Somerset

2 miles from Crook Peak to Shute Shelve Hill

Crook Peak to Shute Shelve Hill is a National Trust owned Site of Special Scientific Interest providing extensive outdoor natural landscapes including ancient woodland, calcareous grasslands, rare plant species, and important geological features such as caves with prehistoric fossils. Visitors can explore long-distance footpaths, enjoy scenic hill views, and visit historic sites related to early human occupation and model aircraft flying activities.

3 miles from Glastonbury Tor

Glastonbury Tor is a prominent hill in Somerset, England, topped by the roofless tower of St Michael's Church. It features mysterious terraced slopes and is steeped in history, mythology, and spirituality, including links to King Arthur and the island of Avalon. The site is managed by the National Trust and is a notable landmark visible for miles around.

3 miles from Alfred's Tower

Alfred's Tower is a 49-meter high folly tower located in Somerset, England, commemorating King Alfred the Great and historic events from the 9th century. It features a viewing platform accessible by spiral staircase and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The tower is part of the National Trust and stands on the historic Stourhead Estate.

2 miles from Brean Down

Brean Down in Somerset offers a scenic outdoor experience with historic ruins, coastal walks, and a beachside café. Visitors can explore archaeological remains, enjoy spectacular views, and engage in family-friendly activities in a natural setting.

2 miles from Yarn Market, Dunster

The Yarn Market in Dunster, Somerset, is a historic Grade I listed octagonal building from the early 17th century, originally built to support the local wool and cloth trade, featuring a unique central pier with timber roofing and marked by Civil War history.

2 miles from Victorian Kitchen Tours (weekends)

10 Oct, 17 Oct…

A guided tour takes visitors through Dunster Castle’s Victorian kitchen and larders, with stories about the cooks, maids and other staff who worked there.

Located in Minehead

Minehead is a historic coastal town in Somerset, England, known for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture, seaside attractions, and outdoor activities. It features a beach, a heritage railway, the Butlins holiday camp, and hosts traditional events like the May Day Hobby Horse festival.

3 miles from Stock Gaylard House

Stock Gaylard House is a Georgian historic house set in a large estate with ancient deer park and extensive gardens. Visitors can enjoy conducted tours inside the house and explore the surrounding church and gardens at their leisure during specific open periods in the year.

2 miles from Sir Bevil Grenville's Monument

Sir Bevil Grenville's Monument is an 18th-century historic monument located on Lansdown Hill near Bath, commemorating the Royalist commander Sir Bevil Grenville, who was mortally wounded in the 1643 Battle of Lansdowne during the English Civil War. The outdoor monument stands 25 feet tall, featuring inscriptions and heraldic symbols, and is a protected Grade II* listed and scheduled ancient monument.

3 miles from Village walk

14 Oct (next Wednesday)

Join a guided walk through Dyrham village as it was in 1704, and learn about its links to the estate and the lives of its villagers.

Near Stembridge Tower Mill

Stembridge Tower Mill in Somerset is the last thatched windmill in England, built in 1822. It features four floors, retains historic millstones, and is a Grade II* listed building managed by the National Trust, offering visitors a glimpse into historic milling indoors.

2 miles from Barrington Court

Barrington Court is a Tudor manor house in Somerset, combining historic architecture with Arts and Crafts-style gardens originally designed by Gertrude Jekyll. Visitors can explore the historic house, converted stable buildings, and extensive ornamental gardens including a kitchen garden supplying the onsite restaurant.

2 miles from UPDATED: Remarkable Rangers: Apple Harvest Weekends

10–11 Oct (this weekend)

Visitors can join the Ranger team to collect apples from Barrington Court’s orchards, which contain more than 100 varieties. The harvest activity takes place across the first two weekends of October.

3 miles from Dyrham Park

Dyrham Park is a Grade I listed baroque country house and extensive parkland in Gloucestershire, England, featuring historic interiors with Dutch art, 274 acres of gardens, an orangery, and a stable block now a tea room. It offers public access with events and has been a filming location for notable productions.

Near Coney Beach Pleasure Park

Coney Beach Pleasure Park was a historic seaside amusement park in Porthcawl, Wales, featuring over 25 rides including roller coasters and water rides, operating seasonally from 1918 until permanent closure in 2025. It offered traditional and modern amusement experiences on its outdoor site by the beach promenade.

Located in Porthcawl

Porthcawl is a seaside town in south Wales known for its sandy beaches, historic sites like Kenfig Castle, lively promenade, cultural festivals, and outdoor sports including surfing and golf.

