The Best Things to Do Near Yeovil and Somerset

Somerset is home to a range of scenic natural landscapes, from its verdant hilltops to towering gorges and wild woodlands. It also encompasses some of the southwest of England’s most historic and ancient attractions, from Roman-era cities such as Bath and charming quintessential countryside villages that harbour some of the county’s age-old traditions.

The county is also the centre of world-class attractions and offerings, including the likes of cheddar cheese, Somerset cider, and the vibrant Glastonbury festival, to name but a few. 

Somerset’s neighbouring counties of Gloucestershire, Bristol, Wiltshire, Dorset, and Devon are also some of the most intriguing in the south of England. Famed for its blissful countryside and areas of outstanding natural beauty, prehistoric monuments, art scenes and picturesque coastlines, wherever you turn in the Southwest, your opportunities for things to do as you venture through its counties aren’t likely to diminish. 

It’s without a doubt that Somerset, and its surrounding counties, boast a host of intriguing sights, fascinating scenes, and fantastic attractions that are bound to catch the attention of any visitors in some way during their next visit to the southwest of England. 

And when it comes to choosing what there is on offer in nearby Somerset for you to do, the chances are you may find yourself spoilt for choice! This is why, here at Newton Surmaville, we have taken the liberty of choosing what we feel are the best things to do near Somerset, but also near Yeovil. 

As one of Somerset’s largest towns, and most well-known throughout the county and beyond, we can vouch for the wealth of opportunity that Yeovil has to offer its patrons. Using our local knowledge of the area, we’ve put together this guide of the best things to do near Yeovil, as well as the best things to do near Somerset.

The Best Things to do Near Yeovil

Whilst Yeovil may be overshadowed by the likes of some of Somerset’s larger, and more reputable, cities and towns, it should not be underestimated. This vibrant market town is home to nearly 50,000 residents and fantastic communal facilities, including a premier theatre and a sprawling open country park. 

And when looking for things to do near Yeovil, we’ve recommended some of the best things to do nearby that are fun for all ages. 

Visit Tintinhull House and Gardens 

Situated in the village of Tintinhull in the enchanting countryside encircling Yeovil is Tintinhull House and Gardens. It’s only 5-miles from Newton Surmaville, or a 12-minute drive, to the centre of the town.

Now owned by the National Trust, the estate features an opulent 17th-century country house, which is now a Grade-I listed building, alongside a breathtaking 20th-century garden. The attraction makes the ideal day out for those wishing to take in a little bit of history when searching for things to do near Yeovil. 

The gardens are open to the public and are a tranquil destination to visit and simply immerse yourself in the sights, smells, and sounds of this country garden paradise. 

The garden is built up of seven distinct areas: the pool garden, kitchen garden, cedar court, fountain garden, eagle court, middle garden and the arboretum, each offering its own little oasis in its own unique way. Our personal favourite is the fountain garden, with a circular lily pool and traditional fountain, with the garden completely bordered by yew hedges for that added element of seclusion.

The gardens are free to enter for National Trust members, but further information on pricing and opening times can be found on their website. 

Explore Ham Hill Country Park

Found only a short 14-minute drive (6.4 miles) away from Yeovil town centre, but equally feeling like a world away, is Ham Hill Country Park.

This natural haven is the ideal location to experience the landscapes and beautiful wildlife that Somerset is so well known for. It is located in Stoke-Sub-Hamdon and is open 24/7 to visitors in search of a little piece of countryside paradise whilst in Somerset. 

The park’s centrepiece is its Iron Age Hillfort, known as Ham Hill Hillfort. The fort itself is an ancient monument, with the hill and its areas being a geological site of scientific interest. Every year, thousands of people flock to its location to view the fort and experience the beauty of Ham Hill Country Park in person. 

Offering 390 acres of secluded parkland, there’s plenty of space to immerse yourself in nature, spend some quality time with family, friends, or loved ones, or to even just take your furry companion for their outdoor run, Ham Hill Country Park offers a scenic and accessible site for all. What’s not to love?

Have A Day Out To Taunton

Taunton is a quintessential Somerset county town that is oozing with personality thanks to its thousand-year history. We would recommend visiting Taunton as one of the best things to do near Yeovil, which is located 45 minutes away by car or can be reached by train in around 2 hours. 

