10 of The Best Free Days Out In Somerset

10 of The Best Free Days Out In Somerset

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Somerset is a beautiful county with so much to offer – If you’re struggling for something do this weekend take a look at my list of 10 free days out in Somerset.

10 of The Best Free Days Out In Somerset

Somerset is a beautiful county. Whether you’re visiting family, here for a holiday or a local looking for new adventures this list recommends some of the best free days out in Somerset.

Disclaimer: Some of these locations may require payment for parking. 

1.Victoria Park, Bath

While Bath is an already beautiful and romantic UK city due to its stunning architecture, Victoria Park offers something for the whole family. From Ice skating in the winter to tennis and crazy golf in the summer there really is something to appeal to old and young alike.

Keep the children busy in the main park area which includes play equipment designed for all ages as well as a skate park for those who want to be a little more adventurous. This is genuinely one of our favourite free things to do in Somerset as a family.

2. Ramscombe

Nestled in the Quantock Hills, Ramscombe is one of my absolute favourite days out in Somerset. Surrounded by trees there is a large grassy area perfect for family games, a stream for paddling and building dams and brick-built BBQs so Dad can get cooking.

Stream with a blue rope swing hanging over it

It feels like a woodland haven and is only around 20 minutes drive from the nearest large town. There are also several hiking trails that you can follow. Last time we visited there were wild horses wandering around!

You can find their related Facebook page here

10 Of The Best Free Days Out In Somerset - Picnic area with two wild horses grazing in the sunshine

3. The Museum of Somerset, Taunton

The Museum of Somerset is located in the 12th-century Great hall of Taunton Castle and is one of our favourite things to do in Somerset. Entry is free although donations are appreciated if you are able to.

Full of awesome exhibits detailing the geological history of Somerset through the ages as well as more recent history such as the evolution of the Somerset Light Infantry it offers a fantastic insight into how the country has developed over the centuries.

There is also plenty to keep children occupied with child-friendly activities and dressing-up stations and special events during school holidays.

4. Vivary Park, Taunton

Another of the best free places to visit in Somerset is in the County Town of Taunton. Vivary Park is a beautifully landscaped park which offers plenty to explore including a sensory garden, fountains, a stream with lots of ducks and two different children’s play areas.

There are large open spaces which are perfect for enjoying football and other recreational sports, There are also picnic tables and wooden shelters in case of showers.

Green area with trees and flower beds

If you’re looking for a few extra activities and don’t mind spending a little there is also a mini-golf course and activity centre which has two high ropes adventure courses with different difficulties.

The park also hosts various events during the year including the annual flower show and music concerts.

5. Cheddar Gorge

One of the many natural wonders Somerset has to offer, Cheddar Gorge is a must if you are visiting the county, even if you just drive through to admire its winding beauty. There are also caves to be explored (although not free) and of course the famous cheese which is popular the world over.

Cheddar Gorge as seen from above - cliff faces with bushes and a road below

6. Somerset Space Walk – Bridgwater and Taunton Canal

While it may not be feasible to do the entire walk in one go, especially if you have children, spotting a few planets at a time is still great fun.

The Sun is placed at Maunsel lock with two sets of Planets stretching either way towards Bridgwater or Taunton.

The walk is designed to challenge our perceptions of how far apart planets actually are in our Solar System – with one millimetre on the walk equating to 530 kilometres in space. This is one of the favourite things to do in Somerset as the canal actually runs along the back of the house and we often pass both Neptune and Pluto.

A section of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal path covered in autumn leaves

7. Brean Down

Another of our favourite family days out in Somerset is Brean Down, which is owned by the National Trust (Parking is free if you’re an NT member).

While walking up the steep embankment may require some serious stamina the views from the top are totally worth every laboured step (see picture below) Walk the 1.5 miles to the very end of this promontory to discover a dilapidated fort.

Brean down - a rocky outcrop topped with grass as seen from the beach

Great fun for exploring with young children as you can walk around, climb, and look out to sea. There are plenty of animals to be spotted including sheep and rabbits. Dogs are welcome here but keeping them on a lead is essential while on the Down.

View from the top of Brean Down looking onto the sandy expanse of Brean beach

8. Glastonbury Tor

One of the most famous landmarks in Somerset, Glastonbury Tor is still very much a sight to behold. Rising up out of the levels, the views from the top of the surrounding countryside are breathtaking. Try heading up just before sunset for some extra magic.

Glastonbury Tor - The ruined St. Micheals church can be seen along with the path leading up it below a cloudy sky

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9. Kilve Beach

Kilve beach is around halfway between Bridgwater and Minehead in the heart of the Quantock hills. While not your typical sandy beach, the rocky coastline offers the perfect opportunity to take children rock pooling and fossil hunting and the grassy clifftop is perfect for picnics and ball games. One of the best free days out in Somerset.

Fun Fact: This is where part of the Music Video for Bryan Adams (‘Everything I do) I do it for you’ was filmed.

10. Bishops Palace Gardens, Wells.

While Wells is famed for its stunning cathedral you can also take a walk around the Bishops Palace Gardens while visiting too. Entry into the actual Bishops Palace isn’t free, however, there is still plenty of beauty to be admired before the admission-only areas.

There is also a children’s recreation nearby making this a perfect activity for the whole family.

Have I missed anything awesome? What are your favourite free days out in Somerset? Let me know in the comments!

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