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Places to go

Wyvern Apartment offers the perfect accommodation in Yeovil to serve as your central base. With easy access to explore Dorset and Devon too, you will find an abundance of things to do in Somerset, including interesting places to visit and local events all year.

Sunny view of Durdle Door arch and beach on the Jurassic Coast, a popular day trip when you visit Somerset.
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Visit the Coast

While you're here, why not take a drive down to the spectacular south coast? Although these famous beaches are in neighboring Dorset, they are just a short drive from Yeovil, making a coastal day trip one of the most popular things to do in Somerset itineraries. When you visit Somerset and stay in Yeovil, you are perfectly placed to try your hand at fossil hunting, as many of the locations below are part of the world-famous Jurassic Coast. 

-Lyme Regis is a quaint little coastal town with a lovely sandy beach where the whole family can spend a day at the seaside

-West Bay is another lovely small harbour town to visit where the popular television series "Broadchurch" was cast.

-Weymouth has long stretches of beach and plenty to do along the beach as well as in and around the town.

-Durdle Door (pictured) and Lulworth Cove are both beautiful and dramatic parts of the Jurassic Coast. Durdle features a natural limestone arch rising out of the sea, you can either take the staircase down to the pebble beach or enjoy the stunning views with a walk along the cliffs. The village of Lulworth Cove has retained all of its traditional English seaside charm, you could spend the day pottering around this tiny village and natural beautiful cove and soaking in the atmosphere.

Fleet Air Arm Museum 

If you are looking for exciting things to do in Somerset, the Fleet Air Arm Museum will thrill the whole family. Get up close and personal with Europe's largest collection of Naval aircraft and see the very first British Concorde.

You’ll 'fly' by helicopter to the replica flight deck of the HMS Ark Royal, where two enormous projection screens show aircraft taking off and landing.

Witness a dramatic air-sea rescue when a Buccaneer is lost over the side into the sea, and even see a nuclear bomb.

Situated alongside RNAS Yeovilton, you may also see active aircraft flying in and out, making this a unique experience when you visit Somerset. The thrill is being there!

Opening Hours:
10:00 am to 4:30 pm (Wednesday to Sunday).

 Open daily during South Somerset school holidays.

Distance: 7.4 Miles --- Car travel Time: Approx 15m

Trip Advisor rating - 4.5 out of 5 stars

The exterior of the Fleet Air Arm Museum displaying the slogan Air Power from the Sea, a top attraction to see when you visit Somerset.
The large exterior and car park of Haynes Motor Museum, one of the best things to do in Somerset for families and car enthusiasts.

Haynes Motor Museum

The Haynes International Motor Museum is the UK's largest collection of the greatest cars from around the world. With over 400 amazing cars and bikes, the collection spans from the dawn of motoring in the late 1800s through nostalgic classics of the 1950s and 1960s, to glorious Bentleys, Rolls Royces, and world-renowned supercars like the Jaguar XJ220.

Located just off the A303 at Sparkford, this world-class museum is a must-see when you visit Somerset. The museum currently offers 15 individual exhibitions and is very much a "Museum in Motion," featuring tours, talks, and activities for families, children, and enthusiasts alike.

Packed with precious metal and history, a trip to Haynes is one of the most popular things to do in Somerset

Distance: 8.8 Miles --- Car travel Time: Approx 20m

Trip Advisor rating - 4.5 out of 5 stars

National Trust

There are many National Trust properties that top the list of things to do in Somerset. From Tudor houses and hidden gardens to tors, gorges, and natural piers, the region is packed with history. Montacute House, Barrington Court, Lytes Cary Manor, Glastonbury Tor, and Stourhead are just some of the National Trust gems in the area well worth a visit.

 

Montacute House is a masterpiece of Elizabethan Renaissance architecture and design, making it a must-see attraction when you visit Somerset. With its towering walls of glass, glow of ham stone, and surrounding gardens, it is a place of beauty and wonder completed in 1601. The house was a statement of wealth, ambition, and showmanship. A beautiful garden surrounds Montacute House, constantly changing, filling the house with scent in summer and providing an atmospheric backdrop for a winter walk.

