Rolling green hills, the scent of cider apples, and a coastline dotted with fossil-filled cliffs make Somerset one of England’s best-kept family holiday secrets.
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Cheddar Gorge: Adventure in the Heart of Somerset
Cheddar Gorge is the largest gorge in the United Kingdom, a dramatic limestone ravine that cuts through the Mendip Hills. For families, the gorge offers a perfect blend of natural wonder and active exploration. The cliff-top walk provides breathtaking views across the Somerset Levels to Glastonbury Tor, while the Gorge Walk along the road below allows you to peer up at the sheer rock faces that tower 137 meters above. The walk is suitable for children of all ages, though toddlers will need carrying on the steep sections.
The two show caves, Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave, are the gorge’s main attractions. Gough’s Cave, discovered in 1890, features massive stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. The underground river and the Lake of Gloom fascinate children, while the story of Cheddar Man – the 9,000-year-old skeleton found here – adds a layer of prehistoric intrigue. Cox’s Cave is smaller but more colorful, with mineral deposits creating spectacular formations.
Above the caves, the Adventure Caving experiences allow families with children aged 10 and over to explore undeveloped passages with a guide. Wearing helmets and headlamps, you crawl through narrow tunnels and climb through chambers that few visitors ever see. The Open Air Adventure Park, with its climbing wall, zip line, and nature trails, provides additional entertainment for younger children. Leave time to explore the village of Cheddar itself, where you can sample the famous cheese at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company and buy locally made fudge and cider.
Wookey Hole: British Magic and Mystery
Wookey Hole Caves offer a different caving experience, more family-oriented and theatrical than Cheddar Gorge. The caves are famous for the Witch of Wookey Hole legend – a story about a local witch who was turned to stone by a monk, her stalagmite form still visible in the main chamber. The guided tour brings this legend to life with clever lighting and sound effects that captivate children while providing genuine geological and archaeological information.
Beyond the caves, Wookey Hole is a full-day attraction. The Victorian penny arcade, with working vintage slot machines and games, delights children who have never seen mechanical games before. The 4D cinema shows a short film about the caves’ history with sensory effects including mist, bubbles, and moving seats. The indoor soft play area provides a space for younger children to burn off energy, while the outdoor maze challenges the whole family to work together.
The paper-making demonstrations are a highlight. Wookey Hole has a long history of paper production, and the on-site mill shows how paper was made by hand in the 19th century. Children can try making their own paper to take home as a souvenir. The dinosaur park, with life-sized models set along a woodland trail, is a hit with younger visitors. Allow a full day for Wookey Hole, as there is enough to keep every family member entertained from opening until closing.
The Somerset Coast: Fossils, Beaches, and Seafood
The Somerset coastline along the Bristol Channel and the Severn Estuary is rich in Jurassic fossils and family-friendly beaches. The town of Lyme Regis, technically just over the border in Dorset but easily accessible from Somerset, is the most famous fossil-hunting destination. Monmouth Beach and Church Cliffs are accessible spots where families can search for ammonites, belemnites, and other 200-million-year-old remains. The Lyme Regis Museum offers fossil-identification sessions and guided fossil walks.
Minehead, at the northern edge of Exmoor National Park, offers a traditional English seaside experience. The sandy beach is backed by a promenade with amusement arcades, fish-and-chip shops, and the Minehead Harbour, where fishing boats sell their catch directly. The West Somerset Steam Railway, which runs from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard, is a highlight for children who love trains. The South West Coast Path passes through Minehead, offering stunning clifftop walks with views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.
Weston-super-Mare is Somerset’s largest seaside resort, with a long sandy beach, the famous Grand Pier filled with rides and amusements, and the Weston Wheel observation ride. The SeaQuarium aquarium introduces children to local marine life including seahorses, sharks, and rays. The Weston Beach Railway runs along the promenade. For a quieter beach experience, head to Brean Down or Berrow, where sand dunes and fewer crowds create a more relaxed atmosphere.
Exmoor National Park: Ponies, Waterfalls, and Stargazing
Exmoor National Park covers a significant portion of western Somerset and offers some of England’s most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes. The Exmoor ponies, which have roamed these moors for thousands of years, are a major attraction for families. They can often be seen grazing near roads and car parks, particularly around Dunkery Beacon and Winsford Hill. The ponies are wild and should not be fed, but observing them from a distance is a magical experience for children.
Watersmeet, a National Trust property, is the perfect family destination within Exmoor. The confluence of the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water creates a series of pools and cascades where children can paddle safely in summer. The Victorian fishing lodge now houses a tea room and information center. The circular walk from Watersmeet through the ancient woodland, past moss-covered rocks and ferns, is manageable for young legs and rewards with beautiful river views.
Tarr Steps, a prehistoric clapper bridge spanning the River Barle, is another Exmoor highlight. The bridge, consisting of massive stone slabs supported by stone piers, is believed to be over 3,000 years old. The surrounding area has picnic spots, shallow pools for paddling, and well-marked walking trails. Exmoor has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best places in the UK for stargazing. The lack of light pollution means families can see the Milky Way, planets, and shooting stars on clear nights.
Glastonbury, Wells, and historic Towns
Glastonbury is famous for its music festival, but the town itself is a fascinating destination for families. Glastonbury Tor, the conical hill topped by St Michael’s Tower, provides panoramic views across the Somerset Levels. The climb is steep but short, and most children can manage it with encouragement. The town is rich in Arthurian legend – it claims to be the Isle of Avalon where King Arthur was taken after his final battle, and the Glastonbury Abbey ruins are said to contain his grave.
Wells, England’s smallest city, is a gem of medieval architecture. Wells Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic design, with its famous west front adorned with over 300 medieval statues. The cathedral’s scissor arches, an ingenious engineering solution to prevent collapse, fascinate children who learn how the cathedral was saved. The Wells clock, dating from 1392, features jousting knights that emerge on the hour. The Bishop’s Palace, with its moat and resident swans that ring a bell for food, delights younger visitors.
Both Glastonbury and Wells offer excellent family-friendly dining. The Crown at Wells serves generous portions of classic British food in a historic setting, while the Glastonbury experience includes vegetarian and vegan options reflecting the town’s alternative culture. The Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury offers hands-on exhibits about traditional farming and country life that engage children of all ages.
Which Somerset attraction would your family most enjoy – caving, fossil hunting, Exmoor ponies, or cathedral exploring?
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