If you’re looking for the best SEND-friendly days out in Somerset, we’ve got some fantastic options for inclusive family fun. Somerset is home to a growing number of accessible and welcoming attractions designed to support families with children who have additional needs. Finding the perfect day out for children with autism, reduced mobility and other additional needs can be challenging. But Somerset offers a wide range of accessible attractions that are designed to support families seeking calm, inclusive environments.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed day outdoors or a fun indoor experience, these destinations have something supportive and enjoyable for every child. From peaceful nature reserves to interactive museums with relaxed sessions, this guide features days out that reduce stress and enhance enjoyment for all. Many of the featured locations offer wheelchair-friendly routes, accessible parking, Changing Places toilets, and quiet spaces.
Most attractions now include accessibility information which is usually found under “Plan your Visit” or “FAQ” on their website. There may be maps or a visual guide which can be downloaded or screen shot on your phone to help plan your visit.
Puxton Park – Hewish
Puxton Park is a family-friendly farm and play centre near Weston super Mare. There’s a well-organised layout that includes both indoor and outdoor activities. Puxton is ideal for children who benefit from varied and structured play in an accessible setting.
Puxton Park has accessible attractions such as a wheelchair-friendly miniature train ride and a tractor ride with easy access. There is inclusive play equipment designed for children of all abilities such as the ability roundabout and wheelchair trampoline.
The site has wide, level paths suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, indoor soft play areas, and gentle sensory zones. Visitors can also take advantage of on-site Changing Places toilets and accessible parking. Carers can enter free of charge with appropriate documentation, making it a practical option for families.
Before your visit, check out the accessibility page on their website to help plan your visit.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm – Wraxall
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is one of the largest wildlife attractions in Somerset, set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside near Wraxall. The zoo is home to over 100 species, from friendly farm animals to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife. Families can see elephants, lions, tigers, rhinos, giraffes, and even spectacled bears during their visit. Plus a wide range of smaller animals and interactive exhibits. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is an award-winning, inclusive attraction that offers a range of support for families with SEND.
The zoo provides designated quiet zones throughout the park where families can take breaks from stimulation. It also features a Changing Places toilet and level access paths.
The zoo offers wheelchair and mobility scooter hire making it easier for visitors with limited mobility to fully experience all areas.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm has accessible play equipment including a wheelchair accessible roundabout and child-friendly accessible signage.
The zoo offers free or discounted entry for carers and has installed hearing loops in key areas such as the food barn, gift shop, and ticket office.
Read here for more accessibility information to help plan your visit.
Bath City Farm
Bath City Farm is a welcoming 37-acre community farm on the outskirts of Bath. It’s ideal for families to meet friendly farm animals, explore woodland trails, and enjoy open green spaces. The farm also features a children’s playground, farm shop, a café and has stunning views over the city.
Bath City Farm works with people living with mental health concerns, additional learning needs and other complex needs.
The farm is partially wheelchair accessible with step-free access to the main areas, including the café, toilets, and some of the animal paddocks. However, due to the hillside location, some of the trails can be uneven or steep.
Bath City Farm runs a variety of inclusive activities, including Farm Tots, Little Farmers, and Saturday Farm Club for children aged 5–11. The farm has also hosted SEN-friendly ‘Meet the Animals’ sessions, where children can enjoy calm, hands-on interactions with animals in a quieter setting. Some of the sessions are ‘pay-what-you-can’ to ensure they are accessible for all families.
Bath City Farm has friendly staff, peaceful surroundings, and a strong community focus.
It’s a relaxed outdoor setting for children with additional needs.
Families will enjoy gentle animal encounters and open green spaces.
There are community projects for local children and their families, here. These include an After School and Saturday Club for Primary Age children. For Pre-School children there’s a Farm Tots group. For Secondary-Age children there’s a ‘Farm Hands’ youth volunteering group on a Tuesday. Read here for more details of all their projects.
READ MORE: Things To Do in Bath with Kids
Ferne Animal Sanctuary, Chard
Ferne Animal Sanctuary is a peaceful countryside retreat near Chard. It’s home to rescued farm animals and pets, including goats, ponies, rabbits, and more. We found the sanctuary calm, and much less busy than other places we’ve visited which is ideal for families who prefer gentle days out with minimal crowds.
