What’s on in Somerset this summer 2024: guide for families
Wondering what’s on in Somerset this summer 2024 to entertain the kiddies? Exciting events, festivals, family fun and summer activities for kids are taking place across the county. If you’re looking for ways to entertain youngsters during the summer holidays, I’ve put together a list of family-friendly days out in Somerset, to keep all ages happy.
This family guide on summer holidays activities in Somerset is being updated as and when attractions and local businesses make their announcements. If you’ve got an event I haven’t listed, let me know, and I’ll add it to the list. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: This post on Somerset summer holiday days out contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but I receive a small commission to help keep this blog going.
Summer holiday activities Somerset
Summer fruit picking day out Somerset
Being able to pick your own flowers, fruit and vegetables in the sunshine makes a glorious, wholesome day out, is a brilliant way to keep kids entertained, far more fun than traipsing around a supermarket with your brood in tow.
If you’re after summer-ripe berries, you can take your pick at these farms in Somerset.
Summer holidays events
Ham Hill summer events for kids
See beautiful butterflies up-close on a Butterfly walk (16 August 2024) with the rangers, who will teach you how to catch and identify them. Aimed at ages 5-11, £6 per child.
If you’re looking for things to do in Somerset in August, they don’t get cuter than Ham Hill Dog Show (11 August 2024). Celebrate your dog and enjoy a day of pooch-based activities. Take part in a class, have a go at dog agility, or test your leadership in the Ham Hill Challenge! Entry to classes is £1.50 per dog per class. All proceeds will be split between Fearne Animal Sanctuary and the Friends of Ham Hill.
Mini Golf and High Ropes at Vivary Golf and Adventure Centre, Taunton
Keep kids busy and active at Vivary 18-hole crazy golf course and high ropes centre. In addition, there’s also a fantastic range of activities including lower, less intense ropes to start with, a climbing wall, high ropes, totem pole and the power fan descender too.
Bowlore Medieval Display, Glastonbury Abbey
27-28 July 2024
Bowlore will be performing two shows per day – one archery, one weapons (both approximately 45 mins+). Between shows there will be have-a-go archery and sword-school (suitable for all ages, £3 per go) plus a hands-on display of weapons and armour, talks and Q&A, set within their medieval tented encampment.
See the website for the full programme of summer activities for kids.
Family days out Somerset gardens
Spectacular Sweet Peas at Forde Abbey Gardens, near Chard
Until 26 July 2024 at the magnificent Forde Abbey is sweet pea season and one of the prettiest Somerset days out. Expect vibrant, fragrant, beautiful blooms bedazzling the 30 acres of grounds. Afterwards, pick up a bunch to spruce up your home in the gift shop.
Shaun the Sheep: Fun with the Flock AR Trail at Hestercombe Gardens
- 20 July-8 September 2024
Pick up a trail sheet and seek out nine hidden markers in a brand new augmented reality trail experience around Hestercombe’s beautiful gardens. Scan the markers on the trail with your phone to see Shaun and the Flock appear before your very eyes in 3D. Download the app on the App Store or Google Play and add location code ‘2828’ to enjoy the AR trail at Hestercombe.
There’s also some Shaun the Sheep-inspired crafts and fun summer activities for kids inside Hestercombe House (Monday to Friday during the summer holidays only), as well as a petting zoo every Wednesday (24, 31 July and 7, 14, 21, 28 August only).
Big summer day out at Bishop’s Palace, Wells
Stunning Bishop’s Palace and Gardens with its moat, lolling swans, drawbridge, Great Hall ruins and well pools will be running summer holidays events throughout the school holidays, watch this space for more info soon.
Days out in summer at the National Trust
Discover a summer of play at National Trust family events in Somerset.
North Somerset: Tyntesfield
- Celebrate the Festival of Archaeology at Tyntesfield (13-28 July 2024)
- Build your tallest tower or best balance beam course in Tyntesfield‘s ‘Let’s Build’ area. Have a go at Victorian games (22 July-5 August 2024), play croquet (22-31 July 2024), test out some family camping activities in bell tents (6-19 August 2024), become a woodland explorer or try your hand at tennis (20 August-2 September 2024).
- Experience a sound and visual art installation, Echoes from the Aviary (until 31 July 2024).
