Kids - Bath-time for kids

Wildlife

Bath is surrounded by nature with many native species thriving in still unspoilt locations. But the most famous local inhabitants of the animal kingdom are far more exotic. This is a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the lions, tigers and giraffes of the UK's first safari park. At Longleat prepare for some celebrity spotting by meeting some of the stars of the BBC's Animal Park.

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  Longleat

  Don't be fooled. Immaculate Longleat House, nestling in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, has a wild and untamed side. Rhinos, camels, ostriches and monkeys - your favourite wild animal is almost certainly on view at Longleat. But there are many other attractions. Lose yourself in the Hedge Maze, take a sea lion-escorted cruise or jump aboard the Longleat railway. Longleat House itself is open all year round and contains superb heirlooms and treasures. A passport ticket will give you the best value. All in all, Longleat is the complete family day out.

  Distance from resort:	15 miles (approx 30 mins' drive)
  Opening hours:	Safari Park Daily: March 15th to November 2nd 2008 10am - 4pm (5pm weekends), 2009 opening from February (dates to be confirmed) Longleat House and other attractions Open all year (excluding December 25th) 10am - 5pm
  Further information:	www.longleat.co.uk email enquiries@longleat.co.uk Tel: 01985 844 400

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Dinosaurs and Caves

Explore a world which has been 300 million years in the making! Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole are recommended destinations for connoisseurs of caves and devotees of dinosaurs. Prepare to be awed by the magnitude of Cheddar's underground cathedrals of stalactites and stalagmites.

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  Cheddar Caves and Gorge boasts limestone cliffs, towering 450 feet above a gorge, three miles long. Explore the beautifully lit, naturally wondrous caves and find out more about the terrible secrets of our ancestors, the first visitors here 40,000 years ago. Cheddar is also home to many rare species like bats and Peregrine falcons.

  Distance from resort:	20 miles (approx 30 mins' drive)
  Opening hours:	Daily except 24th & 25th December. July & August 10am - 5.30pm, September to June 10.30am - 5pm
  Further information:	www.cheddarcaves.co.uk Tel: 01934 742343

  Walk with life-sized dinosaurs at Wookey Hole and Caves new 'King Kong and the Valley of the Dinosaurs'. Wookey Hole blends amusement park activities with ancient wonders of nature. Here you can battle the pirates of the River Axe and take the tour to find out about the infamous witch of Wookey. Alternatively relax in the 'Enchanted Fairy Garden' or visit the 'Wookey Bear Collection'.

  Distance from resort:	20 miles (approx 30 mins' drive)
  Opening hours:	Open all year, except 25th December April to October 10am - 5pm, November to March 10am - 4pm
  Further information:	www.wookey.co.uk email witch@wookey.co.uk, Tel: 01749 672243

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Horse Riding

See the beauty of the Bath countryside from the saddle. Often the best way to explore is on horseback. Improve your horse riding skills while travelling down enticing country lanes, inaccessible by car and foot.

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  Wellow Trekking riding stables offers riding for both novice and experienced riders with private rides also available. Hats and boots can be provided from their own selection but remember to take note of the weather. It is advisable to bring coats and gloves in the winter and no shorts in the summer. Ideally think about wearing shoes or boots with a smooth sole and a small heel and not trainers. The centre runs group children's lessons after school and weekend mornings. There is also a Pony Club Centre running many events throughout the holidays.

  Distance from resort:	8 miles (approx 25 mins' drive)
  Opening hours:	Open all year, except 25th December
  Further information:	www.wellowtrekking.com email info@wellowtrekking.com, Tel: 01225 834376

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Fun and fitness

Tired of the same old sports? In Bath you can find a range of dance based, martial arts and interactive sports activities. 8 to 15 year olds can work up a sweat with Disco Fit, Dance Trance and Cardio Gym or get a kick out of Kung Fu and Funky Freestyle.

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  The Active Zone at Bath Sports and Leisure Centre has set out to make fitness fun for kids. The Active Zone features 16 dance mats and an interactive Sportwall that provides the ultimate hand-eye coordination challenge. There is also a full range of gym equipment including spin bikes and cross trainers. Specially designed resistance equipment also supports growing bodies and minimises the risk of injury. The centre also houses a swimming pool and zany zone soft play area for younger kids.

  Distance from resort:	1 mile (approx 10 mins' drive)
  Opening hours:	Reception: weekdays 6.30am - 10pm; Sat 7am - 7pm; Sun 8am - 8pm Active Zone Activities: weekdays 4pm - 7pm; weekends 11.30am - 2.30pm (see website for details)
  Further information:	www.aquaterra.org/bath-sports-and-leisure-centre/actice-zone.aspx Tel: 01225 486 905

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