6 fun and completely free Somerset days out

If you think that having a superb day out in Somerset involves spending lots of money, think again. We’ve chosen 6 Somerset days out that can be enjoyed for free by younger and older visitors alike.

Perhaps you love learning about history or meeting delightful animals. Maybe you’re keen on coastal landscapes and lazy days by the beach or alternatively you might be eager to get your walking boots on and explore stunning interior landscapes. Well you can do all of this in Somerset without having to splash the cash, read on to find out how…

1. Be wowed by a natural wonder

Cheddar Gorge is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Mendip Hills. The gorge started to form about a million years ago and today it is the biggest gorge in Britain, offering a beautiful location for outdoor activities such as walking, rock climbing and cycling. The gorge is also home to an array of wildlife such as Peregrine falcons, goats, soay sheep, Greater and Lesser Horseshoe bats and dormice.

2. Meet a rare and charming breed up close

It’s hard not to be charmed by Exmoor ponies. A visit to the wonderful Exmoor Pony Centre situated at Ashwick within the Exmoor National Park is an ideal place to see these delightful creatures up close. The centre is the headquarters for a charity that looks after and promotes this rare breed of pony and visitors can visit the centre for free to meet the ponies in person.

3. Have a blast at the beach

Seekers of sea and sand can enjoy plenty of both during a visit to the coastal town of Burnham-on-Sea which offers a selection of sandy beaches. Kids will have lots of fun paddling and building sandcastles and adults can enjoy long beach strolls or a dip in the water too. You can also see the famous nine-legged lighthouse.

4. Take a trip back in time to a museum

Boost your general knowledge for free while marvelling at the diverse collections within the Museum of Somerset located in Taunton Castle. One of the must-see attractions is the Frome Hoard which is the biggest collection of Roman coins to be found in Britain in one container. There are many other great objects to see at this excellent museum which visitors of all ages will love exploring at their leisure.

5. Get out and about in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The Quantock Hills are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that will captivate anyone who loves exploring the outdoors. A variety of different landscapes can be found within this region, from Jurassic coastline to woodland, heathland and farmland and there are many walking routes that are ideal for exploring this stunning area on foot. Those who would like to sightsee on two wheels can do so too courtesy of a range of mountain bike trails. You might also spot some of the local wildlife if you are lucky, such as red deer, Exmoor ponies and buzzards.

6. Explore a nature reserve

A visit to the Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve presents a very pleasant way to spend some leisurely hours. This beautiful nature reserve boasts a wide range of flora and insect species, in particular butterflies. There is a tower located at the top of the hill which you can climb to enjoy wonderful panoramic views.

Free and fabulous

Whether you’re looking for a fun and free family day out, somewhere new and exciting to explore with friends or somewhere to spend a relaxing few hours enjoying your leisure time, all of the attractions above are sure to please. These fantastic free days out in Somerset highlight the wonderful historical and natural attractions that Somerset has to offer and are guaranteed to prove that you don’t need to spend a penny in order to have a great day!