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Three children run across the grass at Tyntesfield, Somerset, with the house in the background
Fun in the grounds at Tyntesfield, Somerset | © National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

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.

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 spring? As the days brighten and the gardens wake up, Dunster Castle is full of seasonal colour and fresh air adventures. Whether you’re wandering among blooming borders, spotting early wildlife, or uncovering fascinating castle stories, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.

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.

Girl enjoying the gardens in Blossom at Tyntesfield, North Somerset.

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.

Visitors on the Wilderness at Prior Park Landscape Garden, Bath, Somerset

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

What's on during the summer holidays in and around Somerset?

Planning ahead for the school summer holidays? Unleash your energy with the National Trust’s Summer of Play supported by Pokémon.

Pokémon joins Summer of Play at Tyntesfield 

Play on repeat this summer at Tyntesfield where there’s no end to the fun. We’ll be celebrating Summer of Play with games, activities and outdoor fun for the whole family. Ready to unleash your energy? On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play, discover the Pokémon zone where you’ll find a series of challenges to flex your skills and take part in mega games.

A cartoon of two children playing outside. One is juggling balls and the other is holding a pencil.

Summer of Play at Dunster Castle 

Play your way this summer holiday at Dunster Castle. Get active outdoors with games, activities and fun for the whole family. Bring a picnic and relax with some cloud-gazing on the lawn, or head to the café for some well-earned refreshment.

A family group playing giant snakes and ladders on the Green Court in front of Dunster Castle

Summer of Play at Lytes Cary Manor 

Make Lytes Cary Manor your destination for a playful summer - there's so much to do one day won't be enough. Pick up a family fun backpack stuffed full of activities, ride a hobby horse or challenge your friends to a game of croquet. There are puzzles to solve, colouring to be done and a giant spider to discover in the woodland. Tick off at least 10 of the 50 things to do before you are 11 3/4, have a game of croquet, and don't forget an ice cream.

Family running and playing wheelbarrows in the garden, Lytes Cary Manor, Somerset

Summer of Play at Dyrham Park 

Calling Pokémon fans new and old! Get active outdoors on our Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trail. Team up as a family to search the parkland for each Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers and complete your own challenges. Are you ready for a mega adventure?

A brightly coloured graphic split into four quadrants. The largest, righthand quadrant has a bright green background and an image of a male child in a red waterproof jacket is grinning at the camera. Each other quadrant contains a Pokémon from the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Series.

Pokémon joins Kingston Lacy's Summer of Play 

Discover a summer jam-packed with fun in the Kitchen Garden as Pokémon joins Kingston Lacy's Summer of Play. Play with giant building blocks, put on a show at the puppet theatre, race on bouncy strawberries or join one of our daily pop-up events. Discover all-new Pokémon zones. Get stuck into the Pokémon Trading Card Game, flex your skills, and collect Mega Evolution stickers!

A cartoon of two children playing outside. One is juggling balls and the other is holding a pencil.

Summer of Play supported by Pokémon at Stourhead 

Summer of Play is back! 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. Plus, we've teamed up with Pokémon, so get ready to unleash your energy! On top of an already jam-packed Summer of Play, discover all-new Pokémon zones. Get stuck into the Pokémon trading, take part in mega games, flex your skills and collect stickers!

Adult and child jumping together on a pink background with the words “Unleash your Energy"

Summer of Play at Prior Park 

Summer of Play returns to Prior Park with more fun outdoor activities for the children to discover. Lawn games available in the Cabinet near the top of the garden, and by the Tea Cabin at the bottom of the garden. Find the play library by the Tea Cabin, perfect to pop in for a refreshing drink while your little ones explore the games on offer. Don't forget to use our bug spotting sheets next to the Summerhouse.

A family visiting the Serpentine Lake at Prior Park, Bath

Find more things to do this summer near you

Find more places with Pokémon activities 

Calling Pokémon fans new and old! Get outdoors with our Pokémon Trading Card Game Mega Evolution Trails. Complete the trails to find Mega Evolution Pokémon, discover their powers and complete fun challenges.

A brightly coloured graphic split into four quadrants. The largest, righthand quadrant has a bright green background and an image of a male child in a red waterproof jacket is grinning at the camera. Each other quadrant contains a Pokémon from the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Series.

See all places with Summer of Play 

Make the most of the school holidays with the National Trust Summer of Play. We're welcoming families of every shape and size to slow down, reconnect and enjoy time together outside. Held in historic gardens across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Summer of Play offers games, activities and trails to keep young and old entertained.

Kids enjoying Summer of Play activities at Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

Outdoor entertainment in Somerset 

Find family-friendly outdoor theatre, cinema and music performances across Somerset this summer.

Performers from Immersion Theatre presenting Peter Pan on the stage outdoors

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.