Little Upton · Long Sutton, Somerset
Cider tours, river trips, pottery wheels and balloon rides — Somerset days out that work for a whole group, most of them within half an hour of the gate.
Opening times, prices and group arrangements shift with the season, so it’s worth ringing ahead before you set out with a full group. Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll point you at what’s open.
Smith and Evans take groups through the vines with wine tasting at the end. Guided tours start at six people — a house full of guests suits it nicely — and they run seasonally, so check dates, group minimums and what’s included before you plan around it.
Harry’s Cider is 500m down the lane — orchard tours, cider-making demonstrations and tastings on the farm where it’s made. Ask which tours are running and whether a smaller group can join an existing one.
The Duchess of Cocklemoor runs trips along the River Parrett from Langport. The boat carries up to 12 passengers, so a bigger group should ask about splitting into separate sailings — worth checking dates, accessibility and private hire as well.
An 18-hole course and driving range at Long Sutton Golf Club. It’s a drive rather than a walk — the lanes in are narrow and without pavements — so ask the club about visitor tee times, equipment and anything they need from you.
Viaduct Fisheries and Knole Haven Fishery are the local stretches of water. Viaduct asks anglers to bring their own kit and keep an eye on younger ones — check permits, booking and what’s biting with each venue.
Guided birdwatching across Somerset’s reserves and the Avalon Marshes, where the Levels open up and the wading birds gather. Tell them how far your group will walk and what the ground is like, bring boots and waterproofs, and either pack binoculars or ask about borrowing a pair.
Southfields School of Pottery runs wheel-throwing and group sessions — talk to Becci about timing and how a session works. The Kiln Café does painting and creative sessions too, though painting has been paused recently, so check before you make a special trip.
A village stop for the younger members of your group: the recreation ground has a playground, skateboard ramps, BMX track and a kickwall. Bring bikes, boards or a ball, and take a look at the parish information before heading over.
Courts beside the recreation ground in Long Sutton, bookable online, with Somerton Tennis Club a short drive further for more time on the ball. Check whether visitors can book, how much light there’ll be at your hour, and what you’ll need to bring for kit.
A balloon flight over the Levels at first light, weather permitting — Fly Away Ballooning confirm as the day approaches. Ask about ages, where you’ll meet and what happens if they have to call it off.
Safari Tots and Tinker Stay & Play keep the youngest members of the group properly busy. Check the ages they cater for, session times and whether you need to book ahead.
Canoe, kayak and paddleboard days out with the Somerset Boat Centre. Check what’s on the water that week, what safety kit comes with the hire, and whether everyone needs to be able to swim.
ClueHQ in Somerton runs escape rooms — a good rainy-afternoon plan for a competitive table. Check the themes, minimum ages and team sizes before you book for a group the size of yours.
Mendip Shooting puts sessions together for groups. Agree the format, the ages, the kit and supervision, and how you’ll all get there and back.
A walk with the alpacas at Stoke Wood — gently odd and universally loved. Ask about group sizes, how much walking is involved, the ages and when they’re free.
Guided treks with the flock from Somerset Sheep Trekking. Check numbers, what footwear the ground calls for, the ages and what’s on that time of year.
Wheel-to-wheel racing at Southwest Karting, at Haynes. Check the age and height rules for your drivers, how they split a group into sessions, and what protective kit they provide.
Big Houses. Big Weekends.
Choose your house, find your dates and give everyone something to look forward to.
Check dates & prices