WHAT’S ON May half term holidays Somerset
Events taking place in the May half term holidays Somerset are being added as and when attractions and local businesses make their announcements. There are lots more to come!
For general days out, rather than specific events, please check out my guide to 42 amazing Somerset attractions, which provides lots of inspiration. If there’s a last minute heatwave (!!), perhaps you could plan a family glamping adventure in the county, or failing that, this post covers all bases for rainy day inspiration. Or, take a trip to the North Somerset coast for a beach day and some yummy grub,
As always, I’ll be keeping this page updated as much as possible with news from these May half term Somerset events. But also keep an eye on the Down Somerset Way Facebook group and also my Instagram. Feel free to email me if you know of an event not listed here.
May half term in Somerset: Outdoor days out
National Trust Montacute
- When? 29 May-1 June 2024
Meet the Taunton Garrison and learn about early military camp life when the building of Montacute House was just a grand idea in Edward Phelips’ mind. Join in musket drills, watch pike drills, meet the blacksmith, camp cook and barber surgeon and learn about their crafts. Muskets will be on display but will not be fired. The camp will be in the Farmer’s Piece behind the two big cedar trees at the end of the cedar lawn.
Prior Park Landscape Garden endangered animal trail
- When? 25 May-2 June 2024
Find eight endangered species that are spread around the garden, read the clue and see if you can work out what they are. You’ll also be able to read a bit about the work that’s been happening at other National Trust locations to help reintroduce or protect the environment for these species.
Half term heroes at Stourhead
- When? 25 May-2 June 2024
Discover ways to protect the planet, learn about what Stourhead does to tackle climate change and enjoy outdoor games and play. On the final day of half-term (2 June at 1pm) there will be a buzz-tastic bee balancing blundershow – an educational family-friendly musical designed to inspire young people to engage with environmental action.
Craft a colourful bird at Tyntesfield
- When? 25 May-2 June 2024
Inspired by ‘Echoes from the Aviary’; a sound and collage installation filling Tyntesfield’s aviary this spring, have a go at creating your own colourful collaged birds in this free family drop in.
Discover more gorgeous Somerset gardens this Spring
Family pond dipping at RSPB Ham Wall
- When? 2 June 2024
Explore a pond habitat and the different creatures which live there. Aimed at families with children aged between 5-12 years. Each time-slot booking is for 1 child and up to 1 adult (aged 18 years and over) to pond dip for 45 minutes. An adult can supervise a maximum of 2 children.
Glastonbury Abbey Summer Open Day
- When? 1 June 2024
FREE entry from midday to 8pm, live music on the main stage, arts and crafts market, street food catering and a bar.
The entertainment on the stage kicks off with the 100 strong choir Sally’s Angels at 1pm and concludes before 8pm with local legends The Charlie Miller Band.
May half term at Wookey Hole
Explore the vast underground chambers of Wookey Hole and learn about their fascinating geology, history and the legends that have emerged over the millennia. Look out for the moon, shining bright in the heart of the caves, meet the infamous Witch and walk through the Enchanted Valley where you’ll encounter mythical beasts and legends. Plus soft play, circus shows and 4D cinema.
May Celebration and half term fun at Ferne Animal Sanctuary
- When? 27 May 2024
Go pond dipping (weather dependent), discover the wildlife that call Ferne home, spot the frog mascot, join consultant ecologist Nicole for a bat talk, get hands-on experience in the art of wilderness survival and learn how to build your own den and identify trees.
Throughout half term in May, there’s an array of educational and creative wildlife themed activities.
Rampart ramble at Ham Hill
- When? 28 May 2024
Ramble across the ramparts and hear some of the terrible tales from Ham Hill’s horrendous history. Take a closer look at Ham Hill’s famous rock, learn why the Celts settled here, roar like a Roman and storm the hillfort. Try clay modelling and create a coil pot to take home with you.
Aimed at families with children aged 5 – 12. £6 per child, booking essential.
