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Active Outings
Activity Centres, Caving and Climbing
ACTIVE EXMOOR
www.activeexmoor.com • Exmoor National Park covers 267 square miles of beautiful countryside from North Devon to West Somerset, all of it within easy reach of Bristol and Bath. Active Exmoor's website and newsletter are the perfect guide to a huge range of activities across the national park, from gentle walks taking in spectacular scenery to more energetic pursuits such as surfing, mountain biking and white-water rafting. For further information and to order your free brochure visit their website.
ADVENTUROUS ACTIVITY COMPANY
26 Leading Edge, 80 Hotwell Rd, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 925 3196, www.adventurousactivitycompany.co.uk • Specialise in custom-designed activity trips for up to 150 people. Their Bristol Adventure Days see you canoeing in the docks, climbing/abseiling in the Avon Gorge and mountain biking at Ashton Court, while their Bristol Urban Challenge is a city-based treasure hunt.
AVON SKI AND ACTION CENTRE
Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, Somerset. Ffi: 01934 852335, www.avonski.co.uk • Multi-activity centre offering everything from dry-slope skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing to mountain boarding, power kiting, archery and air rifles. Can also arrange climbing.
BHP INSPIRING EVENTS
The Old Stables, Box Hedge Farm, Coalpit Heath, Bristol. Ffi: 0808 197 1254, www.bhpinspiringevents.co.uk • Specialises in team-building and development packages for individuals, stags and hens and corporate groups, including quad biking, archery, helicopter flights and a high ropes course. Hen cottage weekends come with pampering spa treatments and cocktail making; studio packages see you record a CD.
BLACK MOUNTAIN ACTIVITIES
Three Cocks, nr Hay on Wye, Powys. Ffi: 01497 847897, www.blackmountain.co.uk • Outdoor pursuits company offering climbing, abseiling, caving, kayaking, raft building, gorge scrambling and white-water rafting from their base in the Black Mountains.
BRISTOL CLIMBING CENTRE
St Werburghs Church, Mina Rd, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 941 3489, www.undercover-rock.com • Renowned centre offering indoor climbing suiting all ages and abilities. Over 150 routes plus a soft-floored bouldering area. Trips run to Avon Gorge and Land’s End. NICAS - National Indoor Climbing Achievement Scheme - initiative allows climbers aged 10-18 to monitor their progress.
GLOUCESTER SKI & SNOWBOARD CENTRE
Robinswood Hill, Gloucester. Ffi: 0870 240 0375, www.gloucesterski.com • Tutorial and recreational snow sport for all, from age six upwards, at one of the country’s largest outdoor ski slopes.
MENDIP OUTDOOR PURSUITS
The Warehouse, Silver St, Congresbury, N Somerset. Ffi: 01934 834877, www.mendipoutdoorpursuits.co.uk • Tailor-made adventure activities for groups and individuals, including caving, abseiling, raft building, kayaking, open canoeing, assault courses, climbing, archery, hill walking, orienteering and treasure hunts.
Airborne
AVON KITE FLYERS
Ffi: Stuart Lafferty 01275 843813, www.avonkiteflyers.org.uk • This friendly kiting association holds regular ‘fly-ins’ at Ashton Court Estate, and is open to all ages and abilities from beginners to competition level. It also hosts the Kite Festival at Ashton Court in September (see Major Events section). Annual membership £15.
BAILEY BALLOONS
44 Ham Green, Bristol. Ffi: 01275 375300, www.baileyballoons.co.uk • Hot air balloon rides from Bristol, Bath and South Wales. Gift vouchers available, flights at short notice.
BALLOONING NETWORK
Vauxhall House, Coronation Rd, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 947 1050, www.ballooning-network.co.uk • Fizz, fun and fantastic scenery with champagne flights across the region. Choose from historic cityscapes to the charms of the countryside, individually tailored, from £99 (including champagne).
BRISTOL & GLOUCESTERSHIRE GLIDING CLUB
Nympsfield, Glos. Ffi: 01453 860342, www.bggc.co.uk • Offering a range of trial lessons from £69, week courses and ‘solo and beyond’ schemes. Get airborne for up to seven hours at speeds of 175mph. Current and past world champs are among the members here, and pilots have flown from the club to the Isle of Wight, Snowdon, Cornwall and Yorkshire, as well as circumnavigating London.
