The 17 best things to do in Somerset with kids

Often unfairly overlooked in comparison with its popular neighbours, you won’t be short of great things to do in Somerset with kids on a family holiday.

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From caves to the fabulous Cheddar Gorge, sandcastles to sportscars, not to mention history including King Arthur and the Romans, plus all the attractions of lovely Bath, you’ll find days out galore.

Easy to explore if you’re following the Great West Way from London to Bristol, or to combine with a stay in Devon or Dorset, I’ve picked 16 of my top family days out in Somerset to start you off.

Visit Bath

You can’t visit Somerset with kids without at least one day in Bath – well… you could but you’d be missing out!

The Roman Baths are incredibly child-friendly, with a string of different family trails, plenty to bring the history to life and even actors in character as you explore – plus you can try the famed spa waters if you fancy.

But that’s only the start of the city’s attractions, from its links with Jane Austen to museums on fashion, astronomy and America, not to mention art galleries.

Soak up the views from the top of the Abbey tower, refuel with a Bath bun or see if you can grab one of the cafe tables overlooking the water on Pulteney Bridge, one of only a handful of bridges with shops on.

Check out my complete list of things to do in Bath with kids for more inspiration

Wookey Hole

Wookey Hole is home to the largest and most spectacular underground cavern system open to the public in the UK.

Sitting beneath the Mendip Hills, the caves date back millions of years and have been inhabited by humans since Palaeolithic times, almost 50,000 years ago. 

Today, you can explore the caves on a guided tour that’s suitable for the whole family, discovering some of the striking natural structures, learning about the area’s long and fascinating history, and learning about the mysteries surrounding the caves which are still being pondered today.

Along the way, you can learn the history of the Wookey witch as well (visit around Halloween, and you might even spot her too).

Wookey Hole is also home to many other child-friendly attractions. Kids can get up close to giant animatronic dinosaurs in Dinosaur Grove, play a round of pirate adventure golf, get lost in the mirror maze, watch a live circus show, and plenty more.

Cheddar Gorge

Another of the county’s most spectacular natural landmarks and one of the best family days out in Somerset is also to be found in the Mendip Hills; Cheddar Gorge and Caves.

Cheddar Gorge is the UK’s largest limestone gorge and a popular tourist destination. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is home to many great walking routes, plenty of dramatic views, and a large underground cave system. 

Families can enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Gough’s Cave, where Britain’s oldest complete skeleton – the ‘Cheddar Man’ – was found in 1903. Then, nearby, pay a visit to the Museum of Prehistory, where kids can hear stories of our prehistoric ancestors, check out archaeological artefacts, and watch live cave painting demonstrations. 

Don’t miss a visit to the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, where you can watch cheese being made right in front of you and sample delicious locally produced and authentic cheddar cheese.

Museum of Somerset in Taunton Castle

Set inside the 12th-century great hall of Taunton Castle, the Museum of Somerset tells the county’s story from prehistoric times to the present day.

The family-friendly Somerset museum is free to visit and has plenty on display, as well as interactive games, and video projections to help keep kids entertained – ideal for a rainy day in Somerset with kids too.

Keep an eye out for family events and activities during the school holidays, such as self-guided themed trails, educational sessions with museum curators, and unique kid-friendly tours with re-enactors from different eras of history.

The museum also runs Toddler Explorer sessions for kids 1-3 years, with one hour of play and active learning which includes themed arts and crafts, museum objects and storytime.

Wells

Known for being England’s smallest city, historic Wells makes a great base for exploring the surrounding area or for a family day out in Somerset.

You can’t help but marvel at the grandeur of Wells 12th century gothic cathedral (whatever age you are), while kids will enjoy running around the sprawling gardens of the Bishop’s Palace.

Complete the trio of heritage sites in Wells with a visit to the Wells and Mendip Museum. This interesting family friendly museum contains many artefacts discovered in the caves beneath the Mendip Hills and brings to life local stories such as the “Witch of Wookey Hole”.

Tyntesfield National Trust

This Gothic Revival masterpiece is set just outside Bristol, so it’s easy to combine a family day out in Somerset with a trip to the city.

Check out my top things to do in Bristol with kids for more inspiration.

