Best Gardens in Somerset to Visit With Kids: Family Days Out 2026
If you’re searching for a Somerset Garden near you to explore, this guide is perfect for you! The West Country is brimming with stunning gardens, from historic estates to quaint cottage plots, all perfect for a day out with the family. Whether you’re chasing colourful blooms, exploring woodland trails, or letting the kids burn off energy in adventure play areas, these gardens in Somerset have something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best gardens to visit in Somerset with children, complete with family-friendly features, seasonal highlights, and tips to make the most of your visit.
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South Somerset Gardens you need to visit
Tintinhull Garden, Somerset (National Trust)
Why visit: Small but perfectly formed. These Somerset gardens are less than an acre, but packed with character. The Arts & Crafts-style design creates separate “rooms” with walls, hedges, and topiary.
Family tips:
Sparkling pools and secluded lawns for exploration.
Check opening times: often closed on weekdays in winter.
East Lambrook Manor Gardens, Somerset
Why visit: This charming 15th-century manor garden is a classic example of English cottage gardening, created by celebrated plantswoman Margery Fish.
Family tips:
Ideal for toddlers and younger children with winding paths and colourful borders.
Snowdrop Festival in February is magical for little ones, while May–June brings a riot of colours.
Tea shop on-site for a mid-visit treat.
Forde Abbey and Gardens, near Chard
Why visit: A 30-acre estate with formal borders, ponds, arboretum, and willow dens, alongside a 12th Century Abbey.
Family tips:
Kids love the Mermaid Pond fountain (runs at set times).
Outdoor theatre, pumpkin rolling, and pick-your-own fruit seasonal events add extra fun.
Montacute House Gardens, Somerset (National Trust)
Why visit: Montacute House Gardens in Somerset are some of the most impressive formal gardens in the county, set around a stunning Elizabethan mansion. The grounds include neatly clipped hedges, colourful borders, a rose garden, and wide open lawns perfect for relaxing or exploring.
Why kids will like it: Children will enjoy the large open spaces to run around, the “wobbly hedges” in the garden, and the surrounding parkland walks. It’s a great place for a picnic and letting kids burn off energy. In the summer months there is often croquet on the lawn to play.
Good to know for parents:
- Plenty of space for picnics and family walks
- Buggy-friendly in most main garden areas
- Café, toilets, and parking available on site
- Easy to combine with wider estate walks.
- Dogs welcome on a short lead (except inside the house)
There’s plenty to explore beyond the boundaries of Montacute House and garden, with three waymarked trails through the Tudor parkland, round Ladies’ Walk and up to St Michael’s Tower. The walks in the stunning Somerset countryside range from 1.8km to 3.3km and take in uneven pathways and sometimes steeper hills.
Best for: Families looking for a classic National Trust day out with lots of space for kids to run and explore.
Must-See North Somerset Gardens
Tyntesfield, North Somerset
Why visit: Tyntesfield is one of the best National Trust gardens in North Somerset for families, with huge grounds, formal gardens, woodland, and plenty of space for children to explore.
Why kids will like it: There are wide open lawns, family trails (Easter Holidays, Half Term), seasonal activities, and lots of variety, so it feels more like a full day out than just a quick garden visit. Children can enjoy the wooden play areas, exploring the kitchen garden, and joining in with school holiday events.
Good to know for parents:
Good option for a longer family day out
Plenty of accessible and buggy-friendly paths in the main areas
On-site café, toilets, and parking
Easy to combine with other North Somerset days out
Best for: Families wanting a mix of gardens, space to run around, and a National Trust day out. A fab National Trust garden in the South West which is also dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome in the gardens (except kitchen garden) but are not allowed inside the house.
After exploring the beautifully manicured gardens at Tyntesfield Estate, you can discover more in our handy guide: 12 National Trust properties in Somerset to visit with kids.
Yeo Valley Organic Garden, Blagdon
Yeo Valley Organic Garden in Blagdon, Somerset is a lovely choice for families who enjoy beautiful planting, peaceful surroundings, and a relaxed day out in the countryside. Set beside Blagdon Lake, this organic garden is full of colourful borders, wildflower meadows, edible planting, and winding paths that make it feel calm and easy to explore.