GRAND APPEAL WALLACE AND GROMIT PARACHUTE JUMPS
All jumps take place at Redlands Airfield, Swindon. Ffi: Grand Appeal Office 0800 919649, lauren@grandappeal.org.uk • Jumps in aid of Bristol’s Royal Hospital for Children are staged most weekends throughout the year, weather permitting. A mass team jump is scheduled for 1 May, but whenever you go, chances are you’ll rub shoulders with fundraising daredevil extraordinaire John Wilkins, who’s planning three jumps on his 80th birthday next year.
THE KITE STORE
39a Cotham Hill, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 974 5010, www.kitestore.co.uk, www.blownawaykiteschool.co.uk • All your sporting and recreational kiting needs catered for, with skateboards, scooters and caster boards also sold. Power-kiting, buggies, mountain-boarding and kite-surfing tuition offered at their partner, Blown Away Kite School.
PAR AVION
Elm Tree Park, Marlborough. Ffi: 01672 861380, www.par-avion.co.uk • Try paragliding above the Wiltshire countryside for an utterly exhilarating experience, from a very reasonable £180. Gift vouchers available for a one-day taster course that builds to you flying 400 yards from 150ft up over 40 exhilarating seconds.
RISE HELICOPTERS – HELICOPTER SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Tel: 01452 857083 Gloucestershire Staverton Airport, Hangar SE34, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 6SR. Ffi: www.risehelicopters.co.uk • Your helicopter flight will start and finish at Gloucestershire Airport. You tell us what you’d like to see or do and we’ll plan a flight. How about a spectacular flight down the River Severn and over the Royal Forest of Dean? Or maybe you fancy a bird’s eye view of the Cotswolds, taking in landmarks such as Chedworth and Sudeley Castle. The Malverns are always popular, as are 30-minute pleasure flights over Gloucester and Cheltenham.
Whatever you choose, helicopter tours are always exciting and memorable. And if you want to take the controls our experienced pilot instructor will be happy to let you have a go. It’s amazing what a few minutes ‘in control’ can lead to – memories that last a lifetime, an exciting new hobby or even a change of career.
SKYDIVE SOUTH CERNEY
Duke of Gloucestershire Barracks, Cirencester. Ffi: 07775 934399, www.skydivesouthcerney.co.uk • Formerly The Silver Stars, now renamed but still operating from the same premises and still offering skydiving from Friday to Sunday in the summer (weekends in winter). Options include a tandem jump (strapped to an instructor) and static line jumps, or get in touch for information and prices on accelerated freefall courses.
Conservation & Volunteering
AVON WILDLIFE TRUST
32 Jacobs Wells Rd, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 917 7270, www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk • Regular Wednesday and Sunday conservation events at the Trust’s 39 reserves across the former Avon area. Volunteer for the conservation team or help with the education team’s school outreach programme.
BRISTOL CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS
Ffi: 0117 942 3688 • Practical nature conservation work and related activities (open days, guided walks and the like) on nature reserves and farms.
BRISTOL TRAILS GROUP
Ffi: 07712 650857, www.bristoltrailsgroup.com • Friendly group repairing and maintaining local mountain bike trails - an excellent way to get involved and meet fellow off-roaders. Get down and dirty digging twice monthly at busier times of the year.
BRITISH TRUST FOR CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS
Create Centre, Smeaton Rd, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 929 1624, www.btcv.org/avon • Keep fit and help the environment simultaneously. BTCV’s midweek and weekend groups are a perfect ethical workout, involving anything from woodland clearing to dry-stone walling and tree planting.
CSV ENVIRONMENT
Ffi: 0117 978 2187 • CSV Environment involves people with little or no environmental experience in improving the areas where they live, learn and work.
FRIENDS OF TROOPERS HILL
Ffi: Rob or Susan Acton-Campbell on 0117 947 5037, www.troopers-hill.org.uk • Group of local residents conducting conservation work, leading walks, giving talks and organising events to promote Green Flag award-winning nature reserve Troopers Hill, its wildlife, plants and history. Work parties are first Saturday of every month, 10am-12noon. Meet at the corner of Troopers Hill Road and Greendown. Newcomers welcome. A packed calendar offers free walks, tai chi, music, storytelling, foraging and a dog show.