Fossil Fun at Ham Hill
- When? 30 May 2024
Discover the amazing fossils that have been found at Ham Hill. Make your own fossils from clay, try casting your own seashell fossil using plaster of Paris, learn about the prehistoric plants that still grow here today, and create pictures to take home with you.
Ugly Bug Ball Trail at Hestercombe
- When? 25 May-2 June 2024
Can you name all of the critters in the ‘Ugly Bug Ball’ trail around Rook Wood? Complete the (free) trail sheet to claim your prize! Discover interactive magnetic images of minibeasts, dress them up in some fun outfits and get them ready for the ball.
Bishops Palace Gardens
Head to Bishops Palace Gardens this May half term to explore 14 acres of gardens, see swans and their cygnets, waterfalls and springs plus half term family activities (TBC)
Wildlife Wonders, Cheddar Gorge
- When? 25 May-2 June 2024
A fun and informative week where you’ll learn about Cheddar Gorge’s wonderful wildlife with daily talks and demonstrations on how to make a bird feeder from upcycled household items. There’s also a mega bug hotel, arts and crafts, and special pop up events:
- Live Bee Hive Station courtesy of Burnham and Bee District Keepers (29 May 2024 and 1 June)
- Owl Encounter courtesy of Owl Enlightenment (25 May)
Indoor half term activities Somerset 2024
May half term fun at Haynes Motor Museum
- When? 27 May-2 June 2024
The British Motor Show will be at the Museum with a selection of fun family activities. Race with a super-sized Scalextric, try out the Sega Rally simulator and take a look at the iconic British Motor Show Mustang.
The outdoor car displays are also back for May Half Term. Marvel at some of the Museum’s motors as they parade around the paddock.
More Rainy day indoor activities in Somerset
Crafty May half term days out
Play with clay, Somerset Brick and Tile Museum
- When? 28 May 2024
Make a name plaque or free-standing initials out of clay with cutters or free hand. Your clay crafts will need to be fired and will be ready for collection 4 weeks later. Suitable for ages 2+ Booking is essential, £4. Book now.
Kids Pottery Workshop, American Museum & Gardens
- When? 28 May 2024
Experience using the potter’s wheel as well as hand-building with clay. Each child can make two pottery items in an hour-long creative session with Maisie from The Touring Potter. The pottery will be fired after the workshop, and be ready to collect in 4–6 weeks. Book tickets for a one-hour workshop starting at 10.30am, 12 noon, 2pm or 3.30pm.
Wetlands Activity Day
- When? 30 May 2024
Exploring Somerset’s wonderful wetland habitats through a series of fun activities, including a chance to design and make a wetlands-themed badge. Booking is essential, £4. Book now.
Somerset Printmakers, Somerset Rural Life Museum
When? 25 May- 1 September 2024
The Somerset Printmakers are a group of professional artists whose practice spans traditional and experimental methods. They will be displaying monoprints and limited editions prints inspired by the county they live in, adopting different styles and techniques
Weston-super-Mare roller disco, Wellsprings Leisure Centre
- 31 May, 7.30-9pm
Skating fun, games and great music, hosted by the Eleven Roller Disco volunteer marshal team who work hard so you can skate safely. Bring your own skates or borrow theirs – hire skates and safety kit (strongly recommended!) are included in the ticket price.
What’s on in Somerset May half term: Steam train days
Somerset and Dorset Railway: 26, 27, 29 May 2024
Yeovil Railway: 26, 28 May, 2 June 2024
East Somerset Railway Birds of Prey day: 25 May 2024
Somerset May half term Theatre days out
Taunton Brewhouse
Top Secret – The Magic of Science
- When? 31 May 2024, 2.30pm
Experience non-stop, action-packed interactive magical science experiments that will capture the imagination. Top Secret is a fast moving, colourful magical science show filled with mystery, suspense, and lots of mess!
Liked this post on May half term holidays Somerset? Read more:
Somerset festivals to look forward to in 2024
