Famous for both glove-making and helicopter manufacture, Yeovil’s close proximity to major tourist spots like Stonehenge and Durdle Door make it a natural stopping point on any tour of the South West. For those who choose to stay a little longer, however, Yeovil itself has a wealth of attractions to enjoy, so why not book into one of the area’s classically British inns, and take a look at some of the best things to do in Yeovil.
Explore the largest country park in the area
Yeovil Country Park is the largest country park in the South West of England, and covers 20 acres in total, making it hard to believe that it’s only existed since 2002. The park has five separate areas to enjoy:
- Ninesprings is a wooded hillside containing a Victorian pleasure garden, cafe and cycleway.
- Summerhouse Hill was once part of the Newton Surmaville estate and consists primarily of an open grass hillside, perfect for picnics.
- Wyndham Hill is a mixture of pasture and woodland and was once part of the same estate.
- Penn Hill Park offers excellent views over Yeovil and also contains a community wildlife garden.
- Riverside Walk follows the course of the River Yeo, and is home to a wide variety of wildlife including birds, otters, butterflies and reptiles.
Visit Montacute House
If you’ve seen the film adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility or the 2004 movie The Libertine, then you’ve already seen Montacute House, which was a filming location for both. A walk around the stunning Tudor mansion in person, however, would be hard to beat, with one wing of the house used as an outpost for the National Portrait Gallery, and the stunning gardens also open to the public.
Take a trip down memory lane at Montacute TV Radio Toy Museum
With a huge selection of toys and other memorabilia related to TV shows like Doctor Who, Coronation Street and the Magic Roundabout, Montacute TV Radio Toy Museum is a real blast from the past, and a totally unique family day out. Just a short drive or bus ride from Yeovil, there’s even a life-sized Dalek and Tardis to explore!
Visit Yeovil Railway Centre
A model railway, art gallery, miniature railway and a wide range of locomotives are just some of the attractions you’ll find at Yeovil Railway Centre. The oldest train there dates back to 1915, and there’s also a cafe and visitor centre, where you can learn more about the railway and Yeovil’s place in its history.
Take an alpaca for a walk
A must for animal lovers, Cary Alpacas offer two-hour alpaca experiences, in which you get to choose your own woolly friend, and take him or her for a walk. You’ll learn everything you could ever want to know about these friendly creatures during your experience, and will leave with a certificate as a souvenir of your walk.
Step on board the first ever Concorde
Fleet Air Museum is home to Europe’s largest naval aviation collection, and has four exhibition halls containing over 90 aircraft, and 30 thousand artefacts. While there, you can even step inside the first ever Concorde aircraft or take a ride on the Aircraft Carrier Experience, a virtual helicopter flight to the deck of the aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal.
See a show at The Octagon
South Somerset’s premier entertainment venue, The Octagon Theatre has a varied programme of events to suit all ages and tastes, serving as the perfect place to wind down and end your day in Yeovil.
Go indoor rock climbing
Indoor climbing areas are becoming increasingly popular and Yeovil’s Ready2Climb is a fun place to get the adrenaline pumping even on a rainy day. With walls and boulders of various heights, there’s something to suit every skill level and group or private lessons are also available. Once you’re done, relax in the on-site cafe as you get ready for your next adventure!
Take the kids to Yeovil Recreation Centre
If the little ones in your group need to burn off some energy, Yeovil Recreation Centre is a great choice of location. The flagship play space is an opportunity to let little imaginations run wild, with a wooden “shipwreck” surrounded by sand, water features, aerial zipline, slides and more. There are also football pitches plus a miniature golf course at the site, if you’d like to stay a little longer.
Browse a traditional market
On the first Sunday of every month, Yeovil’s Middle Street is transformed into a bustling marketplace, with stalls run by local shops and independent traders. Browse the different goods on offer and sample some of the local dishes as you soak up the atmosphere of the town on market day.
Visit the motor museum
Haynes International Motor Museum near Yeovil is the largest international motor museum in the UK, and has more than 400 cars and bikes to view, with some dating back to the late 19th century. You don’t have to be a car enthusiast to enjoy a visit here, though: there’s also a children’s race track, themed play area, soft play and more.
Sample some virtual reality
When the weather’s bad, R Pit Virtual Reality Experience on Yeovil High Street has a wide choice of virtual reality games, using the latest technology to create a fun, immersive experience that will appeal to children and adults alike.
