Fun-Filled Family Activities in the Heart of Somerset
Boasting stunning beaches, glorious green spaces, wonderful woodlands, glistening lakes and more, Somerset is bursting full of surprises waiting to be discovered. There’s so much to explore, from wildflower meadows, beach waterfalls, ancient wells, unique carvings, underground reservoirs, and incredible cave networks. Somerset really does have it all!
All these hidden gems, plus well-known tourist attractions such as Glastonbury Festival, Cheddar Gorge & Caves, Wells Cathedral and Exmoor National Park make it the perfect place to visit for a fun-filled family getaway. We’ve put together our top recommendations of family activities to take part in during your sensational Somerset stay with your little ones.
Fantastic Family Days Out at Cheddar Gorge & Caves
Nestled away in the Mendip Hills lies one of the UK’s most spectacular landmarks – Cheddar Gorge. The iconic natural gem is one of Somerset’s three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, as well as being a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Visitors have flocked to Cheddar Gorge for generations to see the awe-inspiring cliffs and extraordinary subterranean stalactite show caves, and to uncover fascinating secrets about our prehistoric ancestors.
Nature, wildlife, history, and adventure all await you at Cheddar Gorge, which lies just a 30-minute drive from The Manor Holcombe. It really is a fantastic family day out to inspire the young and the young at heart.
Explore Ancient Ruins at the Roman Baths
An unforgettable day out for families is a visit to one of the best-preserved Roman remains in the world – the Roman Baths. Constructed in around 70AD as a grand bathing and socialising complex, 1.2 million litres of steaming spring water reaching 46°C still fills the bathing site every single day.
Located in the centre of Bath, just a 30-minute drive from The Manor Holcombe, the site of extensive ruins also features an interactive museum filled with treasures and visual snippets that transport visitors back to Roman times. Walk on ancient pavements as the Romans did 2,000 years ago and explore the chambers which historically housed changing rooms and tepid plunge pools!
If you want to make the most of your family day out in Bath, there are plenty of other fun things to do in the city, such as visiting Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, Royal Victoria Park, or spending an evening seeing a show at Theatre Royal Bath.
Travel Through Time at Haynes Motor Museum
At just under a 40-minute drive from The Manor Holcombe lies Haynes Motor Museum, a must-see attraction for any motor enthusiast. Home to the UK’s largest collection of cars and motorbikes, visitors can get up close and personal with some of the very first cars ever invented. Explore motors from around the world and feed your need for speed with some of the most iconic Formula 1 cars in history.
There are interactive pitstops throughout the museum, where little ones can learn how a car works, paint a Mini, follow a Top Trumps trail, and discover brass rubbings. There’s also Haynes Motorland; an outdoor playground area to fuel the imaginations of mini motorists.
Throughout the year, Haynes Motor Museum hosts special events such as outdoor film screenings and outdoor car displays, so keep an eye on their website to find out what’s coming up!
Caves, Legends, and Adventure Await at Wookey Hole Caves
Uncover the mystery of Wookey Hole: a magical place to discover caves, legends and adventure for adults and children alike. Enjoy an experience that is millions of years in the making, with plenty to do inside and out – from vintage penny arcades to museums, adventure golf, soft play zones, and of course, the breathtakingly beautiful caves for which Wookey Hole is renowned.
Your adventure through the caves will take you through eight underground chambers, each with a unique beauty and story. You’ll also pass the cheese tunnel, which is home to the delicious Wookey Hole Cheese.
Your journey from The Manor Holcombe to Wookey Hole takes you in the direction of Cheddar Gorge, which is just an extra 20-minute drive away. If adventuring through iconic caves is your thing, why not visit both attractions in one day?
Spectacular Landscapes at Stourhead House & Gardens
Somerset boasts a plethora of stunning National Trust properties, and one of our favourites is Stourhead House & Gardens. You’re sure to have a memorable visit to this architectural wonder, with plenty of jaw-dropping sights for the whole family to marvel at.
The world-famous garden boasts a glistening lake at its core, surrounded by sprawling lawns, tall trees, and classical temples such as the Temple of Flora, the Temple of Apollo, and the Pantheon, which was inspired by the Pantheon in Rome. The gardens are surrounded by 2,560 acres of incredible green countryside, with a fantastic array of walking routes through chalk downs, ancient woods, Iron Age hillforts, and farmland. The vast expanse of land is ideal for taking a leisurely stroll or setting down a blanket to soak up the extraordinary sights around you.
This historic beauty, which is just a 30-mintue car journey from The Manor Holcombe, also has a lovely restaurant and take-away kiosk, historic inn, ice cream parlour, and a farm shop – so there’s plenty of places to grab a bite to eat when you get peckish!
Fun-Filled Family Stays at The Manor Holcombe
Situated in the heart of Somerset and surrounded by expansive gardens, The Manor Holcombe is the perfect place for families to return to after an exciting day of adventuring around Somerset. Our large games room boasts a full-sized pool table and smart TV, and in the drawing room guests will find plush chairs to kick back in, a piano to tinkle away on, and a wonderful log burner to keep everyone warm and snug. There’s also a small library in the lounge and a fantastic set of family board games available to play. If you’re looking for something extra special, you can even book our professional storyteller who will create a truly memorable performance for all ages to enjoy.
Book your fantastic family stay at The Manor Holcombe today!