Offering bountiful opportunities for its visitors to be enthralled and entertained, Taunton is much loved for its wealth of ancient history and attractions that engage every member of a group. 

Its long-standing historical heritage has given rise to many of its most famous attractions, including Taunton Castle, built in 1129 with origins in Anglo-Saxon England,  and St Mary Magdalene Church, completed in 1508 in the Early Tudor Gothic Style with a lofty tower. 

If history, however, isn’t quite your cup of tea, Taunton’s town centre is a paradise for those who love to indulge in a spot of shopping. With designer stores, high-street brands, and several fantastic restaurants, bars, and eateries to break up your expedition when you need to refuel, you can easily spend a whole day parading through the town’s historic streets. 

Best Things to do Near Somerset

Somerset’s convenient location between five different English counties means you’re always within easy reach of other attractions, sights, and scenes beyond its borders. This is why we’ve highlighted some of the best things to do near Somerset in hopes of sparking some inspiration for your next trip.

Spend a Day in Bristol 

Bristol is a thriving southern English city that is home to a vibrant community culture and some of the best attractions in its county. The city is loved for its art scene, lively nightlife, and picturesque location alongside the beautiful River Avon and close to some of the South of England’s best green spaces.   

Somerset borders Bristol county, meaning Bristol is one of the most easily accessible city hubs from its confines, located only an hour and 10 minutes away by car (along the A37) or an hour and a half at least by train from Yeovil. 

For those who want to gauge the city’s arts scene, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery is a fine place to start. Housing Eastern art, geological artefacts, and otherwise in its Edwardian Baroque architecture, it is a fantastic way to spend a morning, or afternoon, in the city. 

Or, why not get up close to one of the city’s major landmarks? The Clifton Suspension Bridge, which straddles the River Avon atop Avon Gorge, connects the city to northern Somerset. Its sheer size is enough to leave you amazed, and its history even more so. 

You can get up close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge easily by walking along its route and viewing some of the most impressive landscapes over Bristol and neighbouring Somerset whilst doing so.

Head to the Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coastline is one of the UK’s most iconic stretches of coastline. Spread across 95 miles, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the counties of Devon and Dorset in the south of England. 

If you’re looking for things to do near Somerset that involve viewing some spectacular natural locations, the Jurassic Coast is a fantastic place to spend a day out. And it’s within easy reach of Yeovil by car, in as little as 42 minutes (via the A37), or by train in a similar amount of time. 

Weymouth, for example, is one of the coast’s most picturesque locations. In this classically English town, with its brightly coloured pier front buildings and a harmonic mix of old and new in its architecture and customs, a day can be well spent grabbing fish and chips from a local eatery, sauntering along its historic harbour, or visiting its old-timey pubs for a pint to say cheers to a great day. 

Venturing further afield, but not too far from Weymouth, you can find one of the UK’s most well-known coastal attractions. Durdle Door, a geological marvel and one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks, is a beautiful destination to spend a sunny day out, hike along its picturesque coastlines, and simply gape at its beauty. 

Visit the New Forest National Park

For those in search of some peace and serenity outside of Somerset, the New Forest National Park is a wonderful destination that will enrapture you in its stretching moorlands, age-old woodlands and forests, and sheer scenic beauty. 

Located around an hour to two hours drive away from Yeovil, or a 2 and a half hour train journey, despite it being further away than some other natural destinations bordering Somerset, this is a small price to pay for the beauty on display.

Whether you enjoy hikes, cycling, horse riding, or otherwise, there are plenty of walking routes, cycling trails, and horse or pony tracks that allow you to immerse yourself completely in the splendid natural surroundings here. And stretching 566 km2, it’s without a doubt you won’t find yourself short of new areas to venture to and explore during your time here. 

Summary

When it comes to what’s on offer for things to do and see near Yeovil and Somerset, you’re almost spoilt for choice. From areas of pristine natural beauty to thriving cultural capitals, and historic country manors and gardens, these two destinations grant their visitors a wealth of opportunities during a visit.

Should you be looking for a destination from which to base yourself whilst you’re uncovering the variety of sights and things to do near Yeovil and Somerset, why not stay with us here at Newton Surmaville? Offering ample space and great proximity to all of the above attractions and locations mentioned, as the property is only a 5-minute drive from Yeovil, you don’t have to sacrifice your creature comforts for convenience during a stay here.