At Coates English Willow Visitor Centre you can find out about the willow growing that has been a part of life in the Somerst Levels for centuries. There's a museum, an interactive exhibition, a nature walk, art galleries, a courtyard of shops, and the Lemon Tree Coffee House. Have a guided tour or just take your time and soak up the tranquility. A peaceful and interesting place to visit when you're staying nearby at a large group holiday house in Somerset.

T: 01823 490249

Maunsel Lock Tea Rooms has such a lovely setting – right on the banks of the Bridgwater to Taunton Canal, which is one reason why it gets so busy in the summer season. It’s also on the Somerset Space Walk along the old towpath, and the Bridgwater to Taunton section of the National Cycle Network. The homemade cakes are heavenly, the service is friendly and the ambience a delight. 

T: 01278 238220

If you're out and about on the Somerset Levels it's worth taking a peek at this. It's rather romantic to see a little church standing there in the middle of a field all on its own, but if you notice the terraced field you'll realise that it once stood in the grounds of a big county house. Go and have a look, it's charming.

T: 01458 251881

See the foundations of this once glorious abbey and the still intact 16th century Abbots' House, besides part of the cloister walk and the thatched monks lavatory - the only one of its kind in Britain. Families can take an interactive trail, kids can spot the stone carvings and dress up in monks robes. 

T: 0370 3331181

Built for the parish priest and dating back to 1308, this medeival thatched house is owned by the National Trust and is tenanted, so make sure you check for opening hours. It's a fascinating place with an impressive Gothic doorway, big tracery windows and a huge 15th century stone fireplace. The little garden with cottage flowers is lovely.

T: 01458 253771

Anyone who knows a thing or two about pottery will have heard of Bernard Leach; well, here's his son John, carrying on the family tradition in a peaceful village on the Somerset Levels. You can visit the pottery and browse the wares in the shop, many of them fresh from the kiln; have a look round the Gallery, wander down to John's pond, a County Wildife Site where you can look out for swans and moorhens and just enjoy the tranquility. 

T: 01458 250324

A rather eclectic 22 acre garden that's came about as the result of one man's dream and a lot of sheer hard work. There's a 20ft bench, arches made out of horseshoes, bridges and sculptures, all with a huge focus on recycling. The 1.5 mile path winds around the garden where there's a lake, a waterfall and a mock Tudor tower. No dogs.

T: 01935 823203

Barrington Court is a beautiful National Trust owned 16th century manor house with eclectic interiors including a 'modern' bathroom with hand painted tiles, an impressive Great Hall and a Long Gallery that was once used for indoor exercise. The gardens are a delight, especially the rose garden and the walled kitchen garden that has arches hung with ornamental gourdes in the autumn. There's a lovely cafe,a book barn and gift shop. Dogs are allowed in certain areas and in the parkland.

T: 01460 241938

These typically English cottage gardens were designed by Margery Fish and are frothing with old fashioned and modern flowers planted side by side. Of note are the hellebore, snowdrop and hardy geranium collections. A lovely, peaceful place to visit with a wonderful little tea shop in the grounds and a must for garden lovers.

T: 01460 240328

At Hestercombe House & Gardens there are 50 acres of the most gorgeous gardens and grounds to stroll around and it's all rather romantic with classical temples, cascading waterfalls and tranquil lakes. Amble through the woodlands, see the fully restored 17th century watermill, relax on the formal terrace. There's a picnic area, cafe, shop and playground, and exciting events throughout the year.

T: 01823 413923

The Museum of Somerset is a very informative museum within the walls of Taunton Castle, right in the middle of town. There are some interesting galleries here, with highlights being the Low Ham Mosaic depicting the love story of Dido and Aeneas, a replica of the Alfred Jewel, a near perfect Bronze Age torc, the skull of a cave bear, and a pair of giant's shoes. There's a shop and a cafe with a peaceful cobbled courtyard.

T: 01823 255088

Originally part of a medieval priory these walled gardens are something of a hidden treasure because not that many people know about them and it doesn't tend to get packed like some places do. Go, because it's all very charming; have a wander round, relax, play, take a big dose of mindfulness. There's a gift shop, plant nursery, and a tea shop where you can tuck into a cream tea or a piece of homemade cake. Events throughout the year - Lambing Fun Day, Easter and Halloween Activities, and a Santa Hunt. 

