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Wells Cathedral - Somerset Family Adventures

Best Days Out And Unmissable Things To Do In Somerset

Are you planning a day out in Somerset with the family and looking for new memories to make? If you are, we have lots of unmissable day trips to tick off your list. There are heaps of fun things to do in Somerset and some brilliant days out.

Is Somerset good for a holiday?

Somerset’s attractions are endless and include magnificent gorges and caves, rolling hills and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Explore medieval castles, market towns, historical cities, legendary landmarks and discover iconic views. Families will love the vast beaches, animal parks, museums, outdoor activity centres and family music festivals on offer. 

Whether you’re here on holiday or a local looking for things to do in Somerset, we’ve got you covered.

Places to go in Somerset

What is Somerset famous for?

Somerset is a beautiful, rural county famous for its Cheddar cheese and cider! Somerset is an outdoor-lover’s paradise, with wetlands, coast paths, lakes, canals and rivers, hills and woodlands to explore. Discover a wealth of country pubs and farm shops on your journey – there’s so much to experience! 

Somerset is also well known for its two historic cities of Bath and Wells, there is something here to suit all interests.

Cheddar Gorge walk

Is Somerset good for families?

Somerset is great for families and there is plenty to do for all ages. Somerset has a variety of family activities and great days out. 

Read on to find the best things to do in Somerset.

The Best Family Attractions in Somerset

Somerset has so many family-friendly attractions and you’ll find heaps of things to do with kids.

Where: Brean Sands, Burnham on Sea, TA8 2QY

On the North Somerset coast between Weston super Mare and  Burnham-on-Sea sits Brean Leisure Park. This fantastic family attraction is an amusement park with over 40 rides and attractions including roller coasters, a wild water log flume, ghost train, a traditional carousel and runaway train.

The park is free to enter and the rides are pay as you go or you can purchase a wrist band for unlimited rides all day.

 
 
 
 
 
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Kids of all ages will be kept amused with gentle tot rides for little ones and white knuckle rides for the older children and teens.

Kids will also love Brean Splash Waterpark with its indoor and outdoor pools, slides, lazy river and splash zone.

Brean Splash

The complex is also home to Brean Play – a huge indoor soft play attraction for kids under the age of 12. Perfect for entertaining the kids on a rainy day, the play areas are split into sections for different age groups.

Where: Marine Parade, Weston super Mare, BS23 1AL

Weston super Mare Grand Pier

The Grand Pier on Weston seafront is an indoor theme park that offers undercover rides, amusements and traditional seaside attractions for the whole family. There are slot machines galore, arcade games, mini karts, House of Horrors, mini golf, dodgems, mini rollercoaster, and more. The Pier is £1 to enter, or included in the unlimited rides wristband – Prices start at £11.50/all day for kids. 

The Grand Pier runs special events throughout the year and seasonal events in the children’s school holidays including Christmas Events and an annual Firework Display

Combine a trip to the Grand Pier with a trip to Weston Museum, a donkey ride on the beach or a ride on Weston Observation Wheel. You’ll find plenty of entertainment in Weston during your day out with the kids in Somerset.

Weston Sky Wheel
Weston Sky Wheel

Where: Cheddar Show Caves, The Cliffs, Cheddar, BS27 3QF

Cheddar Show Caves will captivate explorers young and old. Discover the famous underground caverns to see where the Cheddar Man, Britain’s oldest skeleton, Cheddar Man, estimated to be 9,000 years old, was discovered in 1903. You can visit two of Britain’s oldest showcaves (Gough’s and Cox’s Caves) and see the awesome stalactites, stalagmites and underground pools. You can even see Cheddar cheese maturing in the caves, which are the ideal temperature

Look out for seasonal events such as Christmas Holiday Events and Half Term Halloween fun.

Cheddar Gorge and village is home to pubs, quaint tea rooms, outdoor shops, gift and craft shops and of course, Cheddar cheese. It’s a lovely place for a wander with the family on a sunny day out in Somerset!  

Cheddar Caves
Cheddar Gorge
Lion Rock Tearooms, Cheddar

Where: Wookey Hole Caves, The Mill, Wookey Hole, BA5 1BA

Just 2 miles from the city of Wells is the world famous Wookey Hole. Explore the vast underground chambers of the cave system and meet the legendary Witch of Wookey Hole. Learn about the caves long history, including how the caves were formed, what groups of people lived here and how they lived over the years.

