Summer Southwest England Top What’s On
Enjoy an exclusive summer Woodland Wildlife package inspired by Beatrix Potter at
Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall
- Summer activities
- Mercure Hotels launches an exclusive ‘Woodland Wildlife’ package giving families a chance to enjoy a selection of Beatrix Potter-inspired afternoon tea sweet treats
- Guests can explore the fascinating woodland wildlife in the grounds of the property with an exclusive walking tour map, curated by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Mercure Hotels has launched an exclusive, limited edition ‘Woodland Wildlife’ package at its 4-star Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel which will give families a taste of the thriving local nature around the hotel. The package, available from 25th July – end of September, includes a bespoke walking map giving guests the chance to discover some of the Gloucestershire wildlife that inspired literary greats such as Beatrix Potter. After the nature ramble, relax with a sumptuous, family friendly afternoon tea at the hotel inspired by some of the author’s best loved characters, and served on creature crockery.
Partnering with local wildlife expert Linda Moore from the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Mercure Hotels has created the exclusive Beatrix Potter-inspired walking tour of the local countryside around the hotel. The self-guided walking map takes in the stunning flora and fauna in the vicinity of the property and will form part of the ‘Woodland Wildlife’ package, which also includes an overnight stay with breakfast, and afternoon tea for two.
The Grade II listed Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall Hotel is located in the countryside just outside of Gloucester city 
and is steeped in history relating to the natural surroundings, with design features reflecting the woodland areas and Beatrix Potter character sketches adorning the corridors and rooms in the hotel. The building had an extensive makeover giving it a stylish and distinctive new look and feel in recent years. Throughout the impressive property, a warm, understated and subtle colour palette complements natural and salvaged materials to create a relaxed yet refined feel, with modern finishes including velvet upholstery and marble tables.
Mercure Hotels are a collection of unique and individual properties which are connected to and reflect the local and surrounding area. From the décor and interiors, to the food and drink on offer, each hotel is locally inspired and has a story to tell. Find out more about each properties heritage, at the Mercure Local Stories microsite where you can discover more about Local Stories packages that have been offered in the past.
The limited-edition afternoon tea menu is inspired by the stories of Beatrix Potter
A selection of teas and coffees, with optional Prosecco (available at a small extra charge)
To book the ‘Woodland Wildlife’ package at Mercure Gloucester Bowden Hall please book online at www.accorhotels.com/gb/hotel-8322-mercure-gloucester-bowden-hall-hotel/index.shtml#origin=mercure
The offer is available from 25th July 2018 – 31st September 2018 and pre-booking is essential. The package starts at £95 per room including bed, breakfast and afternoon tea for two plus the walking map. A supplement of £5 will cover each additional child joining the afternoon tea (up to two max per booking).
Watch out for the paparaz-sea!
Meet a V.I.P SEA-lebrity
at the National Marine Aquarium
**Extended opening hours confirmed during summer period**
To celebrate the school summer holidays, the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is hosting an unmissable programme of events and celebrating in style with a SEA-lebrities summer theme.
Taking place from 28th July – 2nd September, the Aquarium will be celebrating some amazing sea animals, showcasing what makes them special and how they are vital to the underwater eco-system.
Daily summer shows will offer visitors the chance to learn more about some of the famous animals that call the Aquarium home. The Big NMA Summer Show will introduce different ocean ambassadors through a series of fun interactive competitions. We will be showing off why they are important and how they are saving their ocean habitat. Visitors will then decide which ocean animal comes out on top.
The Aquarium’s famous Eddystone Reef exhibit will also be transformed to include a red carpet with the NMA hosts taking on the role of the paparaz-sea!
This year is also a special year for the Aquarium, which is celebrating its 20th birthday. As an education and 
conservation charity the NMA has been instrumental in connecting people with our Oceans and promoting pro-Ocean behaviour over the past 20 years. Its world-class husbandry team look after more than 4,000 animals, including Lemon Sharks, Sand Tiger Sharks, Sting Rays and Friday the Green Turtle, to name just a few, and leads groundbreaking research and breeding projects.
Helen Gowans, Public Engagement Coordinator at the National Marine Aquarium, commented: “There are some incredible creatures living in our Oceans, and some of the most famous live here at the Aquarium! At the National Marine Aquarium we want to help give visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of our SEA-lebrities.
“The summer activity will be perfect for the whole family and any budding explorers. There is plenty of interactive fun planned for all ages, with everyone being able to get involved and vote for their favourite species. From giant Turtles to Sandtiger Sharks, visitors will be able to take selfies at our NMA selfie stations and we can’t wait to see you there!”
In response to the peak summer period, from 28th July, the Aquarium will be extending its opening hours. The venue will be open daily from 9.30am to 6.00pm, giving even more time to explore the exhibits and make the most of the summer showcase.
Extra activities throughout the summer period include an interactive SEA-lebrities summer trail and a Marine Media Myth Busting station, exploring the way the various SEA-lebrities are portrayed in the newspapers, on TV and in film. As well as learning more about the animals, visitors can have the opportunity to be snapped with the SEA-lebrities at the selfie stations situated around the Aquarium.
On top of all this, the Aquarium will also be hosting another popular sleep over event. Taking place on 18th August, visitors will have an exclusive chance to see what happens in the Aquarium’s underwater world after the lights go down. The presence of sharks gliding silently overhead whilst visitors sleep will mesmerize anyone daring enough to spend a night in their company.
With the extended opening hours from 28th July, the Aquarium’s popular Café will also be open longer, offering an upgraded breakfast deal and hot food until 5pm.
To book tickets and to find out further information about SEA-lebrities, SEA-lebrities Sleep Over or the boat trips, visit www.national-aquarium.co.uk
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