Why visit: This is one of the most beautiful Somerset gardens for families who want somewhere quieter and scenic. The garden combines ornamental planting with productive growing spaces, so there is plenty to look at throughout the seasons.
Why kids will like it: Children can enjoy wandering the paths, spotting different flowers and insects, looking out over the lake, and exploring a garden that feels natural rather than overly formal. It is better suited to children who enjoy nature and gentle exploring rather than big play areas.
Good to know for parents:
Best for a slower-paced family day out
Great for flower lovers and nature-loving children
Lovely tearoom for drinks, lunch, or cake
Beautiful views over Blagdon Lake
Best combined with other nearby North Somerset days out including Chew Valley Lake if you want a fuller itinerary.
Best for: Families with younger children, grandparents, or anyone looking for a peaceful garden visit in Somerset.
Opening times: The 2026 garden open season begins on Thursday 9 April 2026. The garden is then open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, through to the last Saturday in October. There is no need to pre-book.
Tickets are £8 on the gate, with association discounts and children’s tickets available.
If you’re planning more days out nearby, also read our guide to Things To Do In Somerset With Kids.
Gardens in Somerset: Mendip Area
Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, Wells
Why visit: Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells is one of the most beautiful historic gardens in Somerset, with 14 acres of lawns, ramparts, mature trees, and lovely views across the moat and well pools.
Why kids will like it: Families will find plenty of space to explore, and children can enjoy the Dragon’s Lair play area as well as the family events and themed trails that often run during the school holidays. These extra activities make it a stronger family day out than a garden visit alone.
Good to know for parents:
Good mix of history, gardens, and family-friendly features
Seasonal events can make visits feel different throughout the year
Great option if you want to combine gardens with a day out in Wells
Café and facilities on site
Best for: Families looking for a garden attraction in Somerset that also offers holiday activities and interactive features for children.
The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens in Wells is a great choice for families thanks to its beautiful grounds, school holiday trails, and child-friendly play spaces.
Top Tip: Don’t miss all the other places to go in Wells, read my guide to visiting Wells, Somerset with Kids before you go.
Chalice Well Gardens, Glastonbury
Located at the foot of Glastonbury Tor, Chalice Well Gardens offer a peaceful escape that feels very different from many other gardens in Somerset.
These beautiful Somerset gardens are centred around the famous natural spring, also called the Blood Spring, known for its reddish waters due to the high iron content.
Chalice Well is Britain’s oldest holy well and has flowed for thousands of years. This peaceful Somerset garden is designed as a place for reflection, relaxation and nature.
As you wander through, you’ll find:
- Quiet garden “rooms” with winding paths
- Streams and water features running through the grounds
- Colourful planting and shaded seating areas
- A calm, almost spiritual atmosphere
This is a lovely spot for a slower-paced visit with older children, especially those who enjoy exploring nature. Younger kids may also enjoy paddling in the shallow stream areas.
Accessibility
Paths are mostly manageable, but some areas are uneven. Pushchairs are possible in parts, but not everywhere.
Check here for more information including opening times and prices.
If you’re spending the day in Glastonbury, read our blog post Things To Do in Glastonbury, Somerset for more ideas.
Kilver Court Gardens, Shepton Mallet
Located in Shepton Mallet, Kilver Court Gardens are a beautifully landscaped set of gardens with a unique backdrop of a historic viaduct, making them one of the more distinctive Somerset gardens to visit.
Originally created in the early 20th century, the gardens combine formal planting with more relaxed spaces, offering a lovely setting for a gentle family day out.
Highlights include:
- Peaceful landscaped gardens with winding paths
- Waterways, ponds and mill streams to explore
- Seasonal planting and colourful borders
- A striking viaduct backdrop that makes this garden feel extra special
Kilver Court is especially great for younger children, as it’s not too large and has plenty of interesting features to spot along the way, perfect for a shorter, relaxed visit.
There are also shops and a café on-site, making it easy to turn your visit into a half-day outing.
