National Trust Holidays
Group accommodation at Chatham – Photo by Mike Henton
Roman Bath & Pump House
The Roman Baths and Pump Room in Bath is a well-preserved historical site that showcases the remains of an ancient Roman bathing complex. Dating back to around 70 AD, the site features the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Bath House, and extensive Roman artifacts. It offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient engineering, culture, and religion.
The Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent in Bath is a magnificent row of 30 Georgian-style terraced houses arranged in a sweeping crescent shape. Designed by architect John Wood the Younger and completed in 1774, it is an iconic example of 18th-century Palladian architecture. Some houses are private homes, while others, like No. 1 Royal Crescent, are museums showcasing period interiors. It is a testament to Georgian elegance and symmetry and reflects the luxury and style of Bath’s Georgian era. There are scenic views from the crescent as it overlooks the beautiful Royal Victoria Park.
Pulteney Bridge
Pulteney Bridge in Bath is a historic bridge completed in 1774, designed by architect Robert Adam. Spanning the River Avon, it is one of the few bridges in the world with shops built into both sides. Visitors are drawn to it for its Unique Architecture a beautiful example of Palladian design that offers stunning views of the beautiful weir and river below. The bridge is now home to several boutique shops and cozy cafés. Pulteney Bridge is a must-see for its charm, history, and scenic beauty.
The SS Great Britain
The SS Great Britain is a historic ship and museum located in Bristol, England. Designed by the renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it was launched in 1843 and was the world’s first iron-hulled, screw-propelled passenger steamship. The ship revolutionized maritime engineering and served various roles, from luxury liner to cargo ship. Visiting the ship is an immersive Experience where you walk through restored cabins, engine rooms, and decks to see life aboard in the 19th century. This is an opportunity to learn about its voyages that included carrying passengers to Australia.
Brean Leisure Park
Brean Leisure Park in Somerset is a vibrant destination for families, offering a mix of thrilling amusement rides, an exciting waterpark with slides and splash zones, and engaging activities like adventure golf. Younger children can enjoy safe and fun indoor play areas, while the entire family can take part in seasonal live shows and entertainment. With its wide range of attractions, the park guarantees a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.
Explore @ Bristol
Explore@Bristol, now known as We The Curious, is a dynamic science and arts center located on Bristol’s Harbourside. It offers an engaging, hands-on experience with over 250 interactive exhibits covering topics like technology, space, and the natural world. Visitors can enjoy the UK’s only 3D planetarium, participate in live science shows, and explore creative workshops designed to inspire curiosity across all ages. With its innovative approach to learning and discovery, Explore@Bristol is a must-visit destination for families, students, and anyone with a passion for exploration and creativity.
Wookey Hole
Wookey Hole, is an attraction centered around its famous limestone caves. Visitors can explore the stunning underground caverns filled with dramatic rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, all steeped in myths and legends about witches and things. Beyond the caves, families can enjoy a range of activities, including a dinosaur park, a magical mirror maze, a 4D cinema, and a vintage penny arcade. There’s also a museum showcasing the history of the caves, including their role in archaeology and as a home to early humans. Wookey Hole offers a mix of natural features, entertainment, and history, making it a great day out for all ages. For those that wish to stay in the local hotel it even has a witches hat for a roof.
Cheddar Gorge & Cave
Visiting Cheddar Gorge, located in Somerset, England, offers a breathtaking experience of natural beauty and adventure. It is England’s largest gorge, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, stunning caves, and rich wildlife. Visitors can explore the famous Gough’s Cave and Cox’s Cave, filled with stalactites and fascinating history, or take a hike along the cliff-top paths for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
For thrill-seekers, activities like rock climbing and caving tours are available. Families can enjoy the visitor center, museums, and shops offering local treats, including the area’s world-famous Cheddar cheese. With its blend of natural wonder, outdoor fun, and history, Cheddar Gorge is a must-visit destination.
Mendip Snowsports Centre
The Mendip Snowsports Centre, located in the Mendip Hills near Bristol, is an all-weather attraction perfect for fun and adventure. It features a dry ski slope where visitors can enjoy activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Catering to all skill levels, it offers lessons for beginners and open practice sessions for more experienced enthusiasts.
