Save yourself some money this summer with free family days out, in and around Nailsea. Now the weather is perfect for cycling, walking, climbing and playing, we’ve come up with some great ideas for family outings across this riverside town.

North Somerset Times: ‘Cadbury Camp Lane’ © Rockman of Zymurgy, Flickr‘Cadbury Camp Lane’ © Rockman of Zymurgy, Flickr (Image: Archant)

Cadbury Camp

Cadbury Camp has nothing to do with either chocolate or camping and everything to do with amazing family adventures. An Iron Age hill fort is enough to turn even the smallest children into intrepid explorers with plenty of ramparts to climb, woods to defend and acres of space to run free and make as much noise as you like. We can’t guarantee anyone will find ancient spearheads but we can promise good fun and with just a slim chance of discovering buried treasure, there is enough to keep everyone entertained for hours.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cadbury-camp/

North Somerset Times: ‘Festival Way’ © Sam Saunders, Flickr‘Festival Way’ © Sam Saunders, Flickr (Image: Archant)

Festival Way Cycle Route

The world seems to be going pedal mad this year with almost every European capital encouraging visitors to hire city bikes and brave the streets. We prefer the safe and pretty cycle routes around rural North Somerset for an inexpensive, car-free family day out and Festival Way, from Nailsea to Ashton Court Estate, is one of our favourites. It’s less than 7 miles, very easy going and ideal if you’re cycling with children. Leave yourself time to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way and don’t forget to take snacks as there are plenty of picnic spots to enjoy.

6.6 miles from Nailsea to Ashton Court Estate

North Somerset Times: 'Mass Ascent, Matt Gibson, Flickr'Mass Ascent, Matt Gibson, Flickr (Image: Archant)

Ashton Court Estate

Ashton Court’s woodland trails are some of the best in North Somerset and we can’t get enough of them now the weather is warmer. The estate covers 850 acres of well marked hikes and you can pick up printed trail maps when you arrive. It is a great location for a costless family day out as everything to see and do is free. Enjoy the woodland garden, deer park and natural play area that Ashton Court Estate has to offer. In August there is a free Balloon Fiesta which is well worth a visit!

http://www.bristol.gov.uk/page/leisure-and-culture/ashton-court-estate

North Somerset Times: ‘Backwell Lake’, © Matt Buck, Flickr‘Backwell Lake’, © Matt Buck, Flickr (Image: Archant)

Backwell Lake

Children love spotting wildlife and Backwell Lake, just minutes from Nailsea, is one of the prettiest places to watch ducks swimming with their young in the summer months. It’s scenic and very peaceful but even the liveliest of children don’t mind being quiet if the reward is feeding the ducklings. You can walk safely around the lake, there’s a small car park nearby and it’s completely costless to enjoy.

5 minutes’ drive from Nailsea

North Somerset Times: Roe Deer, © Hans Olofsson, FlickrRoe Deer, © Hans Olofsson, Flickr (Image: Archant)

Towerhouse Wood

Towerhouse Wood is famous for its bluebells but if you’re lucky you can see dormice, rabbits and roe deer here too. The wood is one of North Somerset’s most beautiful stretches of ancient woodland and it is enchanting, mysterious and made for family adventures. The prodigious oak trees are irresistible to children for climbing and clambering and don’t miss the woodland pond as natural gases make it constantly bubble- forming Towerhouse Wood into the perfect imaginary playground for children.

http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/4508/towerhouse-wood/