Keep the kids entertained at soft play
If you’ve run out of ideas to keep the little ones entertained, soft play is always a safe bet, and Yeovil has two separate soft play centres to choose from: Rug Ratz and Jungle Jungle. Both of these have a range of soft play equipment that will keep the kids happy for hours. On a really wet day, you might even want to try both!
Try some Somerset cider
Somerset is famous for its cider, and at the Somerset Cider Brandy Company you can see how it’s made and sample some as you follow its progress from orchard to glass. Tour the orchards, visit the distillery and end your day at the shop, where you can stock up on your favourite drinks.
Visit Dawes Twineworks
Dawes Twineworks is the UK’s only surviving Victorian Twineworks, and aims to educate and entertain visitors on Somerset’s twine and rope industry. There’s a visitor centre, plus a 100m twinewalk which allows you to imagine what life must have been like in a Victorian factory. The Twineworks is open to the public only on the 4th Saturday of every month, so be sure to check their website before you go!
Beauty spots near Yeovil
Although Yeovil itself has plenty of green space to enjoy, the area surrounding the town is particularly scenic, so it’s worth hiring a car, or checking out the public transport if you’d like to explore a little further. Here are some of the most beautiful spots within striking distance of the town:
Glastonbury Tor
Glastonbury is most famous for its music festival but Glastonbury Tor is an equally iconic uniquely shaped hill with the ruined St Michael’s Tower at its summit. The source of many myths and legends, climb the Tor to take in the breathtaking views of Somerset and beyond.
Ham Hill Country Park
Centred around an iron age hill fort, Ham Hill offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The nearby quarry is popular with rock climbers but if you’d rather do something a little less energetic, a leisurely walk around the country park should fit the bill and allow you to enjoy some of Somerset’s best scenery.
Tintinhull Garden
Describing itself as “a gardener’s garden paradise”, Tintinhull Garden is an arts and crafts garden, which forms the grounds of a 17th century manor house. Designed by Phyllis Reiss, who left the property to the National Trust after her death, the gardens are influenced by those found in France and Italy and offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Corton Hill Beacon
Once the site of the Cadbury Hill Fort, and believed by some to be the location of King Arthur’s Camelot, on a clear day you can see as far as Glastonbury Tor from the top of Corton Hill. Popular with walkers, the scenery might just have you believing in some of the myths and legends that surround the place.
The Village of Frome
Frome was once voted the prettiest village in England, so you’ll want to make sure you have your camera at hand as you wander its cobbled streets and navigate the winding lanes. There’s a market here three days a week, and the village is packed with places to eat and drink, all just an easy drive from Yeovil.
Cheddar Gorge
Sometimes described as one of Britain’s greatest natural wonders, Cheddar Gorge is a limestone gorge dotted with caves - one of which was the last resting place of the world-famous Cheddar man: a 9,000 year old skeleton found in these hills. It’s a popular spot for hikers, painters and photographers, and it’s not difficult to see why so many visitors flock here every year to take in the amazing views.
The Quantock Hills
Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Quantock Hills are an unspoilt oasis of calm, buried deep in North West Somerset. Should you get tired of the panoramic views, however, there are also plenty of picturesque villages in the area where you can stop for a breather, and grab something to eat.
Outdoor Activities near Yeovil
With so much natural beauty surrounding it, it’s no surprise that Yeovil is popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best outdoor activities you can try in this corner of Somerset:
Take a helicopter flight
What better way to see Somerset than from the air? This helicopter tour lasts 30 minutes, and gives you ample opportunities to see all of the area’s major landmarks in the course of one thrilling flight.
Learn golf from the experts
Golfing enthusiasts will love this golf lesson with a PGA professional, who’ll show you the ropes, help you improve your technique, and give you all everything you need to make the most of your game. Each lesson is tailored to your specific skill level, so it’s suitable for everyone - even those who have never picked up a golf club in their life!
Have an adventure day
No matter what your chosen adventure, Wall Eden Adventure can probably cater to it. From paddleboarding and kayaking to axe throwing, archery and metal detecting, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re too tired to make it home after all of that, there are also luxury lodges and glamping pods for hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yeovil good for shopping?
Yeovil has two shopping centres: The Quedam Centre is a typical indoor mall, with a range of high street brands, while the Emporium is home to a selection of independent boutiques and speciality stores. You’ll also find a wide variety of other shops dotted around the town centre, so, whatever you’re looking for, you should be able to find it without too much difficulty.
What is Yeovil famous for?
In the 19th century, Yeovil was best known for glove-making, with around 3 million pairs of gloves being made in the town each year. In the 20th century, the town was better known for aircraft manufacture, and it was a target for German bombing during the Second World War because of this.