Ferne has a very good network of tarmac paths, making much of the sanctuary accessible for buggies, wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. However, there are a number of gates in place as part of animal care and security.
Ferne has designated parking spaces for wheelchair users and visitors with additional needs which are located next to the Visitor Centre, as well as in the main car park. The site also features outdoor sensory play, accessible toilet facilities, and a café with step-free access. Ferne provides a relaxed environment where children can meet and observe animals while enjoying the fresh air and open countryside.
Read here for more information about accessibility and what to expect.
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Keynsham
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park is a 50-acre countryside attraction between Bristol and Bath. It has indoor and outdoor play areas with farm animals, train rides, and adventure activities. It’s a vibrant, hands-on day out ideal for children who enjoy exploring, interacting with animals, and active play.
For SEND families, Avon Valley offers a range of accessibility features. There’s a complimentary Essential Companion ticket scheme for visitors with an Access Card, allowing a carer to accompany them free of charge. The site has mostly flat terrain and staff are always on hand to assist.
The park provides sensory bags on request, and visitors can find a helpful visual guide on the Avon Valley website. The guide is designed to help young children, customers with autism and sensory needs to prepare for their visit. Carers with Blue Light or Defence Discount cards also receive a 5% discount on entry. Read here for their park facilities and accessibility information.
While the park is lively and energetic, staff are happy to advise on quieter times or offer ride-access support where needed. Avon Valley also runs seasonal events and animal experiences.
Top SEND-Friendly Family Days Out and Accessible Attractions in Somerset - Nature Days Out
Avalon Marshes and Wetland Nature Reserves
Set within the Somerset Levels, Avalon Marshes, RSPB Ham Wall and other local nature reserves offer a peaceful setting for wildlife watching, walking, and reconnecting with nature. These flat, accessible reserves offer buggy and wheelchair-friendly trails.
There are opportunities for pond dipping and bird watching in a calm, sensory-rich environment. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.
Avalon Marshes Centre
Featuring flat, paved paths and wooden boardwalks throughout with the craft gallery fully accessible via ramps and automatic doors. There are four dedicated disabled parking bays near the main entrance.
Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve
Shapwick Heath NNR offers two disabled-access trails and boardwalks, plus some hides with ramp access. The main path is suitable for wheelchairs, though some smaller trails are not. Wide field gates are in place but may limit access for larger mobility vehicles.
Ham Wall Nature Reserve
Ham Wall NNR provides accessible boardwalks leading to viewing platforms and hides. The Main Track and Reedbed Trail, Waltons Screens and Tor View Hide are all wheelchair accessible. There are designated Blue Badge parking bays, accessible toilets, and dog-friendly footpaths.
Catcott Nature Reserve
Catcott Nature Reserve has a main hide accessible by ramp. Dogs are not allowed in this reserve, except for accredited assistance dogs.
Weekdays tend to be quieter, offering a more relaxed environment for families looking to enjoy wildlife and nature at their own pace.
Top SEND-Friendly Family Days Out and Accessible Attractions in Somerset - Indoor Days Out
Ocean Adventurers, Cheddar
Ocean Adventurers is an award-winning indoor play centre in Cheddar. It’s been purposefully designed to be inclusive and accessible for children of all abilities. The venue is wheelchair-friendly throughout, with step-free entrances and wide walkways, and includes a Changing Places facility on the ground floor. This facility, registered on the official Changing Places website, includes an adult-sized changing bed, XY hoist, and space for two carers.
To help children prepare in advance, families can explore a full virtual tour on the centre’s website (located in the top menu). Parking for disabled visitors is available close to the entrance, and additional Blue Badge spaces can be found on nearby streets. For SEND events, parking spaces are always reserved within close proximity to the entrance.