There is plenty to keep the kids amused all day – visit the paper making museum, discover the 4D cinema experience, watch the Wookey Hole Circus School, and play the vintage penny machines. Have a go at adventures golf and find out what surprises are hidden in the enchanted valley. It’s a great day out for kids in Somerset.

There’s seasonal family events throughout the year including a Santa’s Grotto and Big Easter Event.

Where: Cowslip Lane, Hewish, BS24 6AH

Just outside Weston super Mare is the brilliant family attraction of Puxton Park which is open 7 days a week. Puxton Park is designed around a 70 acre working, organic dairy farm. With both indoor and outdoor activities, it’s the ideal all-weather adventure park that’s a popular destination for things to do with kids in Somerset.. There are also seasonal events throughout the year.

Inside, there is a large soft play barn with slides and cafe area. In the Animal Discovery Barn you can pet animals and bottle feed lambs in the spring. There is a party area, restaurant and onsite farm shop selling organic and local produce, which you can’t miss!

Outdoors, there are plenty of animals to see with tractor rides taking you to see the cows and calves in the barn. There is a brilliant high ropes course, crazy golf, Jurassic jeeps, miniature train, bouncing pillow, play fort, bumper boats, boating lake and loads more fun activities that’ll keep the kids busy all day.

Water ride at Puxton Park

Look out for their fantastic Pumpkin Patch every autumn and sunflower field in the summer months.

Puxton Park sunflower field
Puxton Park Pumpkin Patch

Where: Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, Somerset, BS31 1TP

Set within a beautiful riverside location, Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park offers an activity-packed day out for families. With indoor and outdoor play areas, animals to see, handle and feed, mini golf, park rides and seasonal events running throughout the year, there’s lots going on.

Dinosaur lovers will enjoy Dinosaur Valley which is home to the largest collection of animatronic dinosaurs in the South West.

The Adventure play includes mini jeeps, bouncing pillows, playgrounds, slides, miniature railway, spinning chairs, go carts and a climbing wall.

Experience one of the fantastic seasonal events: at Christmas there is ice skating and Santa events, a pumpkin patch at Halloween and an Easter Eggstravaganza.

There is also camping and glamping available at Avon Valley.

Where: Cowslip Lane, Hewish, Weston-super-Mare BS24 6AH

Noah’s Ark Zoo is a conservation charity and the largest zoo in Somerset with over 100 species of animals.

Located in North Somerset and only 7 miles from Bristol, you can see big zoo animals like African elephants and lions, giraffes and zebras, as well as smaller creatures like reptiles and birds. Kids will love the daily talks and animal displays, exploring the many play and adventure areas and navigating through Britain’s longest hedge maze.

 
 
 
 
 
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There are always special events in the school holidays including an Easter Trail, so keep an eye out!

Where: Wolvershill Road, Banwell BS29 6DL

Court Farm Country Park is a working farm located just outside Weston super Mare, only a couple of minutes from the M5. It’s a great day out with kids in Somerset, particularly families with younger children. Spring is always a fantastic time for a farm visit with new-born animals, in particular the lambs. At Court Farm you can watch the lambing live and often have a chance to hold a lamb that’s only a few days old, or be lucky enough to bottle feed a lamb. 

Court Farm is also home to a herd of Ruby Red Devon cattle which you can get up close to in the barn, plus horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, owls, chickens and small pets. Make sure you don’t miss the milking show every day and in the summer, tractor rides around the farm. Kids will love the play area with trampolines, a play fort and zip line.

Lambing at Court Farm Country Park

Where: Chew Hill, Chew Magna, Somerset, BS40 8SB

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Set in the beautiful Mendip Hills you’ll find this small family-run zoo with beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.

During your day out with kids, expect to find a fantastic range of both domestic, exotic, and endangered species, such as meerkats, ring-tailed lemurs, and wallabies.

Get up close and personal with some of their smaller furry friends like guinea pigs, rabbits and mice. You’ll have a 30-minute animal handling slot which is perfect for your little animal lovers.

Find out more about the animals with the daily talks and fun interactive activities which is displayed with all their events on the activity board.

Springtime is a great time to visit with the birth of piglets, goat kids and lambs.

There is a cafe on site with stunning views over the park and Chew Valley, serving pizzas and even a Sunday roast.

Where: Warren Road, Minehead, TA24 5SH

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Butlins know how to keep the kids entertained and they pull out all the stops to provide fun and entertainment for families.

Did you know that you can visit Butlins for the day? We all know that they provide classic seaside holidays but you can also have a day trip there as well.

