Press release 22 April 2016
TEN GREAT MAY BANK HOLIDAY AND HALF TERM DAYS OUT
With the summer term already underway, it won’t be long before its time to look forward to some family time with the forthcoming bank holidays and May half term break. So why not consider visiting Wiltshire, with buzzing activities for the children and fantastic places to stay?
Here is a selection of what VisitWiltshire has to offer:
1) Text Quest is a fun NEW way of finding your way around the city of Salisbury. Sign up to receive a text to get directions and a clue. Reply with the right answer, then find the next clue. Race against other teams or amble round enjoying the sights. Clues can be sent to up to 4 phones. £12 per team. Book via www.textquest.co.uk
2) Downton Cuckoo Fair is a free family event held in the picturesque village of Downton on 30 April. With over 250 quality stalls this rural craft fair includes maypole and Morris dancers, street entertainment and much more.
3) Spend the day driving on byways and muddy tracks with Stonehenge ATV who are running a £15 discount on 1–3 May and 28–30 May. New half-day experiences on weekdays and gift vouchers also available.
4) Fisherton Street Festival – is Salisbury’s biggest street event bringing together like-minded businesses to celebrate international cultures. Starts at 11am on 2 May.
5) Salisbury Plain Safaris offer a unique on and off road adventure, from a Land Rover Defender, experiencing dramatic landscapes, rich history and picturesque villages. 50% off a two hour tour when booking two to six people over the bank holiday weekends 31 April–2 May and 28–30 May. Pre-booking required.
6) Exhibition of Contemporary Sculpture at West Lavington Manor has an outdoor sculpture exhibition celebrating ‘Art in the Garden’. The Manor gardens extend to over four acres and incorporate 17th century terraces and lawns with magnificent mature trees. New for this year are a Japanese Garden and a White Birch Grove which extend towards the Manor’s vineyard. These and other spaces will showcase over 20 artists’ work. This event is being held in association with Pound Arts, Corsham and forms part of its Rural Touring Arts Programme. Open 26 May–12 June (except 31 May, 6 and 7 June).
7) Chippenham Folk Festival – Four days of the best folk song, music and dance in the heart of Wiltshire. Suitable for families and anyone who wants to experience a varied range of folk tradition and culture. 27–30 May.
8) The Ageas Salisbury International Arts Festival, celebrating the arts and culture of New Zealand, presents a wonderful array of spectacular events, beginning in half term week. Classical and world music share the limelight with international theatre, dance, film, visual arts, children’s events, free outdoor events and a full literature programme. 27 May–11 June.
9) St Aldhelm’s Day Fair & St Aldhelm’s Festival at Abbey House Gardens, Malmesbury, is an opportunity to visit the herb gardens and enjoy medicines and herbs talks on the Saturday and Sunday and events, stalls and activities in the Market Cross and Cloister Gardens on Bank Holiday Monday. Don’t miss the herb ice cream on sale too! 28-30 May.
10) Swindon Festival of Literature celebrates things well thought, well written, and well said! In its attempt to lure you along, this year’s Festival includes novelists, poets, politians, travellers, scientists, storytellers, sportsman, historians, comedians, artists and activists plus much more. Taking place at various venues in Swindon from 2–14 May.
For more information go to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on
Where to stay:
Fancy something a little different? Stonehenge Glamping Pods are award winning eco-friendly luxury glamping pods located on a campsite three miles from the Stonehenge World Heritage site, ideal for hardened campers and glampers alike. The site has won awards for its conservation, wildlife and eco-friendly work as well as a two star award from VisitEngland. It is an ideal touring base for local attractions. The beautifully landscaped area has nine luxury hard standings and 25 electric hook ups. Prices from £45 per unit per night.
Tucked away in the charming village of Swallowcliffe, The Royal Oak is a friendly, artisan country pub with delicious food, great wines, real ale and comfy beds. It’s perfectly placed to explore the area which is steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Prices start from £100 per room per night for double occupancy. 10% off B&B rate during April and May.
Meadowbank House Bed and Breakfast, Liddington, located in the North Wessex downs area of outstanding natural beauty, is offering guests a complimentary afternoon tea for two when you book for two nights or more. Prices from £70 per room per night B&B for double occupancy.
For more information go to - www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/special-offers/spring-breaks
For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860