If you’re looking for unforgettable things to do in Somerset, you’re in the right place. Characterised by rolling hills, sparsely populated plateaus, limestone cliffs and rich local heritage, Somerset is a relaxed, welcoming and authentic adventure playground for all ages. When you take time to explore this wild and wonderful county, you’re sure to find something that sparks your curiosity!
To help with your trip planning, we’ve put together this guide of must-do experiences that showcase the very best of this slice of the South West.
Outdoor Adventure Activities To Do in Somerset
Blessed with coastlines, gentle rivers, rolling hills and rugged cliffs, Somerset is an outdoor adventurer’s dream. From caves to paddleboarding, the great outdoors delivers diverse thrills for all ages and energy levels.
Pick Your Playground
Mendip Activity Centre, Churchill: A one-stop adventure hub offering taster sessions for rock climbing, kayaking, archery, caving and more in the Mendip Hills.
SUP Bristol, Bristol: Paddleboarding on Bristol Harbour is a unique way to see the city, with expert tuition and equipment hire included.
Court Farm Country Park, Banwell: Perfect for families, this working farm near Weston-super-Mare features animal encounters, tractor rides and seasonal activities.
Cheddar Gorge Caves, Cheddar: Explore dramatic caverns formed over a million years ago and brave the clifftop walk for an incredible view.
Wookey Hole Caves, Wookey: See magnificent show caves, a vintage arcade, fairy garden and dinosaur valley in one of Somerset’s most unique attractions.
Adventure and History
The Mendip Hills are famous around the world for their network of cave systems threading through the hills, some expanded by mining work as long ago as the Neolithic Age and into modern times. If you venture underground, look out for impressive calcite formations, fossils, witches’ marks and other ancient clues to Somerset’s history.
Walking and Cycling Things To Do in Somerset
Connect with nature and absorb the scenery of Somerset on foot or two wheels. Extensive coastlines, wide-open levels and evocative leafy combes mean you can experience a new landscape each day of your holiday. And best of all – this wild playground is completely free!
Walking and Cycling Routes to Explore
Chew Valley Lake: Bring binoculars and a bird watching guide and see how many birds you can spot at this avian hotspot while following the footpath round the lake.
Ebbor Gorge: A quieter alternative to Cheddar Gorge, with woodland trails, wildlife and spectacular rock formations.
The Strawberry Line: A scenic, mostly flat path open to walkers and cyclists, running from Yatton to Cheddar, ideal for families and casual outings.
The Pier to Pier Way: This route connects Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon via quiet lanes and paths with coastal views.
South West Coast Path: Explore the coastal stretch around Minehead and Exmoor for dramatic clifftop scenery.
Brean Down: A walk to the headland opens up panoramic views across the Bristol Channel – and even Wales on a clear day!
Bicycle Hire and Route Planning in Somerset
If there isn’t room to pack the bikes, there are companies offering bicycle rentals around the Mendip Hills. Strawberry Cycles offers children’s and adults’ bikes, as well as adaptive bicycles, and it’s conveniently located near the Strawberry Line. For route planning, check out Ride Mendips and the Sustrans cycling and walking network. Other useful route-planning apps include Komoot, AllTrails and OS Maps.
History and Culture Things To Do in Somerset
Discover Somerset’s rich tapestry of heritage at sites across the county. Explore prehistoric stone circles, grand Victorian estates and the long history of Somerset through the centuries. Many of these destinations can be tied in with local walks and urban exploration.
Dive Into Local Heritage
Wells Cathedral, Wells: An awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral in England’s smallest city, complete with astronomical clock, medieval scissor arches and a chained library.
The Roman Baths, Bath: One of the UK’s most famous historic sites, where you can explore ancient Roman temples, baths and a museum of artefacts discovered during archaeological excavations.
Tyntesfield, Bristol: A spectacular Victorian Gothic Revival house and gardens managed by the National Trust, with walking trails and a cafe onsite.
Stanton Drew Stone Circle, Stanton Drew: A less-crowded alternative to Stonehenge, you can walk right up to these Neolithic stone circles and absorb the ancient history.
Museum of Prehistory, Cheddar: A compact but fascinating museum showcasing the life of Cheddar Man and other Stone Age discoveries from the Gorge.
Local History Explained
There are several small local museums scattered about the county that give wonderful insights into the history and culture of Somerset. Some to look out for include the Weston Museum, King John’s Hunting Lodge in Axbridge and the Radstock Museum.
Foodie Things To Do in Somerset
Delicious food goes hand-in-hand with holiday adventures, and we’re very fortunate that traditional farming and agriculture are woven into the fabric of Somerset life. Restaurants and pubs make use of fantastic seasonal produce and meat, and the whole county is brimming with well-stocked farm shops – not to mention the iconic apple cider!
Make sure to add some foodie stops to your list of things to do while on holiday in Somerset, and take the opportunity to pick up local produce and sample unique regional delicacies before your next adventure.
Taste the West Country
Yeo Valley Organic Garden, Blagdon: Stroll through a beautifully designed garden and pick up a slice of cake and other sweet treats from the eco-cafe.
Farmers’ Markets: Taking place each month, farmers’ markets in Axbridge, Nailsea, Frome and beyond offer everything from fresh-baked bread, Cheddar-grown strawberries and traditional cheeses to handmade crafts and street food.
Brent House Farm Shop, Edingworth: A fantastic stop for fresh produce, local meats and ready-to-eat meals, located just off the A38.
Rich’s Cider Farm Shop, Highbridge: Sample Somerset’s famous cider and take home bottles from this family-run cider maker.
The Boathouse, Uphill: Located near the beach, enjoy relaxed dining with views across the River Axe estuary
The Old Inn, Hutton: Only a few minutes walk from Walnut Barn Estate, the Old Inn is a comfortable country pub serving meals prepared with local, seasonal ingredients.
The Railway Inn, Sandford: Home of Thatcher’s Cider, this stylish yet relaxed pub offers local ales, great food, and their own cider.
Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company, Cheddar: It’s the only place you will find cheddar cheese actually made in Cheddar! Sample their varieties and stock up on your favourites to take home.
How It’s Made
Some producers also offer tours of their facilities, so you can find out about the process and appreciate the work that goes into maintaining food and agriculture traditions. Both Thatcher’s Cider and the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company offer tours, and you can usually sample some of their products too!
Ready to Explore Somerset?
This is just a small sample of what you can discover. Check out our full list of things to do, and make use of websites like Visit Weston-super-Mare, Visit Bristol and Visit Bath to discover more attractions and unique one-off events happening in this area.
From fossil caves to farm shops, things to do in Somerset are as varied as they are inspiring. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a longer stay, this corner of England promises natural beauty, adventure, heritage and flavours you won’t forget! So, pack your boots and your appetite and fall in love with Somerset one adventure at a time.
Where to Stay in Somerset
Walnut Barn Estate offers luxury holiday cottages and glamping, perfect for couples, families and large groups. Enjoy well-appointed luxury features in a cosy package, the ideal place to come back to at the end of a day of exploration.