20 Best Family Walks in Somerset (Easy, Scenic & Child-Friendly Routes)

Looking for the best family walks in Somerset? Whether you want a short toddler-friendly stroll, a dramatic coastal adventure, a peaceful woodland trail, or one of the best easy walks in Somerset for a buggy or scooter, there is no shortage of brilliant options.

Table of Contents - Tap to jump to a section

This guide includes 20 of the best family walks in Somerset, covering coastal paths, dramatic gorges, woodland trails, easy pushchair-friendly routes and more adventurous hikes.

As Somerset locals, we spend many weekends exploring these routes with kids in tow and our family dog leading the way.

Some of these walks are better for older children, while others are ideal for younger kids, prams or slower-paced days out. I’ve also included links to our full walk guides where we have them, plus extra inspiration for accessible walks in Somerset, dog-friendly walks and pub walks.

Read on for some of our favourite family-friendly walks in Somerset.

If you love finding new family days out and events in Somerset then you can follow me on Facebook or Instagram. If you use Facebook you might like to join my Family Days out in Somerset group.

Best Family Walks in Somerset (Quick Picks)

Best overall: Cheddar Gorge
Best easy walk: Ham Wall
Best coastal walk: Brean Down
Best for younger kids: Bridgwater & Taunton Canal
Best woodland walk: Fyne Court
Best views: Glastonbury Tor

Below, you’ll find 20 tried-and-tested family-friendly walks in Somerset, grouped by type to help you find the perfect route for your next day out.

Easy and Short Family Walks in Somerset

These are great options if you want a shorter outing, a walk with a clear goal, or something manageable for younger children.

Glastonbury Tor Circular Walk

Few walks are more iconic than Glastonbury Tor. This is one of the most memorable family walks in Somerset, with a steady climb, far-reaching views and a real sense of achievement at the top. The winding path makes the ascent feel more manageable than it first looks, and children usually love reaching the tower and looking out across the Somerset Levels.

It is not suitable for pushchairs, but it is a brilliant choice for families with children who enjoy a challenge and don’t mind a hill.

Glastonbury Tor Walk information:

Distance: Full route 2.5 miles (4 km). Up to the Tor and back is 0.75 miles.
Elevation: 140m
Dog friendly: Yes (dogs must be kept on a lead around livestock).
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
Kids will love: Great views, historic monuments, playground, pub lunch and shops in Glastonbury.

Bath Skyline – Family Discovery Trail

The Bath Skyline Family Discovery Trail is one of the best family-friendly walks in Bath and North East Somerset. Set in woodland above the city, the trail includes activities, challenges and nature-based play designed to keep children engaged.

Along the route, kids can follow the waymarkers, take part in “50 things to do” activities and explore the woodland play area. It’s one of the most popular walks in Bath with kids. Families with younger children can stick to the shorter 2-mile route, while families with older kids can take on the longer 3 or 6-mile options.

The accessible section of the trail has level, compacted paths, benches and easy-access gates, making it suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.

A great choice if you’re looking for easy walks in Somerset that work for all ages and abilities.

Bath Skyline Walk Information:

Distance: 2 miles (Family Discovery Trail)
Time: 1–2 hours
Best for: Younger children, accessible walks & family activities
Pushchair friendly: Yes
Dog friendly: Yes (on leads)
Accessibility: Accessible route available with level paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs
Kids will love: Woodland play area, activity stations, spotting wildlife, following the trail and searching for the Long Wood elf.
Read our blog post: Things to do in Bath with kids for more ideas.

Bridgwater and Taunton Canal Space Walk

If you’re looking for one of the easiest family-friendly walks in Somerset, the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is hard to beat. The towpath is fairly flat and easy to follow, making it ideal for all ages.

One of the highlights for families is the Somerset Space Walk, a scale model of the solar system built along the route. Kids can spot the different planets as they walk, which adds a fun and educational element to the walk.

Walk Information:

Distance: Flexible
Time: 30 minutes to 2+ hours
Best for: All ages and easy family walks
Pushchair friendly: Suited to a sturdy all-terrain pushchair
Dog friendly: Yes
Accessibility: Mainly flat, level towpath, uneven in places
Kids will love: Spotting the planets along the Somerset Space Walk, feeding ducks, cycling or scooting along the path, cake at Maunsel Lock Tearooms.

We parked at Maunsel Lock car park which is only a short walk to the Sun (at Higher Maunsel Lock). You can walk in either direction along the towpath where you’ll discover all the planets to scale which really helps you to appreciate the sheer size of the solar system.

