Days out in Somerset can mean tranquil walks amongst nature, long afternoons learning about history and culture, or fun-filled days at open air pools. We’ve compiled this list of Somerset attractions to inspire parents who might be visiting children at Sidcot School and want to know where to go to make some memories and do something different. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the school year to visit children and enjoy some wonderful family days out in Somerset, and with so many options you’ll find something that every member of the family can get excited by. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, sports fan, or simply love being active, you’ll find Somerset days out that spark curiosity and encourage you to live life to the full.
Read on for a rundown of some of the best days out in Somerset that our pupils and their families have tried and tested.
1. Cheddar Gorge
It wouldn’t be a comprehensive list of family days out in Somerset without mentioning Cheddar Gorge. Cheddar Gorge is classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It offers incredible views, action-packed activities, and natural wonders to explore. Alongside the jaw dropping cliff views, you can visit the stalactite show caves, go caving and rock climbing, and scale Jacob’s ladder to see the full scale of the Mendip Hills from on high. There’s also a museum to learn about the prehistory of Cheddar Gorge, and a cafe to enjoy refreshments after a busy day. Cheddar Gorge is one of the most famous Somerset attractions and for good reason.
You can visit Cheddar Gorge for free if you want to enjoy a walk and soak up the stunning surroundings. Other activities may require a ticket - book yours in advance on the Cheddar Gorge website.
2. Glastonbury Abbey
Somerset days out don’t get much more tranquil than a trip to Glastonbury Abbey. With 36 acres to explore, featuring ponds, orchards, and gardens, Glastonbury Abbey is a beautiful day out that combines history, horticulture, and legend. The rich ancestry is perfect for children to expand on their studies and learn more about historical events and artefacts.
Wander around the grounds and gardens, discover the ruins of The Great Church, and learn about the history of the Abbey in the museum. There are events throughout the year too, so you can time any family days out in Somerset to coincide with workshops, reenactments, and Shakespearian productions.
There is a charge for admission to the Abbey, but each paying adult can take two children free of charge, and you can book ahead if you want to organise your trip to Somerset in advance.
3. Beach Days
Days out in Somerset have got to include at least one beach. Somerset is known for its vast beaches and there’s a great choice no matter what your ideal beach day looks like. Weston Super Mare Beach is the all-singing all dancing option with a buzzing pier, quintessential donkey rides and a promenade packed with classic seaside shops. The naturally occurring beach boasts golden sands that stretch for two miles so you can enjoy a long stroll in the sand or go paddling by the shore.
For Somerset days out that are a little bit more tranquil, you’ll find Uphill Beach at the very end of the Weston Super Mare Beach. Uphill Beach is lined with sand dunes and has a slightly rugged landscape, making it much more naturally scenic than nearby Weston with an air of calm for a relaxed beach day.
Brean Beach is a seven mile long beach loved by water sports enthusiasts and dog walkers. There are several interesting archaeological sites at Brean Beach too, including the remains of a Roman Temple. If you’re looking for outdoor days out in Somerset where you can take time out but also enjoy activities and education then Brean Beach is a great choice.
4. Lock And Code Escape Rooms
Being locked in a room with your family might not be the first thing that springs to mind when
looking for Somerset attractions, but Lock and Code Escape Rooms really is a lot of fun for the whole family. Children of any age can join in, although it's probably better for those over 12 who can really immerse themselves in the clues and understand what’s going on. The aim is to escape the room before the time runs out. If you’re visiting children for a day or an afternoon then finding time together where you really have to work as a team is a great bonding experience, which is precisely why it just had to be included on our list of enriching family days out in Somerset.
5. Wells Cathedral
Located in the town of Wells, Wells Cathedral is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful and significant cathedrals in the country. As well as being a place of worship and historical importance, the Cathedral is an architectural wonder with huge cultural significance. You can enjoy family days out in Somerset that satisfy a thirst for stunning surroundings and exquisite craftsmanship by visiting Wells Cathedral and simply walking around. For a more immersive experience, book one of the many events or concerts that run throughout the year.
