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Things to Do in Somerset: The Adventurer’s Guide to the South West

  • 6 hours ago
  • 8 min read
A view of Cheddar Gorge from one side, looking down the limestone cliffs at the road far below. The sun is hidden behind the clouds, giving the whole view a gentle glow.

Discover Somerset, one of England’s premier outdoor playgrounds for families and couples.


The county’s limestone hills, rivers, and rugged coastline create the perfect setting for budget-friendly outdoor adventures and great-value family holidays.


In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Somerset across land, water, and even underground.


Summary


Somerset is one of England’s top destinations for outdoor adventure. From limestone hills and caves to rivers and coastlines, it offers affordable experiences for families, couples, and friend groups. This guide highlights the best things to do in Somerset, from climbing and kayaking to budget-friendly activities, plus where to stay and where to eat.


Who This Guide Is For


  • Families with children who want to get outdoors and into nature

  • Couples and friend groups looking for reasonably priced, adventure-focused breaks


Table of Contents



Why Visit Somerset


Somerset offers a mix of landscapes and experiences that make it ideal for outdoor exploration.


  • Mendip Hills: limestone gorges, caves, and woodlands with goats, deer, and birdlife

  • Somerset Levels and rivers: wetlands and waterways teeming with native and migratory birds

  • Coastal landscapes and wildlife of Brean Down, Sand Bay and wider Somerset coastline

  • Outdoor activity providers: Mendip Activity Centre, only 30 minutes drive from Bristol, offers guided adventures for all skill levels in the heart of the Mendip Hills

  • Local food and accommodation: Sample Somerset’s famous cider and produce from local vendors, and stay at Mendip Basecamp, less than 3 hours from London


Land Adventures in Somerset


Somerset’s hills and trails are ideal for active days outdoors. The Mendip Hills offer limestone cliffs, woodland paths, and open spaces perfect for adventure sports and family walks. These activities combine accessibility with excitement, making them some of the most rewarding things to do in Somerset.



A woman pulls back the string of her bow as she aims at a target downrange at an activity centre near Churchill, Somerset.

Try Archery, Air Rifles, or Axe Throwing at Mendip Activity Centre near Churchill in the Mendip Hills. Friendly instructors guide you on purpose-built ranges, helping beginners and mixed groups learn new skills safely.


  • Location: Mendip Activity Centre, near Churchill, North Somerset

  • Suitable for: Ages 8 and up

  • Best for: Families and couples looking for inclusive, adaptable fun




Join beginner sessions on limestone crags at Sandford Quarry, a private site just ten minutes' drive from Mendip Activity Centre, or a short walk from Mendip Basecamp. Learn basic climbing techniques with professional instructors while taking in stunning views of the surrounding hills.


  • Location: Sandford Quarry, Mendip Hills

  • Suitable for: Ages 8 and up

  • Best for: First-time climbers and small groups



Walking in Somerset


Somerset’s walking routes range from dramatic gorges to gentle woodland trails.



Each route offers a different way to experience Somerset’s natural beauty, wildlife, and geology.


Water Adventures in Somerset


Somerset’s rivers, lakes, and coastline offer plenty of ways to get active on the water. From paddleboarding in Bristol Harbour to swimming in tidal lakes, these experiences combine adventure with relaxation and are among the most memorable things to do in Somerset.



Beginner Kayaking sessions take place on sheltered water at our private watersports venue in Hewish, ideal for families and couples. Friendly instructors help you build confidence and make the most of your time outdoors.


  • Location: River Yeo, Hewish

  • Suitable for: Ages 8 and up

  • Best for: Families, couples and beginners




A father and daughter paddle their canoe on the River Yeo in Hewish, Somerset. The sun is shining and lush green foliage crowds the river banks.

Try a beginner's Canoe session on the River Yeo with professional instructors who boost your confidence and support your adventure.


  • Location: River Yeo, Hewish

  • Suitable for: Ages 8 and up

  • Best for: Families, couples and beginners




Try your hand at paddleboarding on gentle water in the Somerset countryside, or embark on a unique sightseeing adventure on Bristol Harbour. Learn balance and technique from friendly instructors, and see the natural beauty and diverse culture of Somerset from a new perspective.


  • Location: River Yeo in Hewish, and Underfall Yard in Bristol Harbour

  • Suitable for: Ages 8+ for paddleboarding in Hewish, and 16+ in Bristol

  • Best for: Families, couples and small groups looking for a fun challenge




Introductory courses in Canoeing, Kayaking, and Paddleboarding are available for those who want to turn a holiday activity into a lifelong hobby.


