Visitors walking on the main drive at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire — Visitors walking on the main drive at Dyrham Park | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Family-friendly places near Bath and Bristol

Discover the best places to explore as a family in Bath and Bristol this season. Plan your days out for a memorable visit that the whole family will enjoy.

Ready for a fun-filled summer? Take part in Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank, and create memories with the whole family. However you choose to play, your adventure starts today.

Dyrham Park

Come to Dyrham Park this summer for art sessions, nature explorer trails and play activities running through the school summer holidays from July 23 to Sep 2., 10am - 5pm

Children playing with a ball on the lawn at Tyntesfield, Somerset, with a woman and pushchair behind.

Get ready to travel the globe - no passport needed. This summer at Tyntesfield, we’re inviting families to travel Around the World in 80 Plays - a playful journey across continents, packed with fun, movement, and imagination for all ages. 10.30am - 4pm, from 19 July to 31 August

Newark Park

Experience a summer party in the garden running through the school holidays. Why not have an ice cream at the Tea pavilion and have a go at the lawn games? Or find a shady spot for a picnic in the garden and create your own musical performance? 10:00 - 16:30, from 22 July to 31 August

A family having a picnic by the lake at Prior Park. Somerset

Prior Park Landscape Garden

Summer of Play returns to Prior Park with more fun outdoor activities for the children to discover. Perfect to pop in for a refreshing drink while your little ones explore the lawn games. 10am-5pm, from 23 July to 2 September

Stourhead

Join us throughout July and August for endless fun at the Stableyard and the Summer of Play Meadow. Scramble up the mighty straw castle, aim for gold at the archery range, or race through the meadow maze to find the hidden camp. 10am - 4pm from 5 July to 2 September

Lacock

Follow the paths through the summer grass and let your imaginations run wild at Lacock Abbey. Den-building, craft-making, barefoot walking, mud pie-baking, match-winning and make-believing: how will you play this summer holiday? 10am - 5pm, from 19 July to 31 August

Avebury

This summer at Avebury, there will be lots of free activities for families to get involved in. Pick up your free summer map at visitor reception to learn more and discover a wide range of different playful experiences awaiting you. 10am - 5pm, from 19 July to 31 August

Discover all the best places to explore with your family for a great day out.

Two adults and a child walk down a path towards the house at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire

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Dyrham Park

Find out what’s on for families this season at Dyrham Park and see what's happening for Summer of Play through the school holidays.

Visitors walking in the garden in August at Tyntesfield, Somerset

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Tyntesfield

Looking for fun family activities to do? Whether you're after outdoor games for the kids or just a relaxing picnic in nature, we've got plenty for you to enjoy.

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Lacock

Seasonal blooms, activity trails, medieval architecture and photographic discovery: have a fun-filled adventure at Lacock Abbey. Watch the gardens put on a summer show, discover the nature and wildlife of the season and have a day of play in the parkland during the summer holidays. Explore the abbey rooms and discover the window with a unique link to the invention of photography, find out more in the Fox Talbot Museum and feel inspired by the latest exhibition.

A child climbs the rope bridge to reach play fort at Newark Park, Gloucestershire

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Newark Park

There's plenty for families to enjoy throughout the seasons at Newark Park.

Two adults and two children make their way through the gate at Avebury, Wiltshire

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Avebury

With plenty of space, fresh air and history all around, Avebury is a perfect place to bring the family, whatever the time of year.

Family exploring the garden at Stourhead, Wiltshire

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Stourhead

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

Two children in coats and wellies walk along the path with umbrellas up towards East Riddlesden Hall, Yorkshire

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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.

Two adults and a child peek up into a chimney above a stove inside the house at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire

There's lots to do even on a drizzly day at Dyrham Park

Get togged up and explore the parkland, sheltering in the Old Lodge cafe if needed, or embrace an entirely indoor day out as the house and exhibition are filled with interactive opportunities for all ages.

Two visitors and volunteer looking at a map at Tyntesfield, Somerset

Fun whatever the weather at Tyntesfield

Inevitable rainy days needn't put you off a day trip to Tyntesfield, just outside of Bristol. Downpours can be dodged in the house, orangery and walled garden, there's an undercover play area at Home Farm (conveniently placed for a stop in the Cow Barn Cafe) and the second hand bookshop has a great selection of children's books if you're looking for wet weather entertainment to take home.