Five unforgettable days out on the Somerset coast and beyond
Weston-super-Mare might be best known for its beach and traditional seaside charm, but look a little further and you’ll find a surprising range of experiences that go well beyond the expected.
From helicopter flights and underground adventures to wildlife encounters and historic stays, here are five of the most unique things to do near Weston-super-Mare, each easily reached and well worth adding to your Somerset bucket list.
See the Coast from Above: Helicopter Flights in Weston-super-Mare
See Weston-super-Mare like never before with a thrilling helicopter flight from the iconic Weston Helicopter Museum – the largest helicopter museum in the world.
Lift off from a dedicated helipad and soar above the stunning Somerset coastline and countryside at 1,000 feet. As you glide through the air, your pilot will guide you through the controls, giving you a rare behind-the-scenes insight into how these incredible machines work.
Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply ticking off a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this is Weston at its most breathtaking.
Go Underground at Wookey Hole: The Wild Wookey Experience
Ready to get muddy, challenged, and completely exhilarated? The Wild Wookey adventure at Wookey Hole Caves is not your average tourist attraction.
Hidden beneath the Mendip Hills lies a labyrinth of caves where you’ll crawl, climb, abseil and squeeze your way through sections few people ever see. This guided adventure takes you deep into a subterranean world of ancient rock formations, tight passageways and hidden chambers.
It’s physical, it’s thrilling, and it’s absolutely unforgettable. Not for the faint-hearted – but perfect for those craving a real adventure.
Become a Zookeeper for a Day at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work with incredible animals? Just a short drive from Weston-super-Mare, at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, you can step into a keeper’s boots before the zoo even opens.
From feeding majestic African elephants to getting up close with giraffes and rhinos, these one-to-one experiences offer a rare and intimate glimpse into animal care. There’s even a junior option for younger wildlife enthusiasts.
It’s hands-on, educational, and guaranteed to be a highlight for animal lovers of all ages.
Stay Somewhere Extraordinary: Uphill Manor B&B
Step into centuries of history with a stay at Uphill Manor Bed & Breakfast – a stunning Gothic-style manor with roots dating back to the early 1800s.
Once known as Uphill Castle, this architectural gem features interiors inspired by famed designer Augustus Pugin, whose work also appears in the Palace of Westminster.
Expect intricate stonework, dramatic interiors, and a truly unique country castle-style experience. It is like Weston’s very own version of the Traitors castle.
If you’ve ever fancied living like a lord or lady – this is your chance.
Spend a Night Behind Bars at a Haunted Prison
For something completely different (and a little chilling), spend the night inside Shepton Mallet Prison – one of the oldest and most haunted prisons in the UK.
Once home to notorious inmates including The Kray twins, this historic site now offers a 12-hour overnight experience like no other.
You’ll be assigned your own cell, explore eerie wings and execution areas, and then… the prison is yours for the night. No scripts, no distractions – just the unsettling atmosphere as darkness takes hold.
It’s not about jump scares – it’s about the slow, creeping realisation of what it was like to be locked inside a cell. This is about as raw and real as it gets.
Why Explore Beyond Weston-super-Mare?
Part of Weston’s appeal is its location. Within a short drive, the Somerset landscape opens up into caves, coastline, wildlife parks and historic sites – making it an ideal base for discovering some of the South West’s more unusual experiences.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, or something completely unexpected, there’s more here than first meets the eye.
