11th - 23rd February

ere at the Palace, if you’re looking for things to do with the kids, we have plenty on offer over the February Half Term, including Crafty Cats family activities, Nature Ninjas outdoor gardening activities, and a Half Term Trail.

If you’re looking for a full day out with the kids in Somerset, we’ve put together some ideas for attractions to visit in the Wells area and further afield – all within around an hour’s drive from Wells.

Read on below to find out more:

1. Wells and Mendip Museum

Situated in the heart of Wells on Cathedral Green, between the Cathedral and Vicars’ Close, the Wells and Mendip Museum offers a fascinating variety of displays and galleries, bringing to life the natural history and heritage of Wells and the Mendip region.

Children can  take a look at Stone Age tools, explore the excavations at Wookey Hole Caves and find out about the hidden world beneath the Mendip Hills.

The Wells and Mendip Museum makes a fantastic day out with the kids in combination with The Bishop’s Palace and Wells Cathedral. If you’re going to be visiting as a family more than once, consider taking out a Wells Heritage Pass – prices start from £57.00 for a Family with 1 adult, giving you access to three stunning heritage sites throughout the year. Ask at any of the three venues for details.

Visit the Wells and Mendip Museum website HERE.

2. The Square

The Square is a soft play centre in Wells, which offers safe, fun play areas, including enclosed bouncy spaces, to suit children of different ages, but mainly under 5s. The Square also has a party area.

On 17th February, the Square has a special 2 hr event: ‘Soft Play with a Mermaid Princess!’

Find the Square website HERE

3. Somerset Rural Life Museum

At the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury, families can explore rural life in Somerset from the 1800s onwards and discover more about the county’s heritage including its landscapes, food and farming, working life and rural crafts.

On Wednesday 19th February the Rural Life museum is running a  Family Charcoal Workshop. Children can produce their own artwork inspired by the rural landscape with artist Alison Jacobs, who will be leading a fun and creative drawing workshop using charcoal.

Visit the Somerset Rural Life Museum website HERE.

4. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is a family-owned zoo located 6 miles to the south of Bristol. The zoo welcomes over 170,000 visitors a year and has an exciting, large animal collection of over one hundred species including African elephants, giraffes, lions, a tiger, rhinos and spectacled bears. Visitors can enjoy close encounters with some amazing animals.

This Half Term, 14th-21st February, visit ‘Woo at the Zoo’, where you can try your luck with the love heart coconut shy, chuck a duck, skittles and loads more fun activities.  There’s a self-led trail around the zoo to find out about our animal couples and a chance to win a family ticket to the zoo.  From 17 – 21 February, at ‘Love Bugs’, families can get up close to some Giant African Snails, stick insects and Madagascan Hissing Cockroaches in the zoo school room.

Visit the Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm website HERE.

5. Kilver Court

Kilver Court comprises a stunning 3.5 acre garden, including a rockery, parterre, and herbaceous borders. The regenerated textile mill buildings incorporate a stylish designer village, offering a treasure trove of decorative items, designer brands, home accessories and more.

Kilver Court makes for a great day out with kids, especially for families with older children who may want to enjoy a spot of retail therapy combined with refreshment at the Harlequin Cafe or Sharpham Pantry Restaurant.

You can get 50% off entry to Kilver Court with Palace Membership (see Kilver Court’s website for any days when this may not be valid). Find out more on the Kilver Court website.

6. Hestercombe Gardens

Hestercombe House and Gardens comprises stunning restored gardens and a mixture of delightful woodland walks and lakeside views. With a contemporary art Gallery, two eateries (a cafe and restaurant) and a second hand bookshop, there is much to explore.

Hestercombe is putting on a range of family activities over February half-term, including garden trails, pizza-making, model boating, family crafts and 17th century mill demos.

You can get 50% off entry to Hestercombe with Palace Membership (see Hestercombe’s website for any days when this may not be valid), so this makes a perfect pair of family days out for Half Term.

Visit the Hestercombe website HERE.

7. Wookey Hole Caves and Attractions

Wookey Hole Caves is a spectacular underground network of caverns beneath the Mendip Hills. The UK’s largest show caves system, guided tours are offered and there are a host of other attractions at the site including a ‘dinosaur valley’, a paper mill and more. It’s only a 5 minute drive from Wells, so an easy trip for families.

To find out more about the huge number of activities on offer at Wookey, visit their website.

8. Cheddar Gorge and Caves

One of Britain’s most spectacular natural landmarks, from its awe-inspiring cliffs to its extraordinary stalactite show caves, Cheddar Gorge & Caves holds many fascinating secrets about our prehistoric ancestors, and is an international centre for caving and rock climbing. You can also just enjoy a walk and breath-taking views.

Find out more on the Cheddar Gorge and Caves website HERE.

 

9. Ham Wall Nature Reserve

Ham Wall, on the Somerset Levels, is a wetland teeming with wildlife – from rare species like water voles and otters to magnificent birds like bitterns and kingfishers. Enjoy stunning views across the marshes and make some time to follow secluded paths through the mystical landscape.

The main path through the reserve is wide and flat making it pushchair friendly. It’s also a great location for family bike rides away from traffic.

Find out more here.

For more information click HERE.

10. The Grand Pier, Weston Super Mare

The Grand Pier is a great destination for families, with indoor family theme park fun. This North Somerset pier, with its state-of-the-art Pavilion, has plenty of rides and attractions. For something calmer, visit the Museum of Memories, featuring fascinating items from the past 150 years of social history such as magazines and toys.

Visit the Grand Pier website HERE.

For more information about things to do with the kids in Somerset, take a look at the Visit Somerset website.

Other current and upcoming events

Events