WRINGTON GREENS
Wrington Greens Organic Farm. Nates Lane, Wrington, N Somerset BS40 5RS. Ffi: 01934 863636, www.wringtongreens.co.uk • Lend a hand at Wrington Greens Organic Farm and you’ll be put to work weeding, planting, sowing seeds, harvesting and muck-spreading. Volunteers get a free lunch and a box of veggies to take home. Children welcome with parents, but in all cases please phone in advance.
Driving
CASTLE COMBE RACING CIRCUIT
Castle Combe Circuit, Chippenham. Ffi: 01249 782929, www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk • Make like the numerous F1 legends who’ve driven here with an awesome Formula Ford racing car drive or get gritty action at the rally school. Motorcycle and car track days, too - bring your own.
DRIVE TECH AT CASTLE COMBE
Castle Combe Circuit, Chippenham, Wilts. Ffi: 01249 783010, www.drivetechltd.co.uk • Land Rover off-roading and skidpan driving plus karting on Saturday.
Fishing
ALCOVE ANGLING CLUB
Various locations in and around Bristol. Ffi: 0117 965 8280 • An excellent £50 (less for OAPs and disabled anglers) brings a season’s fishing at four sites: Fishponds Lido, The Clamp at Coalpit Heath (which has four platform swims suitable for wheelchair users) and George’s Lake and Margaret’s Lake at Latteridge near Frampton Cotterell. Pleasure and match fishing. All lakes have off-road parking and locked gates to which members receive keys.
BATHAMPTON ANGLING ASSOCIATION
Ffi: 01225 427164, www.bathampton.org.uk • Association specialising in carp fishing on both sides of the Avon from Newbridge to Saltford, plus stretches of canal. Almost monthly coaching sessions and matches for juniors. Thrice-monthly junior section plus veteran and ‘dads & lads’ sections.
BLAGDON LAKE
Blagdon, Somerset. Ffi: 01275 332339, www.bristolwater.co.uk/leisure • Top-class trout fishing from bank and boat, with plentiful rainbow and brown trout from 1½-12lb (but mainly 2-3lb.) Bank pitches £18 or hire a boat for £26.50.
BRISTOL HARBOUR
Central Bristol. Ffi: 0117 903 1484 • Fishing is free to all licensed anglers in designated areas around the harbour, to be confirmed by its office. Ensure you pack your rod licence along with your bait.
CHEW VALLEY LAKE
Nr West Harptree, Somerset. Ffi: 01275 332339, www.bristolwater.co.uk/leisure • A great place for fly fishing, the larger lake at Chew Valley offers 1,200 acres of water and plenty of trout fishing. Bank fishing is £15.50, and you can get waterborne for £32. Fishing tuition offered throughout season - please enquire for details.
DUCHESS POND
Stapleton and Frome Valley Conservation Area, Bristol. Ffi 07980 091286 • Syndicate offering day fishing at £5 or an annual pass for £100, catching fish weighing up to 30 pounds.
EASTVILLE PARK
Fishponds Rd, Eastville, Bristol. Ffi 0117 922 3719 • Expect to share this tranquil space with numerous birds and bats. Kingfishers tend to congregate on the nearby weir. Fishing is permitted to anglers holding Environment Agency rod licences within the designated areas marked on the path surrounding the lake.
OLDBURY COURT
Oldbury Court Rd, Fishponds, Bristol. Ffi 0117 922 3719 • Fishing permitted to Environment Agency rod licence holders on the River Frome in the vicinity of Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills. Anglers are subject to the agency’s regulations and to licence spot-checks.
ST GEORGE PARK
Church Rd, St George, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 922 3719 • Fishing is allowed on the park’s lake within the designated areas marked on the path surrounding it. Anglers should hold an Environment Agency rod licence - expect spot-checks. Other attractions include a BMX course and tennis courts.
Golf
ASHTON COURT GOLF COURSE
Ashton Court Estate, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 973 8508 • Two 18-hole par-three courses - the Plateau and the Lodge - provide golf on a pay-and-play basis. Current prices (which are due to rise in 2010) are adults £6.50, juniors and OAPs £5, with club hire also offered. The café sold Eccles cakes last time we checked.
BATH PUBLIC GOLF FACILITIES
Entry Hill, Bath. 01225 834248/ 01225 331162 (Royal Victoria Park) • Courses open daily except Christmas Day: Mon-Fri 8.30am-sunset; Sat-Sun & BHMs 7.30am-sunset. Club hire available, advisable to book at Entry Hill. Approach course described as “a little gem” by Golf Course World magazine, with most holes up and down hills.