  • Location: Mendip Activity Centre venues, including the Yeo River and/or Clevedon Marine Lake

  • Suitable for: Ages 14 and up

  • Best for: Visitors seeking long-term adventure skills




Clevedon Marine Lake is a scenic tidal infinity lake on the North Somerset coast. Open around the clock, it’s perfect for swimming, walking, or relaxing by the water.


  • Location: Clevedon, North Somerset

  • Parking: Salthouse Fields Car Park and the Promenade (check local fees)

  • Best for: Families, friend groups, solo visitors, or anyone who likes spending time near the water


Underground Adventures in Somerset


Somerset’s caves reveal a hidden world beneath the hills. These underground experiences range from gentle introductions to full adventure caving, offering some of the most unique things to do in Somerset.



This classic beginner cave in Burrington Combe is ideal for first-time cavers. Explore passages and chambers with professional instructors who make the experience safe and exciting.


  • Location: Burrington Combe, Mendip Hills

  • Suitable for: Ages 8 and up

  • Best for: Families and beginners




A group of cavers wearing red suits and helmets stand in a chamber of Swildon's Hole, a limestone cave in the Mendip Hills, Somerset. The group is admiring the stalactites and stalagmites that decorate the chamber.

Swildon’s Hole is one of the Mendip Hills’ most iconic cave systems. Expect tight squeezes, large chambers, and watery passages in a physically challenging 3-hour adventure.


  • Location: Priddy, Mendip Hills

  • Suitable for: Ages 12 and up

  • Best for: Experienced adventurers and small groups




Tour around the largest show caves in England at Wookey Hole, home to the Wookey Witch and tens of thousands of years of natural and human history. Open to visitors since 1927, Wookey Hole is a Somerset institution and great for families.


  • Location: Wookey Hole, near Wells

  • Suitable for: All ages, though the cave route is unsuitable for prams and buggies (storage is available)

  • Duration: Approximately 40 minutes to tour the show caves

  • Best for: Families, couples and friend groups



Budget and Free Adventures in Somerset


Somerset offers plenty of free and low-cost outdoor activities that make adventure accessible to everyone. Whether you’re exploring beaches, cycling country trails, or trying family-friendly sports, these experiences prove that the best things to do in Somerset don’t have to cost much.


Low-Cost Activities


Twin siblings zip down a dry toboggan slope on plastic toboggans, a budget activity available in Somerset. One child is smiling, the other concentrating, and both are leaning into the speed.

Affordable adventures are easy to find across the Mendip Hills and surrounding areas. Mendip Activity Centre offers several low-cost adventure activity options:



These activities are ideal for families seeking active days out without stretching the budget.


Free Activities


Somerset’s natural landscapes offer endless opportunities for exploration at no cost.


  • Seaside exploration: Visit Sand Bay and Brean Down for coastal walks and views over the Bristol Channel

  • Cycling: Bring your own bikes and ride the Strawberry Line, Mendip Hills mountain bike trails, or woodland routes through the Quantock Hills

  • Paddling: Launch a canoe or kayak on suitable sections of the River Parrett for a peaceful day on the water


Free adventures like these make Somerset perfect for spontaneous trips and relaxed weekends outdoors.


Where to Stay: Adventure-Friendly Bases in Somerset


Somerset offers a wide range of accommodation options for outdoor explorers. Whether you prefer camping, glamping, or a cosy B&B, you’ll find plenty of adventure-friendly bases across the county.


Mendip Basecamp


An aerial view of a campsite on top of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. The camping field is surrounded by trees, and campers have scattered themselves around, picking their own pitches.

Mendip Basecamp, near Churchill and Winscombe, is an affordable adventure hub close to the M5 and Bristol. It’s ideal for families and groups who want flexibility and easy access to outdoor activities.


  • Accommodation type: Off-grid family campsite with flexible options including tent pitches, bell tents, bunk tents, and safari tents

  • Facilities: Hot showers and flushing loos, play areas, camp shop, cafe, free activities

  • Extras: Pre-pitched tents available, well-behaved dogs welcome



Other Nearby Options


Travellers exploring multiple areas can find local accommodation options in and around Cheddar, Brean Down, and the Quantock Hills.


  • Cheddar: Perfect for walkers and climbers visiting Cheddar Gorge

  • Brean Down: Great for coastal explorers and beach lovers

  • Quantocks: Ideal for mountain biking and woodland adventures


Are you a large group looking for accommodation near Cheddar? Check out the Cheddar YHA, part of the Mendip Adventure family and operated in partnership with the YHA.



