1. Hang out on the farm
There’s plenty to do on site here at Warren Farm – kids love visiting our goats, and playing on our swings, slides and sandpit. It doesn’t take long for children from different family groups to make friends and start hanging out. All our accommodation comes with an outdoor campfire, and a complimentary outdoor stove which can, with the addition of a hireable grill, convert into the BBQ. Grills and charcoal are available on-site.
2. Take in the sights at Brean Down
Many of our guests have enjoyed a trip to Brean Down, a dramatic limestone promontory jutting out into the Bristol Channel. It has a fascinating history going back to 10,000BC when mammoths and woolly rhinos roamed there. It’s topped by an impressive Napoleonic era fort that was used during WWII for experimental weapons testing and is a fascinating ruin to explore. The peninsula is also home to a round barrow, and – hidden from view, but previously excavated by archaeologists – the remains of a Roman temple. A trip to Brean Down is ideal for a family day out with a picnic or a meal in the National Trust café.
3. Get active in Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge is a spectacular location that inspired Helm’s Deep in Lord of the Rings. You can enjoy a host of outdoor activities there, including climbing and adventure caving. www.cheddargorge.co.uk has plenty to offer, as does the Mendip Activity Centre near Churchill. They’re about four miles away from us and offer skiing, archery, frisbee golf, sailing, canoeing and more.
4. Discover history and legend in Glastonbury
The little town of Glastonbury is famous because of the festival held in the nearby countryside each year, but it’s also a hotspot for people seeking myths and magic, thanks to its Tor – reputedly the Isle of Avalon; its Chalice Well Garden, where the holy grail is said to lie; and its beautiful abbey, where the grave of King Arthur was reputedly found. There’s also Wearyall Hill, where Joseph of Arimathea is said to have planted a thorn tree cut from the tree that made Christ’s crown of thorns. Whether or not you believe these legends, Glastonbury is a beautiful town to explore. A walk up the Tor will get you some of the best views in Somerset, and the town centre has plenty of great places to eat and more than its fair share of crystal shops.
5. Go trekking on horseback
One of the best ways to enjoy our gorgeous Somerset countryside is on horseback. Tynings Trekking Centre is just five minutes from the farm and caters for all levels of riders, from beginners to experienced.
6. Head for the beach
From traditional seaside resorts to wildly beautiful beaches, we have all kinds of seaside experiences within easy reach. In our honesty shop you’ll find a laminated sheet listing the 10 best beaches, what you can expect from them, and useful information on things such as parking and whether you can take dogs. If you’ve got younger children and you want a flat beach with a bit of space and quite a lot of shops, cafes, and places to buy ice cream, Weston Super Mare is a great spot – and it has a pier as well. If you want to swim, head for the south coast, towards Weymouth.
7. Go wild at Longleat
One of the UK’s most famous safari parks, Longleat was the first safari park outside of Africa when it was founded in 1966. Besides the chance to get up close to lions, elephants, monkeys and more, you can take a tour of Longleat House, a magnificent stately home with a long history and many beautiful rooms to discover.
8. Hit the waves at The Wave, Bristol
The Wave is Bristol’s inland surfing destination, offering a chance for everyone from experienced surfers to beginners to catch reliable and regular waves. The Wave also has a skate ramp and an on-site café-bar.
9. Cycle the Strawberry Line
The Strawberry Line is a gorgeous cycle route following the path of the old Cheddar Valley railway line. It’s easy for all levels of ability, and you can hire bikes at Strawberry Cycles at Yatton.
10. Walk the Mendips
In our honesty shop we’ve got details of six walks starting from the farm, all on laminated sheets so that you can take them with you. There’s a lovely walk down to Cheddar, which makes a great day out, and plenty of routes with awesome views taking in sights including the Mendips, the Severn Estuary, and even Wales in the distance.
11. Visit the Bristol Zoo Project
Formally called The Wild Place, the Bristol Zoo Project is located just off the M5 junction 17 and offers 50 acres of natural surroundings where you’ll get to meet lynxes, lemurs, giraffes and more, and to learn about the linked conservation projects around the world. There’s also plenty of active fun for the kids, including a climbing adventure, fun fort and maze.
Hopefully these 11 fantastic outdoor activities will help make your stay at Warren Farm truly something unforgettable.