FILTON GOLF CLUB
Golf Course Lane, Filton. Ffi: 0117 969 6968, www.filtongolfclub.co.uk • Golf tuition available to all standards. Visitors can pay and play for £36 during the week.
VICTORIA FALLS ADVENTURE GOLF
Royal Ave, Royal Victoria Park, Bath. 01225 425066 • 18-hole adventure golf course plus seven tennis courts - some indoor - run on a pay-and-play basis and open throughout the year.
Horse Riding
ENGINE COMMON RIDING SCHOOL
Engine Common, Yate. Ffi: 01454 325100/07977 561913 • Friendly riding school specialising in lessons for children and birthday parties. Pony days also available.
KINGSWESTON STABLES
Kingsweston Rd, Lawrence Weston, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 982 8929 • Riding school which celebrated its 22nd anniversary in January. Open from Wed to Sun inclusive, offering group lessons, private lessons, escorted hacking and pony riding for small children on a 20+-strong stable of horses. Facilities include a floodlit outdoor arena and plentiful off-road riding.
WELLOW TREKKING CENTRE
Little Horse Croft Farm, Wellow, Bath. Ffi: 01225 834376, www.wellowtrekking.com • Trekking in and around the local countryside for adults and children, with half-hour pony hire for £10, an hour for £30 or two hours for £45.
Mountain Biking
AVON TIMBERLAND TRAIL
Ashton Court Visitor Centre, Bristol. Ffi: leaflets available from the visitor centre • The first part of the route leads around the spectacular Ashton Court Estate where you can cycle through secluded woods far from busy roads. More adventurous bikers can follow the trail into 50-Acre Wood’s more rugged terrain.
BRISTOL TRAILS GROUP
See Conservation & Volunteering.
SUSTRANS
NCN Centre, 2 Cathedral Sq, College Green, Bristol. Ffi: 0845 113 0065, www.sustrans.org.uk • Sustainable transport charity dedicated to promoting cycling (as well as walking and the use of public transport) and co-ordinating the 12,000 miles of cycle routes comprising the National Cycle Network, part of which is the beautiful Bristol to Bath cycle path. Journey as near or far as you like on (for the most part) totally traffic-free routes.
Paintballing
GOBALLISTIC BRISTOL PAINTBALL
Station Rd, Henbury, Bristol. Ffi: 0870 330 6656 • Woodland paintball site where natural cover provides an authentic jungle experience. Purpose-built barricades and bunkers enhance the playing areas and up the atmosphere.
PAINTBALL ADVENTURES
31 Hopps Rd, Kingswood, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 935 3300, www.paintball-adventures.co.uk • Lots of paintballing activities and corporate events in woodland at Brockley Combe near Bristol.
SKIRMISH PAINTBALL GAMES
Coast Rd, nr Portishead, Bristol. Ffi: 01934 416507, www.skirmishbristol.co.uk • High-quality paintball games in beautiful surroundings.
UCZ Paintball
Liverton, Newton Abbot. Ffi: 01626 833200, www.ucz.info • Set in 45 acres of prime woodland, and features hillocks, ponds, bridges, swampland and even an island. Tactical scenarios include ‘Convoy Ambush,’ ‘The Blair Witch Field’ and ‘Chemical Dump’.
Watersports
BRISTOL OCTOPUSH CLUB
Ffi: 01454 416088, www.bristoloctopush.co.uk, Facebook group • Octopush is a high-speed sport akin to playing ice hockey underwater. The rules are easy and the club’s very welcoming to new arrivals of both sexes, from sixth-form age upwards. Meets Wed (9-10pm) Bishopsworth Baths, Whitchurch Lane with extra sessions before competitions.
BRISTOL SAILING SCHOOL
Baltic Wharf, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 986 7111, www.bristolsailingschool.co.uk • Sailing lessons from beginners to advanced, including youth and taster courses. Powerboats, dinghies and first aid courses plus inland helmsman courses for those yet to get their sea legs.
BRISTOL SURF CLUB
5 Elmdale Rd, Bristol. Ffi: 07734 809385, www.bristol-surf-club.co.uk • Social forum for surfers covering surfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, wake skiing, kayaking, windsurfing. Weekly meetings at The Pumphouse, Hotwells, Thur at 8pm, to arrange trips. New recruits of all abilities always welcome. Membership £5.
