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 experience - from hands-on creativity and imaginative exhibitions to outdoor adventures and living history.”

This summer visitors are invited to explore the joy of play at the Museum of Somerset, where a diverse range of playful experiences awaits.

Plenty to see and do at the Museum of Somerset with PLAY experiences beginning on July 25.
Plenty to see and do at the Museum of Somerset with PLAY experiences beginning on July 25. (PHOTO: South West Heritage Trust)

The family-friendly PLAY experience from July 25 to October 10 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 from 10 am to 5 pm.

At the Somerset Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury families pay once and can come back as many times as they like!

With the Museum Unlimited Annual Pass you pay just once and can return for a whole year free of charge. Buying a pass in advance of your trip can also help speed up entry to the museum, especially on busy days when animals are visiting.

All the daily summer holiday activities are included in the entry, alongside a new exhibition of printmaking by Glastonbury-artist, wood engraver and stone carver Harry Brockway (1958 – 2024) whose work included book illustration, letter cutting, sculpture and design work.

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 from 10 am to 5 pm.

At the Bridgwater 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 to 16). Opening days vary.

More information can be viewed on the Somerset Heritage Sites website at: https://swheritage.org.uk/