Butlins pull out all the stops and you’ll find a day ticket will include unlimited rides in their traditional fairground, access to their brand new SkyPark (opening Summer 2024) and admission to their huge Splash Waterworld. You’ll discover brilliant daytime shows, indoor soft play areas, outdoor play areas and arcades, plus, meet your favourite resort characters and have a photo with them.

Will you take on the challenge of their epic climbing towers or give the water flumes and rapids a go?

Historical And Heritage Places To Visit In Somerset

Where: 4 Abbey Churchyard, Bath, BA1 1LY

One of the top historical and heritage sites in Somerset (and indeed the UK) is the Roman Baths. The stone remains of one of the finest religious spas of the ancient world, is a popular tourist attraction and is situated right in the centre of the city.

Step back in time and discover 2000 years of history! Included in the price is an audio guide, and one that is designed especially for children, so every member of the family can learn about the Roman’s, the history of the Roman Baths and bring it to life! You may also meet a Roman character while you are there who will talk about life in Roman times. Younger children will also  enjoy following one of the two  activity trails around the site.

As you walk round, you will see the Great Bath which is the magnificent centrepiece of the complex with its steaming waters surrounded by pillars. The Sacred Spring at the very heart of the site brings naturally hot water (at a temperature of 46°C) here every day and has been doing so for thousands of years.

Afterwards, you can explore Bath Abbey which is right next door, take a tour and climb the tower for the best views of the city below. Then, walk around the city of Bath – which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its cultural significance.

Bath Abbey

Where: Cathedral Green, Wells, BA5 2UE

In the beautiful medieval city of Wells you’ll find the magnificent Wells Cathedral, with the Bishop’s Palace next door. You can’t really appreciate the cathedral’s sheer size until you’re standing in front of the impressive West Front looking up at its ornate facade.

Go inside the 850 year old building for a free guided tour or leisurely wander around admiring the spectacular stained glass windows and scissor arches. If you’re lucky it’ll be choir practice which sounds beautiful as you’re exploring the cathedral interior.

The City of Wells is compact enough to walk around in a day, and there are plenty of historical sites to visit here.

Wells Cathedral - Somerset Family Adventures

Where: The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, BA5 2PD

The Bishop’s Palace is situated next to the cathedral in the centre of Wells. The 13th Century Medieval Palace offers an insight into the city’s history as you step back in time. You’ll explore the palace, Bishop’s private chapel, and 14 acres of stunning RHS partner gardens, with well pools, formal gardens and the Dragon’s Lair Play Area.

Kids will love walking around the moat and over the drawbridge to go inside. The famous swans still ring a bell at the side of the drawbridge when they are hungry, a tradition dating back to 1870s when the Bishop’s daughter taught them to do so. 

The Bishop's Palace moat

There are seasonal family events throughout the year including Christmas Illuminations and Easter Holiday Trail.

Where: Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL

If you love history, myths and legends then Glastonbury has it by the boat load! Spend the day with the family soaking up the atmosphere of one of Britain’s quirkiest towns, full of medieval and ancient historical sites.

Glastonbury Abbey is located right in the centre of town and is one of the earliest Christian sites in England. By the 16th Century it was the richest and most powerful monastery in England, until 1539 when King Henry VIII became the head of the Church of England and suppression of the monasteries began. Glastonbury’s mythic power also peaked at this time when it was claimed that Joseph of Arimathea (one of Jesus’ Disciples) was the Abbey’s first founder. Legend says that Joseph brought the chalice from the last supper here.

Glastonbury Abbey is also linked to Arthurian myth – legend says it’s the final resting place of King Arthur and Queen Guineviere.

Glastonbury Abbey hosts many events throughout the year including open air plays, walks craft workshops and the annual Night at the Abbey and Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza.

Glastonbury Abbey

Where: Glastonbury, Somerset

No trip to Glastonbury can be made without visiting Glastonbury Tor, for not only one of the best views over Somerset but the opportunity to visit one of the most spiritual and iconic sites in the country.

Explore the remains of the 14th Century St Michael’s tower which sits on top of Glastonbury Tor. The 15-20 minute climb to the top is definitely worth the effort.

Visit Glastonbury Tor, Somerset
Glastonbury Tor

Where: Frithfield Lane, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5FQ

Would you visit the world’s oldest prison? Shepton Mallet prison is 400 years old and housed its first inmates in 1625. It has a long and dark history of executions, burials beneath the prison, primitive conditions in the early days, and hard labour introduced in the Victorian era; you can still see the old Treadwheel building in the prison from that period. 

