Top 10 Family-Friendly Days Out in Somerset
Looking for inspiration on where to spend an epic family day out in Somerset? Then check out my top 10 recommendations for family friendly events and locations right on your doorstep. Whether it’s getting some fresh air in the great outdoors, exploring your creative side in a cosy cafe, or enjoying some friendly competition on the race track, there’s something for everyone!
Keep reading to discover more…
1. Fleet Air Arm Museum – Yeovilton
Visit the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton this summer with your family and see one of the largest collections of historical aircraft in Britain – including helicopters, fixed wing aircraft and even the first British Concorde. View the dramatic Aircraft Carrier Experience where you’ll see a real life air-sea rescue, take a peek at a real working flight deck, and get up close and personal with a vast array of aircraft.
This all-weather venue boasts a family friendly cafe, indoor soft play, outdoor play area and picnic areas for a full day out experience.
Location
Access the museum by car just off the A303 at Yeovilton or via rail and public transport through Yeovil Pen Mill, Yeovil Junction or Castle Cary stations.
Entry Prices
(Save when booking online in advance)
Adults – £22
Children – £16 (Children under 3 go free)
Family tickets available from £46
https://www.nmrn.org.uk/visit-us/fleet-air-arm-museum
2. GreenBank Outdoor Heated Pool
Located just a stone’s throw from Clarks Village Shopping Centre, this beautiful outdoor swimming pool is a popular summer hang-out for families looking to spend a fun-filled day together. With the main pool heated to a balmy 30℃ and the baby pool at 32℃, everyone can enjoy a refreshing dip, even when the sun’s behind the clouds. The venue also boasts a water play park, along with grass and shady areas perfect for picnicking and sunbathing.
An on-site shop sells armbands, goggles, swim nappies and sun cream, plus a range of hot and cold beverages, confectionery and ice-creams. Alternatively, you can also order from a list of authorised outdoor food outlets and get your meals delivered directly to the front gate.
Location and Parking
Greenbank Pool is situated just off of the main High Street in Street Village, with a small 22-bay pay-and-display car park in front on Wilfred Road. There is however ample parking throughout Street, with the furthest just an 8-minute walk away.
Entry Prices
Adults – £8.00
Children aged 7-18 – £6.50
Children aged 2-7 – £6.00 (Children under 2 go free)
3. Farrington’s Farm
What can’t you do at Farrington’s might be the easier question! This 400-acre working farm first opened its doors to visitors in 1991 with the addition of a Farm Shop, and from there they’ve added a Cafe, Bakery, Deli, Fish n’ Chip Shop, Outdoor Play Park and Soft Play Barn.
In the summer, Farrington’s hosts a range of festivals for families including Kids Fest and Car Meets, and they even offer family-friendly glamping in their new Nine Yards Bell Tents (50% off entry to the Playbarn during your stay). There really is something for the entire family here!
Location and Parking
Located just off the A362, Farrington’s Farm is roughly a 40-minute drive south of Bristol City centre and is easily accessible from the A37. The site has plenty of free on-site parking, with spaces allocated for disabled access.
Entry Prices for the Playbarn
Under 1s – Free
Age 12 – 23 months – £3.95
Age 2 years and older £6.95
https://www.farringtons.co.uk/
4. Haynes Motor Museum and Go-Karting
Looking for some action this summer? Haynes Motor Museum is a great venue for an action-packed family day out in Somerset. This motor car mecca isn’t just for petrol heads. In fact, Haynes Motorland is an exciting outdoor playground, with go-karting, an interactive garage complete with air and water depot, and a fully immersive Construction Zone. This means parents can enjoy the museum’s many exhibits, while their children play, explore and enjoy themselves safely.
The museum also regularly hosts events like the ‘British Motor Show’ and ‘Big Kids Toys Week’, where you can see super-sized Scalextric and watch some of the museum’s incredible motors come to life as they take a lap around the paddock.
Location and Parking
On the outskirts of sleepy Sparkford, the Motor Museum is just a short drive from Yeovil, easily accessible from the A303. It provides plenty of on-site parking and aims to make all exhibitions wheelchair and pushchair friendly.
Entry Prices
Save 10% when booking online in advance
Adults – £22.80
Children – £12.95 (Children under 4 go free)
5. Yeovil Railway Centre
If you have a Thomas the Tank Engine fan in your house, then you can’t miss the Yeovil Railway Centre! It’s a brilliant way to see some real life steam locomotives in action. With a regular variety of events, rides and viewings, this attraction really tries to cater to enthusiasts and families alike. Take a ride on one of the steam or diesel trains, visit the model and miniature railway, check out one of the exhibits, or explore the shop and cafe.
Visit their website to see special theme days including Pirate Day, Steam (Punk) Day and Comic Con, and find out which days you can expect to see special guests like Garwynn’s Reptiles and Bugs and even Percy Pig!
