Family Day Out For The 40th Anniversary Of The ss Great Britain

One of Bristol's premier family tourist attractions, Brunel's ss Great Britain has won more than 20 national and international awards since its triumphant return from the Falkland Islands in 1970. This summer marks the 40th anniversary of that momentous occasion, and the real-life museum is staging a number of exclusive events in celebration - just the thing for a day out in Bristol with all the family.




Visit Bristol from now until the end of the year to take a trip aboard the world's first magnificent ocean liner, designed by one of the greatest engineers in history. Visitors can meet Mr Brunel himself on key days throughout the year, including every day from 24 July to 31 August (except Mondays) and again during the last week of October 2010.




Stepping aboard the ss Great Britain is truly like stepping back in time, not only to the ship's recovery in 1970 - which is the focus of a number of events taking place this anniversary year, hosted by such luminaries as storyteller Sarah Mooney - but also back into the more distant past of its Victorian origins. Those visiting on 21 and 22 August will be treated to a recreation of Crimean soldiers taking over the ship, and the ss Great Britain takes a major role, as would be expected, when the Bristol Harbour Festival descends on the port on 31 July and 1 August.

Not that the attraction is only worth visiting in the summer, with special events being scheduled for other notable calendar dates throughout the year too - including Grandparents Day on 12 September, a Halloween storytelling event in Britain's 'most haunted ship' on 27, 28 and 30 October and a festive lunch on 15 December.




Whatever time of year you head to Bristol, you're sure to find a wealth of family attractions to appeal to everyone in your group, and plenty of budget hotels in Bristol available close by. Bristol Zoo Gardens is one of the most popular zoological centres in the country, home to a diverse array of exotic creatures, and the city's impressive roster of contemporary attractions includes such popular destinations as the interactive Explore-@-Bristol centre - now celebrating its 10th anniversary.




A city that's as admired for its history as it is for its modern visitor attractions, Bristol is a top family destination in the south west, especially with public celebrations such as the famous Bristol International Balloon Fiesta drawing the crowds every summer.