Are you looking for days out and things to do near Doniford Bay Holiday Park?
Situated on the beautiful Somerset coast, the Haven run Doniford Bay offers a variety of fabulous entertainment activities in the park for all the family.
And if you want to explore some of the popular attractions in the surrounding area, there are plenty of options not far from the park.
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1. Watchet Boat Museum
- Distance from the park: 1.6 miles
- Travel time: 5-minute drive
Less than 2 miles from Doniford Bay, Watchet Boat Museum is a fascinating rainy-day option for exploring working life at sea.
The museum houses the most extensive collection of traditional flatter boats, “flatties”, used to navigate the Bristol Channel mudflats.
There are many hands-on activities for children, including dressing up to play on the pirate boat, a colouring station and fossil finding in the sand pit.
- Historic building designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel
- Interesting collection of boats, fishing gear, maps, and nautical artefacts
- Lots of activities for children
- Located next to the Somerset Railway
- Cafes and restaurants close by
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM – 3 PM, Daily; October to March Open only Thursday to Saturday
- Address: Harbour Road, Watchet, TA23 0AQ
- Standard Adult Price: Free
2. Dunster Castle and Watermill
- Distance from the park: 8 miles
- Travel time: 17-minute drive
The ancient castle and country house are 15 acres of beautifully landscaped themed gardens, woods, and parkland.
You can download a choice of family-friendly walking trails to guide you through the castle’s history and gardens, showing you the incredible panoramic views across the Bristol Channel and exploring the historic village.
The restored 18th-century working watermill is just to the south of the castle. The National Trust manages Dunster Castle, which is just about 8 miles from Doniford Bay.
- River Garden, magnolia trees
- Sub-tropical, Mediterranean plants, Strawberry Trees collection
- The Lawns, polo grounds
- Natural Play Area, balance beams, Poohsticks, sea saw, stepping stones
- Watermill Tea Room, refreshments, hot food
- Gift shop
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM to 4 PM, Daily
- Address: Dunster, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6NY
- Standard Adult Price: £16.00
3. Doniford Farm Park
- Distance from the park: 0.5 miles
- Travel time: 9-minute walk
Just down the road from Doniford Bay, this is an amazing outing for the family in a welcoming, friendly environment.
At Doniford Farm Park there are chickens, goats, Shetland ponies and llamas to stroke and watch in a natural farm environment and a play barn for a rainy day. Entry is free.
- Well-stocked farm shop, local produce
- Indoor play area
- Café, breakfast, lunch, refreshments
- Sunday carvery
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM to 4/5 PM, Daily
- Address: Doniford Road, Doniford, Watchet TA23 0TQ
- Standard Adult Price: Free
4. Birds Hill Days
- Distance from the park: 3.1 miles
- Travel time: 9-minute drive
With excellent reviews for expert, fun tuition in a range of country activities in a safe environment, Birds Hill Days is an unforgettable day out for everyone aged eight and up, from beginners to experienced.
There’s clay pigeon shooting, CO2 pistol shooting, fencing and archery, with target distance adjusted for younger visitors.
Birds Hill Days is between Taunton and Minehead, 3 miles from Doniford Bay.
- Professional, patient instruction in a fun environment
- Clay pigeon shooting, archery, fencing, CO2 pistol shooting
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: Depends on schedule
- Address: Stream, Williton, Taunton, Somerset TA4 4HL
- Standard Adult Price: Varies per activity
5. West Somerset Railway
- Distance from the park: 2.8 miles
- Travel time: 8-minute drive to Williton Station
The UK’s most extended and possibly prettiest heritage railway runs through the stunning countryside along the coast between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard and guarantees a beautiful day out.
You can hop on and off at any or all of the eight stations along the 20-mile track through the Brendon Hills, the Quantocks, Exmoor National Park and along the coast.