This is a great option if you want a relaxed, low-effort walk that still keeps children engaged. You won’t be able to visit all the planets in one walk but that’ll give you a good reason to come back another day.

Ham Hill Country Park

Ham Hill is one of the best family-friendly walks in South Somerset if you want space, views and flexibility. It is ideal for a day when children want freedom to run around rather than a tightly defined route. The views are wonderful, there is plenty of open ground to explore, and it suits lots of different ages.

Some areas are more accessible than others, and it can work well for families with younger children if you keep the route short and simple.

Ham Hill Walk Information:

Distance: 0.8 miles to the memorial and back but lots of options to extend route
Time: 45 mins +
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Grassy paths, some uneven sections, gentle slopes
Dog friendly: Yes (keep dogs on a lead around livestock)
Kids will love: Exploring the ancient Iron Age hillfort ruins, following the interactive Roman Trail, great views, wildlife spotting, play area, Millennium stone circle and pub lunch (Prince of Wales).

Tarr Steps Family Walk

Tarr Steps is one of the most magical family walks in Somerset, set within Exmoor National Park, and perfect for children who enjoy rivers, woodland and adventurous-feeling places.

Crossing the famous clapper bridge is always exciting, and the riverside paths give children plenty to look at along the way. In warmer months, paddling spots are a huge bonus.

This is a very family-friendly route for those who don’t need a pushchair, and it works particularly well for mixed ages.

If you’d like to combine the walk with lunch, Tarr Steps also features in our ‘walks with a pub’ blog post. The Tarr Farm Inn is a short walk from the car park and close to the famous clapper bridge.

If you’d rather bring a picnic, it’s an ideal spot. Bring water shoes and maybe a fishing net for the children and they’ll be happy for hours!

Tarr Steps Walk Information:

Distance: 2 miles for circular route
Time: 1 hour – 1.5 hours
Best for: All ages, easy walks & dog walking
Dog friendly: Yes
Accessibility: Steep path from car park but level along the riverbank. Paths are natural stone and earth, that can be uneven in places with exposed tree roots.
Kids will love: Paddling in the river, crossing the clapper bridge, finding the money tree, rope swing, ice cream kiosk/pub lunch.

Dunster, Somerset

Dunster is one of the most scenic and versatile options for a family walk in Somerset, with several routes to suit different ages and energy levels. You can keep things simple with a gentle wander around the village, taking in its historic streets, independent shops and cosy cafés.

If you’d like a longer walk, head out towards Dunster Beach and follow a circular route past Dunster Station before returning to the village. For something a bit more varied, explore around Dunster Castle, where you can walk through the gardens and past the Water Mill.

For a more adventurous trail, cross Gallox Bridge and head towards the Tall Trees Trail at Nutcombe Bottom. Then, on to Deer Park and Bat’s Castle to explore the site of an Iron Age hillfort and enjoy the fantastic views. You can also take the short climb up to Conygar Tower, which is a great viewpoint and a fun goal for children.

This is a nice option for mixed-age family groups because you can keep it relaxed and stop often.

Dunster Walk information

Distance: Flexible (1–3 miles depending on route)
Time: 1–2 hours
Best for: Mixed ages & flexible routes
Pushchair friendly: Partial
Dog friendly: Yes (on leads in certain areas)
Accessibility: Some paths are suitable, but cobbles, uneven surfaces and hills in places
Kids will love: Castle, Gallox Bridge, woodland trails, river paddles, play area, climbing up to Conygar Tower and exploring the village.

Planning a day out here? Read our full guide:

Coastal Family Walks in Somerset

If your family loves sea views, open skies and the feeling of a proper adventure, these coastal routes are some of the best family walks in Somerset.

Brean Down Walk

Brean Down is one of the best-known family-friendly walks in Somerset, and for good reason. It feels like a proper expedition, with the route stretching out into the sea and views on both sides.

The Palmerston fort at the end gives children something to aim for, and once you are up on the ridge the route is straightforward to follow.

It is a more adventurous option, and the steady climb at the start means it works better for families with older children than toddlers. On windy days it can feel exposed, but the scenery is superb.

Brean Down Walk Information

Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Best for: Older children & adventurous families
Pushchair friendly: No. Trampers available to hire for adults
Dog friendly: Yes (keep on lead near cliffs and livestock)
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to steep steps and uneven paths
Kids will love: Climbing up to the fort, big coastal views, open space to explore, spotting wildlife.

If you enjoy this area, take a look at our guide:

Kilve Beach Circular Walk

Kilve Beach is one of the most exciting walks with kids in Somerset because there is so much for children to do along the way. The route includes countryside, coast and one of the best fossil beaches in Somerset. Kids can look for fossils, go rockpooling, paddle in the stream and enjoy the woodland sections too.