During WW2, Shepton Mallet Prison became a military prison housing US servicemen and a Top-Secret store for the National Archives. This included such priceless items as the Magna Carta and Domesday Book.

After the war Shepton Mallet prison was home to the infamous London Gangsters, Ronnie and Reggie Kray.

Shepton Mallet Prison is said to be the most haunted jail in the world and these days you can book one of the ghost tours, if you dare!

Other activities you can book include an escape room experience (all ages) and a night behind bars (adults only). 

Shepton Mallet Prison

The Beach, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 7QU

Clevedon Pier and Beach

Clevedon Pier is the only Grade 1 listed pier in the country and officially opened on Easter Monday in 1869. It was described by Sir John Betjeman, as “the most beautiful pier in England” and you can see why. You can imagine the Victorians walking along the pier, catching the paddle steamers along the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary to Devon and over to Wales. You can still catch The Waverley Paddle Steamer from Clevedon Pier for day trips every summer to South Somerset, North Devon, South Wales, the Holm Islands and Lundy Island.

Clevedon beach is a lovely place to sit and enjoy an ice cream or fish and chips as the sun sets behind the pier on a warm summers evening. Kids can paddle in the water or go crabbing off the slipway – there’s always lots of families enjoying this beach.

Further along the seafront at Clevedon, you’ll find Marine Lake, the largest salt water infinity pool in the world. It’s used all year round by wild swimmers, paddle boarders and kayakers. 

The Salthouse Fields is ideal for families, with a skate park, bouncy castle (summer months) and great play park. The fair arrives at The Salthouse Fields every May Half Term. 

There are three nice pubs along the seafront, all with outdoor seating and views over the Bristol Channel.

Where: Dunster, nr Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6NY

Explore 1,000 years of history at Dunster castle, discover the historic watermill, tea rooms and gardens, then check out the Medieval village of Dunster – just a short walk from the castle. There is no shortage of history and heritage as you stroll around the cobbled streets and discover one of the best preserved medieval villages in England.

Sitting on the edge of Exmoor National Park and overlooking the Bristol Channel from the top of the hill, Dunster Castle is a great family day out in Somerset. Dating back to Norman times, Dunster Castle has an impressive medieval gatehouse and ruined tower giving a reminder of its turbulent history. Inside the castle, you’ll find rare leather wall hangings and a haunted bedroom once used by King Charles II. Explore the subtropical terraced gardens and riverside gardens which take you to the old watermill, tearooms and Medieval Gallox Bridge.

There are seasonal family events throughout the year at Dunster Castle including themed trails during the school holidays. Look out for the Dunster Country Fair (July) and Dunster Show (August) held on the castle lawns every summer.

Dunster Castle
Sub tropical Gardens at Dunster Castle

Where: Bishop’s Lydeard, Taunton TA4 3RU

What could be more fun than a nostalgic ride back in time through the lovely Somerset countryside under the power of steam. The 20 mile trip along the West Somerset Railway makes it the longest heritage railway line in Britain linking Bishop’s Lydeard near Taunton with Minehead. The route has ten restored stations in total including Dunster, Blue Anchor and Watchet.

Experience a scenic steam train tour, from the Quantock Hills to the Bristol Channel coast, which takes about an hour and a half. You can enjoy a bite to eat on board, otherwise, most of the stations have a cafe on the platform and with a Rover ticket you can hop on and off.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Where: Cranmore Railway Station, Cranmore, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 4QP

The East Somerset Railway is a heritage steam railway near Shepton Mallet. The line was originally opened in 1858 and ran from Witham to Shepton Mallet. Later, it was extended to Wells where it joined The Strawberry Line and continued through to Yatton. The mainline finally closed for business in July 1964 and ten years later reopened to the public as a Heritage Steam Railway providing a fantastic tourist attraction for the area.

 
 
 
 
 
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Where to go in Somerset for the best views

Where: Brean, Somerset, TA8 2RS

Brean Down is a peninsular jutting out into The Bristol Channel located a few miles South of Weston super Mare. Enjoy a lovely 3-mile walk, to Somerset’s greatest natural pier. There are with magnificent views across the Bristol Channel to Wales, Steep Holm Island and over the Somerset Levels. Every May the north side is carpeted with bluebells. This great family walk has several points of interest with an old Palmerston Fort to explore. This Fort dates back to the 1860’s as a defense against a possible Napoleonic invasion.

It was later rearmed during the Second World War and used for experimental weapons testing.