South Somerset: Montacute House
Enjoy games and activities like Kubb, Connect 4, giant Jenga and boules on the beautiful Cedar Lawn at Montacute House (selected dates 6 July-1 September 2024), or pop by for a croquet coaching day (27 July, 31 August 2024).
Barrington Court
Head to Barrington Court for fortnightly changing activities. The tennis court and table tennis will be open daily, and Grab and Go sports bags will available to borrow from reception, (football, cricket, rounders etc). There will also be pockets of play to stumble upon around the estate (20 July-2 September 2024).
Lytes Cary
For a wholesome day out in Somerset, head to Lytes Cary – children can take part in seven activities around the estate. Follow the signs and map to find each one (20 July-31 August 2024).
Join the Bumblebee Conservation Trust for a 90 minute bumblebee safari (11am-12.30pm, 21 July 2024).
Animal parks Somerset
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm has planned some exciting events this summer. Pick up a quest map and complete various challenges around the zoo – can you outrun an ostrich? Can you jump as far as a wallaby?
Bristol based theatre company, Scarlet Oak Theatre Company, will be performing four times a day on select dates from 27 July-31 August 2024. The storytelling shows will feature animal puppetry and tales of conservation and last around 15 minutes. Book tickets online for 25% off.
Kids summer activities at Exmoor Pony Centre
- 31 July, 7, 14, 21, 28, 30 August 2024
Get up close to some of the ponies that have been taken into the care of Exmoor Pony Centre. Activity days include pony rides, pony grooming and crafts and games. Booking is not required and entrance to the Centre is free. There are small charges for the individual activities.
Summertopia! Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
- When? 13 July – 1 September 2024
As well as the sand and water play area, Summertopia! sees a giant slip n slide, huge paddling pool and foam party come to Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park. There’s also huge paddling pool and every day ends with a foam party! Plus a massive family water fight on 1 August, a new climbing tower, all the usual rides, adventure playgrounds, attractions, indoor soft play and dinosaur valley.
The Tartan Titan (selected dates July & August 2024) includes a 90-minute session with 60-minutes on the course and 30 minutes check in and briefing time. The Tartan Titan is held adjacent to Avon Valley Park and tickets do not include entry into the park and its summer event.
Animal Farm and Adventure Park, Burnham-on-Sea
Frolic in the new indoor soft play, cuddle animals and have a go at crazy golf, plus a whole host of other fun summer holiday activities at this 23-acre Animal and Adventure farm park in North Somerset.
Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Chard
Set in 72 acres of stunning Somerset countryside, Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a great place for an outdoorsy day out. Rather than a petting zoo, the sanctuary rescues animals that have had a tough time or are unable to be looked after by their owners, so you might not always see loads on a visit, but there is always something to spot.
This summer, expect cat crafts (5-11 August), pond dipping (12-18 August), Bug hotels (19-25 Aug), tile painting (26 Aug-1 September). There’ll also be chicken and rabbit talks too.
Longleat Safari Park DinoROAR
Get set for roaring fun at Longleat this summer (20 July to 1 September 2024) as DinoROAR returns.
Journey into an immersive dinosaur world, coming face to face with colossal animatronics or embark on a virtual reality adventure, guaranteed to entertain dino-hunters big and small. Track like a Triceratops to meet roaming dinosaur favourites, or lose yourself in a themed trail around the park, before going wild on the brand-new giant inflatable. There’s also a Drive Through Safari expedition and iconic Elizabethan mansion to explore.
Outdoor fairs and country shows in Somerset summer holidays 2024
Dunster Country Fair 2024
- When? 24 July 2024
If you’re looking for loads of things to do in Somerset for kids, all in the same place, don’t miss the 46th edition of Dunster Country Fair. On the bill are a Shetland Pony Grand National, Hawkeye falconry display, vintage tractors, Punch and Judy, family dog show and dog agility, archery, a fun fair, children’s entertainment and lots more!
Dunster Show 2024
- When? 16 August 2024
Taking place on the Lawns below Dunster Castle, family-friendly Dunster agricultural show 2024, has a food hall, trade stands and competitive showing atmosphere with a wide range of classes for horses, cattle and sheep.
Portishead Summer Show 2024
- When? 27-28 July 2024
The Portishead Summer Show is a two-day family show combining a traditional flower show with activities that promote local country life, nature and the environment. There’s also live music, food, drink, children’s activities, a dog show, a pig show (!), mobile farm, Punch and Judy, fun sports, fancy dress parade for kids under 10 and lots more!
