small boats and Cornish maritime history. From 9 to 10 March the museum presents the 15th New Researchers in Maritime History Conference – organised by the British Commission for Maritime History. This important event is also sponsored by the University of Exeter, the Southwest Maritime History Society and the Society for Nautical Research. At the event, there will be the opportunity for a ‘behind the scenes tour’ of the museum to see objects, boats, and archives not on display. There will also be a lecture on 9 March by Professor Nicholas Rodger, followed by a reception and buffet supper. If you’re planning a group visit there’s lots to see and do at the museum and it’s recommended that you allow between 2 – 4 hours for your visit. Don’t forget to visit the cafe, which offers spectacular views of Falmouth harbour and pop into the museum shop, which is well stocked with gifts on sale at prices to suit every pocket. For groups of ten or more, please book in advance by contacting Dayna Pope on the details below.

t  01326 214557

• www.nmmc.co.uk