The fort is now a ruin, but you can still wander around the buildings and imagine what it must have been like living and working on the down. You can still see the machine gun emplacements to this day.

Archaeological remains show that Brean Down used to be a site of a Roman Temple and an Iron Age Hillfort.

The huge sandy beach will be a hit with the kids so bring a bucket and spade!

Brean Down is free to walk around. Pay and display NT car park next to the beach. 

Brean Down and Brean Beach
Palmerston Fort at Brean Down

Where: The Cliffs, Cheddar, Somerset, BS27 3QE

Cheddar Gorge is the highest inland gorge in Britain and one of the UK’s most spectacular natural landmarks. Drive or walk through the gorge and admire the view from the cliff top walk. Cheddar Gorge is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with plenty of wildlife, including Peregrine Falcons, Kestrels and Buzzards. You can climb the North or South side of the gorge, the views from either side is breathtaking over Cheddar Reservoir, the Somerset Levels and as far as Wales.

Cheddar Gorge road
Cheddar Gorge walk

Where: Burrowbridge, Somerset, TA7 0RB

Burrow Mump is an isolated hill that rises above the flat landscape of the Somerset Levels. “Mump” means hill in old English. Burrow Mump is often referred to as the Mini Glastonbury Tor, which you can also see from its summit. The 360 degree views from the top of Burrow Mump reach from the River Parrett at its foot, to the Mendip Hills and to the coast on a clear day.

The Medieval church of St Michael, was built on the top of Burrow Mump in the 15th century. The current church ruins and land were donated to the National Trust as a war memorial.

The views from the top of Burrow Mump reach far over the Somerset Levels. 

READ MORE: Burrow Mump Walk

Burrow Mump

Ebbor Gorge Nature Reserve

Where: Deerleap, Wookey Hole, Wells, BA5 1AY

View from Ebbor Gorge

Ebbor Gorge is a limestone Gorge known locally as the mini Cheddar Gorge. Ebbor Gorge is located in the Mendips, just 3 miles from the City of Wells and is one of Somerset’s hidden gems. It’s designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the ecology of the area and a great place to spot wildlife. It’s a special place to walk with woodland, caves, and a stream to explore. The discovery of bones, flint arrow heads and tools shows the site was inhabited by humans in the Neolithic era. There are a couple of walking trails and free parking.

Crook Peak

Webbington Road, Axbridge, BS26

Crook Peak, also known as the ‘Sleeping Giant’s Nose’, is set in the scenic Mendip Hills and has magnificent views over the Somerset Levels.

Park in a layby on Webbington Road or Barton Road and follow one of the marked footpaths up to the top. For a longer walking route, park at King’s Wood and walk via Cross Plain. Pack a picnic to eat at the summit while you enjoy the splendid views!

View from Crook Peak

Stately Homes and Country Estates in Somerset

Where: Hadspen, nr. Bruton, Somerset, BA7 7NG

The Newt in Somerset is a working country estate with stunning gardens, acres of farmland, enchanting woodland and traditional cyder orchards.

 
 
 
 
 
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Stay at the Newt in Somerset

Recently voted the World’s Best Boutique Hotel in 2023, you can book a stay and get away from it all, deep in the Somerset countryside. This 17th century boutique hotel offers sanctuary and luxury surrounded by nature.

Become a Newt Member

With an annual membership you will have unlimited entry to explore the stunning grounds which are open to the public. Meander along a treetop walkway, snaking 40ft above the forest floor, explore their subterranean grotto, discover the Beezantium nestled in the woodland, housing wild bee colonies in observation hives. Kids will also love exploring the grounds with a wooden playground, wild ponds containing Great Crested Newts and the Parabola – a walled garden concealing an apple tree maze. There’s something to discover around every corner of the estate.

Eat at the Newt in Somerset

There are plenty of eateries onsite including their garden-to-table seasonal dining experience at The Botanical Rooms where you can book a table for lunch or dinner. Or you can visit the garden cafe, Farmyard Kitchen and thatched Gelateria. The Cyder Bar is also open for light lunches, snacks from the Bakery, and of course, cyder.

Events at the Newt in Somerset

There are seasonal events and workshops throughout the year, from forest school holiday clubs to cyder tasting workshops and autumn wreath making.

If you want to take home some of their goodies, a visit to the farm shop is a must. Selling Somerset specialities and estate breads, meats, cheeses, preserves and cyders. Or, you can find the perfect gift in the House and Garden Shop.

