The Country Park is comprised of five main areas all of which have very different characteristics and land features. The landscape varies from Ninesprings which is the most heavily used and accessible section with its network of footpaths and waterways to the Riverside walk which gives the feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle of town as you stroll through woodland following the path of the River Yeo.

People have been drawn to Ham Hill for thousands of years, and it is easy to see why. Offering incredible views of the South Somerset Moors, Exmoor and the Mendip Hills, Ham Hill is a 164 hectare (390 acres) country park centred on a huge Iron Age hill fort.

Come and visit the Castle’s rich interiors with its splendid collections of art, furniture and porcelain, together with Raleigh’s original kitchen, family artefacts and archaeological ‘finds’ from the old medieval castle on view in the castle cellars.

Please explore our 42 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds and soak up the beauty, peace and tranquility of this natural setting. Capability Brown in 1753 created the 50 acre lake and gave us the very latest in landscape gardening, with magnificent specimen trees, herbaceous borders and sweeping lawns.

The pots are thrown and turned on the wheel. Colour is spun on the leather hard earthenware and decorated by incising and slip-trailing the designs. Further colour is added using underglazes and natural oxides, then the pots are finished with a clear glaze. From beginning to end each pot is the work of a single Decorator. Their signature joins the number, company name, date and throwers mark on the base. The pottery’s products, vases, bowls, boxes and dishes are bought by collectors and enthusiasts of decorative pottery. Although influenced by many sources, the designs are distinctly Sally Tuffin, reflecting her love of the late 19th – early 20th century Arts & Crafts movement, balanced by Buchan's contemporary design.

The Somerset Levels is the most important wetland area in the UK. This unique landscape provides the perfect conditions for willow growing. Basket making willow has been grown here for two centuries, and it is now the only area left where it is still cultivated for the production of baskets, furniture, garden items and high quality artists' charcoal.

Tucked away in the rural village of Stoke St Gregory, in the heart of the Somerset Levels the Coate family have been growing withies on the moors since 1819 and making baskets and willow charcoal for almost 50 years. The unique wetland environment of the Somerset Levels and moors is perfect for growing willow as well as being a haven for wildlife. Basket making willow has been grown here for two centuries, and it is now the only area left where it is still commercially grown and processed for the production of baskets, furniture, garden items and high quality artists' charcoal.

Today, Coates English Willow is a diverse business with many facets and firmly focused on ensuring a healthy future for our willow industry. We are inspired by our long, rich and varied past and by the quietly beautiful landscape we work in. Yet we are not tied to the past as we are constantly looking ahead for new and exciting ideas to develop that will inspire new people to discover willow.

Whether you need a new shopping basket, or want to arrange a group visit or order some Salix viminalis for a workshop, you should find everything you need here.

Featured in The Good Beach Guide, West Bay has two beaches, East Beach and West Beach.  East Beach is a sloping, shingle beach backed by magnificent sandstone cliffs.  The scenery is truly spectacular here, the golden cliffs rise 50m vertically above the beach and the views towards Chesil Beach and Portland will take your breath away.

TV buffs will recognise this beach from ITV crime drama, Broadchurch.

West Beach is a smaller, quieter beach popular with young families, the protective cove formed between the harbour’s Jurassic Pier and the Esplanade’s rock armour groynes making it safe and shallow for paddling.  The Jurassic Pier, which is 240 metres long, was significantly improved in 2004. It has wheelchair access and plenty of seating. A restored 18th century cannon can be found on the pier.

There’s plenty to do at West Bay, take a stroll around the harbour for an ice cream or fish and chips, climb the coast path up to the top of the cliffs, hire a rowing boat up the River Brit or join a fishing trip out from the harbour, all the ingredients for a chilled out day on the coast.  In the summer, a lifeguard services watches over the waters of both beaches and there is an auxilary coastguard.  A trip down to West Bay beach is equally wonderful in the winter months; enjoy a blustery walk beach combing and fossil hunting and warm up with a nice hot mug of tea in one of West Bay’s many cafes. If you’re after hygge moments, you’ll find them here!

