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Time Travel

Why restrict yourselves to the early 21st century? All around there are opportunities for your group to experience life in a different reality, from Roman times to the present day.

See Castles and Re-enactments for leads to historical re-enactments, nearby castles etc, but you could also consider taking a trip out to spookily ancient sites such as Avebury Stone Circle, near Marlborough, Wilts. Dating from around 2,850-2,200 BC and the most important megalithic monuments in Europe.

And then of course there is Stonehenge (near Amesbury, Wilts). Check opening times as they are shorter in the winter. Essential viewing (but not as good as Avebury due to traffic etc), this is a very mysterious stone circle erected 4,000-5,000 years ago. Everyone can spend the day guessing how and why and going on nice surrounding walks.

Old sites have a magic of their own, and the more remote they are the better.

Stepping back in time – Old Sodbury Hill Fort (20 minutes drive up the M5) was built around 3-4000 years ago on the hillside overlooking Bristol. It’s an open place with enough space for as many young people as you can imagine and a very special atmosphere - recommended for a picnic, a night walk or a local history and culture expedition. To find it, turn off the M5 at the Stroud turning and follow the road over the next main crossroads. After about 2 or 3 miles, the road opens out and you can see a few bumps rising above the line of the neighbouring fields on your left. Park in the small parking place and follow the pathway just below you through the gap in the fence. The path leads through the cornfield to a set of steps on over a hedge – you’re on the fort.


Tree Climbing

Recreational tree climbing is a whole new way of climbing trees. It involves using a rope and harness and unlike free climbing, which most of us did as children, it allows the climber to climb bigger trees very safely. Or why don’t you look into building a treehouse…

Mighty Oak Tree Climbing Co offers tree climbing to all ages, both to individuals and groups. They also offer the experience of tree camping in tree hammocks suspended high up in the tree!

The Great Big Tree Climbing Co work with the National Trust, Center Parks, Bowood House and local councils to offer participants a challenge of a lifetime. They run tree climbing events throughout the year at the above locations, check out their website for their calendar of events and further details.

Tree Frog Climbing also offer a number of recreational tree climbing packages.

The Treehouse Guide offers practical advice to help with building your treehouse safely and with minimum cost and hassle.

Home Tree Home - Principles of Tree House Construction by P Nelson and G Hadden, Penguin, ISBN 0 14625 998 8 could also be a useful buy.

 

Trips

See Beaches, Camping, Outings, Parks, Windmills & Watermills