Families and groups particularly love the tobogganing and tubing, which provide a thrilling yet accessible experience. With a cozy lodge on-site serving refreshments, the Mendip Snowsports Centre is a fantastic destination for outdoor fun, whether you’re trying a new sport or just enjoying a day out.
Best places to walk, cycle or ride in Somerset
Somerset offers stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to dramatic coastlines, making it a fantastic destination for walking, cycling, and horse riding. Here are some of the best spots:
- Cheddar Gorge: A dramatic natural landmark with cliff-top trails offering breathtaking views, perfect for walkers and cyclists.
- The Mendip Hills: A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) with walking, cycling, and riding routes across limestone hills and ancient woodlands.
- The Quantock Hills: Ideal for walkers and riders, this AONB offers picturesque trails through heathland, forests, and panoramic viewpoints.
- The Somerset Levels: Flat and peaceful, this area is perfect for leisurely cycling and walking, with plenty of wildlife to spot.
- Exmoor National Park: Offering a mix of coastal paths, moorland trails, and wooded valleys, Exmoor is great for all three activities, with iconic spots like Tarr Steps and Dunkery Beacon.
- Glastonbury Tor: A short but rewarding climb, providing stunning views of the Somerset countryside.
- The Strawberry Line: A traffic-free cycling and walking path along a former railway line, connecting Yatton to Cheddar through scenic countryside.
- West Somerset Coast Path: A stretch of the England Coast Path, offering coastal walks with views of cliffs, beaches, and charming villages.
Somerset’s mix of gentle trails and challenging routes makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Glastonbury Festival –
Wed, 25 Jun 2025 – Sun, 29 Jun 2025
Glastonbury Festival is a world-renowned celebration of music, creativity, and community, set in the picturesque Somerset countryside. It hosts iconic performances from legendary headliners and showcasing a dizzying array of genres, from rock and pop to electronic, hip-hop, and folk. Glastonbury is a sprawling, immersive experience where every corner offers something unique and unexpected. As you wander around you’ll find acrobats, comedians, and street performers. You will also discover workshops on everything from wellness to sustainable living. After dark, the festival transforms as areas like Shangri-La and the Arcadia spider come alive with all kinds of experiences using music and light. There are and incredible range of stalls that provide foods from around the world. However, as an open air festival you need to prepare for the worst as the site can turn into a boggy field and your overnight tent can end up pitched in a puddle.
Popular theatres in Somerset
The Octagon Theatre, Yeovil
One of Somerset’s premier performing arts venues, the Octagon Theatre hosts a variety of events, including plays, musicals, comedy shows, concerts, and community performances.
The Brewhouse Theatre & Arts Centre, Taunton
This theatre is known for its vibrant mix of drama, comedy, music, and dance, as well as film screenings and art exhibitions. Also in Taunton
Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre, Taunton
A versatile performance space hosting plays, comedy acts, music, dance shows, and youth productions. Its focus on engaging with the community makes it a favorite for family-friendly events.
The Playhouse Theatre, Weston-super-Mare
This intimate venue near the coast offers a wide range of performances, from touring plays and stand-up comedy to music concerts and pantomimes. It’s a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Strode Theatre, Street
Situated in the village of Street, this theatre combines live performances with a cinema, showcasing plays, musicals, concerts, and films. It’s particularly well-loved for supporting local artists and community events.
Fleet Air Arm Museum
The Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton has a vast collection of naval aviation history, including historic aircraft, interactive displays, and immersive exhibitions like the aircraft carrier experience. Visitors can explore iconic planes, learn about naval aviation’s evolution, and even step into flight simulators for a hands-on experience. It’s an engaging destination for history enthusiasts and families alike.
Haynes Motor Museum
The Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset is home to over 400 amazing cars and motorcycles from around the world. You can see everything from classic vintage vehicles to modern supercars, learn about their history, and enjoy interactive exhibits. It’s a great place for car lovers and families to explore and takes approximately 3 hours to tour..