Where to Eat


Somerset’s food scene combines hearty local produce with relaxed dining options. Whether you’re staying onsite or exploring nearby villages, there’s something for every appetite.


Onsite Dining at Mendip Basecamp and Mendip Activity Centre


  • Basecamp Cafe: Casual meals and snacks for campers, including chips, pizza, paninis and baked goods, plus cold drinks, barista coffee and breakfast rolls.

  • Alpine Lounge: Warm, welcoming space with outdoor seating, looking over the dry ski slope at Mendip Activity Centre. Offers snacks and meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus drinks and barista coffee.


Local Pubs


A pretty stone-built pub in Sandford, Somerset, with an oak-frame addition holding the dining room, and outdoor patio seating. A sign on the stone part of the building says 'The Railway Inn'.

Get a taste of traditional Somerset fare with a visit to a local pub:


  • The Railway Inn: Located at Thatcher’s Cider in Sandford, serving classic pub fare and a range of award-winning ciders made onsite.

  • The Crown Inn: An atmospheric old pub a few minutes up the road from Mendip Basecamp in Churchill, with traditional cask ales, local cider, and a fantastic roast beef sandwich.

  • The Woodborough Inn: Featuring a comfortable dining room, pub area, and outdoor patio seating, the Woodborough is located in the centre of Winscombe, near the Strawberry Line.


Takeaways and Cafes


Grab a quick bite or picnic supplies from Winscombe’s bakery, cafes, fish and chip shop, curry house or kebab takeaway. There’s also a Co-op in the village if you need extra supplies.


Tip: Pick up your treats and have a picnic on the old train platform on the Strawberry Line!


What to Pack for an Adventure Holiday in Somerset


Packing smart helps you make the most of Somerset’s weather and diverse terrain.


Essentials


  • Layered clothing for changing conditions

  • Waterproof and windproof outerwear

  • Sensible footwear for hills, coast, and caves


Camping and Activity Gear


  • Tent, sleeping bags, and cooking equipment

  • Bikes, paddleboards, or kayaks for BYO adventures


Family and Safety Items


  • Sun protection, snacks, refillable water bottles

  • Simple first aid kit


Final Tips for Planning Your Somerset Adventure


A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth and enjoyable trip.


  • Book your activities in advance

  • Check weather, tides, and access for coastal and river trips

  • Use Mendip Basecamp or similar accommodation as a central base for exploring the Mendip Hills, Cheddar Gorge, and the Somerset coast

  • Keep plans flexible to match family energy levels and weather conditions


Key Takeaways


  • Somerset is one of England’s best regions for affordable outdoor adventures

  • The Mendip Hills, Somerset Levels, and coastline offer endless opportunities for families and couples to explore, climb, paddle, and relax

  • Local providers like Mendip Activity Centre make new experiences easy and safe, while great-value accommodation and food complete the perfect adventure break


Start Your Somerset Adventure Planning Today


The sun sets over a camping field in Somerset, with a family gathered around a camp table next to their tent.

Somerset is a county made for adventurers. Its mix of hills, coast, caves, and waterways offers endless ways to explore, relax, and reconnect with nature.


Whether you’re climbing, paddling, or simply walking through its landscapes, Somerset delivers great value and unforgettable experiences for families, couples, and friend groups alike. Plan, pack well, and discover why outdoor adventures in Somerset are some of the most rewarding in England.




Things To Do In Somerset: FAQ


What are the best outdoor activities in Somerset?

Somerset offers walking and Rock Climbing in the Mendip Hills, plus Kayaking and Paddleboarding at various locations, and family camping at Mendip Basecamp.


Is Somerset suitable for family adventures?

Yes. Many activities, including Climbing, Archery, and Nature Trails, are designed for families; please check minimum age requirements when booking your activity.


Where can I go caving in Somerset?

Popular caving sites include Wookey Hole, Goatchurch Cavern, and Swildon’s Hole, all located in or near the Mendip Hills. Mendip Activity Centre and Wookey Hole offer caving experiences.


What are some budget‑friendly things to do in Somerset?

Try free coastal walks, cycling routes like the Strawberry Line, or low‑cost activities at Mendip Activity Centre such as Frisbee Golf or Tobogganing.


When is the best time to visit Somerset for outdoor adventures?

Somerset’s outdoor season runs year‑round, but spring through early autumn offers the best weather for walking, camping, and water sports.

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