Things to Do in Somerset May Half Term 2026: Family Days Out
Last updated: 15 May 2026
May half term lands on Saturday 23 – Sunday 31 May 2026 this year (with the spring bank holiday falling on Monday 25 May, and most schools off Mon 25 – Fri 29 May). Somerset is putting on a proper show: glow-lit Wallace and Gromit caves in Cheddar, a brand-new ride-on T-Rex at Avon Valley, falconry on the lawn at Stourhead, and a circus-meets-Broadway show in the heart of Wookey Hole.
I’ve been digging through every press release, newsletter and family-friendly farm shop board for weeks, so this is your one-stop, locally-written guide to things to do in Somerset this May half term 2026 – indoor and out, free and ticketed, toddler-tested and tween-approved (well, mostly).
For days out beyond half term, my evergreen guide to 50 amazing places to visit in Somerset is the place to start. If a heatwave shows up, plan a family glamping adventure in Somerset or head to the North Somerset coast for a beach day and proper grub. If the forecast turns? Rainy day indoor activities in Somerset has you covered. And for budget-friendly family things to do, take a look at 33 Free things to do in Somerset.
Keep an eye on the Down Somerset Way Facebook group and my Instagram for more what’s on ideas!
I’m keeping this post on May half term Somerset events updated as new events pop up, so bookmark it and check back often! If you know of any events taking places in Somerset May half term 2026 that aren’t listed here, please click on the button below to submit a listing.
Outdoor days out in Somerset May half term 2026
National Trust days out
You’ll get the best half-term value out of a National Trust membership this week – every Somerset property is running family activities, and most are included with normal entry. Here’s where I’d point you:
May half term at Stourhead
May Play Days with crafts, games, hobby horses, puppet theatre activities and ride-on tractors in the Stableyard. Families can enjoy a spring scavenger hunt around the gardens, Walks & Talks tours and the new Drawn to Trees trail and exhibition. There are also wellbeing walks and estate walks throughout the week. Plan your Stourhead visit →
Barrington – Xtreme Falconry on Fri 29 May
Barrington Court’s May half term highlight is an Xtreme falconry event on 29 May, featuring birds of prey displays over the South Lawn. Watch two live flying displays, meet the handlers from Xtreme Falconry and see the birds up close on their perches. Plan your Barrington visit →
Montacute House, Taunton Garrison and visiteering
Meet the Taunton Garrison in the Farmer’s Piece behind the cedar lawn, with musket drills (not fired), pike drills, the blacksmith, the camp cook and the barber surgeon. Ranger-led ‘visiteering’ activities run alongside – hands-on tool work, building wildlife nest boxes for the estate. Plan your Montacute visit →
Local insight: Want to do more than one in a week? Stourhead, Lytes Cary, Montacute and Prior Park all sit within a 45-minute radius of each other. Plan a two-property day with a Sykes cottage as your base near Bruton or Wells.
Prior Park Landscape Garden, Bath
Head to the lower garden, where the Palladian bridge spans the cascade and there’s room for little adventurers to leg it. Grab an Explorer’s Backpack from Visitor Reception, packed with seasonal tools and outdoor activities.
May half term, Lytes Cary Manor
Round up the fam, kick off with a game of croquet on the lawn, then grab one of three themed family backpacks from reception (each loaded with games, beanbags, a parachute, or a proper skipping rope). The kitchen garden’s bursting in late May and the moat walk is just the right length for little legs. Plan your Lytes Cary visit →
Dunster Castle family trail
Embark on a family adventure across the castle grounds with a special trail (small charge applies – check at the kiosk). Dunster also has the bonus of one of the loveliest medieval villages in the country on its doorstep – finish with an ice cream from The Hoity Toity. Plan your Dunster visit →
Fyne Court Nature Explorers
Borrow a Nature Explorers backpack and head out for a sensory scavenger hunt, then come back to the Music Hall to decorate a paper pollinator. Drop-in visiteering with the ranger team runs through the week – tool work and den building in the wild area.
