There are many exciting places to visit nearby and slightly further afield if you fancy a day on the beach. Here are a few of our favourites. Please check opening times and book tickets well in advance. 

Gardens:

Stourhead: Stunning National Trust Gardens (18 mins drive)

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead

Kingston Lacy: National Trust House, Gardens and Woods (40 mins)

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Tintinhull Gardens: Small but beautiful National Trust Gardens (30 mins drive)

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tintinhull-garden

The Newt: Lavishly recreated gardens around Hadspen House with farmshop, restaurants, grotto, a replica Roman Villa and fantastic ice cream. (21 mins drive)

https://thenewtinsomerset.com

Family Fun:

Longleat: Safari, miniature railway, maze, stately home and more. Expect big crowds but a great day out (32 mins drive)

https://www.longleat.co.uk

Gartell Light Railway: Small but perfect narrow gauge railway. (12 minutes drive)

http://newglr.weebly.com

Tennis: Courts can be booked at Marnhull Tennis club (12 minutes drive)

https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/MarnhullTennisClub/Bookings

Towns:

Bruton: Cool shops and an abundance of fantastic restaurants. Walk up to the Dovecote and through the alleys behind the high street. (20 minutes drive)

https://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/discover-somerset/towns-villages/south-somerset/market-towns-in-south-somerset/south-somerset-(1)/bruton-(1)

Shaftesbury: A charming market town and the location of Gold Hill, made famous by the Hovis advert. (16 mins drive)

https://www.shaftesburytourism.co.uk

Sherborne: A bustling market town with stunning Castle and Abbey. (21 mins drive)

https://www.sherbornedorset.co.uk

Bath: The City of Bath is well worth a visit for its stunning architecture, shopping and of course the Roman Baths. (58 mins drive)

https://visitbath.co.uk

Art

Hauser and Wirth including the Oudolf Field: an inspiring gallery and garden exhibiting world class contemporary art and sculpture. There is also a fantastic restaurant and a farm shop on site. (19 mins drive)

https://www.hauserwirth.com/locations/10068-hauser-wirth-somerset/

Messums: An indoor and outdoor exhibition space/art gallery, with a small but excellent cafe. (31mins drive)

https://messumswiltshire.com

History

Stonehenge: This is about 50 minutes drive but a great place to stop off on your way down the A303.

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/

Old Wardour Castle: Magical castle ruins in beautiful landscape. (30 mins drive)

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-wardour-castle/

Fiddleford Manor: Small Medieval Manor House. There is an incredible wild swimming spot behind the house, good for a dip and picnic (22 mins drive)

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/fiddleford-manor/

Tyneham Village: Evacuated in 1943 during WWII and has been deserted ever since. Stroll around the village and walk down to the beach at Worbarrow Bay. (65 mins drive)

http://www.tynehamopc.org.uk/visiting-tyneham/opening-times/

Walks

Cadbury Castle 20 mins https://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/discover-somerset/inspiration/history-and-heritage/cadbury-castle

King Alfred’s Tower 23 mins https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead/trails/stourhead-king-alfreds-tower-walk

Duncliffe Woods 9 mins https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/duncliffe-wood/

Hambledon Hill 23 mins https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hambledon-hill

Cern Abbas Giant 36 mins https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cerne-giant