Helicopter Museum
The Helicopter Museum in Weston-super-Mare is the world’s largest collection of helicopters, featuring over 80 different types from around the globe. Visitors can explore historic and modern helicopters, learn about their development, and even sit in some of the cockpits. It’s a fascinating spot for aviation enthusiasts and families.
Historic places to visit
Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral, located in the historic city of Wells, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Visitors can admire its intricate façade, beautiful stained glass windows, and unique scissor arches. The cathedral also features a historic clock, peaceful gardens, and guided tours to learn about its rich history.
Tyntesfield
Tyntesfield is a beautiful Victorian Gothic Revival house and estate near Bristol. Visitors can explore the stunning house filled with original furnishings, wander through the lush gardens, and enjoy the surrounding parkland. It’s a wonderful place to experience history, architecture, and nature.
Glastonbury Abbey Ruins
Glastonbury Abbey is a fascinating historic site with picturesque ruins surrounded by peaceful gardens. Visitors can explore its legendary ties to King Arthur, learn about its rich history in the museum, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Dunster Castle
Dunster Castle, set on a hilltop in Somerset, offers stunning views, a historic house filled with treasures, and beautiful gardens to explore. Visitors can discover the castle’s fascinating history, wander through the subtropical gardens, and enjoy the peaceful riverside walks.
Barrington Court
Barrington Court is a Tudor manor house in Somerset, surrounded by stunning gardens and orchards. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored house, wander through the walled gardens, and enjoy the peaceful countryside setting.
Bishops Palace & Gardens
The Bishop’s Palace & Gardens in Wells is a stunning medieval palace surrounded by a moat, home to the Bishop of Bath and Wells for over 800 years. Visitors can explore the grand halls, historic chapel, and beautifully landscaped gardens, including the tranquil well pools that give Wells its name. It’s a peaceful and historic destination perfect for all ages.
Bristol Cathedral
Bristol Cathedral is a magnificent example of medieval architecture, known for its beautiful Gothic design and stunning stained glass windows. Visitors can explore its historic chapels, peaceful cloisters, and grand nave. The cathedral also hosts regular services, concerts, and events, making it a vibrant part of the city’s cultural life.
Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey is a stunning Gothic church located in the heart of Bath. Known for its impressive architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and intricate fan vaulting, it offers visitors a chance to explore its rich history. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the tower, and the Abbey is a popular spot for services and events.
Scenic Railway trips in Somerset
Avon Valley Railway
The Avon Valley Railway offers visitors a chance to step back in time and enjoy a nostalgic train ride on vintage steam or diesel trains through beautiful countryside. At Bitton Station, you can explore the charming historic station, grab a bite at the café, and visit the gift shop. The railway also hosts special events like festive Santa train rides and dining experiences. It’s a great place for families, railway enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a peaceful day out surrounded by history and scenic views. Plus, it’s easy to access on foot or bike via the nearby Bristol & Bath Railway Path.
East Somerset Railway
The East Somerset Railway (ESR) is a heritage railway in Cranmore, near Shepton Mallet, Somerset. It gives visitors a chance to experience the charm of train travel from a bygone era. The railway operates on a preserved section of the old Great Western Railway branch line, offering a relaxing ride through the picturesque Somerset countryside.
At the railway, visitors can enjoy a trip on vintage steam trains, explore the beautifully restored Cranmore Station, and visit the engine shed to see locomotives being maintained. There’s also a small museum showcasing railway memorabilia, a gift shop, and a café for refreshments. Throughout the year, the ESR hosts special events like steam galas, dining experiences, and festive Santa trains, making it a great destination for families and railway enthusiasts alike.
West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway (WSR) is the longest heritage railway in England, running for 22.75 miles through the stunning Somerset countryside. It connects Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to the seaside town of Minehead, offering visitors a scenic journey filled with nostalgia.
Passengers can enjoy traveling on vintage steam and diesel trains, passing through charming stations and picturesque landscapes, including views of the Quantock Hills and the Bristol Channel. Along the way, stations like Watchet and Dunster provide opportunities to explore historic towns and local attractions.
The railway hosts special events throughout the year, such as steam galas, themed train rides, and seasonal celebrations.