Somerset and Exmoor have dozens of great family days out for any season, but these are two of our favourites. For more ideas about great things to do in Somerset see https://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to-do/free-days-out and for Exmoor visit https://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/types/events/map
Heritage railway delight on the West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway should be high on the bucket lists of any heritage, railway, seaside or Harry Potter fan! The West Somerset Railway is the longest heritage railway in England and runs twenty miles from the gently rolling Quantock hills, unspoiled villages and woodlands through to the cliffs and coast of the Bristol Channel. The carriages are charismatic as are the staff and the historic steam locomotives and historic buildings of the ten unique stations will offer hours of exploration. Look out for the “Harry Potter” style carriage that will transport guests to an experience reminiscent of the much-loved films.
And every year volunteers from the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) welcome thousands of visitors to the vintage rally at Norton Fitzwarren fields over the first weekend in August. This year’s event will be on 4th and 5th August, 2018 – if steam engines are your thing, don’t miss it!
Several different ticket types are available to allow visitors to explore the area; for more information please visit: https://www.west-somerset-rail
Summer Family Fun at The Bishop’s Palace in Wells
The Bishop’s Palace, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD
If the thought of the long school summer holidays is filling you with dread, look no further than The Bishop’s Palace in Wells, which has a huge range of fun-filled activities on offer this year from July through to the end of August.
The first of the weekly “Make it Mondays” family craft activities sessions begins on Monday 30th July with a theme of ‘Animals at the Palace’ when families will be invited to join in the fun crafting activities in the Undercroft, to include making handprint swans, bushy-tailed squirrels and Maisie the cat masks. Other themes over the holidays include ‘Jesters & Fools’, ‘Minibeasts’, ‘Medieval Life’. Each Make it Monday runs from 10:30am – 3:30pm and is included in standard admission. Also running weekly are Nature Ninjas Family Garden activities every Friday from 11am – 3pm.
On Sunday 5th August, the South Lawn will be given over to our Midsummer Mayhem Summer Family Fun Day with fun and games for all ages, This will be the third year that the event has taken place, and last year over 1,000 visitors enjoyed a fantastic day of fun-filled family activities. This year’s day of fun will include a bouncy castle, a giant inflatable slide, crazy golf, balloon modelling, mini croquet, giant games, dressing up and face painting. The event will also be attended by Wookey Hole Circus School who will be teaching circus skills all day, so if you’ve ever fancied learning to Stilt Walk, Walk the Wire, Unicycle, Juggle and much more, come along to find out how! Visitors can make a day of it by bringing a picnic, visiting The Hungry Dragon snack bar in The Dragon’s Lair play area, or heading over to The Bishop’s Table café. There will also be a candy floss and snow cone van available to tempt little taste buds!
To bring the holidays to a dramatic close, why not head along to the Palace during August Bank Holiday Weekend and prepare to be wowed in true medieval fashion by the daring antics of historical re-enactors Bowlore Medieval. With stunning sword and archery displays, this skilled troupe will keep visitors enthralled, entertained and just a little bit nervous as they demonstrate the ancient art of sword-fighting, weaponry displays and William Tell-type archery skills! Visitors who are feeling brave can also take part in their ‘have a go’ sessions of long bow archery and sword fighting. The costumed group will set up camp on the South Lawn of the Palace for the whole long weekend and are always happy to answer any questions, help you to try on authentic heavy chainmail or even let you stroke their tiny owl!
On Bank Holiday Monday (27th August) the Palace Moat is also home to the annual Moat Boat Race, where a whole host of teams from the Wells Community race home-made rafts along the Moat to compete for the honour of being named Champions of the Moat!
For more information and entry prices, please visit https://www.visitsomerset.co.u
*Campsite of the Week*
Warren Farm Holiday Centre
Warren Road, Brean Sands, Nr Burnham on Sea, Somerset, TA8 2RP
A holiday park in Somerset has just finished creating brand new ensuite Super Pitches in time for the busy summer season. Warren Farm Holiday Centre in Brean now offers ensuite Pitches, each with their own private toilet and shower facilities.
Mike Harris, Director at Warren Farm Holiday Centre, said: “We’re pleased to announce that our ensuite Super Pitches are now complete. These pitches are suitable for touring caravans, motorhomes or tents. Each pitch has its own ‘pod’ consisting of a toilet, shower and storage area. It is the perfect solution for those wanting a more luxury caravanning or camping experience, without the need to use our communal toilet blocks.”
These spacious pitches include a tarmac area for the caravan, motorhome and/or car, plus all-weather rubber matting for a tent or awning. The ‘Super Pitch’ features include a fresh water tap, waste water drain, storm drain and car parking space.
Warren Farm Holiday Centre is a family-run business, which has been in the Harris family for five generations. It was awarded ‘Holiday Park Of The Year’ at the Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards 2017/18. There is a range of facilities including arcade amusements, an indoor soft play area, fishing lake, games field, outdoor play equipment and a restaurant/clubhouse featuring live entertainment. For more information about Warren Farm Holiday Centre, please visit:https://www.visitsomerset.co.u
Have you seen the Somerset and Exmoor Images Gallery? For magnificent images of Somerset and Exmoor, click here: https://www.visitsomersetimage
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