5 family-friendly ideas for enjoying summer in the south-west

With summer holidays just around the corner, you might be looking for fun ways to keep your children or grandchildren entertained during their time off.

You don’t need to travel far to enjoy a fun-filled day making memories with your little ones. If you know where to go, there’s a variety of family-friendly places to try here in the south-west.

Read on to explore some great ideas for days out in the south-west, including recommendations from the J Edward Sellars team!

1. Wookey Hole

At the heart of the Mendip Hills, you can explore Wookey Hole’s legendary caves.

Sculpted over millions of years, today the caves are among Somerset’s most iconic attractions and have even featured in the filming of Harry Potter.

Wookey Hole has a variety of activities to enjoy, no matter the weather or your age. You can:

• Explore deep inside the caves
• Play a round of adventure golf
• Discover the dinosaur valley
• Learn about the caves’ history in the museum
• Experience 4D cinema
• Sit back and enjoy the circus (during school holidays and weekends).

With something for everyone, the whole family can enjoy a fun-filled day of education and adventure.

2. Mendip Adventure

There are a few different Mendip Adventure locations to choose from:

• Mendip Activity Centre in the Mendip Hills
• Mendip Basecamp in Somerset
• SUP Bristol, in Bristol

The centres offer over 30 fun-filled outdoor adventures, including:

• Rock climbing
• Caving
• Skiing
• Tobogganing
• Snowboarding
• Archery
• Air rifle shooting
• Axe throwing

If you’re looking for slower-paced activities, they also have frisbee golf, nature walks, and orienteering for the whole family to enjoy together.

3. Clevedon Seafront

Steeped in Victorian history and boasting stunning coastline views, the charming seaside town of Clevedon is perfect for families looking to enjoy a summer day out.

As one of the town’s main attractions, the iconic Clevedon Pier is a Grade I-listed Victorian structure. Running alongside the pebble beach is a promenade with cafes, restaurants, and ice cream parlours.

Close to the main beach, you can enjoy open saltwater swimming at Clevedon Marine Lake. This sea-fed tidal pool is shallow and enclosed, making it a great option for children to enjoy the sea safely.

There’s plenty to do on those rainy summer days, too, such as visiting Clevedon Court to explore the medieval manor house’s historic rooms and lush gardens.

4. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

If your kids love farms, zoos, and play areas, you can enjoy all three in a single day out in Clevedon.

At Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, you can meet wildlife from across the animal kingdom. From pigs and rabbits to tigers and giraffes, you can see them all together in one fun-filled location. You can even get up close, with the chance to join their keepers in caring for meerkats, giant tortoises, African elephants, giraffes, and rhinos.

There are plenty of play areas for the little ones to enjoy, including:

• Soft play and slide areas
• A mini tractor racecourse
• A wildlife maze
• Trampolines
• A sand pit
• Outdoor play areas

So, you can relax while the children burn off some energy making memories.

5. National Trust days out

National Trust-lovers are spoilt for choice in the south-west. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical locations or discovering stunning natural scenery, there’s plenty to keep the kids busy this summer.

• Cadbury Camp: Constructed in the 6th century BC, this Iron Age hill fort offers panoramic views over the Mendips to the Quantocks and the Severn Estuary. Looking west, you can see south Wales and the Brecon Beacons.
• Tyntesfield: This Victorian manor house is a Gothic Revival masterpiece. You can explore the ornately furnished house, historic woodlands, and gardens. There’s also a café, shop, and three play areas to enjoy.
• Sand Point: This natural pier boasts a secluded pebble beach, far-reaching views, and a stunning nature reserve.
• Cheddar Gorge: Somerset’s famous gorge is the largest in England, featuring spectacular landscapes along its three-mile stretch.
• King John’s Hunting Lodge: Built circa 1500, this early Tudor merchant’s house offers a fascinating insight into local history.

You don’t need to be a National Trust member to enjoy their picturesque and historic locations. Many of these offer free admission for non-members, so you can stretch your legs and learn about local history without breaking the bank.

We’re here for more than just financial advice

At J Edward Sellars, our support stretches beyond finances. We’re here to offer guidance through life’s twists, turns, and memorable moments.

Do you have any family-friendly days out to add to the list? Or have you enjoyed one of our team’s recommendations? We’d love to hear from you.

Email enquiries@jesellars.co.uk or call 01934 875 919.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.