Location and Parking
The Yeovil Railway Centre site is actually part of Yeovil Junction Station, just a few miles from Yeovil Town Centre (entrance to the site is through the low bridge to the right of the Yeovil Junction entry road). Free on-site parking is available.
Entry Prices
Adults – £12.50
Children – £6.00 (Children under 5 go free)
http://www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com/
6. The Kiln Cafe
If you and your family love all things creative, then I highly recommend a visit to The Kiln Cafe in Langport. While away an hour or two painting your very own pottery pieces in this beautiful venue. With a wide and regularly updated range of pieces to choose from, you’ll never be stuck for inspiration.
Unlike many Paint-Your-Own-Pottery venues, The Kiln Cafe has dedicated spaces for families and doesn’t charge a session fee, just the price of your chosen item. With no hidden costs, you simply choose your bisque, order a tasty milkshake, cake or coffee and let those creative juices flow.
Location and Parking
Located in the Old Bank building on Bow Street, the cafe sits right in the heart of Langport. The main village carpark, Parrett Close, is situated just behind the cafe and is an easy walking distance for little ones.
Entry Prices
90 mins Family Pottery Painting Session – Free
Pottery items range from £10 – £50 (includes paints, materials, glazing and firing)
7. Blackmarsh Farm & Maize Maze
You’ll find wonderful Blackmarsh Farm on the Somerset/Dorset border, nestled amongst the green pastures of their working dairy farm. There you’ll discover not only a cafe and shop selling top quality local food and fare, but also a fabulous outdoor play area. This isn’t just any play area however – it’s the outdoor lover’s dream play area complete with multiple climbing frames, playhouses, sandpits, trampoline and go-kart track!
And, as if that wasn’t enough, in the summer this location also plays host to a 3 acre maize maze where families can puzzle their way through the labyrinth, working together to solve the clues and reach their destination. It’s a-maze-ing!
Location and Parking
On the outskirts of Sherborne, the farm is easy to locate just off the A30 past the Coldharbour Roundabout. There’s on-site parking but it can get busy during peak times.
Entry Prices
Orchard Play Area – £5 per child
Maze Admission – £7 per person
https://barleymowsfarmshop.co.uk/
8. Wookey Hole Caves
Whether you’re a Somerset local, or a summer visitor, the name Wookey Hole is synonymous with family fun time. And it’s easy to see why when you read the endless list of activities they provide to keep little and big kids entertained.
Outdoor lovers can explore the caves, play a round of mini-golf or even take a tour of the Enchanted Valley and Dinosaur Grove. If the weather isn’t great, or you just prefer the indoor activities, don’t fear as there’s plenty of fun family activities indoors too. You can visit the Wookey Hole Museum to learn more about the caves, take in a show at the Wookey Hole Circus or 4D Cinema, or check out the vintage arcade in The Mill.
Location and Parking
Situated just 2 miles north of Wells, the Wookey Holes Caves are really easy to find by simply following the brown signs from the main routes around the city centre. As a well-established venue, they provide customers with ample parking which is free to Wookey Hole visitors.
Entry Prices
Adults – £12.95
Children – £18.45 Children under 3 go free)
9. American Museum and Gardens
The American Museum and Gardens, opened in 1961, is a showcase of American decorative arts and culture. Although this might not be a gripping topic for the under 10s, this location certainly has a lot to offer families. With an impressive outdoor play area created by the Green Play Project, a range of fun-filled learning events including craft activities and child exhibits, plus outdoor theatre in the summer, there are plenty of reasons to check what’s on.
They also offer excellent facilities, including an American Garden Deli, with tonnes of kid-friendly food options, outdoor picnic areas and a multitude of pushchair friendly pathways.
Location and Parking
The American Museum and Gardens is situated just a few miles east of Bath. To find it, follow the A36, head to Claverton Hill and follow signs to the museum. There’s plenty of parking on-site, with disabled spaces available.
Entry Prices
Adults – £16.50
Children – £9.50 (Children under 5 go free)
10. The Glastonbury Treasure Hunt Trail
Looking for a great way to explore Somerset and keep the kids entertained? Why not try Glastonbury’s Treasure Hunt Trail? It’s a self-guided trail that takes you around the top locations and historical sites in the town. Download the guide, complete the circular loop trail of around 2.5km and solve the clues to be in with a chance of winning the monthly £100 prize.
Location and Accessibility
The route takes place around the features and monuments of Glastonbury town and also includes a walk up the famous Glastonbury Tor. For this reason, creators recommend this trail for ages 6 and above. Pay-and-display parking is available in Glastonbury town centre and the town is accessible by public transport.
Entry Price
Download the Treasure Hunt Trail Guide for £9.99
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