5 fantastic family days out in Somerset

There are some fantastic family days out in Somerset that should not to be missed! The county has a variety of attractions including mysterious caves, historic castles, activity centres and places to visit for animal lovers. See our list below for some of the best days out in Somerset - an ideal location for a fun and interesting family holiday.

1. Cheddar Caves and Gorge

The Cheddar Caves and Gorge are a must see for a great family day out and ideal for a rainy day. You can take a tour deep inside the caves to see a colourful labyrinth of stalactites and breath-taking views enhanced by effective lighting. You can also see Cheddar Man, Britain’s oldest known human skeleton. During Halloween the caves offer tours which tell spooky stories in the dark as well as other fun activities for the family. The caves are open every day except Christmas and you can book your tickets online to save 15%. Nearby you can also discover the village of Cheddar and its interesting history of cheese making.

2. Dunster Castle

Dunster Castle is located in the Somerset village of Dunster at the top of a steep hill. The castle itself is open from March to October but the gardens are open all year round. The castle has been around since the Norman times and has a wonderful medieval gatehouse and ruined tower giving visitors a reminder of the castle’s turbulent past. Once a regional stronghold, the castle became a cosy family home in the 19th Century. Inside you can explore the grand rooms and browse the interesting collections of artefacts including wall hangings, silver and furniture. Every weekend in November the castle showcases its ‘Illuminated Gardens’ where you can wander the pathways after dark and feel the magic of the wonderfully lit up trees. There are fun activities for kids including quizzes and a Ghostbuster’s trail. A family ticket is around £22.

3. Wookey Hole

The Wookey Hole Caves located 2 miles from the city of Wells in Somerset are a fabulous series of limestone caves. Evidence found in the caves suggests that they have been used by humans since the Stone Age. You are guided through the caves by excellent tour guides who will tell you the story of how the Wookey Witch, believed to have caused all the wrong doing in the nearby village, was turned to stone by the Abbot of Glastonbury sent to exorcise her. You can see her petrified remains in a cavern known as ‘The Witch’s Kitchen’. The caves are the main attraction here but with your ticket you can see many other things at Wookey Hole such as the circus show many other exciting events suitable for kids. Open all year round, adult tickets are £18 and children are £12. It makes sense to book online to save 20% and to avoid disappointment as the attraction gets very busy.

4. SeaQuarium

SeaQuarium in Weston-Super-Mare is situated on its own pier on the seafront and is home to a great collection of animals species spread across 8 different ‘zones’. The 30 exhibits showcase eels, puffer fish, sharks, sting rays and many more. Wander through the Tropical Sea Zone and see piranha in the Rainforest River zone. Don’t miss the hands-on ‘touch pool’ where kids can interact with some of small sea creatures, watch feeds and listen to talks given by friendly staff. The attraction has a great café on site serving a good selection of food. Tickets cost £7.99 for adults and £5.99 for kids.

For even more animal fun in Somerset try a visit the Exmoor Falconry and Animal Park in Minehead to see some fantastic bird displays and enjoy a pony trek or Alpaca Walk.

5. Somerset Adventures

For those of you who love bit of a thrill then look no further than Somerset Adventures. There are excellent activities on offer such as kayaking, caving, Coasteering, rafting and many more to really get the adrenaline pumping! Located in Taunton, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy and prices vary depending on the activity you choose. The centre makes a great day out, rain or shine. For those who perhaps want to take things a little slower, there are also some excellent bush craft and navigation courses on offer where you can learn some useful outdoor skills.

Somerset offers something for everyone whether you are looking for fun and wild activities, gentle walks around stately castles, exploring deep, dark underground caves or just looking to see some wildlife! With great places for camping, a trip to Somerset makes an ideal holiday.