Purely Active Hydrotherapy Classes
www.purelyactive.com Purely Active, Physiotherapy Department, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8HW07847 786866
New aqua natal classes started Monday June 2nd - 6.30-7.30pm. 4 week sessions cost only £40.
Hydrotherapy is exercise or physiotherapy treatment in a warm-water pool. The water temperature is usually 34 - 37ºC, which is warmer than normal swimming pools.
The warm temperature of the water allows your muscles to relax and eases pain in your joints that may occur as a result of pregnancy. Call first to book.
Tatty Bumpkin
www.paulabrown.tattybumpkin.com
Children’s music, movement and story sessions run as parties and classes for children of 2-7 years, inspired by yoga and lots of fun!
Walks with Buggies
www.walkswithbuggies.comFree information on routes that are suitable for parents with buggies.
The website currently has several walks around the Bristol area (and many more further afield). Printable maps and good descriptions of the walks are available online.
Pushchair Walks
www.pushchairwalks.co.ukTwin Cottage
www.twincottage.com Burley, Hampshire 07884 390343Truly beautiful semi-detached cottage, in a quiet lane, in the heart of the New Forest. Sleeps 4 (plus cot).
The owner, Amanda, has excelled herself in making twin cottage not only child friendly but wonderfully luxurious. Recently refurbished, the cottage retains many of its original features with beautiful additions; there are slate and stripped solid oak floors, a wood burning stove, open fire, antique bed, and a large bathroom with freestanding bath (towels and bathrobes are included). For the children, there is a playroom complete with colouring equipment, play doh, toddler table and chairs, doll’s pushchair & cot and a play tent. DVD’s, books, bath toys and games are also provided, and there is a large garden to the rear of the property. You will also find a highchair, stair gates, bedguard, children’s crockery and cutlery, monitor, nightlight, room thermometer, sterliser, step stool, and babysitting can be organised on request. Amanda also makes sure that your arrival feels homely and as stress-free as possible, by providing a large welcome hamper and all the basic necessities (toilet rolls, washing up liquid etc.) that you could need.
If you contact Twin Cottage, please say where you heard about them.
The Black House
www.theblackhouse.co.uk
Hengistbury Head, Bournemouth, Dorset
07855 483555
This smuggler’s cottage, dating back some 200 years, sits right at the end of the Mudeford Spit in Bournemouth. The fabulous location means that you are literally surrounded by water; the harbour to one side, and the sea to the other. 4 apartments, each sleeping between 4 and 8.
We cannot recommend these apartments enough for families. They are basic, true, but perfectly equipped and easy to clean. Mudeford spit is car-free and so your journey to the cottage is magical for young children, whether you choose to arrive by the ‘noddy’ (land) train or by the short ferry ride from Mudeford Quay. A rowing boat is included in the price and so the more adventurous family can take this into the shallow water of Christchurch Harbour. Bikes are recommended as there are some lovely rides through the trees over the National Trust protected Hengistbury Head. There is a barbeque provided, plastic ‘crockery’ and cutlery, a high chair, and travel cot.
Warning: (and unfortunately, there is sometimes a ‘but’ with properties of such ilk) - the cottage is surrounded by water, a small part of which has a dangerous current. Children need to be supervised at all times!
Spain - La Fabrica de Bombas
www.fabplacetostay.com
Jimena de la Frontera, Spain
+34 956641506
A truly family friendly villa (and separate apartment) in one of Andalucia’s pretty white villages. Sleeps up to 8 (4 bedrooms). Private pool.
La Fabrica de Bombas is one of those rare finds; a truly family friendly property. The owners, Amanda and Matthew, have three children of their own, and so they have been able to kiddie proof the property with the assurance of experience. The actual villa is set on one floor, with a double bedroom (with ensuite) and a twin. There is a courtyard to the back (lockable door) with steps to the pool gate (this is locked and the key is secured out of reach of little fingers). To the front is an area ideally suited for play with an arbour for parents to relax as they watch. But what really makes La Fabrica de Bombas such a great place to stay with small children, is its location (a stone’s throw from the wonderful Hozgarganta river and splendid walks) and the fabulous attitude of the owners, who live next door.
Activity Photo
www.activityphoto.co.uk Lower Floor6 Cotham Grove
Bristol BS6 6AL
0117 3340825
Bahoo
52, The Mall, Clifton, BS8 4JG0117 973 4808
Thanks to Bahoo, there is a pleasant way to shoe shop with children. Quick, efficient, amazingly friendly service, with an equally impressive selection of foot attire. Support local shops and visit Helen and her team next time your child needs some new footwear.
Snappy Families
www.snappyfamilies.co.uk 0117 9246238Clare Swayne combines photographing children and families with teaching French and Spanish. She offers a relaxed experience, believing in photographing families in situations in which they feel comfortable.
Cricket St Thomas
www.cstwp.co.uk Cricket St Thomas, Chard, Somerset, TA20 4DD Tel: 01460 - 30111 Email: wildlifepark.cst@bourne-leisure.co.ukSomerset wildlife park with a heavy emphasis on conservation. Over 500 animals and facilities include a safari train, trout feeding, 4 separate children’s play areas, electric cars and crazy golf.
John Lewis Restaurant
www.johnlewis.com John Lewis Restaurant, The Mall at Cribbs CausewayBristol
BS34 5QU Tel: 0117 - 959 1100
Very good family friendly cafe/restaurant, with wide choice of food and good value children’s menu. Toilets and baby change on same level.
Zizzis
Zizzis, 29-33 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, BS8 4BX Bristol. Tel: 0117 - 317 9842Good pizza and pasta restaurant. Popular with families. Sometimes children are able to make their own pizzas.