Tyntesfield, The Secret Language of Flowers trail
Best for: ages 4-10
Tyntesfield’s gardens are running a Secret Language of Flowers trail through the gardens, with hidden signs revealing what each bloom is supposed to mean. Also see my guide to gorgeous Somerset gardens to visit this spring.
The Illuminated Cave, Cheddar Gorge
When? Until 31 May 2026
Get ready for a ‘grand day out’ as The Illuminated Cave with Wallace & Gromit and Friends arrives at Gough’s Cave.
Experience 50 years of Aardman magic deep underground with a spectacular glowing lantern trail featuring your favourite clay characters. Solve the trail to earn a limited-edition reward sticker. And the experience doesn’t stop there! Aardman-themed arts and crafts will add a creative, hands-on element to the day out.
Your day ticket also includes entry to Cheddar Gorge Cliff-Top Walk, Cox’s Cave multimedia journey, Museum of Prehistory, Beyond The View panoramic experience and Jacob’s Ladder & Lookout Tower. Longleat Members may also visit for free.
Longleat Safari Park
It’s Longleat’s 60th anniversary year and the line-up’s showing it. New for 2026: a Wallaby Walkthrough in the Family Farmyard. On top of the self-drive safari and the giraffe house, look out for Close Encounters Live birds-of-prey displays four times daily (11:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm), and Tiny Titans – a creepy-crawly meet-and-greet with tarantulas, scorpions and stick insects.
You’ll still find the fairground rides, the giant maze, the gigantic playground with splash park, the koalas (still the only ones in England), and lorikeet feeding in the Tropical Forest.
Local insight: Do the safari first thing – the animals are most active before 11am. Save the rides and the maze for the after-lunch sugar crash, when you need them to run around.
Royal Bath and West Show
- When? 28-30 May 2026
Attendees to The Royal Bath & West Show can enjoy livestock displays, sheep shearing, vintage vehicle parades, and show jumping events. The Great British Kitchen hosts live celebrity cooking demonstrations, while the Lakeside Farm and Safety Zone provide interactive experiences for children. Live music, artisan markets, and hands-on craft activities.
May half term at Wookey Hole Caves
Explore the vast underground chambers of Wookey Hole and learn about their fascinating geology, history and the legends that have emerged over the millennia.
Just in time for half term is a brand new immersive cave experience, meet the infamous Witch of Wookey and walk through the Enchanted Valley where you’ll encounter animatronic dinosaurs. Plus soft play, circus shows running three times daily (12pm, 1pm, 2pm), adventure golf and 4D cinema. Book online to save 15% on tickets.
Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe’s May Half Term Butterfly Trail weaves through the gardens with playful clues for little ones. Nature-inspired craft activities are set up inside Hestercombe House all week – no booking, just turn up, grab a trail sheet at the entrance and go.
For more gardens like this, see my guide to gorgeous Somerset gardens to visit this spring and 23 stately homes in Somerset you need to visit.
Bishop’s Palace Gardens, Wells
Fourteen acres of RHS-partner gardens wrapped around an 800-year-old palace, with springs, waterfalls, swans and cygnets on the moat, and the brilliant Dragon’s Lair play area hidden in the Arboretum. Family Crafting runs through May half term, included with admission. It’s one of the most relaxing days out in the county and a great pairing with a wander into Wells itself.
Burrow Hill, Cider Bus Saturdays
Saturday 23 May (10am-5pm): Cider Bus Saturday with Toff’s Pasta and a circus workshop for all ages, 10.30am-12pm, led by a professional clown. The kids can have a go at tightrope walking, juggling and more, with expert guidance. Event details →
Saturday 30 May (10:30am-5pm): Live music from The Kings of Lounge, food by Basement Tacos, drinks from the Cider Bus, and a circus workshop. Event details →
The Somerset Cider Fayre
The Somerset Cider Fayre takes place on Sunday 31 May (11am–5pm) at Westcombe. For £8 on the door, visitors get a keepsake glass to sample pours from top regional cider makers, including Wilding, Dowding’s, and Somerset Cider Brandy. Bottles are available to buy direct. Food includes lunches by Lucas Hollweg, Westcombe cheese, and Landrace Milling bakes. Parking is signposted, and visitors have been asked to bring cash due to temperamental internet!
