The school holidays can be a very long few weeks when you don't have any activities planned with the kids. Camps are great at keeping little ones entertained while you're at work, but for mums who stay at home or for working mums who take a few days off to spend with their kids, what can they do?
Well, if you happen to be from the Somerset area or have plans to head there for a few days, you're in luck. Following a public engagement campaign involving hundreds of suggestions from people across the country, local tourism bosses have unveiled the definitive list of 50 lesser-known attractions of Somerset and Exmoor, which include a plethora of activities for families.
To help you plan your summer, we have the top 10 things to do in Somerset over the next few months:
1. Somerset Space Walk
The Bridgwater and Taunton Canal makes for a great day out for the whole family, with an array of sights to see along the way. You can visit Maunsel Lock, where there’s a delightful tea room, canal boats and the start of the Somerset Space Walk. This proportionally correct scale model of the Sun and its planets is fun for kids who are fascinated by space, and makes for a great learning experience for all ages. For more information, click here.
2. QR Code Poetry
Pupils of Dunster, Nether Stowey and Porlock schools created poetry inspired by the natural landscape of Somerset. Parents can spark inspiration in their children by taking them on the poetry trail at Conygar Tower using interactive QR codes to discover the secrets hidden along the Coleridge Way. For more information, click here.
3. Explore Hidden Coves at Lee Bay
Visit the secluded Lee Bay for plenty of wildlife and nature on the sandy beaches and rocky coves. Take the buckets and spades for a great beach day out discovering secretive sealife. For those who love exploring, there are hidden coves to discover along the nearby breath-taking Wringcliff and Woody Bays. For more information, click here.
4. King Arthur’s Camelot at Cadbury Castle
Enchant the family with tales of myths and legends at Cadbury Castle, a Bronze and Iron Age hillfort that is a reputed site of King Arthur's Camelot. The hillfort offers sweeping views of central Somerset and a wealth of rich history to explore. Investigate the interesting objects that have been unearthed in South Cadbury, including a decorated Bronze Age shield now housed in the Museum of Somerset. For more information, click here.
5. The Bakelite Museum
The fascinating Bakelite Museum is a unique collection of ordinary and extraordinary objects - from the Swinging Sixties to the Naughty Nineties all housed in an 18th Century Watermill. The Bakelite car and egg-shaped caravan are among the vintage plastic wonders on which to feast your eyes. For more information, click here.
6. Jurassic Coast
For children who love an adventure, why not take them fossil hunting on Somerset’s very own Jurassic coast? It is a treasure trove for fossil fiends. Try to visit on a falling tide and, if possible, after a scouring tide where powerful waves stir up the sand and gravel and new fossil material is freshly uncovered. You can even see an underfloor Plesiosaur at the Museum of Somerset, and search for more fossils at Kilve, East Quantoxhead, St. Audries Bay or Watchet. Some of these bays are also perfect for rock pooling and kite flying. For more information, click here.
7. The Sand Festival
Delight the kids with the weird and wonderful creations at the Weston-super-Mare Sand Festival. One of the best in the country, the festival takes place every spring/summer. The Somerset coast from Weston to Minehead has some wonderful stretches of sand perfect for sculpting and castle building. For more information, click here.
8. The Roxy Cinema
Visit the smallest cinema in Somerset with only 32 seats - a great atmospheric venue to view films, live music and even stand up comedy. The cinema has been going nine years and is thought to be one of the UK's smallest working cinemas. The Roxy hosts special events for parents and babies so everyone can enjoy the atmospheric cinema. For more information, click here.
9. Story walks with Chris Jelly
Chris Jelly’s story walks are digital story trails that encourage you to interact with the natural surroundings. Turn on your GPS settings and head to http://exmoor.storywalks.info/ on your mobile phone or iPad to start the trail. Read out loud to family and friends as the story unfolds. Each new location will be revealed on the website after every chapter, leading you to a secret hidden journal to sign. For more information, click here.
10. Great Wood Volcano Walk
This incredible walk uses tracks and bridleways through Great Wood forest. As well as crossing fields and parkland, you’ll trek over rock from the Quantock’s very own extinct volcano. Through differing levels of the forest canopy, you will see huge tall trees, as well as new growth. This allows for amazing views and vistas that make this walk truly magical. An easy circular walk using tracks and bridleways which are suitable for parents carrying babies or pushchairs. For more information, click here.