 

​Distance: 4 Miles --- Car travel Time Approx 12 minutes

Trip Advisor rating - 4.5 out of 5 stars

Stourhead: At this world-famous landscape garden, you will find a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees. It is a highlight for anyone looking for outdoor things to do in Somerset. The autumn colours are particularly spectacular. Stourhead House was one of the first grand Palladian-style villas to be built in England.

 

​Distance: 30 Miles --- Car travel Time Approx 35 minutes

Trip Advisor rating - 4.5 out of 5 stars

The famous landscape gardens and lake at Stourhead, one of the most beautiful outdoor things to do in Somerset
A cute Southern Koala sleeping in a tree at Longleat Safari Park, a popular day trip when you visit Somerset

Longleat Safari Park

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 the magical mazes, or hold exotic creatures from the ends of the Earth.

Set in more than 900 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped parkland, Longleat was the first safari park to open outside Africa in 1966. Although located just across the border in Wiltshire, it is a short drive from Yeovil and remains one of the most popular things to do in Somerset itineraries.

There are lions, tigers, rhinos, and giraffes to spot on the drive. A safari boat can be taken to see the sea lions and Gorilla Colony, which is home to a bachelor group of lowland gorillas. A miniature railway, butterfly garden, and the famous hedge maze are among the many other attractions, making it a great whole day out for the family when you visit Somerset.

Distance: 36 Miles --- Car travel Time: Approx 55m

Trip Advisor rating - 4.6 out of 5 stars

Fancy some retail therapy?

Clarks Village, Street, Somerset

 

Clarks Village is a premier outlet shopping village that is a must-visit for bargain hunters. It features over 90 high street and designer retailers offering up to a whopping 60% discount compared to normal high street prices. Alongside the shops, you will find a variety of coffee shops, restaurants, and food outlets to refuel during your trip.

Just nearby is the historic town of Glastonbury, well known for its famous music festival but also for its ancient and medieval sites, many rich in myth. Glastonbury Tor is a tower-topped hill linked to Arthurian legend, overlooking the marshy Somerset Levels.

Just below the Tor, you will find the Somerset Rural Life Museum. Set on the former Abbey Farm, this unique attraction lets you explore rural life from the 1800s onwards. You can visit the magnificent 14th-century Abbey Barn—one of the West Country’s finest buildings—and explore galleries in the farmhouse and cowshed. 

Exploring these two very different locations—one for retail therapy and one for history—is one of the most popular things to do in Somerset. They offer a perfect day out when you visit Somerset.

Distance: 16 Miles --- Car travel Time: Approx 30m

People enjoying a day of outlet shopping at Clarks Village, one of the top retail things to do in Somerset.
Shoppers enjoying the sunny pedestrianised high street and floral displays in Yeovil town centre, a relaxing spot for retail therapy when you visit Somerset

Have A Day In Yeovil

Why not have a day in Yeovil exploring the High Street? You will find local cafés, market stalls, and restaurants, as well as plenty of retail therapy all located within the main town centre.

Ninesprings is an excellent country park taking you deep into nature for a nice stroll whilst never leaving the comfort of the town. It is one of the most relaxing things to do in Somerset right on your doorstep. 

For entertainment, enjoy a game of bowling at Hollywood Bowl, located at the Yeo Leisure Park, followed by a bit of downtime at the 10-screen Cineworld cinema.

In the evenings, why not try eating out at some of the fantastic local eateries? While the Octagon Theatre is currently undergoing refurbishment, you can check to see what’s on at the Westlands Entertainment Venue, which is hosting a full programme of shows during your visit to Somerset.

Offering more space and freedom than many Yeovil hotels, our apartment puts you right on the doorstep of these local highlights.