The Victorian manor house is famous for its spectacular chapel, as well as a grand library, and a chance to look around the old servants’ quarters at the National Trust property – but it’s the grounds which make Tyntesfield particularly tempting for kids.

There’s a fantastic woodland adventure play area and a sculpture trail in the woods – which you can walk to from the house ‘via Paradise’ (as the family called the arboretum).

But there are also two other play areas, one at Home Farm, and the Pavilion play area with its stepping stones, balance beams, and other natural play fun, along with the formal gardens with their roses and topiary trees.

Check out our review of a visit to Tyntesfield National Trust with a toddler

Haynes Motor Museum

Even if you’re not a car nut, you’ll appreciate the incredible collection at the Haynes Motor Museum in Sparkford, with replicas and rare models dating back to the earliest automobiles.

As well as checking out rooms full of classic British cars, American models, racing cars and a Ferrari room, there’s even a video which lets you see through an F1 driver’s eyes – an eye-opener in all senses of the word as you speed virtually around a track.

One of the most impressive rooms is the red room, where every car is – you guessed it – red. The idea is that if every car is the same colour, you can really start to appreciate the design, the lines, the styling without being distracted by all the different shades.

There’s also a Top Trumps trail around the museum for kids, plus brass rubbing to try. Tickets get you a year’s admission, and there’s a cafe on site too.

Fleet Air Arm Museum

If your kids love planes, you can’t miss the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton, with over 90 aircraft in its four exhibition halls – not to mention thousands of other artefacts and millions of record.

Europe’s largest naval aviation museum, it’s home to the first British Concorde, and the immersive Aircraft Carrier Experience where you can get a taste of what it’s like to live and work on a working Aircraft Carrier.

Older kids will be fascinated by the story of Barracuda Live: The Big Rebuild, the museum’s attempt to reconstruct a Barracuda DP872 in a project that’s been underway since the 1970s. Currently, there’s no single complete Barracuda aircraft in the world, and the project has seen pieces recovered from wreck sites along the way.

Head to the seaside

With over 40 miles of coastline spanning the Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary, a trip to the coast is one of the best things to do with kids in Somerset, especially when the sun shines.

Weston-Super-Mare

Weston-Super-Mare is perhaps the most popular seaside resort on the Somerset coast, thanks to its famous pleasure pier. The coastal town is also home to a large sandy beach, a long promenade filled with shops and amusements and a 40-metre-tall observation wheel.

Don’t miss the Grand Pier though, which is packed with hours of family fun, from a large indoor theme park to soft play areas and gaming arcades. The old-fashioned wooden pier has plenty of rides and attractions to suit kids of all ages too.

And keep an eye out for the street art of the Weston Wallz festival, guaranteed to brighten up even the greyest day.

Burnham-on-Sea

For somewhere a little more low-key, Burnham-on-Sea is another traditional Victorian seaside town sitting just south of Weston-Super-Mare. 

While somewhat quieter than Weston, the resort town still has everything you need for a fun family day out in Somerset. There’s a golden sand beach, donkey rides, plenty of ice-cream and candyfloss stands, as well as England’s smallest pier.

Other family-friendly seaside resort towns in Somerset:

• ​​Minehead – on the edge of Exmoor, there’s a huge open sandy beach, and the South West Coast Path starts here too, if you’re combining a few family days out in Devon and Somerset.
• Berrow – between Burnham-on-Sea and Brean, this is the second-largest stretch of sand in Europe. The beaches here have won awards and are home to protected sand dunes.

Blue Anchor Bay

If it’s a more relaxing day at the beach with kids that you’re after, Blue Anchor Bay is a great choice. The large sand and shingle Somerset beach is an ideal spot for sunbathing, sandcastle making, splashing around in the water, and even fossil hunting.

When you’re ready for lunch, you can bring a picnic to eat on the beach or head to the small cafe or local pub nearby.

Other family-friendly beaches in Somerset:

• Sand Bay – a couple of miles north of Weston-super-Mare, it’s a world away from the crowds
• Brean Beach – after a day on the sand, you can get some amazing views from Brean Down over the sea and out to the Somerset Levels.

Brean Leisure Park

If you’re looking for fun family activities in Somerset, Brean Leisure Park has everything from a Splash Waterpark, including baby pool and indoor/outdoor splash zones, to a huge indoor play area.