It is a brilliant all-rounder for families who like their walks to feel varied and interactive.

Kilve Beach Walk Information:

Distance: 2.7 miles (4.35 km)
Elevation: 40m
Dog friendly: Yes, including the beach all year round
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
Level of difficulty: Easy
Facilities: Public toilets, pub and tearoom at Kilve
Kids will love: Fossil beach, rockpooling, stream, woods, great views, fairytale cottages and ice cream.

St Audries Bay Walk

St Audries Bay is a fun, shorter coastal walk in West Somerset with a big reward at the end. The waterfall tumbling onto the beach is something a bit different, and it always feels exciting for children. The route down is manageable, though the climb back up can feel steeper, especially for little legs.

It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a short walk with kids in Somerset that still feels like an adventure. The beach itself is perfect for exploring, with rock pools and plenty of space to wander.

You can also extend the walk by following the coast path in either direction, turning it into a longer coastal route if everyone still has energy.

Top tip: Check tide times before you go, as access to the waterfall is best at low tide.

St Audries Bay Walk Information:

Distance: 0.5 mile+
Time: 45 minutes+
Best for: Younger children & shorter walks
Pushchair friendly: No
Dog friendly: Yes (check tide times and livestock in fields)
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to steep path and steps, and rocky beach
Kids will love: Waterfall on the beach, rock pooling, exploring the shoreline, paddling

Clevedon Coast Path: Ladye Bay to Walton-in-Gordano Circular Walk

This is one of the loveliest family walks in Somerset for older children, especially if your family enjoys a mix of coast and countryside.

Starting at secluded Ladye Bay, the route follows the rugged coastline before turning inland for a change of scenery. The views across the Bristol Channel are beautiful, and there is plenty to keep children interested, from rock pools and wildlife to climbing rocks and seasonal wildflowers.

It is not a buggy-friendly walk, but it is a really rewarding one for families with adventurous children.

Walk Information:

Distance: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Walk time: 1–1.25 hours
Elevation: 85m
Dog friendly: Yes (dogs on leads around livestock)
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Points of interest: Ladye Bay beach, rock pools, rocks for climbing, picnic spots
Kids will love: Wildlife spotting, rock scrambling, wildflowers, beautiful views and a cafe.

Berrow Beach (Burnham-on-Sea area)

There are around 7 miles of sandy beach stretching from Burnham-on-Sea to Berrow and Brean, making this one of the easiest and most relaxed family-friendly walks in Somerset.

The wide, open space is perfect for younger children, giving them plenty of room to run, play and explore without worrying about traffic or busy paths. It’s also one of the best spots in the county for combining a family walk with a dog walk, thanks to the sheer amount of space (at low tide).

This is an ideal choice if you’re looking for an easy walk in Somerset that feels low-effort but still enjoyable for the whole family.

Berrow Beach Walk Information:

Distance: Flexible (up to 7 miles along the beach)
Time: 30 minutes to 2+ hours
Best for: All ages, easy walks & dog walking
Dog friendly: Yes (great for off-lead in quieter areas)
Accessibility: Flat and open, but soft sand can be challenging. Beware of mud at low tide.
This stretch of coast is best explored at low tide, when the beach opens up for miles. At high tide, access is more limited, so it’s worth checking tide times before setting out.
Kids will love: Running on the sand, sand dunes, paddling, kite flying and lots of open space.

One of the highlights along this stretch is Burnham-on-Sea Low Lighthouse, a distinctive wooden lighthouse standing on stilts out on the sand. It’s a great landmark for children to walk towards and makes a brilliant photo spot, especially at low tide.

For more dog-friendly route ideas, see our guide to the best dog walks in Somerset:

Sand Point and Middle Hope, Weston-super-Mare

Sand Point is a brilliant all-round family walk, combining gentle walking, sea views, rocky coves and picnic potential. It is one of the best options if you want something scenic but not too intense. Children enjoy the space, and it is particularly good for families with dogs too.

Sand Point Walk Information

Distance: Around 3 miles (circular)
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Best for: Mixed ages & coastal exploring
Pushchair friendly: No
Dog friendly: Yes (keep on leads near livestock)
Accessibility: Uneven paths, some inclines and steps
Kids will love: Rocky coves, beach exploring, climbing hills, picnic spots and spotting wildlife.

This walk also features in our Weston-super-Mare walking guide:

Woodland and Nature Walks in Somerset

If your family loves den building, wildlife spotting, streams, bluebells and shady paths, these are some of the best child-friendly walks in Somerset.

