Weston-super-Mare is a seaside town in Somerset, England and is located on the Bristol Channel 18 miles south west of Bristol. The seaside resort is full of Victorian history and is situated at the gateway to the South West of England. It attracts thousands of visitors all throughout the year.
Getting to Weston-super-Mare couldn’t be easier, as it has many transport links. You can travel on road, rail or air with Bristol Airport 15 minutes away from the town.
The seaside resort offers miles of beautiful sandy beaches and is well known for its Grand Pier, Playhouse Theatre, golf courses and many independent shops and restaurants.
Why not make a weekend of it with the family? There is plenty to do in and around Somerset!
Address
Marine Parade
Weston Super Mare
North Somerset
BS23 1AL
www.visit-westonsupermare.com
2. Clevedon
Clevedon is known as a beautiful seaside town, overlooking the Severn Estuary. The town is easy to get to, with great transport links and just 13 miles from Bristol and 10 miles from Weston-Super-Mare.
There is so much to see at Clevedon, which makes it a great day out with friends or family. The coastal town features a popular Pier, grade 1 listed building, sea front, marine lake and ornamental gardens all within a 10 minute walk of each other.
If you are a fan of heritage railways, next to the Marine Lake is the Salthouse Field with a railway. The town is also home to the oldest purpose built cinema in the world, which still has refurbishments every now and then as well as holding great history. There is plenty for everyone in Clevedon and is a popular destination for families with children.
Clevedon is the perfect place to visit all year. Why not take a stroll along the beach, or enjoy fish and chips or an ice cream on the beach? There are many stylish cafés and restaurants to choose from, which are right by the Pier. Sit back, relax and enjoy the coastline!
www.visitsomerset.co.uk/explore-somerset/clevedon
3. Wells Cathedral
Wells Cathedral is The Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew and is an Anglican cathedral in Wells, Somerset. It is dedicated to St Andrew the Apostle and is the seat of the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
The Cathedral is well known for being ‘the most poetic of the English Cathedrals’. It is in the heart of England’s smallest city and was one of the first English cathedrals to be built in Gothic style. It was built between the 12th and 15th century and holds a lot of history, as well as being a significate landmark in Somerset and the South West. Wells Cathedral also has some unique features, which make it unique from other English cathedrals and holds the largest collections of historic stained glass in the country.
The cathedral offers very informative guided tours, which are popular with visitors and tourists further afield. Wells Cathedral has the most beautiful architecture and famous for its inverted arches, which are commonly called ‘scissor arches’ that support the central tower of the building.
Wells Cathedral in Somerset is a great place to visit. Why not explore Somerset and admire its beauty and architecture.
Address
Cathedral Green
Wells
Somerset
BA5 2UE
Contact details
01749 674483
www.wellscathedral.org.uk
4. West Somerset Railway
West Somerset Railway is full of fascination, whether you are looking for a railway ride back in time through the countryside or to study the railway heritage which the line holds and preserves.
The steam trains, coaches, and wagons including the building of ten unique stations are all linked by a twenty mile scenic journey which offers an informative journey as well we beautiful sights of the surrounding countryside.
Along the railway situate hills, unspoiled villages, and farms where you will see views of distant South Wales and church towers. Don’t miss out on any photo opportunities! There is so much to do and see at the railway and nearby.
If you would like to make a day of it with the family, there are refreshments offered on board the train, most of which are locally produced.
Timetable
Visit website for more information
Prices
Visit website for seasonal ticket information
www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
5. Stonehenge
From iconic Stonehenge to picturesque coastal castles, the South West region is packed with fascinating days out for all the family. Stonehenge is around one hour from Bath, so if you are in Bath Stonehenge is a great place to visit with the family!
Stonehenge is one of the most iconic prehistoric monuments in Europe and was built in the late Neolithic period around 2,500 BC. The sun sets beautifully around Stonehenge, so if you are visiting at sunset you will experience its beauty! It is a popular visitor and tourist spot and some people believe it was built as a Roman temple and others a primitive computer used to chart astronomy or even a centre for healing.
There is so much to do and see in Somerset, for the whole family to enjoy!
Opening times
(1 June 2017 - 31 Aug 2017)
Monday: 09:00-20:00
Tuesday: 09:00-20:00
Wednesday: 09:00-20:00
Thursday: 09:00-20:00
Friday: 09:00-20:00
Saturday: 09:00-20:00
Sunday: 09:00-20:00
Prices
Visit website for more information
Address
Near Amesbury
Wilts
SP4 7DE
www.visitbath.co.uk/things-to-do/stonehenge
Top 5 things to do with the kids
There are many things to do with the kids in Somerset. From aquariums to popular attractions!
1. Seaquarium
Seaquarium is situated on its own unique pier on Weston-Super-Mare seafront. Children and adults alike will love it, especially if they love to learn all about animals and their habitats.
The aquarium has over 30 exhibits and a range of freshwater, marine and tropical species from all over the world. Discover the Rainforest River Zone and the Tropical Reef Zone, there is plenty to explore. If you’re feeling brave, you can go in the Underwater Ocean tunnel with the sharks!
