If you can prise kids away from the movies, the hot tub and the pool table, Somerset has lots to offer. The fresh air and fun begins with Quantock Trekking, a heady combination of horses and hills. Or go laser-crazy at Lazer Space, with its flashing lights, sounds, smoke, towers, mazes and ramps.
If they’ve any energy left, Vivary Adventure Centre’s climbing wall, high ropes and crazy golf should put paid to that. Try the Vivary 8-Part Challenge, which includes a blindfolded session, and win a t-shirt. Or get bowled over by the Somerset Cricket Museum. Kids: ask your dad about someone called Ian Botham.
At the Museum of Somerset, you can educate your kids while they have fun. Sssh: don’t let on. Discover an under-floor plesiosaur, Britain’s largest collection of Roman coins, and a chilling recreation of the infamous Bloody Assizes. Or get crafty and creative at Inspired, without having to worry about cleaning up.
See Somerset from the water with Channel Adventure Taunton. Try kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding on the River Tone and channel your inner adventurer. Let off steam at Hestercombe Gardens, home to 50 acres of lakes, temples, cascades and tranquil woodland walks. Or dive into the al-fresco waters of Wiveliscombe Pool.
Take a tour of the Sheppy’s Cider visitor centre and take home a few samples of the product. Walk the lovely lawns (and golf course) of Vivary Park. Sit in the stands with a beer and watch the cricket unfold at the Cooper Associates County Ground. Or learn about Somerset’s military history in the Military Museum.
Walk or ride the 15-mile towpath of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, or the rambling peaks and wooded valleys of the Quantock Hills. Head over to Parret Bike Trails and bring along a picnic. Enjoy the wild garden and tearoom at Fyne Court. Or sample organic wines at Avalon Vineyard.
Let your dog loose at Beacon Hill Woods, or get up to the top of Burrow Mump for far-reaching views of the Somerset levels, Glastonbury Tor and Middlezoy, Othery and Westonzoyland churches. Track down the largest colony of grey herons in the country at RSPB Swell Wood. Or spot merlins and marsh harriers at WWT Steart Marshes.
Catch some performing arts in the Brewhouse Theatre. Book in July and get down to Glastonbury Festival, without the muddy camping. As darkness descends, head out to Taunton for Pitcher and Piano’s cool DJ and fab cocktails, or inject a dose of nostalgia into your night at Retro, with dancing to classics from the 1960s to the early 2000s.