Ebbor Gorge Walk

Ebbor Gorge is a great walk in the Mendip Hills for adventurous children who like scrambling and exploring somewhere that feels a little bit wild. The limestone landscape, caves and woodland create a prehistoric feel that makes this a very imaginative walk for kids.

Ebbor Gorge Walk Information

Distance: 1.5–2 miles (circular)
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Best for: Older children & adventurous families
Pushchair friendly: No
Dog friendly: Yes (on leads)
Accessibility: Steep, rocky and uneven terrain; not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
Kids will love: Scrambling over rocks, exploring woodland, spotting caves, climbing to viewpoints

The main gorge routes are steep, rocky and uneven, but there is a shorter accessible trail available if you need a gentler option.

There are three marked trails of varying lengths around the steeply wooded gorge, the longest being 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) long, the shortest of which is suitable for wheelchair users.

Wookey Hole is just a short drive away if you’re looking to turn this into a full day out. For more ideas nearby, take a look at our Somerset days out guide:

Leigh Woods, Abbots Leigh

Leigh Woods is a brilliant family-friendly woodland walk in Somerset, with well-marked trails that are easy to follow and ideal for exploring with kids.

The shorter Red Trail (0.7 miles) is a gentle, mostly level route through beautiful woodland habitats. It’s suitable for pushchairs, although it can get muddy in places. Along the way, keep an eye out for the enclosed coppicing areas, where woodland is managed to support wildlife such as dormice and butterflies.

The longer Purple Trail (1.5 miles / 2.4 km) is a slightly more varied route, taking you deeper into the forest. It passes through a mix of habitats and crosses the historic parish wall marking the boundary between Forestry England and National Trust land. While generally gentle, some sections can be uneven underfoot.

There are also additional woodland paths for those wanting to explore further. These narrower, less accessible trails lead to viewpoints overlooking the Avon Gorge and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge. You’ll also find the Blue Trail, which is shared with cyclists, so it’s worth taking extra care if walking this route.

Leigh Woods Walk Information:

Distance: 0.7–1.5 miles (Red & Purple Trails)
Time: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours
Best for: Mixed ages & woodland walks
Pushchair friendly: Yes (Red Trail, but can be muddy)
Dog friendly: Yes (on leads in some areas)
Accessibility: Purple Trail suitable for off-road mobility scooters; some uneven ground
Kids will love: Woodland trails, den building, spotting wildlife, climbing logs, discovering the Iron Age hillfort ramparts, and views over the Avon Gorge.

Abbots Pool Circular Walk

Abbots Pool is one of the most peaceful family-friendly walks in Somerset, and it is especially lovely for younger children. The route winds through tranquil woodland around the pool, with ducks, logs, wildlife and places to explore all along the way. In spring, bluebells make it even more magical.

It is not ideal for standard pushchairs, though a sturdy all-terrain buggy may manage some sections if you avoid steps.

Abbots Pool Walk Information:

Distance: 1.85 miles (3 km)
Walk time: 1–1.5 hours
Elevation: 35m
Dog friendly: Yes, on leads around livestock
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs; possibly manageable for a good all-terrain buggy if avoiding steps
Facilities: None on the walk itself
Kids will love: Ducks to feed, logs to climb, wildlife to spot, a fallen tree bridge, woods to explore, dens to build and bluebells in spring.

Prior’s Wood, Portbury

Prior’s Wood is particularly lovely in spring when the bluebells are out, and it is one of those woodland walks that feels especially magical with children. You can keep the walk short for younger kids, or extend it for older children and adults.

Prior’s Wood Walk Information

Distance: Around 2 miles (short circular options)
Time: 1 – 1.5 hours
Best for: All ages & pretty woodland walks
Pushchair friendly: No
Dog friendly: Yes (on leads recommended)
Accessibility: Uneven woodland paths with some slopes; not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
Kids will love: Bluebells in spring, woodland trails, den building, exploring paths, spotting wildlife and paddling in the stream.

For more seasonal woodland inspiration, see our Somerset bluebell guide:

Ham Wall Nature Reserve walk with kids

Ham Wall is one of the best family-friendly walks in Somerset for younger children, pushchairs and wildlife lovers. The main paths are flat, wide and easy to follow, and there is always something to spot, from birds and dragonflies to reeds and open water. It is calm, scenic and very manageable.

It’s a brilliant place for wildlife spotting, with birds, reeds and open water creating a calm but interesting environment for kids. Bring binoculars if you have them, the viewing platforms and bird hides make it easy to stop and look out across the reserve.