Near Cheddar Gorge

Cheddar Gorge is a striking limestone canyon in Somerset featuring impressive cliffs, prehistoric caves open to the public, diverse wildlife, and various outdoor activities including climbing and scenic walks. The site offers visitor facilities such as a centre and restaurant, blending natural wonder with accessible tourism.

2 miles from Dunster Castle and Watermill

Dunster Castle and Watermill in Somerset offer a rich experience combining a historic castle, working Victorian watermill, beautiful gardens, and scenic parkland with panoramic views. Visitors can explore the castle interiors, gardens with diverse plants, enjoy family-friendly activities, and visit cafés and shops on site.

2 miles from Victorian Kitchen Tours (weekdays)

8–9 Oct, 15–16 Oct…

A guided tour takes visitors through Dunster Castle’s Victorian kitchen and larders, exploring the work and stories of the cooks, maids and other staff who kept the castle running.

3 miles from Forde Abbey & Gardens

Forde Abbey is a historic former Cistercian monastery set in Dorset countryside with 30 acres of diverse, beautifully maintained gardens showcasing seasonal floral displays and natural features. It offers visitors a rich outdoor experience of nature and heritage.

Near Brean Leisure Park

Brean Leisure Park is a long-established amusement park in Brean, Somerset, offering a variety of thrill rides, family attractions, and an indoor/outdoor waterpark. It features rollercoasters, a water splash zone, and hosts concerts, providing entertainment for all ages from March to November each year.

2 miles from Watersmeet

Watersmeet House is a National Trust property in Devon featuring a historic fishing lodge with a tea room and shop, nestled at a river gorge confluence and serving as a gateway to extensive woodland and riverside walks. The site includes a notable area of ancient oak woodland designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

2 miles from Hamswell House

Hamswell House is a historic 16th-century house offering exclusive marquee weddings surrounded by 50 acres of gardens and private land with panoramic valley views, featuring wheelchair access and outdoor as well as indoor spaces.

3 miles from Nature tots at Old Lodge

13 Oct, 20 Oct

A nature-themed session for pre-school children at Old Lodge, with activities that usually include a song, story, craft and game.

2 miles from Knightshayes Court

Knightshayes Court is a Victorian country house near Tiverton, Devon, known for its architecture by William Burges and extensive historic gardens. The Grade I listed house and Grade II* listed gardens offer a blend of indoor heritage and outdoor landscape experiences, including rare features like a stické court and a golfing memorabilia exhibition.

3 miles from Hod Hill

Hod Hill is Dorset's largest hillfort featuring visible Roman and Iron Age earthworks, scenic walking trails, and rich downland wildlife, accessible via village or lane car parks. Visitors can explore historic ramparts and enjoy countryside views.

3 miles from Sand Point

Sand Point and Middle Hope in Somerset are known for their geological formations, rare flora, and archaeological features, including ancient barrows and a possible castle mound. The area is owned by the National Trust and offers extensive walking opportunities with scenic views of the Bristol Channel and surrounding regions.

3 miles from Pilsdon Pen

Pilsdon Pen is a 277-metre hill in Dorset, featuring an Iron Age multivallate hillfort with archaeological remains, offering panoramic views across the surrounding landscape. It is accessible via outdoor walking routes and is managed by the National Trust.

3 miles from Swell Wood

Swell Wood is an ancient woodland nature reserve in Somerset featuring three wildlife trails, diverse flora and fauna, and the largest Grey Heron breeding colony in South-West England. Visitors can explore accessible trails with viewpoints and a hide, enjoy picnics, and experience a rich natural habitat.

2 miles from Sherborne Castle & Gardens

Sherborne Castle in Dorset is a historic house built by Sir Walter Raleigh, set in extensive Capability Brown landscaped gardens with a serpentine lake. Visitors can explore the immersive castle interiors showcasing centuries of history and art, enjoy scenic outdoor walks, wildlife viewing, garden features, and children’s trails. Food is available on-site in the Walled Garden Restaurant and dogs are welcome in the gardens on short leads.

2 miles from The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens

This 14-acre Grade II-listed garden in Wells features historic and contemporary garden styles including a Dutch-style garden, arboretum, and glasshouse. Visitors can explore moated grounds with spring pools, sculpture, and plant sales, along with a children's play area and refreshments. The adjacent Bishop's Palace buildings and chapel are also open.