At the aquarium, there is an onsite café where you can enjoy and experience the views of Somerset and its coastline. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop before you go home!
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
Pricing
Adults: £9.50
Kids: £7.50
Concessions: £8.50
Toddlers (0 - 2): Free
Address
Marine Parade
Weston-Super-Mare
Somerset and Bristol
S23 1BE
England
Contact details
01934 613 361
www.seaquarium.co.uk/weston
2. Wookey Hole Caves
Wookey Hole Caves is known as Britain’s best caves and is home to the infamous Witch of Wookey. Your children will love wandering through the prehistoric caves of the Dinosaurs, where they can find the Witch’s Laboratory and 4D cinema. There is so much to do at The 19th Century Paper Mill, including the Victorian Penny Arcade, Magical Mirror Maze, museums, play areas and more! Don’t forget to end the day with a game of Crazy Golf!
Opening hours
April to October
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00
November to March
Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:00
*Opened only weekends December to February half-term.
Pricing
Adult: £19.00
Senior: £17.00
Child (3-14): £15.00
Under 3: Free
Address
The Mill
Wookey Hole
Wells
Somerset and Bristol
BA5 1BA
England
Contact details
01749 672 243
www.wookey.co.uk
3. Cheddar Caves and Gorge
Cheddar Caves and Gorge has the most dramatic gorge in Britain, with beautiful 450ft high cliffs. The Cheddar Gorge is 3 miles long and was created by Ice Age melt-waters and was first occupied by ancestors 40,000 years ago. There is so much history to see and learn at Cheddar Caves and Gorge, making a perfect trip out with the family.
If you fancy a walk or have lots of energy, you can climb the 274 steps up to the side of the cliffs and then 48 more to get to the top of the Lookout Tower! The Crystal Quest makes it a fun day out for children, where children can follow through the cave beyond Cox’s.
You can also visit the Museum of Pre-History, where kids will have fun cave painting, summer events and talks. Don’t miss out on a great family adventure at the Cheddar Caves and Gorge!
Address
Cheddar
Somerset and Bristol
BS27 3QF
England
Contact details
01934 742343
Opening hours
Monday to Sunday 10:30 - 17:00
Closed 24th to 25th December
Pricing
Adults: £19.95
Kids (5-15): £16.95
Under 5's: Free
www.cheddargorge.co.uk
4. Fun City at Brean Leisure Park
Fun City is a theme park for all ages and is the South West’s largest theme park, which has over 40 amazing rides and attractions – Kids will love it! There are so many family friendly roller coasters and boat rides as well as toddler play zones, so all of the family can have fun.
Why not take a tour around Somerset’s top tourist destinations and spend the afternoon at Fun City? There is so much to do in Somerset, as well as many great restaurants to go to.
Opening hours
Generally
Wednesday to Friday 12:00 - 16:00
Saturday 11:00 - 21:00
Sunday 11:00 - 18:00
Opening hours are subject to change. Please call the attraction directly to avoid disappointment.
Pricing
Free admission
Ride Tokens: £1.00
Sooty's Tots Wristband: £15.00
Mega Wristband: £25.00
Address
Coast Road
Brean
Burnham-on-Sea
Somerset and Bristol
TA8 2QY
England
Contact details
01278 751595
www.breanthemepark.co.uk
5. Fleet Air Arm Museum
Fleet Air Arm Museum is devoted to the flying arm of the Royal Navy and holds thousands of objects, ranging from aircrafts to photographs. There is plenty to see at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, especially if you are into military and history!
The museum has 4 halls to explore, full of naval aviation which children will love to see. Hall 2 is an exhibition full of WWII, where children will learn all about planes to ships!
There is a room called ‘The Aircraft Carrier Experience’ which is full of mock up fleet, as it would have appeared in the 1970’s. The museum holds many exciting family activities and events throughout the year.
Address
Rnas Yeovilton
Ilchester
Somerset and Bristol
BA22 8HT
England
Opening hours
Wednesday to Sunday 10:00 - 16:30
Open Monday to Sunday during School Holidays
Pricing
Adults: £16.00
Kids: £12.00
Concessions: £14.00
Contact details
01935 840565
www.fleetairarm.com
Top 5 restaurants in Somerset
Choose from a range of delicious restaurants. There's nothing better than sightseeing and a relaxing dinner to finish off the day!
1. Menu Gordon Jones
www.menugordonjones.co.uk
01225 480871
2 Wellsway
Bath
BA2 3AQ
England
2. The Willow Tree
www.thewillowtreerestaurant.com
01823 352835
3 Tower Lane
Taunton
TA1 4AR
England
3. The Olive Tree
www.olivetreebath.co.uk
01225 447928
4-7 Russell Street
Queensberry Hotel
Bath
BA1 2QF
England
4. Chai Walla
07926 041588
42 Monmouth Street
Bath
BA1 2AN
England
5. Sotto Sotto
www.sottosotto.co.uk
01225 330236
10 North Parade
Bath
BA2 4AL
England