Please take care when visiting the beaches along the Jurassic Coast, never sit directly under the cliffs, take note of all safety signs and remember to take all rubbish home with you.

We are connected with legend to a degree that is unparalleled by any other abbey in England. Since Medieval times, the abbey has held legendary status as the earliest Christian foundation in Britain linked to Joseph of Arimathea and the burial place of King Arthur. Today it is a tranquil setting where you can discover the stories, explore the accredited museum and enjoy a packed events calendar.

Messing about on the river anyone?  Great little boat trips along the canal, coose from a cream tea trip, mini cruise, fish & chip cruise or a nature cruise to mention a few.  Paddle boards, kayaks and canoes also available for hire.

This small but inspiring exhibition on the Terracotta Warriors of the First Emperor of China's famous Terracotta Army brings together all the wonder of the discovery of these amazing treasures of ancient China.

Even wet weather cannot detract from the beautiful grounds and lake at Kingston Maurward Gardens and Animal Park. This family friendly day out is ideal for little ones and it won’t break the bank either! There are so many animals to see including goats, ponies, lots of diverse types of birds, pigs, ducks and Ben and Jerry the two alpacas! The grade 2 listed gardens are fantastic open spaces where little kids (and big ones too) can run free.

This is a great place for the young family looking for things to do in Dorset. There are lots of animals for the children to meet, greet and feed. Considered one of the best Children’s Farms in Dorset, there are fun things to do every day.

Children can cuddle the guinea pigs, ride the ponies, race the tractors, play in the large undercover play area, jump around on the new bouncy castle (don’t forget your socks!) and bottle feed the lambs. The lambs also have a midday race around a track, after the race the children are invited to take a lamb for a warm down walk on a lead.

The family cafe offers local Dorset produce cooked on site and the gift shop has a charming range of quality gifts.

Lyme Regis boasts breathtaking scenery and a special mystique, making it a sparkling resort for all seasons. Its historic Cobb and harbour are iconic features, set against moody blue cliffs yielding fossilised evidence of life on earth millions of years ago.

An ancient town featured in the Domesday Book, Lyme Regis is home to a number of historical landmarks and educational attractions. The picturesque and tranquil Lyme Regis is a great place to discover a lot you didn’t know about the UK's heritage.

Whatever your age and whatever the time of year, you can be sure to find something to delight and entertain you. Lyme Regis has it all - the perfect family resort, the home of palaeontology, a world-class creative and cultural community, a bustling harbour, gastronomic delights, an array of shops, a calendar full of events, and plenty for the active

We are a small and friendly zoo situated in the beautiful countryside of the Axe Valley in East Devon. We are just a stone’s throw away from the Jurassic coastline of Lyme Regis off the A35.

Our small zoo is an excellent day out for families and we pride ourselves on being child-friendly! We believe that any age group will love our animals, however, we are primarily aimed at families with children under 12 years of age.

Abbotsbury Swannery in Dorset, near Weymouth, has become one of the most popular things to do for the family visiting Dorset. Located on the dramatic Dorset Coast, this unique natural wildlife habitat is also popular with film makers and has been used as a location for Harry Potter filming.

So if your family is looking for unusual things to do on holiday in Dorset, come to the Swannery and help hand feed 600 swans at 12.00 noon and 4.00pm daily, or get lost in the giant maze (the largest willow maze in Dorset), swing on the swinging nests play area, at the Kennels café or browse our quality gift shop. Parking is free!

Shepton Mallet was the oldest working prison in the United Kingdom up until its closure at the end of March 2013.  Debtors, thieves, ‘misfits’, vagrants and people with mental health disorders were sentenced to long periods.  The prison has a long history of death sentences being carried out under methods including HDQ, hanged and by firing squad.  The Hanging room which still exists, though has been used as office space for many years. Following the Monmouth Rebellion of 1642-1685 at least 12 Shepton men were HDQ for having sympathised with the rebels, their bowels were burned and their heads placed on poles around the town. 

