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Make Memories This Autumn and Winter With Seasonal Family Activities

  • Oct 3, 2024
  • 5 min read

Autumn and winter are ideal seasons for family adventures in Somerset. With changing landscapes, local history, seasonal festivals and organised activities, there are countless ways to explore, learn and spend time together. This guide includes seasonal activity ideas to look forward to this autumn and winter so your family can plan memorable days out.


A family group of two adults and three children stand together, facing away from the viewer. They are outside and it is dark except for the fairy lights illuminating a giant canopy that covers a rustic seating area and campfire. They are wearing woolly hats and winter coats, and the feel of the image is very festive.

Summary


Somerset offers a wide range of autumn and winter activities, from DIY outdoor adventures to historic sites, multi‑use trails, seasonal festivals, and family activities at Mendip Activity Centre. These ideas help families make the most of shorter days and cooler weather.


Table of Contents



DIY Outdoor Family Adventures


Admire the changing colours of autumn, explore a new-to-you nature reserve or wend your way through ancient standing stones. Find your family’s new favourite place and explore everything Somerset can offer throughout the seasons.


Explore the Mendip Hills National Landscape


The Mendip Hills National Landscape (MHNL) is a rugged area of hills, combes, plateaus, limestone outcrops and ancient woodland. It is rich in wildlife and seasonal colour, making autumn and winter ideal for exploration.


Free family activities include:


  • The Mendip Explorer’s Passport: Download your free Mendip Explorer’s Passport and embark on 8 missions that guide your family across the Mendips, including details such as directions and car parking locations.

  • Try a new walk: Branch out on your local explorations and find easy walks for young children or long-distance circular routes.

  • Join the MHNL mailing list: Be the first to learn about guided walks, tours and talks that occur regularly throughout the year, covering subjects like geology, history, flora and fauna of the Mendips. Some activities may have a small fee to cover their running costs.

  • Young Rangers program: If your child is between 11 and 13, they may be interested in joining the Young Rangers, which introduces young people to conservation and land management.


Historic Sites in Somerset


Somerset’s ancient history is visible across the county. These sites offer easy, low‑cost family adventures.



The Strawberry Line


The Strawberry Line is a multi‑use path created from the former Cheddar Valley railway line. It connects Shepton Mallet to Clevedon via Wells, Cheddar, Winscombe and Yatton.


Suitable for:


  • Walkers

  • Cyclists

  • Mobility scooters

  • Horse riders (on designated sections)


Family options include:


  • Bicycle hire from the Strawberry Line Cycle Project

  • Guided walks and rides

  • Cafe stops along the route

  • Exploring different sections throughout autumn and winter


Organised Seasonal Activities


Alongside do-it-yourself adventures, there are plenty of organised or hosted family activities throughout autumn and winter. Many of these activities can be combined with a local walk and are a great opportunity to explore a new-to-you area.


A family group of two adults and three children wearing hats, scarves and coats walk towards the viewer down a scenic woodland path illuminated with fairy lights and lit reindeer.

Autumn Activities


Autumn brings colourful landscapes, cooler air and atmospheric evenings. Families can enjoy DIY adventures or join organised activities across Somerset.



Christmas Activities


The crisp, cool air of December heralds festive Christmas markets, lights and seasonal celebrations across Somerset. Keep an eye out for date announcements in November.


  • Weston Museum Christmas Market: Usually running from the end of November in Weston-super-Mare, children can search the Christmas Trail for Santa’s reindeer and snap a photo with Father Christmas himself!

  • Glastonbury's Frost Fayre: Check out the Frost Fayre in Glastonbury, complete with fairground rides and the town Christmas tree lighting.

  • Clevedon's Christmas Market: Feel the festive spirit with family activities, local artisans and fantastic food.


January Activities


January continues the seasonal fun with traditional wassailing events that celebrate Somerset’s apple‑growing heritage.


Many local cider-makers host ticketed wassailing events, such as:



Look out for local businesses and community organisations announcing their Wassailing events closer to January.


An adult man wearing a black paintball-style mask pulls back the string on his loaded bow as he lunges towards the camera, aiming his shot over the person taking the photo. The arrow on his bow has a red soft foam safety tip on it. The arena is decorated for Halloween with skeletons, ghosts and yellow caution tape.

Mendip Activity Centre's Seasonal Events


The seasons are better when you're outdoors! We offer great-value seasonal activities year-round for children and families. Brighten up those short days with some outdoor adventure in the Mendip Hills.


Halloween at Mendip


  • Trick or Treat Tobogganing: For ages 4 to 12, with costumes, lights, treats, decorations and music.

  • Zombie Outbreak Response Team: Nerf and Gel Battle activity with added Halloween fun, for ages 8 and up.


Christmas at Mendip


December transforms the toboggan slope and surrounding woodland into a winter wonderland. Our most popular seasonal activity is a hit every year!


Twilight Tobogganing includes:


  • Festive lights

  • Snow machine

  • Christmas music

  • Fairy‑lit woodland walk

  • Campfire with hot chocolate and sparklers

‘Amazing evening Twilight Tobogganing. So festive and well thought out. Greeted by a lovely lady who gave us our safety talk and provided us all with Christmas hats…after our time on the slope was up we headed up to the little outdoor fire pit where we had sparklers, toasted marshmallows and had hot chocolate! Everything was perfect and I would highly recommend going!’


Late Winter at Mendip


January is always a bit dull, so why not brighten it up a bit with a Disco Tobogganing session?


Disco Tobogganing includes:


  • Glow lights

  • Disco‑pop playlists

  • Bright outfits

  • Slope races

  • Adults can join the tobogganing when they make a half or full‑slope private bookings for their group


Join our Tobogganing mailing list or follow us on Instagram to find out when booking opens for Disco Tobogganing; it will fill up fast!


Ready for Seasonal Adventures in Somerset


Somerset offers a wide range of autumn and winter activities, from outdoor adventures and historic sites to seasonal festivals and family events at Mendip Activity Centre. Whether exploring woodland trails, visiting ancient monuments or enjoying festive tobogganing, families can create lasting memories throughout the colder months.



Key Takeaways


  • Somerset offers a wide range of autumn and winter activities for families

  • The Mendip Hills National Landscape provides free outdoor adventures and walking routes

  • Historic sites like Stanton Drew and Cadbury Hill are easy, low‑cost options

  • The Strawberry Line is accessible for walkers, cyclists and mobility users

  • Seasonal festivals run through October, November, December and January

  • Mendip Activity Centre offers Halloween, Christmas and winter tobogganing

  • Many activities can be combined with local walks, cafes and short drives


Seasonal Family Activities FAQ


What are the best free autumn and winter activities for families?

There are several free activities to find, including walking routes, historic sites, the Mendip Explorer’s Passport and the Strawberry Line.


Are these activities suitable for young children?

Yes. Many routes and sites are short, accessible and easy to explore with children.


What seasonal events run in Somerset during autumn and winter?

Carnivals, Christmas markets, wassailing events and themed activities at Mendip Activity Centre run from October through January.


Is the Strawberry Line accessible for mobility users?

Yes. Large sections of the Strawberry Line are suitable for mobility scooters and adapted bikes.


Do Mendip Activity Centre’s seasonal activities require booking?

Yes. Trick or Treat Tobogganing, Twilight Tobogganing and Disco Tobogganing require advance booking.

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