Kilver Court is also known for its family-friendly seasonal trails, which makes it a brilliant day out in the Somerset school holidays. See our Easter events guide for kids in Somerset.
Accessibility
Paths are generally flat and manageable, making this one of the more accessible Somerset gardens, although some areas may vary.
Somerset Gardens in West Somerset
Hestercombe Gardens, Somerset (near Taunton)
Why visit: Discover 50 acres of Somerset Gardens spanning Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian garden styles.
Family tips:
Seasonal events like children’s trails, summer theatre, and school holiday activities.
Lake and wooded valley walks perfect for picnics and active children. A great spot for bluebells in spring.
- Discover landscaped Georgian gardens featuring a waterfall, Edwardian Arts and Crafts-influenced formal gardens and classical buildings.
Check out the Easter Trail in the gardens this spring, plus all the other Easter Events in Somerset and Bristol.
Hestercombe also hosts seasonal events throughout the year, including Christmas lights and summer holiday kids trails and events.
Beautiful Gardens in Bath & North East Somerset
The Newt in Somerset
Why visit: A large, family-friendly estate with formal gardens, ancient woodland, Roman Villa and apple tree maze.
Family tips:
Special seasonal trails and interactive areas for kids.
Visit the Beezantium to learn about bees, or the natural playground for outdoor fun.
- Discover the Grotto and find out what’s hiding inside!
Membership is required to visit and gives unlimited access for a year, plus free entry to national partner gardens Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House and sister garden, Babylonstoren in South Africa.
- Farmshop on site selling produce grown in the gardens, plus café and restaurant which also use vegetables, fruits and herbs grown on site.
If you’re planning a visit, read my guide: The Newt in Somerset review for more tips on what to expect.
Iford Manor Gardens, near Bath
Tucked away in a peaceful valley near Freshford, Iford Manor Gardens are some of the most beautiful and unique gardens in Somerset. Designed in an Italianate style, these Grade I listed gardens are laid out in a series of terraces, with winding paths, stone steps and stunning views over the countryside.
As you explore, you’ll find:
- Elegant terraced gardens and cloisters
- Seasonal planting with vibrant colour throughout the year
- Panoramic views across the valley
- Quiet corners perfect for a relaxed wander
- Over 3 miles of footpaths running through the estate.
The gardens are suited to older children and a lovely option for a slower-paced family day out, especially if your kids enjoy exploring and spotting different plants and features. *Please note that children under 10 are not permitted in the garden (except babies <1 yr in slings).*
There’s also a café and restaurant on-site, making it a great place to stop for lunch or a treat after your visit.
Accessibility
Due to the terraced layout, access can be limited for pushchairs and wheelchairs, with steps and narrow paths throughout. A baby carrier is a better option if visiting with younger children.
Well behaved dogs on short leads are welcome.
2026 Garden Entry Times
1st April to 30th September
Weds – Sun & Bank, incl Bank Holiday Mons:
11:00 – 16:00 (Last entry at 15:00)
Check here for more information and prices. Booking in advance is recommended especially during busy times.
Somerset Lavender Farm, Radstock
Why visit: Somerset Lavender Farm is one of the most unique and colourful gardens in Somerset, especially in summer when the fields are in full bloom. Rows of vibrant purple lavender create a beautiful setting that’s perfect for a relaxed family visit.
Why kids will like it: Children will enjoy walking through the fragrant lavender rows, spotting bees and butterflies, and exploring the smaller garden areas. It’s a great sensory experience, especially for younger children.
Good to know for parents:
- Best visited in summer (June–August) when the lavender is at its peak
- Free entry, with donations encouraged
- On-site café and shop selling lavender products
- Relatively small, so ideal for a shorter visit or combined day out in Bath.
Best for: Families looking for a gentle, scenic stop with lots of colour and a unique outdoor experience.
Read Next
Read next: 12 National Trust Properties in Somerset which include more stunning country gardens such as Dunster Castle Gardens, Barrington Court, Lytes Cary Gardens, Prior Park, Clevedon Court and Fyne Court.