The prison closed in 1930 due to under use; it held an average of just 51 prisoners.  It re-opened in 1939 as a British military prison. Soldiers held there included the Kray twins who were serving out their national service after absconding, it was here they met Charlie Richardson. 

Shepton Mallet prison is believed to have housed the Domesday book and Magna Carta, the HMS Victory logbooks and the Olive Branch Petition during the War. Over 300 documents were housed there at one point, some were moved (not including the Domesday book) when Bristol and Bath began being hit by German bombs – the documents were spread to different locations to reduce the risk of the entire collection being destroyed.

Looking for a fantastic Somerset Attraction? Your visit to Wookey Hole – Somerset includes a trip to the caves and over 20 other fantastic attractions making it a truly memorable occasion for all the family and a great Somerset day out.

We organise a range of outdoor activities across multiple locations on The Jurassic Coast.
We pride ourselves of having access to some of the best instructors in the industry who are absolutely passionate about what they do and the fantastic area in which they operate. We aim to provide a premium service from the moment of booking to completing your activity.

Seaton Tramway operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon's glorious Axe Valley, travelling alongside the River Axe estuary through two nature reserves and giving an unrivalled view of the abundant wading bird life.

The coastal resort of Seaton is now a gateway town to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whilst the historic town of Colyton is described as "Devon's Most Rebellious Town" for its part in the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685. Explore this site for full details and then be sure to pay us a visit!

Monkey World is home to the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa, living in four different social groups. Many have been rescued from the black market pet trade, laboratories, and from abuse as tourist photographer props.

There are three groups of orang-utans at the park,  including two different species; Bornean and Sumatran.
Monkey World is also home to Europe’s only Orang-utan Creche, where all orphaned or abandoned orang-utans in Europe will come to grow up.

Explore one of Britain's most spectacular natural landmarks. From its awe-inspiring cliffs to its extraordinary subterranean stalactite show caves. Cheddar Gorge & Caves holds many fascinating secrets about our prehistoric ancestors, and is an international centre for caving and rock climbing.

So what are you waiting for? Nature, wildlife, history, adventure - experience the wonder of it all on a perfect day out in Somerset.

Enter a land of adventure. Where lions roam. Tigers stalk. And monkeys swing. Travel through time in a grand stately home. Lose yourself in one of our magical mazes. Hold exotic creatures from the ends of the Earth. This is Longleat. Jump in.

100 metres from the sand dunes and seven miles of Golden Beach! It’s a great day out for all the family!  We have over 40 attractions including indoor and outdoor Roller Coasters, the Wild Water Log Flume, Dodgems, Crazy Boats, our famous Magic Mouse Coaster, Wipe Out, the JetSpin,  Waveswinger, and the UK’s best Ghost Train – Terror Castle!
Children’s rides include Fantasia, Looney Tunes, the Caterpillar Coaster, Bumpy Slide, Cups and Saucers and many more! There really is something for all ages and all adrenaline levels.

There’s an excellent Go Kart Track with both Single and Double Seater karts! We also have an 18 hole action packed Congo Adventure Golf course. Guest ride for this year will be a Big Wheel ! Sited next to the Go Kart track, you’ll enjoy great views in every direction!

There is so much to see on a visit to our Cathedral which was built specifically with major processions in mind so there is plenty of space to relax and explore!  From beautifully carved monuments and tombs to our famous Father Willis Organ, regular art exhibitions, our spectacular infinity font and the world’s oldest working mechanical clock you won't be disappointed.  The Cathedral is home to the best preserved of only four surviving Magna Carta (AD1215) which is listed on the UNESCO ‘Memory of the World’ register.  Come and marvel at Britain’s tallest spire which weighs 6,500 tons, and take a stroll around the 80-acre Cathedral Close – the largest in Britain. 

Woodlands Family Theme Park is the largest theme park in Devon, a fun filled family day out for everyone. From little kids to kid-ults there’s something for anyone and everyone! With one of the largest and best indoor play areas in the South West, amazing water rides, a zoo farm and much more, there’s fun to be had rain or shine. A great value family day out!

Weymouth's historic seafort on the Jurassic Coast.