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 on 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.
Watchet Boat Museum
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
Dunster Castle and Watermill
The ancient castle and country house are set in 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. Dunster Castle is managed by the National Trust and is just over 6 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
Doniford Farm Park
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
- Open every day, 10.00am-5.00pm
Birds Hill Days
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 located between Taunton and Minehead, 3 miles from Doniford Bay.
- Professional, patient instruction in a fun environment
- Clay pigeon shooting, archery, fencing, CO2 pistol shooting
West Somerset Railway
The UK’s most extended and possibly the 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.
Blue Anchor West Beach
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 just over 5 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
Tropiquaria Zoo
Less than 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
Combe Sydenham Hall and Country Park
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
Channel Adventure
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 wetsuit hire
Torre Cider Farm
There is plenty to do in a fun, relaxing atmosphere at this family run cider farm less than 5 miles away 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 tour
- Children’s play area
- Hammock area
- Farm animals
- Farmhouse kitchen
- Cider press and shop
- Free entry
Culver Cliff Walk – South West Coast Path
About 8 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 along the way.
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.
Dunster Museum and Dolls Collection
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’s dolls, and novelties to delight children and grandparents alike.
The museum is about 6 miles from Doniford Bay and an enjoyable option for a rainy day out.
Blenheim Gardens
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
Bishop’s Lidyeard Mill and Rural Life Museum
This historic working mill and museum, less than 10 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
Dunster Beach
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, which is 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