Coates English Willow Sculpture Trail
Coates have been growing willow on the Somerset Levels since 1819, and they’ve been weaving the most extraordinary life-sized sculptures into their woodlands to the delight of families for years. Grab a trail map from reception and track down the Jungle Book willow sculptures lurking among the withy beds. Find them all and you’ll win a prize.
Extend the day with a circular walk along the River Tone up to the viewpoint on Windmill Hill for views across Hay Moor and Curry Moor.
Ham Hill Country Park
Get involved with a hands-on scarecrow-making activity at Ham Hill on 27 May 2026. More than 100 years ago, Ham Hill was the setting for major farm workers’ protests. Sticks, string and cloth will be provided, organisers encourage budding makers to bring along an old hat or shirt for extra character.
American Museum & Gardens, Bath
Craft & Build sessions and the free America 250 trail bring history to life through Charlie Chipmunk at American Museum & Gardens. The Kith & Kin: The Quilts of Gee’s Bend exhibition includes hands-on activities for younger visitors. Don’t miss Bank Holiday Monday’s Pay What You Can Day.
Rainy day & indoor days out in Somerset May half term
Hoping the sun stays, but if it doesn’t, these are your rescues. (And see my full list of rainy day indoor activities in Somerset for the longer version.)
May half term fun at Haynes Motor Museum
For May half term in Somerset, mini petrolheads can tackle the Go Go Go! trail, try remote-control racing and burn off energy in the Motorland play area at Haynes Motor Museum, while the updated Williams Racing F1 exhibition brings high-speed history to life through interactive displays.
New for 2026, the ’80s Family Trail offers a hit of nostalgia for parents, while the Somerset-themed Scalextric track races past landmarks including Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage and Cheddar Gorge. Outdoor vehicle displays and behind-the-scenes engineering tours add extra fuel to one of Somerset’s best family days out.
Book online to save 10%, tickets are valid for 12 months.
Roman Baths, Mission Floralia & Archaeology Adventures
Roman history comes to life at The Roman Baths with Mission Floralia 26-29 May 2026, a spring-themed trail with ancient games, flower activities and encounters with Flora, goddess of flowers, while Archaeology Adventures gives budding explorers the chance to dig for replica Roman artefacts in hands-on excavation sessions.
Cost: £6 per child (in addition to a standard Roman Baths admission ticket). Book your museum entry at least one hour before your session starts to ensure you reach the Great Bath in time. 30 minute sessions at 11am and 12pm.
Ludi Florales Family Crafts: Celebrate a special Roman spring festival and create a flower garland to wear (2-4pm, free).
Somerset Rural Life Museum, Glastonbury
Somerset Rural Life Museum is hosting Wonders in Wood (25-29 May), a creative week of family activities inspired by Glastonbury artist Harry Brockway. Children can design artwork using stamps, create their own illustrated mini books and follow a wood-themed museum trail through the site. Running alongside the Ways With Wood exhibition, it’s a hands-on mix of storytelling, creativity and discovery set within one of Somerset’s most atmospheric museums.
Avalon Archaeology
On 28 May, Beowulf: A Warrior’s World invites children to gather around the Saxon Longhall for storytelling, before crafting wooden swords, shields and warrior arm rings. Then on 30 May, Bronze Age Day brings live craft demonstrations and hands-on activities exploring life 4,500 years ago.
Mermaid Morning at The Levels Country Kitchen
When: Tuesday 26 May 2026 (morning)
Kick off half term week with a magical morning at The Levels Country Kitchen. Children get to meet Ariel for singing, dancing and crafts, with a packed lunch included in the ticket. Grown-ups aren’t an afterthought either – your ticket comes with a hot drink and a slice of homemade cake. Book Mermaid Morning →
The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare
For May half term, the Grand Pier adds extra entertainment to its rides and arcades with a week-long K-Pop takeover (23-31 May), featuring character meet-and-greets, karaoke games, dance-offs and free activities. Families can also join Avon Fire & Rescue and the RNLI’s free Water Safety Event (26-29 May), with hands-on activities teaching essential seaside safety skills.