With stunning views across the Bristol Channel and lots of wildlife to spot, a ride on the West Somerset Railway is an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Stop for fish and chips in Minehead and finish your day out with a cream tea at Bishops Lidyeard.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time:
- Address: The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG
- Standard Adult Price: £30
6. Blue Anchor West Beach
- Distance from the park: 6.9 miles
- Travel time: 17-minute drive
The West Somerset Railway stops at the village of Blue Anchor and three miles of unspoilt sand and shingle beach.
Blue Anchor West Beach is almost 7 miles from Doniford Bay and is perfect for walks, fossils, and paddling.
- Two cafes serving lunch and ice cream
- The Smuggler’s Inn pub
- Shop
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 24 Hours, Daily
- Address: Blue Anchor, Minehead TA24 6JT, United Kingdom
- Standard Adult Price: Free
7. Tropiquaria Zoo
- Distance from the park: 3.3 miles
- Travel time: 8-minute drive
About 3 miles away from Doniford Bay, there’s a surprising variety of animals to see and interact with at this unique wildlife park and zoo.
Animal enclosures span 4 acres, and there’s a large aquarium housing amphibians, reptiles, spiders, fish, and creepy crawlies from around the world.
The nocturnal and tropical enclosures are home to rare and unusual animals and birds, including the world’s smallest monkey.
There’s also a fantastic range of all-weather activities for the children. Tropiquaria takes in rescue animals which have been abused, abandoned, or illegally trafficked and is well worth a visit.
- Children’s activities: Adventure Castle, Indoor Castle, two full-size pirate ships
- Café and outdoor eating area with table service
- Animal encounters and talks
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10:30 AM to 5 PM, Daily
- Address: Washford Cross, Watchet, Somerset TA23 0QB
- Standard Adult Price: £13.00
8. Combe Sydenham Hall and Country Park
- Distance from the park: 6.5 miles
- Travel time: 15-minute drive
The Elizabethan Manor House is set in a peaceful valley among 500 acres of beautiful countryside and woodlands in Exmoor National Park.
There are trails through the old deer park, woodland walks, Elizabethan rose gardens, and the old church at Monksilver is worth a visit.
Valleys, ponds and waterfalls, scenic views and wildlife make for a magical day.
- Walking trails, cycling
- Gorgeous views and scenic countryside
- Pub food and refreshments at the Notley Arms in nearby Monksilver
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily
- Address: Monksilver, Taunton, Somerset, England, TA4 4JG
- Standard Adult Price: £5
9. Channel Adventure
- Distance from the park: 10.1 miles
- Travel time: 20-minute drive
Channel Adventure offers a range of fun, inclusive outdoor activities in unique locations less than 8 miles from Doniford Bay.
Venues include a riverside centre on the River Tone and a seafront venue in Minehead.
Experienced, qualified instructors lead affordable Channel Adventures in outdoor education.
Activities include:
- Paddleboarding
- Kayaking
- Tree climbing
- Canoeing
- Bike hire
- Bodyboards and wetsuits hire
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: Depends on schedule
- Address: Warren Road, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG
- Standard Adult Price: starts at £15
10. Torre Cider Farm
- Distance from the park: 4.5 miles
- Travel time: 11-minute drive
There is plenty to do in a fun, relaxing atmosphere at this family-run cider farm less than 5 miles from Doniford Bay.
Cider and apple juice are produced on-site. Stroll or take a tour through the Sprite Sanctuary heritage orchard, watch the bees and relax while the children enjoy the play area.
Children can feed and interact with the friendly farm animals, and visitors can enjoy a delicious lunch from the farmhouse kitchen. Entry is free.
- Orchard walks and tours.
- Children’s play area
- Hammock area
- Farm animals
- Farmhouse Kitchen
- Cider press and shop
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM to 4 PM, Daily; 6 PM on Saturday; may close early on Off-peak season
- Address: Washford, Somerset TA23 0LA
- Standard Adult Price: Free
11. Culver Cliff Walk – South West Coast Path
- Distance from the park: 11.3 miles
- Travel time: 26-minute drive
About 11 miles from Doniford Bay, this is a popular, gentle walk-through lush parkland around Culver Cliff Green.