Ocean Adventurers runs SEND-exclusive sessions on the third Sunday of every month from 4:30–7:00pm. These sessions include reduced lighting, no music, and limited capacity, creating a calmer and more predictable atmosphere. Staff have completed accessibility and Makaton training, and sensory packs are available on request. If needed, a quiet chill-out room can be created during any session—just ask a staff member. Families attending general sessions can also request music and lighting adjustments for added comfort.
In addition to its thoughtful layout and supportive team, Ocean Adventurers offers carer discounts via the Max Card and Rainbow Card scheme (use code RAINBOWMAX20 at booking). Fully trained guide and assistance dogs registered with ADUK are welcome and must wear identification while onsite.
On 31 July 2025, the centre will host a special SEND Activity Day. This event offers exclusive, sensory-friendly use of the soft play centre with extended quiet sessions, inclusive games, and additional trained support staff. Spaces are limited and booking in advance is recommended.
Brean Play, Brean Leisure Park
Brean Play is a large indoor soft play centre located within Brean Leisure Park. It’s perfect for younger children looking to explore safely whatever the weather. It offers inclusive fun with regular SEND-friendly sessions that create a calmer, more relaxed environment.
During school holidays, Brean Play hosts special SEND evenings where lights are dimmed, music is lowered, and capacity is reduced to help children feel more comfortable. These sessions are ideal for those who benefit from a less stimulating setting and are designed to be supportive and welcoming for all families. The soft play area is fully accessible, and staff receive training to support a wide range of additional needs. Families are encouraged to check their Facebook page or website for the most up-to-date session details and booking information.
Read here for more information for guests with disabilities.
Little Town Adventures, Weston-super-Mare
Little Town Adventures is a role-play centre in Weston-super-Mare designed for children up to age 8. The centre is set up like a miniature town where kids can explore shops, a café, a fire station, and other interactive play zones.
For families with SEND, Little Town Adventures offers a welcoming and inclusive environment. Staff are trained to accommodate individual needs and can adjust music levels or lighting upon request to create a more relaxed visit. Quiet sessions are available during selected times, and private hire is also an option for families who prefer a completely tailored experience.
S.E.N.D. ONLY sessions run on the 3rd Saturday of each month from 5pm to 7pm.
Each Child ticket includes ONE child and TWO adults.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, and carers can attend for free when accompanying a child with additional needs. Little Town Adventures accessibility and inclusion information can be found here.
Minehead Eye, Minehead
Minehead Eye is a vibrant indoor skatepark and youth centre in West Somerset offering inclusive activities for children and young people of all abilities. It features a skatepark, climbing cave, music rooms, and a welcoming café space, all housed in an accessible venue with trained staff who understand a variety of additional needs.
As part of their commitment to inclusion, Minehead Eye runs two important SEND initiatives. Shine is a support group for parents and carers of children with SEND, offering a space to connect, share advice, and build a supportive local network. Bloom is a summer holiday session specifically aimed at children with SEND or those with an EHCP, along with their siblings. These inclusive sessions offer exclusive access to the entire centre, including the skatepark (with scooters, skateboards, and roller skates), climbing cave, café, and music rooms. There’s also a sensory-themed area and arts and crafts zone to support a range of sensory and creative needs.
Bloom sessions are carefully structured to provide a welcoming, low-pressure environment for children to enjoy new experiences, develop confidence, and socialise in a calm and safe space. and youth centre offering a wide range of inclusive activities for children and young people of all abilities. With a supportive, welcoming atmosphere and trained staff, the centre provides skateboarding, BMX, music workshops, and creative sessions in a safe and structured environment. The venue is wheelchair accessible and hosts SEND-friendly sessions, including quieter times and tailored support for children with additional needs. It’s a fantastic space for teens and older children looking to explore new skills and make friends in a positive community setting.
Safari Tots, Somerton
Safari Tots is a popular indoor soft play centre in Somerton for children age 8 and under. There’s a dedicated SEN session on the first Monday of every month. During these 105 minute sessions, the environment is adapted to create a calmer and more accessible play space. Music is turned off, lighting is reduced, and numbers are limited to ensure a relaxed atmosphere for children with additional needs. There are different areas for toddlers and babies. Plus a role play cafe – just like the real thing!
Staff are friendly and supportive, helping families enjoy the facilities at their own pace.
Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford
Haynes Motor Museum is home to the UK’s largest collection of cars and motorbikes. It offers a colourful and spacious layout that appeals to all ages. This award-winning museum provides a step-free layout, making it ideal for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs.
Sensory backpacks are available, and carers go free. The museum also offers quiet mornings and has a detailed accessibility guide to help you plan your visit with confidence.
SEND-Friendly Historic Estates and Gardens in Somerset
Tyntesfield (National Trust), North Somerset
Tyntesfield is a spectacular Victorian Gothic house and estate managed by the National Trust, located just outside Bristol. The estate is known for its stunning architecture, extensive grounds, and family-friendly gardens.
Tyntesfield is really welcoming for SEND families, with loads of features to help make your visit easier and more enjoyable. Blue Badge parking is available near the Welcome Building, and a shuttle service operates from the car park to the main house and gardens. Manual wheelchairs and all-terrain Tramper scooters can be borrowed for free (advance booking recommended).
A step-free route around the estate allows families to explore the gardens, café, shop, and Walled Garden without encountering steps or steep gradients. Accessible toilets are available near the café and house. Sensory backpacks, hearing loops, and touch maps are also available to support visitors with sensory needs or visual impairments.
Tyntesfield runs regular sensory walks for blind and partially sighted visitors, and dogs are welcome in the parkland areas (assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site). The combination of level paths, thoughtful support, and accessible facilities make Tyntesfield a fantastic day out for SEND families looking to enjoy history, nature, and play.
Hestercombe Gardens, near Taunton
Hestercombe Gardens is a historic estate near Taunton with 50 acres of beautiful formal gardens, meadows, and woodlands. This peaceful destination is ideal for SEND families looking for a relaxing and sensory-friendly day out in nature.
Accessibility is a key part of the Hestercombe experience. There is a large accessible car park close to the visitor centre, and much of the garden is wheelchair and buggy-friendly, with step-free routes around the formal Edwardian and Victorian terraces. You’ll find the accessable paths here on the map. Some of the woodland areas have steeper gradients and gravel paths, but staff are happy to advise on the best accessible routes to suit your needs.
Hestercombe offers an All-Terrain Tramper mobility scooter for hire, helping visitors explore the wider estate more comfortably.
There’s a discount for visitors with disabilities, and wheelchair access is provided throughout the ground floor of Hestercombe House, including the Gift Shop, Second-hand Book Shop, and accessible toilets.
Families with sensory needs can enjoy the gentle sensory experience of fragrant planting, birdsong, and tranquil water features. There are quiet seating areas throughout the grounds for rest breaks and downtime. The café is accessible with level entry and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
Top SEND-Friendly Family Days Out and Accessible Attractions in Somerset - Heritage Days Out
West Somerset Railway – Bishops Lydeard and Minehead Railway Station
This heritage railway offers a nostalgic steam train ride through the beautiful Somerset countryside, stopping at scenic stations along the way. This heritage railway welcomes families with SEND by offering accessible carriages and friendly staff on hand to help. Booking accessible seating in advance is recommended. This journey is one of the best ways to see Somerset’s countryside.
Although there are ten stations along the 20-mile route, Bishop’s Lydeard and Minehead (at either end) offer easy access to their platforms. Plus the best accessibility for their facilities such as the cafe and toilets.
The carriages have ramps but due to the nature of the old heritage trains, the narrow connecting doors of the carriages are not wide enough for wheelchairs. Buggies and wheelchairs are usually stored in the guards van.
For non-special events, Carers travel free on the Rover tickets.
Read West Somerset Heritage Railway Accessibility Guide here.
READ MORE: Butlin’s Minehead: A Day-Trip Review
The Helicopter Museum, Weston-super-Mare
This unique attraction houses over 80 helicopters from around the world, making it a must-visit for aviation fans and curious children alike. This fascinating museum runs monthly SEND-friendly open days and features quiet viewing areas and accessible exhibits. Many helicopters are displayed at ground level, allowing close-up access without needing to climb or lift children. The museum is a mobility-friendly attraction with all parts fully wheelchair accessible, including ramps where required.
