Half term five of the best: Day trips within an hour’s drive of Bristol

Although this year has been like no other, the upcoming half term is the first ‘usual’ scheduled school holiday families have had in over six months. For any parent or carer, finding things to fill the week, and keep the little ones entertained – without breaking the bank – is key to feeling like you’ve at least half-won when you come to sending them back to school. But it’s not always easy to find inspiration, particularly given the current health restrictions in place in different parts of the UK. Fortunately, with Halloween falling right at the end of the half term and plenty of outdoor spaces and attractions nearby to Bristol, there are still ample options for families to enjoy spooky activities and fresh air this October.

Bristol families who don’t own their own car can now increase the number of places they can visit by accessing local car-sharing courtesy of Karshare. The newly launched community car sharing scheme Karshare enables locals in Bristol to hiretheir car out to others when it’s not in use. Similar to Airbnb, Karshare means there are vehicles for hire lining the residential streets of Bristol and, in all likelihood, very near to you. It’s much more affordable than hiring a vehicle via a car rental firm and your money is directly supporting the communities in your area. Plus, with keyless technology installed, you don’t need to coordinate pick up and drop off times with the car owner, you just book online and away you go.

To take full advantage of your newly rented car, we’ve cherry picked our top five trips within an hour’s drive of Bristol with a focus on safe environments, fresh air, nature and, of course, space to stomp around. These destinations are perfect to burn some energy and return home with satisfied day trippers.

Westonbirt Arboretum
Autumn is arguably the best time of year to visit the world famous Westonbirt Arboretum, with the trees coming to life in rich blazes of colour. Westonbirt holds the national collection for maples and October is the time to see them in all their breath-taking glory. Enjoy views from the Treetop Walkway, find the Gruffalo and his friends hiding amongst the trees and run off steam in the outdoor play areas. Open every day

Drive-In Cinema: Halloween Week at Bristol Airfield Filton with Adventure Cinema
Enjoy a cinema experience from the comfort of your own car. Spooky-themed films are showing throughout the week including the Pixar classic Monsters Inc., family favourite Hocus Pocus and the fun-filled Hotel Transylvania. 27 October – 1 November

Wild Place Project
Wild Place Project is a fun family attraction that provides outdoor adventure, play and learning. Meet amazing animals from across the world from the mischievous lemurs of Madagascar to magnificent European brown bears. Situated in 50 beautiful acres including woodlands, gardens and the tranquil Tower Meadow this is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors and meet some animal friends along the way. Open every day.

Pumpkin Patch Nights at Avon Valley Adventure Wildlife Park
New for 2020, this is one for those looking for evening fun in the dark. Choose your own pumpkin and enjoy the pop-up bar, street food, performers and gorgeous lighting. This is running every evening in half term – perfect to round off a day. 24 Oct – 1 Nov

Bath
Venture to the neighbouring city of Bath, rich in history and heritage. There is a lot to see and do
including a visit to Victoria Park with 57 acres of green parkland with a large park area for
children, a skate park for older kids and teenagers and gorgeous grounds to stroll in. Then
venture to one of the many cafes and eateries in the city to refuel including Mrs Potts Chocolate
House serving delicious chocolatey treats with a menu that will have you melting. Any day

To find out more about Karshare and hire a vehicle visit https://karshare.com/

Read more: Noah’s Arc Zoo Farm