6. Go Back In Time In Bath
Bath, in North East Somerset, is still lined with cobbled streets and beautiful terraced houses dating back to the 1700s. Bath is proud to celebrate its rich history, which is why you’ll find some fascinating and inspiring days out here.
The Roman Baths has long been one of the most popular attractions near Somerset. The Roman Baths was an important meeting spot for the Romans and was originally constructed in the 1st century AD. Visitors can see the hot springs where the thermal water emerges from the ground at a temperature of about 46° and is rich in minerals. The Great Bath is the main focus of the attraction and is lined with lead sheets with stone steps leading down into the water. Families can take Sunrise tours around the baths or book one of the other regularly scheduled events.
Not far from the Romans Bath, you’ll happen upon The Museum of Bath At Work. The quaint museum is a celebration of the industrial history of Bath and features reconstructed workshops just as they would have been in the 1800s and 1900s. There are events and lectures to attend throughout the year so you can find out more about the origins of Bath’s workforce, and supplement any school lessons with extra insights and knowledge.
There is a small charge for admission to the museum, but you can access free membership for a year when you choose to add Gift Aid to your admission fee.
7. Clevedon Marine Lake
Another choice when looking for free days out in Somerset, Clevedon Marine Lake is a picturesque coastal attraction loved by locals and tourists alike. Clevedon Marine Lake is a tidal pool, which means that it is filled with seawater from the Bristol Channel. The water level in the lake fluctuates with the tides and there is 15,000m2 of safe water, making it a unique and pleasant swimming experience.
There are various water sports on offer, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and model boating. The lake's shallow edges also provide a safe area for young children to play and splash around. There are green spaces and picnic areas too and the lake is surrounded by a promenade, where you can stroll along and enjoy the sea air.
8. Mendip Activity Centre
Mendip Activity Centre is an action packed hub of outdoor and indoor activities based in the Mendip Hills. There are over 250 acres of sprawling countryside, explaining just why the centre is a premier choice for adventurous days out in Somerset. Choose from climbing and abseiling, caving and bushcraft, or a whole range of watersports. You can also ski or snowboard or take part in orienteering or bush craft. The varied activities are perfect for family bonding or to supplement extra curricular activities that children enjoy whilst at school. If you want to make a weekend of it then Mendip base camp is an off grid camping experience that is just a short walk to all of the action at Mendip Activity Centre.
9. Bustling Bristol
On family days out in Somerset, it’s more than worth the short journey over to Bristol. Located just outside of North Somerset, Bristol has a multitude of things to see and do including museums, shopping, restaurants and outdoor activities all within walking distance of one another. Take a tour around Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to see all kinds of art, nature and history, and stop by M Shed for exhibitions and events related to Bristol past and present. Visit the SS Great Britain to see what was once the largest passenger ship in the world and maybe take a boat tour around the harbourside, particularly lovely on a sunny day.
If you want to take time out to relax as a family and catch up on school news and events, Cabot Circus is home to well known and independent eateries where you can enjoy a meal together. Cabot Circus is also filled with popular shops so you can stock up on new school essentials or treat yourself and your loved ones. There are always events and entertainment to enjoy in Bristol throughout the year so even if you’re just passing through you’ll find buskers or street artists to pass the time.
Family Days Out And Sidcot School
Sidcot School is around 30 minutes to an hour away from nearly all of these top Somerset attractions, so it’s easy for pupils and their families to get together, enjoy family days out in Somerset, and discover new and exciting ways to live adventurously.
The surrounding towns and cities offer even more things to do in beautiful North Somerset, and our school itself is located on the edge of the pretty village of Widscombe, surrounded by lush fields and breathtaking views.
If you’re interested in independent schools in Somerset, please request a prospectus to find out more about Sidcot School, contact us with any questions, or book a tour to see Sidcot life as it happens.