A wheelchair is also available for visitor use—just speak to a member of staff at the entrance desk, and they’ll be happy to assist. Carers accompanying mobility-restricted visitors are eligible for entry on a concessionary ticket.
Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton
The Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton is Europe’s largest naval aviation collection, located at the Royal Naval Air Station near Ilchester. You can explore over 90 aircraft, including helicopters, fighter jets, and the UK’s first British Concorde prototype. The museum also offers a unique aircraft carrier experience, interactive exhibits, and a large outdoor play zone for children.
The museum is highly accessible, with a level entrance at the side, lift access to upper galleries, and free wheelchair loan (available with advance booking). There are 15 designated disabled parking spaces close to the entrance, and accessible toilets are available throughout the site. Visitors with hearing impairments can use hearing induction loops, and assistance dogs are welcome across all areas of the museum.
Families with a registered disability can receive a free carer ticket. The museum also offers a 30% discount for Blue Light Card holders, Defence Discount card holders, veterans, serving military personnel. Plus, Blue Peter badge holders are admitted free.
For those with sensory processing needs, the museum runs quiet sessions where lighting, sound levels, and interactive elements are reduced to create a calmer experience. In 2025, quiet afternoons will be held on 17 July and 16 October, from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Visual story guides and sensory maps are available to help plan visits, and staff can provide tailored support upon request.
Visitors can also watch live aircraft restoration projects such as the Barracuda Live rebuild. Children can climb aboard certain aircraft displays and explore the Concorde experience, making the museum highly interactive. These hands-on experiences, combined with spacious hangars and accessible galleries, make the Fleet Air Arm Museum an ideal day out for children with sensory or mobility needs.
Read more information about accessibility here.
Top SEND-Friendly Family Days Out and Accessible Attractions in Somerset - Outdoor Activities
Clevedon Marine Lake, Clevedon
Clevedon Marine Lake is a large tidal pool on the Somerset coast, offering safe, open-water swimming, paddling, and kayaking in a beautiful seaside setting. It’s a fantastic option for families looking for a relaxed, inclusive outdoor experience.
Swimmers with accessibility requirements can now enjoy Clevedon Marine Lake with ease thanks to recent accessibility improvements. The town has introduced ‘The Hive,’ a dedicated accessible changing room with toilets and space for carers. The facility includes a hoist, allowing people who would otherwise find it difficult or impossible to enter the water to do so safely and comfortably.
The lake itself has level, wheelchair-friendly pathways along the promenade and a gentle slipway for water access. Accessible parking is available nearby.
This calm, scenic location is ideal for families who want to enjoy water-based activities in a supportive environment, with facilities designed to ensure everyone can participate.
READ MORE: Things To Do In Clevedon With Kids
Strawberry Line Cycle Path and Adaptive Bike Hire, Yatton to Cheddar
The Strawberry Line is a scenic, 9-mile traffic-free route running from Yatton railway station to Cheddar. The level, limestone-dust surface and gentle gradients make it well-suited for wheelchairs, mobility scooters, buggies, and adaptive bikes.
At Strawberry Line Cycle Project (based at Yatton Station), families can hire a wide range of equipment, including adaptive adult and child trikes, handcycles, wheelchair tandems, recumbent trikes, and more. This community cycle project operate inclusive cycling drop-in sessions every Wednesday, offering free use of these bikes for people with disabilities or health conditions—perfect for SEND families.
The route gently passes cider orchards, meadows, tunnels, and nature reserves, with ride options from short sections to a full journey into Cheddar Gorge. Bike hire can be booked half- or full-day from 10am to 4pm. Staff provide visual route guides and advice on smooth surfaces, access points, and nearby café stops.
READ MORE: A Guide To Cycling The Strawberry Line
Planning a family day out? Bookmark this guide to the best SEND-friendly family attractions in Somerset — and if you have any more ideas for SEND and accessible days out, let us know in the comments or tag us on Instagram!
You might also like our guide to Accessible and Buggy-Friendly Walks in Somerset, featuring level, family-friendly walks ideal for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and little legs.
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