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A parent and young child point and look at a display of orange pumpkins in a glasshouse at Tyntesfield
Autumn produce in the glasshouse at Tyntesfield | © National Trust Images/Alana Wright

Family-friendly places in Somerset

There's all sorts for families to do at places around Somerset, from visiting a natural pier to running across the grass. Start planning your day out for the family to enjoy.

What's on during October half term in Somerset

There are plenty of things to keep the family busy this October half term.

Ghost Tours at Dunster Castle 

Step into the shadows and discover the darker side of Dunster Castle. Venture through the castle's most haunted spaces, hearing tales of ghostly sightings and mysterious happenings. Expect chills, thrills and a few scares along the way. Unsuitable for children under 13. Under 18s to be accompanied by an adult

Dunster Castle silhouetted against the night sky. The windows of a tower on the left are illuminated with orange light and there is a bright moon to the left

Lytes Scary Halloween Trail 

Put your wellies on and come on a spooky adventure. Can you crack the riddle? Are you brave enough to take part?

Two children run around in the garden at Lytes Cary Manor

October half term at Prior Park 

Dotted around the garden this October half term at Prior Park will be a variety of spooky sights for children to discover. Can you spot them all?

A family visiting the Serpentine Lake at Prior Park, Bath

Wild Creatures Hide & Seek Spotter Trail at Barrington Court 

Grab your wellies and explore the grounds to find fifteen wild creatures hiding around the estate. How many will you spot?

Visitors in the Orchard on Apple Day at Barrington Court, Somerset

Autumn Animal Safari at Montacute 

Get out in nature this autumn half-term and search for animals hidden around the gardens and grounds of Montacute House

Two small Asian children in coats walking in parkland with tree in background

And just across the border...

The Pikachu Art Adventure at Kingston Lacy 

This autumn, join in the Pikachu Art Adventure and discover 30 new Pikachu TCG artworks hidden around Kingston Lacy. Track down every card, uncover fun facts about Pikachu, explore the wide range of styles that bring Pokémon's most iconic characters to life and reflect on what makes each artwork unique.

Pokémon sticker booklet showing pikachu

Marvellous moths trail at Stourhead 

Help bust myths about marvellous moths! Build a fact file and collect clues along our garden trail this autumn.

A boy in a blue jacket and striped woolly hat plays with red autumnal leaves

Autumn trail: Become a nature detective at Dyrham Park with 'There's No Deer Around Here' 

Escape into autumn with a family trail adventure inspired by the popular children's picture book by Andy Hussey and Rosie Venner. Uncover signs of nature around the 270-acres of parkland and garden at Dyrham Park.

Two children in autumn woodland studying a trail sheet

Top places to visit in Somerset

Discover a natural pier and acres of grass to explore in the fresh air.

Dunster Castle and watermill 

Looking for a fun family day out this autumn? As the leaves turn golden and the landscape is filled with seasonal colour, Dunster Castle is the perfect place for little explorers and grown-ups alike to enjoy the great outdoors. Crunch through fallen leaves, spot signs of wildlife and discover fascinating stories from the castle's past. With plenty of space to play, explore and enjoy the changing season, there's something to keep the whole family entertained.

A group of visitors walking past an archway entrance at Dunster Castle

Barrington Court 

Discover what family activities are available at Barrington Court in Somerset and plan your visit.

A girl looking at a balance bike with a parent holding it up.

Montacute House 

If you’re looking for things to do together, why not head over to Montacute House? There is plenty to keep the whole family happy.

A parent and three children lean over a stone balustrade, pointing at fish in a pond in the formal garden, with Montacute House behind them

Tyntesfield near Bristol 

Looking for fun family activities? Whether the kids are eager for outdoor adventures, ready to splash in new puddles, or if you’re hoping to escape the rain in style, we’ve got plenty of ideas to keep everyone smiling.

A parent and two young children play with sticks and autumn leaves.

Explore the garden at Prior Park 

There are all sorts of architecture and wildlife to be discovered at Prior Park, from bridges to a restored Edwardian summerhouse and kingfishers around the lakes.

Path near the water at Prior Park in Bath, with overhanging branches covered in autumn leaves.

Fyne Court 

Fyne Court is a brilliant place for families to explore. Find out more about the activities you can enjoy together.

Family exploring Fyne Court

Holnicote Estate 

Holnicote Estate has something for everyone, from its wild moorland and shingle beaches to ancient woodland and charming villages. Plus, keep an eye out for its resident red deer.

Two walkers standing next to a rock formation at Dunkery Beacon on the Holnicote Estate

Bath Assembly Rooms 

Find out what's on offer at the Bath Assembly Rooms for families.

Children and adults watching a performance

Just over the border in Wiltshire

A family day out at Stourhead 

Find out the family-friendly things to do at Stourhead, from events in the garden to exploring the house.

Family exploring the garden at Stourhead, Wiltshire

Ideas for rainy days

Top ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do when it’s raining 

We've compiled a selection of items from the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ list that are perfect for rainy days, so grab your waterproofs and get involved.

Boy jumping in a puddle. The boy is wearing a woolly hat and wellies

Rainy days at Montacute House 

You are never away from shelter at Montacute House - you can visit the ground floor of the house or explore one of the garden buidings.

Two children crouch under umbrellas from the rain in a green wooded area. The rain is slightly misty and out of focus in front of them

Family-friendly beaches and coast in Somerset

Discover pebble beaches and expansive sandy stretches for families

Bossington 

Bossington is a charming seaside hamlet with thatched cottages. Old lime kilns and Second World War defences line the pebble beach, which is a great place to spot coastal birds.

Somerset

Sweeping view of Bossington and Porlock

Sand Point and Middle Hope 

With its ample birdlife and 13th-century priory, the Sand Point and Middle Hope coastline is one of the most interesting in North Somerset.

A view down towards Middle Hope beach in autumn
A stone mansion with the sun beginning to set behind it and light catching in the large windows

Discover more in Somerset

From Tudor houses and hidden gardens to tors, gorges and natural piers, see what Somerset has to offer.