3 miles from Forde Abbey

Forde Abbey is a historic former monastery turned elegant family home in Somerset, surrounded by extensive and diverse gardens. Visitors can explore ornate interiors, unique tapestries, and various themed gardens across 30 acres. The venue offers accessible facilities, food outlets, and activities suitable for children, making it an engaging day out for all ages.

Near Milton Lodge Gardens

Milton Lodge Gardens in Wells, Somerset, is a historic garden featuring architectural terraces offering stunning views of the city and its cathedral. Visitors can enjoy the gardens with free parking and refreshments available for groups by arrangement.

Near Bath Assembly Rooms

The Bath Assembly Rooms is a Grade I listed Georgian building in Bath, England, featuring the largest Georgian ballroom in the city, decorated with fine art and chandeliers. It historically served as the social hub for balls and concerts and is now a National Trust visitor attraction used for exhibitions, concerts, and filming.

Near Lantern Lecture: People of Colour in Bath from the Georgian period to the Ethiopian Royal family

9 Oct

Dr Tim Manningmore gives a talk exploring the history of People of Colour in Bath, from the Georgian period to the Ethiopian Royal family’s move to Fairfield House.

2 miles from Fursdon House

Fursdon House is a historic Georgian manor with centuries of family heritage, offering guided tours of the house, beautiful landscaped gardens, and a tearoom serving local treats. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, children's play area, and pet-friendly outdoor spaces.

2 miles from Daw's Castle

Daw's Castle is a historic clifftop fortress in Watchet, Somerset, established by King Alfred to guard against Viking attacks. It offers free public access during daylight hours, with nearby amenities and paid parking available. Visitors can explore the impressive outdoor site and also visit nearby historic attractions.

Near Tiverton Castle

Tiverton Castle is a historic motte and bailey castle in Devon, offering visitors a peaceful private house experience with a fine collection of Civil War arms and armour, medieval features, and beautiful gardens. It is open to the public seasonally with tailored tours and holiday accommodations available.

Located in Tiverton

Tiverton is a historic market town in Devon, England, known for its medieval heritage, wool trade history, and cultural attractions including Tiverton Castle and the Pannier Market. It offers a walkable town centre with rich history and modern amenities for visitors.

3 miles from Knightshayes

Knightshayes is a National Trust estate in Devon with a distinctive Gothic Revival house, extensive formal and woodland gardens, and large parkland. Visitors can enjoy exploring the house interior, walking gardens with over 1200 plant species, a restored Victorian kitchen garden, and woodland adventure play. Facilities include a café and shop, and the venue is dog friendly and wheelchair accessible.

2 miles from Fiddleford Manor

Fiddleford Manor is a medieval manor house in Dorset dating back to around 1370, featuring original interiors and restored by English Heritage, open to public visits throughout the year.

Near Greencombe Gardens

Greencombe Gardens is an organic woodland garden set on a sheltered hillside with superb views over Porlock Bay, featuring extensive collections of plants including National Plant Collections and notable champion trees cared for with organic methods.

Near Newcastle Castle

Newcastle Castle in Bridgend is a historic 12th century castle known for its well-preserved Norman doorway and ruins, offering visitors an outdoor experience exploring ancient Welsh defensive structures. Dogs on short leads are welcome to access ground floor levels, with parking nearby and free public entry.

3 miles from Walton and Ivythorn Hills

Walton and Ivythorn Hills are a National Trust managed biological site of special scientific interest in Somerset featuring limestone hills, calcareous grasslands, historic buildings, and walking trails including the Polden Way.

3 miles from Diggerland

Diggerland is a chain of theme parks in England and the USA where visitors can operate heavy construction machinery such as diggers and JCBs, offering a unique outdoor family-friendly experience with various rides and activities.

3 miles from An exhibition: The World in Bath - Georgian People of Colour at Bath Central Library

7–10 Oct, 12–17 Oct…

An exhibition at Bath Central Library exploring the lives and histories of people of colour who lived, worked and visited Georgian Bath. Visitors can view portraits and objects connected with people uncovered through the exhibition’s research.

2 miles from Iford Manor Gardens

Iford Manor Gardens in Wiltshire features a unique Italianate garden designed by Edwardian landscape designer Harold Peto around a medieval house. Visitors can explore historical garden architecture, classical sculptures, and woodland walks. The venue includes an award-winning café and restaurant and offers special tours and an immersive outdoor garden experience.