Where: Wraxall, North Somerset, BS48 1PA

Tyntesfield is a Gothic Revival masterpiece, richly decorated and furnished with extensive garden, surrounded by 540 acres of stunning parkland. There’s so much to explore and is home to three play areas for different age groups, as well as a den building village in the woodland. 

The gardens at Tyntesfield have barely changed since 1900 and ranges from open lawns and formal terraces, to a historic Orangery and working Kitchen Garden.

You’ll find seasonal family events in the school holidays all year round; including one of the best pumpkin displays in the area, kids craft and themed trails. Christmas at Tyntesfield is our favourite time of year when they pull out all the stops and celebrate in traditional Victorian style. Think, traditional horse and carriage rides to the house to visit Father Christmas, and staff in full Victorian costume.

Tyntesfield
Tyntesfield Walled Garden

You can stop in one of the cafes for drinks, delicious food and local ice cream. Otherwise, you can pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens.

Where: Montacute, Somerset, TA15 6XP

Set in the beautiful village of Montacute, this magnificent home is a showpiece of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture and design. Inside the house, discover a 15th Century Tournai tapestry which is the earliest tapestry in the care of the National Trust, beautiful furniture and portrait collections.

Outside, let the children run and explore the parkland and one of the few remaining Elizabethan compartmentalised gardens. From the impressive ‘wibbly wobbly’ hedges by the Cedar Lawn, to the tropical interior of the Orangery, each area offers something different for you to explore and enjoy. There are lots of great picnic spots here too.

If you’re heading to Montacute in late spring, you must explore Ladies Walk to admire the carpets of bluebells which dominate the woodland.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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You’ll find family-friendly seasonal events all year round to keep the kids entertained. During the school holidays you’ll find activities such as Christmas Trails, Easter Trails and May Half Term fun.

Where: Chard, Somerset, TA20 4LU

Forde Abbey is a former monastery dating back to the early 12th century. It was converted into a palatial family home during the mid 17th century and set within thirty acres of gardens. Forde Abbey is well known for its seasonal flowering displays of snowdrops, crocuses and tulips in its award-winning gardens.

The kids will love the highest powered fountain in the country – you may even get sprayed by the 160 foot jet! There’s a bog garden, mermaid pool and arboretum to explore too.

There are seasonal events throughout the year for families including pumpkin rolling, an Easter Trail and concerts on the lawns.

The Abbey coffee shop is a lovely place to stop for a drink and a piece of cake!

Where: Cheddon Fitzpaine, Somerset, TA2 8LG

Hestercombe House and Gardens sits in the Quantock Hills just outside Taunton. The house is open to the public as an art gallery exhibiting the best contemporary art.

The gardens are the main attraction and have been lovingly restored to their former glory after years of neglect. You can experience the 50-acres of quintessential Somerset gardens spanning three centuries of garden design. The Georgian Landscape Garden (designed 1750s), the Victorian Shrubbery and the Edwardian Formal Gardens (early 1900s) all combine their contrasting styles.

 
 
 
 
 
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Discover enchanting woodland walks, temples, terraces, pergolas, tranquil lakes, water features and a great cascade. You’ll come across a beautifully restored 17th century watermill, Bat Room and Octagon Summerhouse in the grounds.

Kids will love the waterfall, open space, play areas and wildlife. There is a wildlife spotting sheet you can pick up and garden trails in the school holidays.

There are seasonal family events throughout the year including Illuminate – the Christmas light display, Easter and Halloween Trails. Plus, craft workshops and outdoor theatre shows in the summer.

You’ll find a couple of great eateries onsite including The Stables Cafe where you can enjoy lunch and afternoon tea. Or, Caffè + Gelato which sells the best ice cream!

Where: Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, Somerset, BA2 5AH

Prior Park is an 18th-century landscape garden in Bath owned by the National Trust. It’s famous for having one of only four Palladian bridges in the world. Created in the 1700s by Ralph Allen, this Magical landscape garden has winding paths, hidden features and stunning views over the city.

In the last couple of years, Prior Park Landscape Garden has undergone major restoration on its historic dams. Now back to their former glory, the lakes are refilled, paths re-instated and cascades working again after being lost.

During school holidays there are activities in the garden for families. Check out their May Half Term and October Half Term Trails. For the caffeine needy, check out the Tea Shed which is open for refreshments each weekend and on selected days during the school holidays.

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Disclaimer: Whilst we endeavour to provide accurate information, please always check the details with the venue before you leave in case there are any changes or closures. If you have any more suggestions for family-friendly days out in Somerset, we’d love to hear from you!

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