Ham Wall Walk Information:

Distance: Flexible (short loops to longer walks)
Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Best for: Toddlers, pushchairs & wildlife spotting
Pushchair friendly: Yes
Dog friendly: No dogs allowed on the reserve
Accessibility: Flat, well-maintained gravel paths and boardwalks suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
Kids will love: Spotting birds and wildlife, boardwalk paths, open views across the Levels, binocular spotting from viewing platforms.

For more pram-friendly and step-free ideas, have a look at our guide to accessible walks in Somerset. Ham Wall also features in our roundup of the best pub walks in Somerset.

National Trust Fyne Court Walk

Fyne Court is one of the best family-friendly woodland walks in Somerset, especially if you’re looking for something easy, varied and engaging for younger children. Set in the Quantock Hills, it offers a mix of woodland trails, open spaces and a nature play feel that works really well for family days out.

There are several waymarked routes to choose from, so you can keep the walk short and simple or extend it depending on energy levels. The main circular trails take you through peaceful woodland, past streams and historic features, with plenty of space for children to explore along the way.

It’s a great option if you want a relaxed walk with facilities nearby, and it works well for mixed ages as you can adapt the route easily.

Fyne Court Walk Information:

Distance: 1–3 miles (various circular routes)
Time: 45 minutes to 2 hours
Best for: Younger children, easy walks & woodland exploring
Pushchair friendly: Partial (main paths suitable, some uneven sections)
Dog friendly: Yes (on leads in some areas)
Accessibility: Some level, well-surfaced paths near the main area, but woodland trails can be uneven
Facilities: Car park, café, toilets, picnic areas
Kids will love: Den building and exploring woodland trails, streams and wildlife spotting, open space to run around, picnic spots and easy-to-follow paths.

Fyne Court is included on our blog post:

Walks in Somerset with a View

These are some of the best family walks in Somerset for views, with dramatic landscapes and rewarding scenery along the way.

Cheddar Gorge Family Walk

One of the most dramatic family-friendly walks in Somerset, Cheddar Gorge is famous for its towering cliffs and incredible views.

The climb up to the top can be steep, but once you’re there, the open space gives kids plenty of room to explore. Keep to the paths and dogs on a lead due to the cliff edge.

Keep an eye out for wild goats climbing the cliffs — always a highlight for children — and there are show caves and tearooms nearby to make this a full day out.

This is one of the more challenging walks in this list, so good footwear is essential — especially on the rocky sections and steep climbs. I’ve been using the Salomon Women’s X Ultra 360 LTR GTX for walks like this, and you can read my full review here.

Cheddar Gorge Walk Information:

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 2–3 hours
Best for: Older children & adventurous families
Pushchair friendly: No
Kids will like: Caves, climbing the lookout tower, views for miles, spotting feral goats and wildlife, plus tearooms in Cheddar Gorge.

If you’re planning a full day out, take a look at our complete guide to things to do in Cheddar Gorge for families, including caves, viewpoints and family-friendly activities.

Burrow Mump Circular Walk

Burrow Mump makes a fantastic child-friendly walk in Somerset because it feels adventurous without needing a full day out. The hill itself is exciting for children, and the ruined church at the top gives the walk a magical, historic feel.

There are lovely views across the Levels, plus river and rhyne scenery on the longer circular route.

This works well for families who want a flexible option. You can do more of a proper walk or keep it simpler and focus on the hill.

Burrow Mump Walk information:

Distance: 5 miles (8 km)
Elevation: 24m
Dog friendly: Yes, on leads around livestock
Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
Kids will love: Views, ruin, river and rhynes, pub lunch.

Somerset is one of the best places in the UK for getting outdoors with kids, with a huge variety of walks to suit every age and ability. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend walk, an easy pushchair-friendly route, a coastal adventure or a full family day out, these are some of the best family walks in Somerset to explore year-round.

Don’t forget to check out our full walk guides, dog-friendly routes and accessible walks for even more ideas.

FAQs: Family Walks in Somerset

What is the best family walk in Somerset?
Cheddar Gorge is one of the most iconic walks, offering dramatic views and a real sense of adventure for older children.

Are there pushchair-friendly walks in Somerset?
Yes, Ham Wall Nature Reserve and the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal are among the best options for prams and wheelchairs. For more ideas, read our Accessible Walks in Somerset post.

What are the best coastal walks in Somerset?
Brean Down, Sand Point and Berrow Beach are some of the best coastal walks with kids in Somerset.

What are the best easy walks in Somerset for children?
Ham Wall, the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, Bath Skyline Family Discovery Trail and Fyne Court are all good easy walks for children.