Distance: 1 Miles --- Within Walking Distance

Donkey Sanctuary and Sidmouth

Visit The Donkey Sanctuary and find hundreds of donkeys and mules waiting to meet you. The Donkey sanctuary is open every day from 9am to 5pm and admission is free. The Kitchen restaurant at the sanctuary is a good place to get a lovely, freshly made lunch with beautiful countryside views. 

You could combine your trip with a visit to the seaside town of Sidmouth which is a gateway to the Jurassic Coast. We highly recommend a visit to the Clock Tower cafe within the  Connaught gardens where you can enjoy a relaxing cream tea of enjoy a huge slice of one of their many cakes on offer. 

The high street in Sidmouth is also a lovely place to wander around with a mix of big brand shops to unique, independent stores.

Distance: 41 Miles --- Car travel Time Approx 1hr 

A close-up of donkeys at the Sidmouth sanctuary, an easily accessible attraction for those looking for things to do in Somerset and Devon
A large colony of mute swans gathering on the shore of the Fleet Lagoon at Abbotsbury, a popular day trip when you visit Somerset

Abbotsbury Swannery and Subtropical Gardens

Just a scenic drive away, Abbotsbury Swannery offers the unique experience of walking through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. It is often voted one of the best outdoor things to do when you visit Somerset and Dorset.

You can combine this with Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, a botanical treasure trove with charming walled garden walks.

If you plan to see both, look out for their Passport Ticket, which offers a 25% dual ticket discount when you book for both attractions together.

Distance: 25 Miles --- Car travel Time Approx 43 min

Trip Advisor rating - 4.5 out of 5 stars

Wookey Hole Caves, Wells

If you are looking for action-packed things to do in Somerset, Wookey Hole is a must. Beyond the spectacular caves and the legendary Witch’s parlour, you will find over 20 other attractions included in your ticket.

Walk amongst giants in the Valley of the Dinosaurs (home to King Kong), explore the historic Paper Mill and Cave Diving Museum, or get competitive in the vintage Penny Arcade and Pirate Zap Zone. With a 4D Cinema, Mirror Maze, and the massive Wizard's Play Castle for the kids, it is one of the most popular family days out when you visit Somerset.

Distance: 24 Miles --- Car travel Time Approx 50m 

Trip Advisor rating - 4 out of 5 stars

Exploring the underground caverns at Wookey Hole, one of the most famous family things to do in Somerset.
Aerial view of the rooftop pool at Thermae Bath Spa amidst the historic architecture of Bath, a stunning city to explore when you visit Somerset.

Roman Baths, Bath (Over 1 hour)

Firstly, this attraction is slightly over our usual 1-hour drive limit; however, we felt we had to include it as it is undeniably worth the extra journey. The Roman Baths and museum are one of the most popular heritage attractions in the UK and top the list of historical things to do in Somerset. The complex is a remarkably well-preserved Roman site featuring the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House, and fascinating museum finds.

However, the city of Bath is a destination in its own right. As a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, it is famous for its stunning honey-coloured Georgian architecture, iconic crescents, and boutique shopping. Whether you are relaxing in the modern rooftop pool at the Thermae Bath Spa or wandering the historic streets, a day trip to Bath is a highlight when you visit Somerset.

The Baths and the Grand Pump Room receive more than one million visitors a year. With so much to see, this beautiful city is the perfect day trip to plan during your stay.

Distance: 46 Miles --- Car travel Time Approx 1hr 10 min

Trip Advisor rating - 4.5 out of 5 stars

Happyard Alpaca Walking, near Dorchester

Enjoy some alpaca fun and learn interesting facts about these intriguing animals. You will be given a lesson on how to handle them before enjoying a stroll around the estate. This activity needs to be pre-booked, but it is a memorable experience to enjoy while staying at our self-catering Accommodation in Yeovil,  Somerset.

Alpaca walking at Happyard, a fun and unique animal experience to add to your list of things to do in Somerset and Dorset
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