Other local branches:
84B Glass House, Cabot Circus, Bristol. BS1 3BX Tel: 0117 - 929 1066 29-33 Princess Victoria Street, Clifton, Bristol. BS8 4BX Tel: 0117 - 317 9842Pizza Express
Pizza Express, 2-10 Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol. BS8 4HG Tel: 0117 - 974 4259Great child-friendly eatery. Kids menu, crayons and activity packs given out, and service with a smile.
Arch House Deli
Arch House Deli, Boyces Avenue, Bristol. BS8 4AA Tel: 0117 - 974 1166Situated between Victoria Square and Boyces Avenue, this cafe (co-owned by the Primrose Cafe owners) and deli is a friendly, relaxed place. Sylvie will make sure that your child’s every food and drink need is catered for, from a cool hot chocolate to deliciously appetizing cakes and snacks.
Primrose Cafe
www.primrosecafe.co.uk Primrose Cafe, 1 Clifton Arcade, Boyces Avenue, Clifton Village, Bristol. BS8 4AATel: 0117 - 946 6577
Excellent cafe serving superb food, such as amazing scramble egg bagels, sandwiches, home-made soup, and home-made cakes. Outdoor seating and indoor seating. Will do children’s portions. Good range of drinks for children.
ABOUT PARKS & PARK EVENTS
www.bristol.gov.uk/parks Bristol City Council Parks, Estates & Sport, Department of Culture and Leisure Services, Colston House, Colston St, BS1 5AQ Tel: 0117 -922 3737, 9223719Call the above number for information about your nearest park or play area, if it does not appear on our website.
Tel: 0117 9223808 - Park Events ServiceThe parks service runs a programme of events and activities, many taking place during the school holidays. See their news and events guide produced twice a year called ‘Park Life’. It can be obtained in local libraries, the museums or by phoning the above number. Also take a look at the website. Examples of activities for younger children include; play days, craft days and teddy bear’s picnics. For older children there are wildlife discovery events, deer feed rambles, sports activities. If you would like to organise your own community event in one of Bristol’s parks or open spaces, please call the Parks Events Team. There are more than 200 parks in Bristol, many of which have good play facilities or are attractive parks with plenty of open space to play games. Of particular note are the two ‘flagship’ play areas - at Blaise Castle Estate and Hengrove.
Entertainment and Services
Trying to plan a party for your 5 year old but not sure what to do? Looking for a club for your 7 year old to join? Perhaps you want a good child-friendly meal out, or are not sure about how to entertain three small children on a wet weekend? Check out the chapters below:
Bristol Visitor Attractions - landmarks, the dockside, museums, galleries and theatres.
Out & About West - castles, caves, outdoor fun, National Trust properties, wheels, wings, and much more.
Eating Out in Bristol and Eating Out West
Entertainment - bowling, cinemas, soft play, and rainy day ideas.
Family Holidays & Weekends Away - look here for recommendations on where to go with your family for those precious breaks away from home.
Travelling Around - think beyond the car and try the trains, cycle paths, and waterways of Bristol and the West.
Walks, Parks & Play Areas - explore Bristol’s green and free spaces.
Parties - many ideas to inspire even the most fearful parents!
Shopping & Services - making shopping with kids more pleasurable.
Arts - Drama, art and craft, music, circus skills, cookery and dance.
Sports - Bristol has many sporting opportunities for children. Check out all the options in this chapter.
Faith & Action Groups - action clubs and world faith groups.
Time Out for Adults - ideas for parents to reclaim a little of their self.
Bristol Camper Company
www.thebristolcampercompany.co.uk
0117 9853987
Retro and new VW camper vans for hire from friendly, Bristol-based company.
The comfortable vans travel and sleep up to 5 people. Owner Nicole has made sure that the experience is really quite luxurious with organic bread and wine waiting for you when you pick up the van, a CD player and ipod attachment, as well as many helpful and useful touches such as funky washing up equipment (no need to bring your own), all the crockery, cutlery and pans that you will need, a bike rack, and an awning.
See ‘Camping’ for ideas of where to take these fabulous vans.
If you contact The Bristol Camper Company, please say where you heard about them.Childcare and Education Sections
Finding the right childcare for your pre-school child can be a difficult task, requiring a careful review of your financial resources, child’s personality, and family needs. Pre-schools too can vary considerably in their approaches, the time they take your child for, and the age. By the time your child reaches school age, there is also the job of thinking about those times when you are not able to care for them during term time, or when you need some extra advice and support for their education. These chapters are all designed to help with these aspects.
Childcare 0-4 years - from nannies to nursery, childminders to aupairs, the choice is vast.
Out of School Care - for after school and holiday times.
Pre-schools - find out about the vast choice in Bristol.
Schools & Educational Support - find out more here.
Help with Geography Dissertation
A Bristol student is conducting research for her final year Geography dissertation on childcare use in Bristol, and is interested in speaking with parents who may or may not use childcare for their pre-school children. If you think you can help, contact Bryony Tooley:
btooley@hotmail.co.uk
Improving and Developing Maternity and Newborn Services SW
Bristol PCT, North Somerset PCT, and South Gloucestershire PCT, are seeking your views on improving and developing maternity and newborn services.
So far, through consultations with the public at various meetings, several areas for improvement have been identified. The PCTs are now looking at ways to implement these changes and want your views on their suggestions.
Look at: www.avon.nhs.uk/bhsp
Telephone: 0800 015 5127 or Email: bhsp@bristolpct.nhs.uk for more information.
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