Mid-Somerset Show, Shepton Mallet
- When? 18 August 2024
For things to do during the summer holidays in Somerset with kids, check out The Mid-Somerset Show is a one-day agricultural show featuring everything from dog shows, cider championships and cheese tasting to livestock displays, vintage vehicles, live music and craft classes.
History and heritage summer holiday events Somerset
Yesterday’s Farming, near Langport
- When? 17-18 August 2024
A rural farming heritage event showcasing the past of farming. Watch ploughing and cultivating, harvesting, and haymaking demonstrations, working threshers and threshing at Leaze Farm, Hazelbury Plucknett.
Summer days out with kids at The Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare
Blow your kiddos’ minds with choppers, magic (7, 14, 21, 28 August 2024) a special dino weekend (27-28 July 2024) and Vintage Bus Rally (18 August) at The Helicopter Museum this summer.
Days out in Somerset for families at Fleet Air Arm museum
One of the largest aviation museum’s in the world, Fleet Air Arm is home to a whopping 90 flying machines. Every Friday throughout August (11.30am & 1.30pm), join Pitcombe Rock Falconry at the Museum to learn about how birds of prey fly, and how the aircraft have taken inspiration from nature.
Head to the museum on Mondays to build your own Fairey Barracuda. As in the real life project, you might have to first find some pieces in the sand, or in water, or take some pieces from other wrecks.
Don’t miss the Community Fun Day with Aggie Weston’s (10am-2pm, 8 August 2024)
Train days out this summer
Somerset & Dorset Railway, Midsomer Norton
- When? Selected dates in July and August 2024
Vintage trains run from the Victorian Era station at Midsomer Norton South over one mile of the Somerset & Dorset mainline railway. Check the website for more details.
August Bank Holiday events Somerset
East Somerset Railway, Shepton Mallet
- Teddy Bear Trail (27 July-1 Sept 2024)
- August Bank Holiday Somerset – Teddy Bear’s Picnic (24-26 August 2024)
- Railway storytelling – 24 August with Beth Webb
- Teddy bear puppet show with Paul Wheeler 25-26 August 2024
The summer is teddy bear-themed at East Somerset Railway! Climb on board and ride the steam train to Mendip Vale, and bring your teddy! Find all the clues and enter a summer competition to win 1 x Family Day Rover gift voucher.
There’s also a play area for youngsters and plenty of space for your own picnic, plus The Station Café will also be open serving meals, cakes and drinks.
Don’t miss the miniature railway open days on selected days from 13 July-12 October.
Gartell Light Railway, South Somerset
This delightful narrow gauge railway in South Somerset is privately operated by the Gartell family and their friends and only opened to the public on selected, provisional dates (see above) throughout the year.
- 28 July
- Bank Holiday Monday 26 August
- 29 September
Family days out summer 2024 at West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage line in England, stretching across 20 miles of rolling Somerset countryside, through the Quantock hills and along the Bristol Channel between Bishops Lydeard and the coast at Minehead.
Opt for a Rover ticket for unlimited travel on standard trains on your chosen date and combine nostalgia with glorious sights. Check the train timetable on their website.
WSRA Steam and Vintage Rally, Norton Fitzwarren
- When? 3 & 4 August 2024
Every year volunteers from the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) welcome thousands of visitors to their vintage rally at Norton Fitzwarren fields over the first weekend in August.
Expect working traction engines, tractors and road rollers, polished vintage cars, motorcycles, fire engines, buses, military and commercial vehicles, vintage agricultural tractors, parades of vehicles, demos of steam engines and tractors, heavy horses, children’s entertainments and model train rides plus lots more! Entry is free for children 12 and under.
Train days at Yeovil Railway Centre, Yeovil Junction
What’s your favourite kind of choo choo? Don’t know? Well, you can try all kinds of heritage trains at Yeovil Junction these summer holidays with kids.
- Head over for Steam Train days on 14, 27-28 July, 11, 25, 27 August 2024)
- Diesel Train Days (10.30am-2.40pm, 30 July, 6, 13, 20 August, 1 September 2024)
Also onsite are a miniature railway, model railway, cafe, exhibits and shop.
