Looking for ideas about things to do with kids in Somerset? Somerset is certainly a county famed for its beautiful countryside, but what do you do when ominous rainclouds loom over those gently rolling hills?! Kids never seem to mind getting wet, but if a walk is out of the question and a farm trip seems unlikely, take a look at our list of things to do in Somerset when it rains. Somerset is the gateway to the West Country – a county of rolling hills, strawberry farms, apple orchards and sandy beaches. Most importantly, this icon of idyllic rural life invites visitors to slow down, reconnect with nature and spend quality time together as a family. Enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
We’ve done the hard work for you, and researched the top things to do with kids in Somerset:
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
1. Wookey Hole Caves
These series of limestone caves make for a fascinating family day out. That is to say, it is one of Somerset’s most popular tourist attractions. Your kids will love for example, exploring the spectacular underground caves, compete with huge stalagmites and deep lakes.
Aside from exploring the ancient caves and tunnels, there are also an array of family friendly attractions included in your ticket price. These include a fairy garden, animatronic dinosaur valley, mirror maze and pirate island adventure golf. You really could spend the whole day here!
Opening Hours: Opening hours vary in term time and school holidays, check the website for up to date details.
2. Fleet Air Arm Museum
Discover Europe’s largest collection of Royal Navy aircraft at Fleet Air Arm Museum. An award winning naval aviation museum in Yeovilton. Above all, admire a wide array of impressive aircraft in the four exhibition halls, including the first British Concorde. After that, learn all about their history, with lots of immersive activities to keep the kids engaged. If the weather brightens up, there is an outdoor play area for the little ones.
BabyBreaks tip: Book online and save 20% on your entry price.
Opening Hours: Open daily 10am – 5:30pm (summer). From November to March the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except during school holidays.
3. Brean Play
One of the South-West’s most highly rated play centres, Brean Play receives great reviews on Trip Advisor. And the venue was awarded the coveted Certificate of Excellence 2019. For the kids there are three distinct areas for varying ages – babies, toddlers and children up to the age of 11. So everyone is kept safe and happy.
For the parents there is free wifi, Starbucks Coffee and a range of fresh food. Brean Play is definitely an activity to do with your kids once in your lifetime.
Opening Hours: Open daily, 9:30am – 5:30pm
4. Dunster Castle Express
Combine a trip on a vintage steam train with a visit to a magnificent castle on this unique family day out. Hop aboard the West Somerset Railway and admire the beautiful Somerset countryside from the windows as you chug peacefully towards Dunster.
There you will disembark to explore the amazing Dunster Castle – a National Trust site with dramatic views over Exmoor and the Bristol Channel.
After wandering around its ornate rooms and sub-tropical gardens, board the steam train for a leisurely ride back to Bishops Lydeard. The kids are bound to love this winning combo!
5. Roman Baths
These perfectly preserved Roman Baths are a ‘must visit’ for any tourist in Somerset. And a great choice for a rainy day as it’s mostly undercover. Travel back in history 2,000 years as you wander around the iconic site, and even taste the waters famed for their healing properties. There is plenty to keep children entertained including a free children’s audioguide. They will also find costumed characters to immerse them in Roman life. And finally, enrol in school holiday workshops like ‘Togas and Tunics’ and ‘Marvellous Mosaics’.
Opening Hours: Open daily 9am – 5pm
6. Cheddar Gorge
This spectacular limestone gorge is one of Somerset’s most iconic attractions, and one of Britain’s most important natural landmarks. Explore it’s awe inspiring cliffs and subterranean caves, where Cheddar cheese was traditionally matured. Certainly, a great spot for active families who love the outdoors. Therefore, you can enjoy a 3 mile walk around the gorge, admiring some incredible views. On a clear day, elevated 900ft above sea-level, you can see for miles out across the Mendip Hills.
Cheddar Gorge is private land, but if you have a Cheddar Gorge and Caves Explorer ticket, you are welcome to explore the 360 acre Nature Reserve.
