Top Things to do in Somerset
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Somerset, England
Discover the best top things to do in Somerset, United Kingdom including Quantock Trekking, Ninesprings Country Park, Burrington Combe, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Somerset Levels and Moors, Forde Abbey & Gardens, Kennet & Avon Canal, Barrington Court, The Bishop's Palace and Gardens, Portishead Marina.
Restaurants in Somerset
1. Quantock Trekking
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Sassy_Murdoch - Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
My husband and I spent a lovely weekend staying at Bashford Lodge at Quantock trekking, which included riding on Saturday and Sunday. Gill and the friendly staff took the time to match us with the right horse for our experience and confidence. My husband had had a lot of lessons but hadn't done much hacking, so they put him on a quiet safe mare, and I had done more hacking but lost my confidence, so they put me on two different, safe cobs. Saturday was a 5 hour pub ride with a stop for lunch in a pub where we were met by Gill and some staff, who tied up the horses and gave them hay nets while we eat lunch. I was very tired after three and a half hours so one of the staff rode my horse back and I got a lift, but my husband managed the whole 5 hours. I didn't feel I could do the 3 hour trek on the Sunday so my husband did 3 hours and I went on a separate 2 hour trek. The point of telling you is that they were very accommodating. One of the highlights of the weekend was watching the horses come down the hill for their breakfast, then back up the hill after their ride as they went past our balcony. Although the horses we rode were safe and calm, they were all very fit, and the Saturday ride had about 6 canters. Some of those cobs can really go! So if you are more experienced there is also plenty to enjoy, but equally, there are novice rides too. The horses were happy and healthy. The scenery is incredible and vary varied - you could see for miles on top of the hill and we met several wild ponies. I would definitely recommend Quantock trekking and hope we have the opportunity to return.
2. Ninesprings Country Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Baladog - Surrey, United Kingdom
Lovely place to visit ,lots of different areas to sit and watch the wildlife, enjoyed walking to the waterfall ,park staff very helpful and friendly .
3. Burrington Combe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By Bristolbabber
Great walk at Burrington Ham off the beaten track in the Mendips. Very small car park. Dogs love it here all those interesting smells not found in the city. Access muddy in wet weather but once on the grass it's fine. Violets, scabious, thyme etc scattered across the grass in spring and summer, blackberries in late summer. Often see buzzards overhead and there are great views from the top of the rocky outcrop. Mostly level walking but no seating areas. No toilets. There is an ice cream van in the summer. Generally pretty deserted but be aware of horse riders and cattle who have been brought in for conservation grazing.
4. Noah's Ark Zoo Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,297 reviews
Noah’s Ark is a unique hands-on zoo and working farm founded by Anthony and Christina Bush, located just outside Bristol and set in over 100 acres of beautiful countryside. The 'hands-on' animal experience, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is home to the Big Zoo animals; come face to face with a tiger, swing by the gibbons or stand tall with our family of giraffes! Explore 12 indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds, watch the daily Animal Show, meet the reptiles, see the Big Cat Feeding Talk and watch our birds of prey take to the sky in their display.
Reviewed By R4966DJkaylas
We had such a lovely day out here at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm. Lots of space, with play area's for little ones to run around and play and not get bored with the same play equipment, my Son loves the Elephant Butt Slide the best! Lovely range of animals, including Rhinos and Bears! The keeper talks are all good, we loved the Meerkat's (as our Son got to throw some food in) and the Big Cats talk the best The keepers are very knowledgeable, and their dedication and love for the animals is clearly shown. The Bird of Prey display was brilliant - I managed to get some good photos! We are definitely going to come in the summer holidays with a picnic and our friends. Thank you Noah's Ark for a lovely day out!
5. Somerset Levels and Moors
6. Forde Abbey & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 707 reviews
Thirty acres of beautiful gardens, surrounding one of the oldest inhabited houses in England that is open to the public, features a rockery, bog garden, arboretum and millions of spring bulbs.
Reviewed By hopefultraveller_9 - Christchurch, United Kingdom
Beautiful gardens tucked away in the middle of nowhere! Lovely herbacious borders near the fountain which is spectacular (is switched on at noon, 1.30 and 3pm for 15 mins) The bog garden is impressive as is the extensive kitchen garden which has a large amount of squashes growing.
7. Kennet & Avon Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By savvy100 - Torquay, United Kingdom
This is a great cycle ride or a couple of days. Pretty flat until you come off at the 31 miles that are not really for cycling and the route through some nice villages. I’ve done it a few times over the years and never get tired of it.
8. Barrington Court
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 769 reviews
Reviewed By richardstewartn
Each time we visit it seems improved on previous visits. The house is a delight and the information boards provide valuable details about the Lyle family who rebuilt much of the house 100 yrs ago. Worth visiting for the wood panelling and plumbing. House is unfurnished but as many of the rooms are not overly large did not miss this. The panelling stole the show. The Gardens were the highlight of the trip and the radios on the seats a delightful touch. How wonderful it was to see the walled garden being used for the purpose intended. It is quite surprising how many poor N T gardens their are but Barrington is up with the best of them. The tearooms were also top league . Well done to all the lovely volunteers who make Barrington so special..
9. The Bishop's Palace and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,578 reviews
Home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years this stunning medieval palace is open for all to enjoy. Surrounded by a breathtaking moat with resident Mute swans, you can cross the Drawbridge to experience a true hidden gem in the heart of the City of Wells. The Palace sits within 14 acres of RHS partner gardens, including the beautiful well pools from which the city takes its name. In the Arboretum is the newly developed "Dragon's Lair" children's playground to tire out little legs. There are daily Guided Tours, a Cafe serving delicious lunches, cakes and hot and cold drinks. Dogs are welcome on leads. Regular events and activities take place including children's activities in the holiday time.
Reviewed By SeniorswithLatitude - Princeville, United States
You can easily spend several hours wandering through the gardens, seeing the "wells" for which Wells in named, watching the swans ring a bell for food, along with touring through the elaborate Bishops Palace. Fun and interesting. Sit and relax, have something to eat at the cafe or stroll the day away.
10. Portishead Marina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
Reviewed By carolea47 - Chesterfield, United Kingdom
A beautiful Marina to walk along with cafe restaurant shops. If you walk to the end of the Marina near to the Severn Estuary there is the RNLI shop and fantastic views