T: 01278 655042

A medieval manor house with Arts & Crafts inspired gardens featuring ‘rooms’ that each have an entirely different character and are separated by yew hedging and stone walls. See the great chamber with its incredible decorated ceiling and a Herbal from 1578 dedicated to Elizabeth I, browse the second hand book barn, have scones or cakes in the tea shop. Take the dog and have a walk around the estate or along the River Cary.

T: 01458 224471 

When you go and stay somewhere new it's good to get out and about and learn a bit about that place, so if you're staying in Somerset you should go to the Somerset Rural Life Museum. There you'll find out all about rural life in the county from the 1800s onwards; farming, work, crafts, food and the landscape. There's a 1940s farmhouse kitchen, an orchard, a farmyard and shops; do the family trail, have a bun in the cafe, enjoy the views of Glastonbury Tor.

T: 01458 831197

Montacute House is an Elizabethan Renaissance mansion owned by the National Trust; you might recognise it if you watched Sense and Sensibility or Wolf Hall - both were filmed here. Discover the beautiful gardens with their neatly clipped yew hedges, have tea in the Courtyard Cafe, browse the gift shop and book barn. Take your time to soak up the tranquility and the history, then explore the wider parkland - great for dog walks and picnics.

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Grown ups love this place because it takes them back down memory lane to their childhood. There are huge displays of toys, books, annuals, jigsaw puzzles and games, and life size characters from all your favourite TV and radio shows. They’ve got everything from Muffin the Mule, Laurel and Hardy and Blue Peter to The Flintstones, Star Trek and Fawlty Towers. Take the kids, show ‘em how things used to be, and treat them to a cream tea in the tea room. Ah, you can’t beat a bit of nostalgia, can you?

T: 01935 823024

Where else can you climb on board Concorde, go inside a Sea King helicopter and experience what it's like to work on HMS Ark Royal Aircraft carrier? Watch a strike bomber and a strike fighter take off; it's powerful stuff. There's a Children's Adventure Playground and a cafe too.

T: 01935 840565

Forde Abbey is a former Cistercian Monastery with the most beautiful 30 acres gardens; see the atmospheric cloisters and the family chapel, the tranquil walled garden, the lake and the bog garden. Marvel at the 160ft Centenary Fountain, do a Letterboxing Trail and round it all off with home made cake in the tea rooms. Don't miss the snowdrops in February and the crocuses in March. Dogs welcome on leads in the grounds only.

T: 01460 220231

Not just for motor enthusiasts - this makes for a great family day out! Get up close to classics and super cars; a 1915 Ford Model T, 1970 Chevrolet, 1973 Jensen Interceptor, 1982 Aston Martin Lagonda, a Ferrari 360, Bentleys and Rolls Royces, and heaps more. There are tours, talks and activities and a cafe.

T: 01963 440804

14 acres of tranquil gardens including an arboretum and a Garden of Reflection. See the ruins of the Great Hall and the Bishop's Chapel, and if you're lucky you'll see the famous swans who live in the moat pulling on the bell when they want their tea.

T: 01749 988111

A stunning cathedral in the smallest city in England. It's famous for the intricately carved statues on the West Front and the soaring scissor arches supporting the central tower; see the Chapter House where the Bishops held their meetings, watch the jostling knights on the Wells Clock, and stroll through the cloisters to the cafe.

T: 01749 674483

A few minutes from the town centre, this is the only complete medieval street left in England, and what's more it's still lived in. It was originally built to house the men of the Vicar's Choral who sang daily worship in the cathedral. You must see it - the cobbled street lined with quirky cottages with tall chimneys is an absolute delight.

Take a family trip to Wookey Hole Caves to explore the subterranean chambers that are millions of years old, and see the famous Witch of Wookey. The kids will love it here - there is SO much to see and do - discover The Enchanted Valley and the Dinosaur Grove, stop for a game of Adventure Golf, enjoy the quirkiness of The Mill with its vintage arcade and magic mirrors. Take a picnic or have lunch in the Mill Restaurant. No dogs.

T: 01749 672243

Well, this will be an amazing day out for the kids! Heaps of rides for all ages, adventure golf and go-karts, and it's where  Sooty ™ from CITV is filmed. Lots of places to stop for a bite to eat. Exhilarating and fun, fun, fun!

T: 01278 751517

A day full of fun for all the family, with rides like the Caterpillar Rollercoaster, Spinning Honeypots and the Jumping Bean vertical drop ride. There's a huge bouncy castle, a sandpit, inflatables and adventure playground, and if the sun's forgotten to put his hat on you can head for the indoor play barn or the penny amusement arcade. See the farm animals and ferrets, get up close to reptiles and hold the rabbits and guinea pigs at Cuddle Club. Rides are included in your ticket price and there are cafes on site. Go and make whoopee!

