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Family days out in the South West
Looking for something to do with the kids? Discover the best family-friendly places to visit in the South West and enjoy great days out all year round.
Plan your next family adventure and discover special places across the South West, from enchanting castles to a Bear’s Hut and an island filled with wildlife. Let off steam in the thousands of acres of woodland and parkland before finding the perfect picnic spot for a well-earned rest. With buggy friendly routes, children’s menus and nature-inspired trails, there’s lots to keep the family entertained. On rainy days you can retreat inside the magnificent houses and explore the histories of the families that once lived there.
This May half term there are lots of events to enjoy. There are hands-on activities to keep every budding conservatory busy at Lanhydrock, be amazed at the buzz-tastic bee balancing blundershow at Stourhead, become a Ranger for the day at Barrington Court, dress up like a snail at Chedworth Roman Villa, or follow one of the many nature trails to learn more about wildlife that call the places we care for home.
May half term in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds
Get arty at Newark Park
Get creative by using one of the art boxes dotted around the garden, be inspired by the views and create a work of art to take home. Explore the house an follow the animal spotter trail, plus enjoy some classis lawn games.
Roman Snail Trail at Chedworth Roman Villa
Come and learn about the wonders of the snail, study its incredible shell, and play snail-inspired games. Dress up as a snail and challenge your friends and family to some human snail racing. Study ancient recipes, create snail crafts and even help us to name our snails.
Family-friendly places in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds
Gardens, family trails and winding walks await in Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds. Plan your day out for a memorable visit that the whole family will enjoy.
May half term in Bath and Bristol
Animal antics at Dyrham Park
Crawl like a caterpillar, jump like a grasshopper and leap like a frog this May half term at Dyrham Park. Get active around the garden while picking up some fascinating facts about these brilliant creatures.
Craft a colourful bird at Tyntesfield
Inspired by ‘Echoes from the Aviary’; a sound and collage installation filling Tyntesfield’s aviary this spring, have a go at creating your own colourful collaged birds in this free family drop in.
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.
May half term in Wiltshire
Become a climate superhero at Stourhead
Discover ways to protect the planet, learn about what Stourhead does to tackle climate change and enjoy plenty of outdoor games and play. On 2 June there will be the buzz-tastic bee balancing blundershow – a new, educational family-friendly musical designed to inspire young people to engage with environmental action. You'll want to bee there.
Art and photography fun at Lacock
See some of Lacock's collection of analogue cameras up close, make your own mud print and learn more about sustainable photographic techniques. Discover art boxes in the orchard and have a go at capturing nature and sunlight in a cyanotype.
Family-friendly places in Wiltshire
Ancient landscapes, world-famous gardens and outdoor adventures await in Wiltshire. Why not visit somewhere new with the family this spring?
May half term in Dorset
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Get fired up at Corfe Castle
Watch a replica medieval siege machine in action, with the firing of large balls of water towards the castle every day in half-term with a Trebuchet. Enjoy interactive storytelling tours taking you on a journey throughout the castle and hunt the clues on the family quest ‘Rooted in the ruins’.
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Get hands-on at Kingston Lacy
Be inspired by the blooms in the garden and get crafty and create your own paper garlands and crowns. Go bug hunting and discover what creepy-crawlies call Badbury Rings home.
Family-friendly places in Dorset
There's all sorts to do in Dorset with the family, including discovering places to explore in gardens, parks, the countryside and on the beach.
May half term in Somerset
The Great Feast trail at Dunster Castle and Watermill
Step into the past and prepare for a great feast in the 1400s. Follow the trail, complete activities, answer questions and learn what food and festivities were like in the past.
Be a Ranger for the day at Barrington Court
Help build benches for the History Shed, make some stepping logs to go in the Kitchen Garden, or try your hand at making bird feeders and barn owl boxes for our feathered friends.
Family-friendly places in Somerset
There's all sorts for families to do around Somerset, from visiting a natural pier to running across the grass. Start planning your day out for the family to enjoy.
May half term in Devon
Roundheads and Cavaliers at Killerton
Follow this trail to the royalist outpost at Culombjohn. Spot clues along the way and carry out a mission to help your side. On weekdays meet an archaeologist who will help you unearth the secrets of a hidden house with a big story to tell.
Natural Navigation Trail at Castle Drogo
Use nature to help you navigate the fun trail around the Drogo garden, read nature's clue, use the landscape and your wits to guide you along the trail.
Explore the Treelore trail at Buckland Abbey
Enjoy a stroll, stomp or saunter on the yellow walk and learn about folklore, old remedies and hints and tips related to the indigenous trees on the estate.
Nature Pattern Play trail at Saltram
Get your body moving and mind thinking as you learn all about natures patterns. Walk the footpath of a snail spiral or climb through a spider's web and discover just some of the amazing patterns we have in nature. Why not also join us for a free family crafting session? Head to Stable 6 every day during half term (excluding Wednesday) to create your own pattern in nature.
Family-friendly places around Devon and Exmoor
From rock pooling on beautiful beaches to exploring historic houses, there are plenty of places to enjoy a great family day out. .
May half term in Cornwall
Get hands-on at Lanhydrock
Join us for a variety of hands-on activities to keep every budding conservator busy. Linked with the conservation work on Lanhydrock's Long Gallery ceiling, try your hand at a variety of activities from cleaning objects to pattern art.
'How to Make a Story' sessions at Trelissick
Join children's author Naomi jones in the stables at Trelissick for a fun-packed, interactive storytelling sessions and story-making workshop. Wed 29 May, aimed at children aged 2-9.
Family-friendly places around Cornwall
With long stretching beaches, exotic gardens and historic houses in Cornwall, there are lots of places to explore and visit for family fun.
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Family-friendly places to visit
There are lots of things to do when you visit one of our family-friendly places. Find inspiration for days out and discover a range of activities for everyone.