BRISTOL WATER SKI CLUB
Baltic Wharf, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 377 4255, www.bwsf.co.uk, bristolwaterski@blueyonder.co.uk • Waterskiing, wakeboarding and kneeboarding fun plus some tuition offered throughout year to members and their guests by friendly club open to new members. Existing members aged 8-70.
COTSWOLD WATER PARK
An area of 40 square miles within Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, north of Swindon and south of Cirencester. Ffi: www.waterpark.org • Huge expanse of outdoor fun with 147 lakes, and pathways, bridleways and cycleways. Numerous activities include diving, sailing, ringo riding, waterskiing, windsurfing and good old-fashioned paddling. The park’s Gateway Centre - an information centre off the Swindon-Cirencester A419 - is housed in a sustainable oak building with the South West’s largest photovoltaic roof, and is heated and cooled by the energy of the lake. It is also home to one of only two mammoth skulls ever found in England.
EXTREME MARINE
6 Harbury Rd, Henleaze, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 962 3363, www.extreme-marine.co.uk • Scuba-diving heaven, with all your equipment needs catered for (their snorkelling equipment range is reportedly the South West’s largest). Tuition for all levels, from absolute beginner to instructor. Children are assessed for their suitability, with 8-year-olds enjoying ‘bubble makers’ pool sessions. Trips and scuba holidays.
SWIMMING: INDOOR
University of Bristol, Queen’s Rd, Clifton, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 954 5803, www.bristol.ac.uk/sport/swimming • Open to the public once membership taken out - join for six months for £65 or a year for £110 then pay £2 per swim. Timetabled lane swimming and lessons.
SUPERYACHTS DIRECTORY
01451 830399, Suite 532, 4 Montpellier Street, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1EE • Yacht chartering is the perfect way to enjoy a super yacht lifestyle without the costs and responsibilities of yacht ownership. Our directory provides lists of reliable yacht charter companies that will provide a second to none service.
Thinking of purchasing a yacht? Our yacht brokers section will point you in the direction of some carefully selected companies. The directory also contains many other super yacht related specialists ranging from super yacht security systems to yacht interior design.
Browse our online directory which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for all your superyacht needs.
WET & WINDY
5 Ashton Drive, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 966 9582, www.wet-windy.co.uk • Popular, well-established company specialising in dinghies, water-sport clothing and accessories.
Miscellaneous
AVON RIVER CRUISES – BOAT HIRE
07854 870508 or 0117 904 3671. Broadquay, Bath, Somerset BA1 1UB. Ffi: www.avonrivercruises.co.uk • We offer private charter boat trips all year round, an exclusive and unique venue for any occasion and great value for money.
For the Summer season between May and September, we run river boat cruises from Broadquay, Bath - close to Avon Street car park, the bus & train station and Riverside coach park. We are always very happy to tailor the timings and itinerary of our Bath Boat Trip to your individual requirements and convenience. Excellent hot or cold food can be prepared by our on board chef. We hold a maximum 5 stars food hygiene accreditation.
For the Winter season between October and April we can offer comfortable Bristol Boat Trip in and around the Bristol harbour with pre-booked boat charter hire for any occasion, with on board catering if required.
We are available seven days a week, daytime or evening for private boat charter for parties, business meetings, corporate events, booze cruises, family celebrations, school trips, student events, weddings and other special occasions.
BRISTOL ICE RINK
Frogmore St, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 929 2148, www.jnll.co.uk • Ice skating seven days a week until 10.30pm, perfect for work dos and parties. Groups of 10 upwards can also enjoy the buzz of ice-karting on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
CLIFTON COLLEGE
Clifton College Sports Centre, Guthrie Rd, Clifton, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 315 7666, ccsl@clifton-college.avon.sch.uk • Wide range of activities for kids aged 3-16 during the school breaks including cookery, football, adventure weeks and arts and crafts.
DAMIAN FORDER CRICKET ACADEMY
Ffi: 07766 801340, www.dfca.co.uk • Ex-Gloucestershire player Damian Forder and ex-Gloucestershire and Leicestershire player Robert Cunliffe run cricket coaching courses throughout the year. Delivered to the highest of standards using the latest skills, drills and equipment as currently used by professional cricketers, courses may incorporate video analysis and bowling machine usage. Numerous options include non/residential weeks at Clifton College 11-16 April and 8-13 August.