It’s also home to one of only a few Somerset theme parks, with gentle mini coasters and river boat rides as well as some more thrilling rollercoasters and ghost trains – Brean theme park is open from April to November, and you can pay per ride or buy passes.

An easy one to combine with Berrow Beach, there’s plenty of choice to fill a day when you’re looking for things to do in Somerset for kids.

The West Somerset Railway

Train lovers young and old can step on board a historic steam locomotive for a journey on the West Somerset Railway, the longest heritage railway in England. 

The railway runs over 20 miles from the village of Bishops Lydeard, close to Taunton, to Minehead on the coast. There are 10 stops along the route, which takes you alongside the scenic Quantock Hills and Somerset coastline – perfect if you want to get a taste of the countryside without tiring out small legs.

The Rover Ticket gets you unlimited travel for the whole day so you can get off to explore wherever you like; while you’re at Bishops Lydeard Station, do take a peek inside ​​the Gauge Museum.

The small museum tells stories of the railway and the people who worked on and used the line, as well as a working model railway that’s open on weekends or for special events.

Glastonbury Tor

There are a string of legends woven around Glastonbury Tor, the small hill close to Glastonbury Abbey.

Topped by the remains of mediaeval St Michael’s Tower, some believe the tor to be the final resting place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, the location of the Holy Grail, home to a Fairy King, or even the gateway to the Celtic Underworld. 

Discover some of the stories associated with the tor (and its history) to entertain everyone as you walk up to the summit – there’s no charge for the National Trust site if you’re looking for free things to do in Somerset with kids.

Glastonbury Abbey

For many, Glastonbury is most associated with the world-famous music festival that takes place here. But did you know that the town and surrounding area are also known for their many ancient and medieval sites?

Glastonbury Abbey is one of the earliest and most important abbeys in the country, said to be the birthplace of Christianity in England. On a visit to the abbey, you can wander through the ancient ruins and explore its 36 acres of gorgeous parkland.

​​Between March and October each year, Living History tours let you explore the ancient abbey with costumed character guides as well – an entertaining (and informative) way to bring the history and legends of the abbey to life in a way that’s guaranteed to get the kids engaged. 

Somerset Rural Life Museum

Set on the former Glastonbury Abbey Farm, that’s still home to a 14th century barn, the Somerset Rural Life Museum takes you back through the centuries to discover what life was once like in the county.

Focused on Somerset heritage from 1800 onwards, you can see a 1940s dinner table laid in the farmhouse kitchen, discover traditional crafts and wander through the orchard, which preserves some rare varieties of apple.

But there are also regular family activities throughout the year, especially during school holidays, with everything from Easter egg hunts to festival-themed fun.

Forde Abbey

Famous for its beautiful snowdrops – perfect if you’re planning a family day out in Somerset during February – there are 30 acres of award-winning gardens at Forde Abbey, including the Asian woodland, walled garden and bog garden.

There’s also a letterboxing trail for kids to follow as you explore the site, and a willow labyrinth to wander through.

Or head into the house, which preserves some of the original 12th century Cistercian abbey – and has been the location for several films and TV shows.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

You’ll find everything from farm animals to more exotic wildlife, including the famous spectacled bears (Paddington!) at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Wraxhall, just south of Bristol.

There are over 100 species to spot, including giraffes, lions and rhinos, plus you’ll find extra family activities during school holidays.

The 100-acre park has various play areas too, including soft play, along with a gigantic maze to explore between animal spotting.

Avon Valley Adventure Park

If you’re visiting Somerset with younger kids, it’s well worth checking out Avon Valley Adventure Park with its whopping 90 acres of fun – while it’s officially in Bristol, it’s only 20 minutes from Bath, so it’s an easy option to include in a family holiday in Somerset.

As well as a petting zoo and lots of farmyard favourites, there are indoor play areas as well as the outdoor playground, plus the chance to brave the animatronic dinosaurs of Dino Valley and the toddler village for little ones to explore.

Or hop in mini jeeps and on the mini train to explore more, test out the electric quad bikes, ride the carousel, try the climbing wall, play mini golf and a whole lot more.

If you’re visiting the eastern part of Somerset, there are more fabulous animals to be found just across the border in Wiltshire at Longleat

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN SOMERSET WITH KIDS

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Bath/Haynes Museum images copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy of Depositphotos

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