Address: Cheddar Gorge and Caves, The Cliffs, Cheddar, BS27 3QF
Opening Times: Open daily 10am- 5pm
7. Wells City
Wells is one of the smallest city’s in the UK, so it’s perfect for little legs to explore. There’s a thriving market, an impressive cathedral, a moated palace, and numerous independent shops and cafes to explore.
8. River Parrett Trail
The River Parrett Trail is wonderful walking route that can be enjoyed by all abilities. The entire route covers 50 miles but you can break it up into smaller sections – check the website below for suggested routes. This mostly flat riverside trail is perfect for families, who can meanwhile admire quaint cottages, medieval churches and the gentle rolling hills of Somerset. The River Parrett Trail also passes by Ham Hill – the site of one of Europe’s largest Iron Age hill forts.
9. Weston-super-Mare
A visit to this iconic traditional seaside town is certainly a must if you are in the area. The kids will love the sandy beach and Victorian pier, lined with amusement arcades, ice cream shops and cafes. Many parents may have visited this much-loved British seaside spot in their own childhood, so it’s a wonderful place to relive those fond memories!
10. Puxton Park
Set within 40 acres of rolling Somerset countryside, this family-run amusement park has loads to keep little one enetrtained – there are animals to meet at the farm, an outdoor adventure park with high ropes course, a boating lake, indoor play barn, falconry centre and more!
Ride a pedal powered tractor, watch an ‘owl encounter’ show, then cool off in the bumper boats. Refuel after all that activity with an ice cream made using milk from the park’s own dairy herd.
Address: Cowslip Lane, Hewish. BS24 6AH
Opening hours: Open daily 9am – 5:30pm.
11. The Museum of Somerset
Located in the city of Taunton, the Museum of Somerset is set inside Taunton Castle and explores 400 millions years of history spread in different galleries. The Somerset Military Museum cannot be missed either which explores the different regiments in place in the region of Somerset. The venue organises different workshops during the year including some suitable for toddlers.
Address: Castle Lodge, Castle Grn, Taunton TA1 4AA
12. Cheddar Crazy Golf
If you are looking for a fun thing to do in Somerset with the kids, Cheddar Crazy Golf is a great option to suit everyone. So why not challenging each others and play a round of 18 holes at the Cheddar Crazy Golf for some fun and laughter. This attraction is great on a sunny day and visitors appreciate the natural setting on this mini golf (no plastic or fake ornaments that you can find in other mini golfs).
Address: 7 Queens Row, The Cliffs, Cheddar BS27 3QE
13. Coates English Willow Visitor Centre
It’s great to see places like Coates English Willow Centre where you can appreciate old craft such as willow baskets made by hand. You can find a museum that explains how you grow willows and what you do with it. There is also a shop where you can buy hand made baskets or birds feeders. Finally, there is an interesting trail to do with the children on a sunny day. This attraction has been much praised by families recently. Not to be missed!
Address: Meare Green Court, Stoke Road, Stoke St Gregory, Mare Green, Taunton TA3 6HY
14. Apex Leisure & Wildlife Park
Situated close to Highbridge, Apex Leisure & Wildlife Park is a great family day out to do in Somerset, especially on a sunny day. There is a lot of wildlife arounds lakes and you can take your children to a large playground full of activities such as zip wires, swings or sandpits. There is even a skating park if you have your gear with you. Last but not least, the car park nearby is free of charge so no excuses not to go out and let the kids go wild.
Address: Marine Dr, Burnham-on-Sea TA8 3YY
15. The Helicopter Museum
Surely, this museum will be a popular one among those children who are fascinated with flying objects such as the helicopter. There are over 100 exhibits under a massive hangar so you can easily pay a visit to the Helicopter Museum on a rainy day. Check out their website to see which days are cockpit days so you can sit inside the helicopter and enjoy the excitement of your kids.
Address: Locking Moor Rd, Weston-super-Mare BS24 8PP
In conclusion, Somerset is a great destination for a family weekend away, with plenty of cultural attractions, fresh air and open spaces to explore.
The post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. More info: Disclosure.