EVENTHEAD MENTAL RACING
Ffi: 07989 356195, www.eventhead.co.uk • Mental racing combines running and puzzle-solving in an attractive setting with one such competition - One Day in History - seeing participants gather clues revealing the day, month and year of an historic event.
GABLES SCHOOL OF COOKERY
Pipers Lodge, Bristol Rd, Falfield, South Glos, GL12 8DF. Ffi: 01454 260444, Cookery School - Cookery Courses • Everything from one-day courses in Easy Dinner Party, Thai, Italian and Indian cooking through to intensive four-week restaurant-standard cookery courses. Qualified staff will guide both the novice and the aspiring chef through the essential skills necessary to create fabulous cuisine. Specialise in yacht and Chalet Cookery Courses; residential and non-residential options available.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB
County Ground, Nevil Rd, Bristol. Ffi: 0117 910 8010, www.gloscricket.co.uk • One of the country’s most successful one-day sides in recent years, Glos CCC’s Junior Gladiators scheme offers great membership for children throughout the season. Summer courses for 2010 are available please visit the website for details.
England v Bangladesh 2010 NatWest One Day International - Saturday 10th July
Come and join in the excitement of one-day international cricket at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Bristol on Saturday 10th July 2010. Soak up the carnival atmosphere at The County Ground, whilst you watch England take on Bangladesh. What could be a better summer pursuit than a day of fabulous cricket bang in the middle of summer? Non-members tickets are priced £38 to £48, with under 16 £19-£24. Member’s discount available. For more information or to buy tickets online please visit: www.gloscricket.co.uk or telephone 0117 9108000
twenty20 cricket, Bristol
The Gladiators take on 6 challengers at Bristol this June & July, and you can watch all 6 games for just £59 for adults (£25 Under 16s) with the t20 Bristol mini-season ticket, saving nearly 50% of the gate prices. The fixtures kick off in June with v Hampshire Royals on the 19th, v Essex Eagles on the 23rd and v Middlesex Panthers on the 27th. With the July fixtures starting on 2nd v Glamorgan Dragons, v Somerset Sabres on 16th v Surrey Lions on 18th July. For more information or to buy tickets online please visit: www.gloscricket.co.uk or telephone 0117 9108000
GO APE!
Mallards Pike Lane, Forest of Dean, Glos. Ffi: 0845 643 9215 • Explore beautiful woodland and lakeside scenery while the little (and big) kids run amok on Tarzan swings, rope bridges, zip slides and more, all at 40ft above the forest floor.
KIRBY LEWIS CRICKET
Ffi: www.kirbylewiscricket.co.uk • Expert cricket courses offered by Gloucestershire CCC and England player Jon Lewis and Gloucestershire CCC and England Lion Steve Kirby. Courses have been designed by Jon and Steve to maximise player potential via cue words triggering actions. Children aged 6-11 are catered for, with the eight best annually progressing to Gloucestershire CCC trials. Former pupil (and future England captain) Jacob Symanowski said: “My batting improved a lot; I gained a better posture and hit the ball further.”
SPICE
Ffi: 0845 430 0334, www.spicebristolcardiff.com, info@spicebristolcardiff.com • It’s probably easier to list the activities this 18-plus group doesn’t organise. Expect excitement like off-road go-karting, archery, kayaking, rock climbing and quad-biking plus ‘big abseils’ down the Avon Gorge. Annual activities like dragon boating in Pershore and fire-eating were joined recently by the rather brilliant ‘horse pub ride’ - riding a horse to a rural pub and back - every two months in the spring. Venue’s intrepid researcher enjoyed tubing - speeding down a dry ski slope in an inner tube. Headfirst.
TENNIS ACTIVITIES
Coombe Dingle Sports Complex, Coombe Lane, Stoke Bishop, Bristol BS9 2BJ. Ffi: 0117 962 6718, www.bristol.ac.uk/sport/coombe/indoor-tennis • Junior tennis for all ages and abilities.
THERMAE BATH SPA
The Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath St, Bath. Ffi: 01225 331234, www.thermaebathspa.com • The whole reason for Bath’s existence is the warm waters that come up out of the ground, and all their healing properties, real or imaginary. The saga of how they were once more brought to the public by this place is long and complicated, but it is now possible once more to immerse yourself in the waters. This is a very pleasant place, with a wide range of soaks and pamperings available.
Venue Days Out Guide - Bristol and Bath's best excursion guide. To order your copy ring 0117 942 8491. Only £2.95.
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