Mid-summer Steam Up, Westonzoyland
- When? Mid-summer Steam Up – 11am-4pm, 31 July 2024
- Railway days – 4, 11, 18 August 2024
- Westonzoyland Light Railway Gala – 26 August 2024
- Heritage Open Day – 15 September 2024
The Mid-summer Steam Up at Westonzoyland’s Grade II* listed 1830s pumping station showcases over 30 running stationary steam engines and pumps. Home to one of the largest collections in the UK, most of the engines here have either been made or used locally. Pack a picnic to enjoy beside the river or rock up to the cafe for snacks and homemade cake.
On Railway Days, the museum’s narrow gauge railway will run passenger trains all day from 11am. Ride the train as often as you want for £1 each. Children 5 & Under Free.
There’s also a Light Railway Gala (26 August), celebrating all things railway! Join in the narrow gauge fun with railway rides and activities.
Summer Somerset festivals
Somerset LOVES a festival and aside from that one particular star-studded Somerset festival, whose tickets fly off the cyber shelves like hot cakes to lucky, tech-savvy, well-prepared folk with fifteen laptops (you know I’m talking about Glastonbury, right?), there are loads of other kid friendly festivals taking place in the county.
I’ve rounded up all the festivals in Somerset taking place in 2024 here.
Cider farm events
Burrow Hill Cider Farm events, Kingsbury Episcopi
Burrow Hill Cider Farm (home of Somerset Cider Brandy and the famous Somerset Cider Bus) uses age-old traditional methods of production to create dangerously delicious cider.
Coordinate your visit with one of their summer pop-ups to quaff it alongside scrumptious food in the orchard, surrounded by cows, tractors, plenty of pooches and picnicking families. Check what’s on at Burrow Hill Cider Bus this weekend.
Somerset family theatre days out in the summer
Taunton Brewhouse has an array of performances, workshops and kids holiday activities aimed at youngsters and families:
From a visual arts summer school, to a Windstars taster workshop, musical theatre summer school, tiny dancers workshop, mini owls and woodland creatures workshop, Milkshake Live!, Baby bluebirds music workshop, Pop Party, family willow workshop, minibeasts workshop, nocturnal animals workshop, Nick Sharatt’s Shark in the Park, and The Science Museum Live Stage Show!
Be sure to check out Camp Brewhouse, free family play space (15 August-13 September), complete with a role play campsite, costumes, crafts, and even a cosy reading nook.
The Playhouse, Weston-super-Mare
- Jurassic Musical Adventure (4 Aug 2024) – Age 3+ Book tickets
Outdoor theatre Somerset
‘All the world’s a stage!’ and that’s never truer in summer, when Somerset’s outdoor spaces are fashioned, quite literally, into open-air stages making fantastic children’s activities in summer holidays. Which one will you be digging out the picnic blanket for?
The Magic Flute, Forde Abbey
- When? 6-8.30pm, 25 July 2024
Critically acclaimed new opera company Wild Arts bring a new production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, sung in English, with a chamber orchestra of 10 top musicians to Forde Abbey.
Angelica Sprocket’s Pockets, Forde Abbey
- When? 5-7pm, 27 July 2024
Forde Abbey welcome back Folksy Theatre to perform Angelica’s Sprocket’s Pockets on the lawn this summer. Expect live music, puppetry, audience interaction and madness.
The Pantaloons – Robin Hood, Bishops Palace, Wells
- When? 7pm, 31 July
Join Robin, Marian and the Merry Men in Sherwood Forest in this critically-acclaimed hilariously adventurous take on the timeless tales of everyone’s favourite archer from The Pantaloons’. Buy tickets here.
Peter Pan, Somerset Rural Life Museum
- When? 8 August 2024
A magical evening of outdoor theatre from multi-award nominated Immersion Theatre, filled with music and laughter, telling JM Barrie’s classic tale of Peter Pan. Suitable for ages 4 years+. Under 3s go free.
Great Expectations, The Museum of Somerset
- When? 20 August 2024
Quantum Theatre presents a new open-air production of a much-loved family classic, the nation’s favourite Dicken’s novel – Great Expectations.
Horrible Histories, Glastonbury Abbey
- When? 3 and 6pm, 25 August 2024
Discover revolting rulers, mad monarchs and outrageous regal scenes from Britain’s barmy past. Two Horrible Histories shows will take place at Glastonbury Abbey on 25 August and doors open one hour before the performance time for popcorn, candy-floss, the abbey café and bar available for both shows.