T: 01278 751628

The biggest Gorge in Britain and home to some amazing underground caverns; see stalagmites and stalactites and explore Gough's cave where Cheddar Man was found. Climb all 274 steps of Jacob's Ladder to the top of the cliff, go rock climbing or caving. Shops and places to eat; an exciting day out.

T: 01934 742343

Another great family day out! In the Animal Zone you can see meerkats, Amazon parrots and a bug house; there's a model railway to ride on, water rides, a JCB Land Sandpit, an Adventure Centre and an indoor soft play area. Get some local food or produce from the Farm Shop and Meadows Restaurant.

T: 01934 523500

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum is such a unique place to visit - it houses a huge collection of fossils found on the Jurassic Coast, from the famous ichthyosaur to tiny fish and ammonites. See Chinese dinosaurs, Russian tribolites and a 73 kilo lump of dinosaur poo! The Natural History Room has some amazing shells and skeletons from more modern times. It's all very fascinating and will appeal to any budding paleontologists or those who love this kind of history.

T: 01297 443541

The Seaton Tramway travels through 3 miles of glorious East Devon countryside, along the widlife rich wetlands on the estuary of the River Axe. Dismount for a stroll along the river and a pub lunch at Colyford, or tuck into tradtional cream tea at The Tramstop Cafe in Colyton. Look out for the themed rides and events held throughout the year. Something different and a great part of a family day out when you're on your group holiday in Devon.

T: 01297 20375

The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth is such a peaceful place, and the setting is lovely, tucked away in a picturesque valley in East Devon. The sanctuary is home to over 500 rescued donkeys who contentedly live out their days here, not far from the sea. Say hello to them, wander the woodland walks and see the Hermit's Cave, let the kids explore the maze and let off steam in the farm themed play area, then have a picnic or go for lunch in the Kitchen Cafe. Admission is free, dogs are welcome on leads.

T: 01395 578222

Gorgeous glorious Victorian Gothic Revival in all its sumptuousness; absolutely heaps to see in the house with exquisite carvings, ornate ceilings and stencilled walls. Enjoy the hush of the chapel, stroll around the box-hedges of the rose garden, the walled kitchen garden and the orchard. Have a picnic above the croquet lawn, take the kids to the play area, walk for miles in the wider estate.

T: 01275 461900

See elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, wolves, rhinos and more on an exciting drive through safari. Admire the magnificent Elizabethan mansion, find your way out of the maze, visit the bat cave, feed the lorikeets, take a jungle cruise, visit Penguin Island. A day out you'll never forget!

T: 01985 844400

Brunel's most famous ship rests in its dry dock where visitors can see the iron hull and clamber on board to see the history of this maritime masterpiece. Evocative sights, sounds and smells transport you to its heyday; see the dining saloon, the stores and bakery and the crowded bunks. If you're brave enough, climb the rigging (ticketed).

T: 0117 926 0680

We The Curius is a fascinating science centre at Bristol harbourside and home to the UK's only 3D planetarium. Venture into space and identify constellations, make a ball float with the Bernouli blower, see figurines come to life in the 3D praxinoscope. A seriously awesome place for the whole family to visit, plenty of interactive fun. Cafe on site.

T: 0117 915 1000

Get up close to some of the wonders of the marine world, with over 40 displays where you'll see moon jellyfish, piranhas, leopard sharks, cleaner wrasse, seahorses, rare orange lobsters, and a whole bay of rays. A fascinating day out for the whole family.

T: 0117 929 8929

From the ancient Egyptians to dinosaurs, geology and impressive collections of art, glass and ceramics, there's a plethora of things to see and discover in this light and airy museum-gallery. Meet Alfred the gorilla, look inside a traditional gypsy vardo; look up and see the famous Bristol Boxkite flying above you.

T: 0117 922 3571

If you climb the 212 steps on the Tower Tour at Bath Abbey you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic vista over the city and the countryside beyond; other than that, take your time to look around at the soaring vaulted ceiling, the beautiful stained glass windows, and the 891 ledgerstones (flat gravestones).

T: 01225 422462

An incredible piece of history, right in the middle of one of the world's most beautiful cities, originally built as a complex for bathing and socialising, dating back to 70AD. Take a dip in the thermal spring water, have a guided tour and join in interactive displays, sip tea in the Pump Room Restaurant. In the summer it's open till 10pm and lit by torchlight; well worth seeing.

T: 01225 477785