There are benches, stunning views, cafes, and refreshments.
The walk begins at the lifeboat station, which opens during the holiday season. The path leads to the slightly more challenging 1.3-mile Culver Cliff Woodland Walk, a climb through wildlife-rich woodlands.
Stroll down historic Quay Street with its quaint fishermen’s cottages, and pause to reflect at St Peter’s fishermen’s chapel.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 24 Hours, Daily
- Address: Culver Down Road, Sandown PO36 8QT, United Kingdom
- Standard Adult Price: Free
12. Dunster Museum and Dolls Collection
- Distance from the park: 8.3 miles
- Travel time: 17-minute drive
Besides one of the largest collections of dolls outside of the Victoria and Albert Museum, this fascinating museum houses 10,000 years of this Exmoor village’s history.
The Dolls Collection spans a range of eras, manufacturers, and cultures in original clothing. The collection features 20 “Sasha” dolls from 1913, Fashion and Artist dolls, and novelties to delight children and grandparents alike.
The museum is about 8 miles from Doniford Bay and is an enjoyable option for a rainy day.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 11 AM to 3 PM, Tuesdays to Sundays and Bank Holidays
- Address: Dunster Memorial Hall, 17 High Street, Dunster, United Kingdom
- Standard Adult Price: Free
13. Blenheim Gardens
- Distance from the park: 10.3 miles
- Travel time: 21-minute drive
Blenheim Gardens is a beautiful, sheltered haven set in 6 acres of parkland in the centre of bustling Minehead.
Spectacular flower beds, a wide variety of shrubs and trees, open spaces for the children to play, and summer concerts in the bandstand make Blenheim Park ideal for a relaxing family picnic.
- Close to Minehead centre
- Café
- Bandstand
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 24 Hours, Daily
- Address: Blenheim Road, Minehead TA24 5QA
- Standard Adult Price: Free
14. Bishop’s Lidyeard Mill and Rural Life Museum
- Distance from the park: 12.2 miles
- Travel time: 23-minute drive
This historic working mill and museum, about 12 miles from Doniford Bay, comes highly recommended by visitors to the area. There’s a lot to see and do on a fascinating day out.
The mill has been lovingly restored, and the museum houses a range of traditional crafts and trades, 30 wagons and carriages and an authentic Blacksmith’s Forge.
- Interactive displays, touch screens, authentic smells, and sounds
- Transport Museum
- Children’s Activities
- Dusty Miller’s Tea Rooms, home-made cakes, ice-cream
- Gift shop
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10:30 AM to 4 PM, Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays
- Address: Mill Lane, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton TA4 3LN
- Standard Adult Price: £7.00
15. Dunster Beach
- Distance from the park: 9.7 miles
- Travel time: 22-minute drive
This wide, peaceful sand and shingle beach is less than 10 miles from Doniford Bay.
Situated on the outskirts of Exmoor, it’s not the easiest to find but worth the effort for a relaxing day by the sea.
There’s a vast expanse of grass with beautiful views, perfect for dog walking, picnics, and beach games.
- Popular with walkers
- Beautiful views across Blue Anchor Bay
- Located on the West Somerset Coastal Path
- Ice cream kiosk
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 24 Hours, Daily
- Address: Sea Lane, Dunster, Minehead TA24 5UH
- Standard Adult Price: Free
Final Thoughts on Things to Do near Doniford Bay Holiday Park
Doniford Bay, with its harmonious blend of countryside and coastline, serves as a gateway to many nearby attractions.
From the tranquil sands of Blue Anchor West Beach to the historic charm of Dunster Castle, there’s a world of exploration at one’s fingertips. The nostalgic journey aboard the West Somerset Steam Railway provides a scenic embrace of Somerset’s beauty. At the same time, the short drive to the Cheddar Caves and Gorge further amplifies the area’s rich natural and historic tapestry.
Truly, the vicinity of Doniford Bay offers a diverse palette of experiences, catering to both the tranquil seeker and the ardent adventurer.