Museums across Somerset are inviting visitors to make the most of the summer holidays with a vibrant programme of family-friendly activities. From interactive exhibitions and outdoor animal encounters to historical adventures and artistic exploration, there are opportunities for all ages to get involved, try something new and enjoy time together. With events taking place at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton, Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury, Somerset Brick and Tile Museum in Bridgwater, and Avalon Archaeology at the Avalon Marshes Centre, this summer promises a season of play, creativity and discovery across the county.
South West Heritage Trust Museums’ Manager Susie Simmons said: “Across our museums, we’re offering a fantastic range of experiences—from hands-on creativity and imaginative exhibitions to outdoor adventures and living history.”
The Museum of Somerset in Taunton
This summer, visitors are invited to explore the joy of play at the Museum of Somerset, where a diverse range of playful experiences awaits. The family-friendly PLAYexperience (25 July-10 Oct) encourages multi-generational discovery, offering opportunities to explore and rediscover much-loved toys and games. Families can share memories, spark their imagination, and enjoy moments of play together, with activities designed to delight visitors of all ages.
The summer programme also features an Aardman Model Making Workshop, with sessions tailored for both families and adults-only. Adults can take part in further sessions designed exclusively for grownups at a special Art with Abandon messy-play session and a large-scale interactive gaming experience, Watch the Skies: Second Site. All workshops require pre-booking.
The Museum of Somerset is open Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 am – 5.00 pm.
Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury
At Somerset Rural Life Museum families pay once and can come back as many times as they like! All the daily summer holiday activities are included, alongside a new exhibition of printmaking by Glastonbury-artist Harry Brockway (1958 – 2024). There will be a menagerie of animals to meet including donkeys, shire horses and birds of prey, alongside arts and crafts and museum trails.
Somerset Rural Life Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday 10.00 am – 5.00 pm.
Somerset Brick and Tile Museum in Bridgwater
At Somerset Brick and Tile Museum there are lots of chances for young creatives to ‘play with clay’. Potter Ella Phillips will offer two days of pot-throwing tuition, and local artist Jackie Curtis will run a family printing workshop. Other family days include a chance to sculpt a beehive ornament and a glass melt village. There’s also a special Bricktastic LEGO® day, family pottery painting day and a creative clay event for young adults (aged 10 – 16).
Opening days vary – see website for details and booking.
Avalon Archaeology at The Avalon Marshes Centre
Avalon Archaeology is open every Saturday and Sunday during the school holidays. Visitors can immerse themselves in thousands of years of local history as they explore replica buildings including a Saxon Longhall and a Roman villa. Summer highlights include family tours, a Woodworking Workshop for Young People, and an atmospheric Arthurian Legends performance. There are also themed family‑fun days, and a visiting Roman Doctor who will share insights into Roman health care. Visitors can end the holidays with Hærfest honouring the ancient traditions.
Avalon Archaeology is open 10.00 am – 4.00 pm every Saturday and Sunday during the school holidays (25 Jul – 30 Aug) with additional special event days.
For more information about all the sites run by the South West Heritage Trust and summer events visit swheritage.org.uk