The Unusual Adventures of Robin Hood, The Walled Gardens of Cannington
- When? 3pm, 26 July 2024
Lying within the grounds of a medieval Benedictine Priory, these beautiful gardens will be the site of Hobgoblin Theatre Company’s outdoor production of ‘The Unusual Adventures of Robin Hood’ with lots of singing, audience interaction, physical comedy and touching moments.
The Secret Diary of King Henry VIII, Museum of Somerset
- When? 3 September 2024
The Three Inch Fools present an essential guide on how to keep your head in the Tudor Court. A mad-capped take on Britain’s most epic monarch, and those infamous wives.
Rapunzel, Tyntesfield
- When? 6.30-8.30pm, 8 August 2024
Let your hair down and get tangled in a brand-new musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale Rapunzel by Immersion Theatre. This fast-paced production contains a laugh-out-loud script, catchy songs, and unforgettable characters.
The American Museum & Gardens
- Little Women. When? 8 Aug 2024. Outdoor theatre from Chapterhouse Theatre Company. Tickets available for all ages. Book tickets
- Beauty and the Beast (26 Aug 2024). Outdoor theatre from Chapterhouse Theatre Company. All ages. Book tickets
Things to do this summer: Open Air Cinema
Clarks Village Open Air Cinema, Street
- When? 6-18 August 2024
Some of this year’s biggest Blockbusters like Barbie and Wonka, childhood favourites Harry Potter, Encanto and The Greatest Showman, as well as 80s classics, including Dirty Dancing, Back to the Future and The Goonies, will be screened at Clarks Village purpose-built open-air cinema on Alfred Gillett Trust lawn. Capacity for 300 guests. Book tickets now.
Musical summer holidays days out
Live music at Mendip Basecamp
- When? Selected Fridays and Saturdays in July and August 2024
Mendip Basecamp are hosting a summer of free outdoor live music and entertainment featuring local musicians and bands, playing live under their magical canopy from around 7pm.
Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza featuring Keane
The Glastonbury Abbey Extravaganza concert will take place on 3 August 2024, with a headline performance from Keane who are celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Hopes and Fears.
Also performing in the Abbey’s historic surroundings will be the Shepton Mallet Big Band. The night will culminate in a fireworks finale. £45 for adults, £25 for children aged up to 16.
Watchet Summertime
- When? 19-24 August 2024
Street market stalls, workshops, live music, open air cinema and fireworks are just some of the summer holiday activities happening during Watchet Summertime.
Garden Grooves, Weston-super-Mare
- When? 13 July-7 September
Garden Grooves is a free to attend live music event organised by Loves Cafe, taking place on Saturdays in Weston’s Grove Park. Most shows have a 3pm start time (although do check ahead first), and Sprout cafe will be open with food and refreshments.
Bring camping chairs, blankets, friends and family.
Family days out Somerset attractions
From millenia-old caves to legend-swirling landmarks, family-friendly animal parks to chic cultural hotspots, iconic views, coastal days out, sensational gardens and historical attractions, Somerset’s varied landscape offers all kinds of adventures. Click on the button below for oodles of inspiration!
Greenbank heated outdoor swimming pool, Street
When the temperature rises, seek out solace at Street outdoor pool, a sizeable 30m x 12m with a shallow, semi-circular kids’ pool, splash park play area with interactive features like water jets and spray fountains. Warning, it does get busy on hot days!
Butlins Minehead
Butlins Minehead has a brand new £2.5mil playground SKYPARK. The colourful park has been designed for inclusivity and interactivity for children up to 12 years old. There are sensory surprises at every turn, with six different zones, wheelchair-accessible features and after-dark illuminations. With epic climbing towers, thrilling, light-up tunnel slides and interactive games, I can honestly say I’ve never seen a playground like this before.
If you’re not planning on staying at Butlins any time soon, it is possible to access the playground on a day pass, which cost around £14 per adult and £10 per child aged between 2-14. You’ll also be able to visit the fairgrounds, Splash Waterworld, flumes and rapids, soft play areas, outdoor play areas, arcades, restaurants, PLAYXPERIENCE and a range of bookable activities.
Read more:
37 Things to do in South Somerset with kids
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