Have you become a Polar Bear Explorer yet? – If not, why not take part this half term

21st February 2019

Explore the Waterfront Polar Bear Trail for free family fun, prizes to be won and maybe some treats along the way. With workshops at the Barbican Tourist Information Centre and events at the National Marine Aquarium too, it’s the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy Plymouth’s Waterfront.

Polar Bear Explorer

Until 3 March | Plymouth Waterfront

Your task is to become a Polar Bear Explorer and find each of the 20 Polar Bear cubs hidden in businesses in Sutton Harbour, The Barbican, Plymouth Hoe, Millbay and Royal William Yard.

Each cub has a Bear fact with them, telling us about the Arctic and the oceans, how plastic is affecting their home and how we can all help.

Submit your completed entry form for your chance to win one of over 30 great prizes, now including a personalised Apollo Switch Junior Hybrid bicycle!

For further details and to download your copy of the Polar Bear trail map visit the website 

Entry forms can also be picked up from the Barbican Tourist Information Centre, National Marine Aquarium and Le Bistrot Pierre in the Royal William Yard.

Duke of Cornwall Half Term Offer

Show a member of the Duke of Cornwall team your explorer form to receive a complimentary hot chocolate or soft drink to enjoy in their Lounge bar.

For each adult drink purchased, a complimentary hot/soft drink will be provided for a child. Offer is valid during half term week (18 -24 February).

Plastic Polar Bear Name Announcement

Saturday 16 February | 10.30am | National Marine Aquarium

As an exciting addition to the Polar Bear Explorer trail, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership commissioned two design makers from the Eden Project to build a life-size recycled plastic Polar Bear sculpture at the National Marine Aquarium.

Poppy, aged 8 won the competition to name the Bear and will be announcing his name at the National Marine Aquarium this weekend.  Poppy was selected at random from all of the completed entries received by the completion of the Polar Bear build last month.

This fantastic sculpture is on display in his own cave at the aquarium for the next 12 mnths.

Polar Bear Explorer Workshops

Tuesday 19 & Friday 22 February | Barbican Tourist Information Centre

If you haven’t completed the Explorer trail yet, these one hour workshops could be perfect for you:

• Learn the Bear Facts about single-use plastics, Polar Bears and our oceans in an interactive learning session
• Complete the trail form and make your pledges
• Make your own Polar Bear mask
• Receive a Polar Bear Explorer certificate
• Colouring in for children of all ages
• Free hot chocolate and squash provided

19 February: 9.30am-10.30am, 11am-12 noon, 1pm-2pm, 2.30pm-3.30pm

22 February: 12.30pm-1.30pm, 2pm-3pm

To book your place for one of these workshops, please click here

Half term activities at the National Marine Aquarium

16 to 24 February | Open 10am till 5pm daily (last entry 4pm)

Sea the Difference

Sea the Difference is returning for another year! Visit the National Marine Aquarium this February holiday and meet local ocean heroes all working to champion our beautiful coastal waters.

Join scientists, conservationists and animal experts to take part in family activities, games and adventures in the centre of the Aquarium. Talks, feeds & shows are happening daily.

For further information please  click here.

National Marine Aquarium Half Term Trail

Take part in this family activity, following the journey of a plastic bottle, ending up in the Arctic. Find the seven points around the Aquarium to fill in your trail sheet.

Your trail sheet will ask you to make a ‘plastic pledge’, similar to that of the Polar Bear Explorer. The Aquarium will collect all the plastic pledges and display them with the recycled plastic Polar Bear sculpture.  

Getting Around the Waterfront

Walk

The trail is around three miles if you walk it end to end, but you can do so over several days and have until 3 March to collect all the Polar Bear Facts.

Sutton Harbour Ferry

The Sutton Harbour Ferry will resume service during half term from Saturday 16 February until Sunday 24 February , 9.30am to 4pm.*  The service runs between West Pier (opposite the Real Food Kitchen, by the Mayflower Steps) and Shepherd’s Wharf (in front of Lockyers Quay pub).  Fairs are £1 each way, £1.50 return. 

* Ferry crossing weather dependant

National Marine Aquarium offer

One way ferry tickets can be exchanged for vouchers to be used in the shop/café to the same value. (£1 per ticket)

Return ferry tickets can be exchanged for vouchers to be used in the shop/café to the same value. (£1.50 per ticket)

Ferry tickets must be shown at the NMA ticket desk to receive the discount.

Citybus  

Most of the Bears are in easy walking distance but you might need a bit of help from the bus in places.

 Plymouth Citybus service 25 circles the Waterfront and city centre including the Barbican, the Hoe and West Hoe, or you can hop on service 34 from Royal Parade in the city centre to take you to Royal William Yard.

Remember that during half term, all single fares for children aged 18 and under are just £1. Or you can take advantage of the ‘Kid Add-On’ ticket which means children can enjoy unlimited travel all day on our network for just £1.50 when travelling with an adult.

You can add up to three kids to any adult fare or concessionary pass - just ask your driver.

 For further details of the Citybus offers click here