Animal encounters & wildlife days out
Somerset is brimming with animal experiences this half term. For my full year-round round-up of Somerset wildlife and bird experiences, see my guide. Here are the half-term highlights:
Dinosaur Valley: LIVE! Avon Valley Wildlife & Adventure Park
Avon Valley Adventure Park goes full Jurassic with Dinosaur Valley: LIVE! running from 23-31 May. Families can explore the South West’s largest collection of animatronic dinosaurs, meet roaming prehistoric creatures, tackle fossil adventures and enjoy interactive dinosaur experiences. Away from the dinos, there’s a mini jeep safari, indoor and outdoor play, go-karts and adventure zones to fill the day.
Wildlife Day and half term fun at Ferne Animal Sanctuary
Wildlife Day takes place at Ferne on Bank Holiday Monday, 25 May, with pond dipping, wildlife trails, nature-inspired arts and crafts, and the chance to learn about local moth species. Families can also take part in wildlife bingo and hands-on activities in the Creative Corner. A separate smartphone photography workshop runs alongside the event for budding nature photographers.
Pirates and Mermaids at Puxton Park
Puxton Park is adding a little extra magic with Unicorns & Creepy Crawlies (23-31 May). Meet mystical unicorns, get hands-on with creepy crawlies and enjoy themed entertainment throughout the day, alongside all the usual favourites including indoor play, tractor rides, adventure zones and animals.
Crafty days out for May half term in Somerset
Glastonbury Abbey
Three brilliant drop-in family sessions in the Abbey Museum:
- Tuesday 27 May – paper flower headband crafting, 11am – 1pm
- Thursday 29 May – matchbox miniature masterpiece (collage and 3D scenes inspired by the Abbey ruins and gardens), 11am – 1pm
- Friday 30 May – Herbal Medicine Workshop in Abbey House, ages 7+, learn to make herbal balms and syrups
All included with abbey admission (free for Abbey members; save by booking online in advance). Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Somerset Brick and Tile Museum, Bridgwater
The Somerset Brick & Tile Museum gets hands-on with Play with Clay activities running 26-28 May. Get creative with clay-based crafts and interactive sessions inspired by the museum’s industrial heritage. Book your spot here →
May Bank Holiday at Flourish Farleigh Road
Flourish is hosting a Family Fun Day on 25 May, alongside creative workshops and family-friendly activities across the week. If you’re visiting with older children or creative types, there are also themed craft sessions and workshops running through the break.
Steam train days out in Somerset May half term 2026
West Somerset Railway
Check the schedule for the half-term week: West Somerset Railway →
Yeovil Railway Centre
Yeovil Railway Centre is running a Model Railway Weekend with optional diesel train rides on 23–24 May, alongside a chance to see mainline steam locomotive 35028 ‘Clan Line’ on 23 May. Expect model railway layouts, trade stalls, train rides and railway displays, all set around the heritage centre at Yeovil Junction.
East Somerset Railway
East Somerset Railway is celebrating the return to steam of Ivatt 2MT No. 46447, running from 23-25 May with an extended timetable and extra heritage services. Families can hop aboard steam train rides through the Mendips, explore the station and enjoy a nostalgic day of railway adventure.
Somerset and Dorset Railway
Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton has several family-friendly events on track. Dinosaur Day (24 May) brings prehistoric visitors to the station, while Queen Mary Brake Van Rides (25 May) offer a chance to ride in a heritage goods vehicle. There are also Wickham Trolley Rides (27 May), plus train services and cream teas running through the week.
Somerset and Dorset Railway →
Family theatre shows in Somerset
Taunton Brewhouse
- The Tiger who Came to Tea (22-24 May 2026)
- K-POP Party (28 May 2026)
Wardrobe Theatre Bristol
- What a Ship Show (25-27 May 2026)
- The Deep Sea Seekers (27-30 May 2026)
Blakehay Theatre, Weston-super-Mare
- Magic Gareth – Balloonatic! (28 May)
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