The days are starting to get (slowly) longer, but unfortunately not much warmer, Spring feels so far away that you would be forgiven for wanting to hibernate until March the 1st! However, if you have children, you will know that hibernation isn’t an option as the February half-term will soon be upon us.
With the excitement of Christmas feeling like a distant memory, January and February don’t seem to have much going for them, we all seem to be loosening our belts and tightening our purse strings.
So, for those staying at Southfork Caravan Park over the February half-term, we have put together a list of budget-friendly activities that are fun for all the family (including dogs!) with little to no cost.
Yeovil Country Park
8.4 miles from Southfork.
Situated over 127 acres, Yeovil Country Park is a countryside site with many different landscapes ranging from woodlands and grasslands, river and lakes (including Ninesprings and Valley Gardens). For your furry friends there is a dog-friendly cafe on site and a picnic area. There are lots of walking routes depending on ability, waterfalls and bridges so this beautiful park really does appeal to everyone. Details on getting to the park and parking can be found using the link below.
Burrow Mump - the 'Tiny Tor'
14.6 miles from Southfork.
Lesser known than its cousin, Glastonbury Tor, Burrow Mump is a prominent hill overlooking Southlake Hill in the heart of Somerset. Those that venture up the ‘Tiny Tor’ will be rewarded with spectacular views and the incredible ruins of a church at the summit, which now serves as a war memorial to those lost during the Second World War. There is a car park at the bottom of Burrow Mump which is free to use. For families wanting some fresh air and open space for the kids to run about, this place is fantastic at any time of year. It is also perfect for a picnic - just wrap up warm if visiting in Feb!
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brean-down/features/double-the-fun-in-the-somerset-countryside
Bridgwater and Taunton Canal - The Somerset Space Walk
17.0 miles from Southfork (to Canal car park).
At 14.5 miles long and featuring 7 locks, the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal is seeped in industrial history. After many failed plans to link the Bristol Channel to the English channel, the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal was constructed in 1827 and was meant to link Bristol to Taunton (fyi - this didn’t happen!). Although cut off from the rest of the system, the canal is home to The Somerset Space Walk - a sculpture trail of the Solar System, which uses the 14.5 mile towpath to display models (scaled down to 1:530,000,000 of course!) of the Sun and planets in their proportionally correct sizes and distances apart. Fascinating for both adults and children, due to the flat terrain you will be amazed at how far you manage to walk!
canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network/bridgwater-and-taunton-canal
Details of the Somerset Space Walk can be found here.
Vivary Park
19.8 miles from Southfork.
Close to Taunton town centre, Vivary Park is an open public park covering 7.5 hectares of parkland. Full of rich late Victorian history, the park is open from 07:45 - 16:30 daily and is free to access. The park is home to a large children's adventure play area, war memorial, model railway track, golf course and tennis courts (turn up and play). Facilities include public toilets with disabled access and a cafe (Vivary Golf Club). If you are feeling daring you can also visit the Vivary Adventure and High Ropes Centre, or for a more relaxed afternoon why not try the mini golf, both of these activities require a fee, details can be found using the link below.
www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/large-parks-in-taunton/vivary-park/
Hauser & Wirth Gallery
21.1 miles from Southfork.
For those seeking something cultural and inspirational in the form of art, look no further. Located in an impressive and beautifully landscaped garden (designed by landscape architect Piet Oudolf ), the gallery and multi-purpose arts centre acts as a showcase for those wanting to experience art, architecture and the amazing Somerset landscape through exhibitions of contemporary art. Entry is free, however there is an option to make a small donation to contribute to the running of the gallery. This site truly is an inspiration so if you are looking for something different for an hour or two, then Hauser & Wirth is definitely worth the visit.
www.hauserwirth.com/locations/10068-hauser-wirth-somerset/
Timewarp Arcade, Bridgwater
26.1 miles from Southfork.
Not ‘free’ but definitely budget friendly and well worth the couple of hours entertainment. With a one off entrance fee of £8 per person, you will be transported to the world of retro gaming where you will have unlimited play on over 50 original games. There are also pinball machines, air hockey and pool tables included in the price. Open Friday evenings and weekends, it is a super fun place for all the family and it also may be the only time you are able to beat your kids at gaming - which is surely worth the entrance fee!
Visit the Timewarp Arcade website
Wells Outdoor Market
26.9 miles from Southfork
Every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year Wells is home to an impressive street market. There is a huge and diverse array of goods including fine foods, fruit and vegetables, lovely clothing, handbags & purses, books, jigsaw puzzles and many other unusual items. After finishing up at the Market , why not take a walk through the historic city of Wells (the smallest city in England!), home to Wells Cathedral and the Bishop’s Palace. Seeped in history the town boasts an eclectic mix of architecture, narrow streets and beautiful scenery.
www.visitwellssomerset.co.uk/points-of-interest/wells-outdoor-market
Stourhead King Alfred’s Tower walk
27.7 miles from Southfork.
King Alfred's Tower is a folly located on the Stourhead Estate and situated on the border between Somerset and Wiltshire. Belonging to the National Trust the tower stands on Kingsettle hill and boasts incredible views of the surrounding countryside. One of the most popular walks is the National Trust circular walk which takes you up through beautiful woodlands to King Alfred’s Tower and returns through Park Hill Camp Iron Age Hill Fort and Turner’s Paddock. There is a small fee for access to the National Trust grounds using the below walk (free to members), however there are plenty of paths and trails locally so it may be worth searching Google for a free alternative.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead/trails/stourhead-king-alfreds-tower-walk
Mells Village
29.7 miles from Southfork.
With lovely architecture, ancient streets and a dramatic location, Mells Village will make you feel like you have been transported back in time. This beautiful village, although small has lots on offer and is definitely worth spending an afternoon walking around for those seeking culture. Visitors can enjoy the church and churchyard, Mells River walk, White Bridge, Mells Manor and the Colliers Way Cycle route. There is one village shop where local food and souvenirs can be bought, a recently refurbished cafe and The Talbot Inn.
Kilve Beach
38.8 miles from Southfork (but worth the drive!).
A trip to Southfork Caravan Park would not be complete without a day out at the beach, even if your holiday is in the middle of February. There is something wonderful about visiting a beach in the colder months, the terrain appears untouched, you may even find you have it all to yourself. Kilve is about halfway between Minehead and Bridgewater and has a mostly rocky shoreline with means that at low tide there are plenty of rockpools to investigate with the kids. Kilve is a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) and has much geological interest so whilst you are free to fossil hunt it is prohibited to remove any from the cliffs and bedrock.
www.thebeachguide.co.uk/south-west-england/somerset/kilve.htm
Hopefully we have convinced you that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great time on holiday this February half-term! Whether you are Touring, Camping, or looking for a Holiday Home, why not get in touch with us at Southfork Caravan Park and we will be happy to discuss holiday options.