Autumn in Somerset: Things to Do Near Taunton, the Quantock Hills & Exmoor
An autumn guide for guests staying at Cider Cottage and Accessible Redlands
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Somerset. As the summer days disappear, the countryside begins to turn golden, the evenings draw in and there is something rather special about wrapping up for a walk before settling down somewhere cosy with a warming drink or a glass of local cider.
Whether you are staying at Cider Cottage for a relaxing countryside escape or looking for an accessible Somerset break at Redlands, there is plenty to enjoy near Taunton, the Quantock Hills and Exmoor.
We have put together some of our favourite ideas for an autumn day out, including countryside walks, cider houses, gardens, historic places, family days, the Somerset coast and Exmoor's famous dark skies.
1. Enjoy the autumn colours of the Quantock Hills
The Quantock Hills are particularly beautiful in autumn. Woodland, heathland and open countryside take on rich seasonal colours, while the higher ground offers wonderful views across Somerset and towards the Bristol Channel.
Autumn is a lovely time to explore the Quantocks at your own pace. You might choose a longer walk, a gentle stroll, or simply take a scenic drive through the hills and stop at one of the viewpoints.
· West Bagborough and the Quantock ridge
· Fyne Court and its woodland setting
· Great Wood
· Holford and the wooded valleys
· Staple Plain and the surrounding countryside
· Scenic viewpoints looking towards the Bristol Channel
There are also several welcoming pubs around the Quantocks, making it easy to combine a countryside outing with lunch, a cream tea or a drink by the fire.
Accessible option: the Quantocks contain a mixture of terrain, so not every walking route is suitable for wheelchair users. For Redlands guests, we recommend checking the specific route, surface, gradient and parking arrangements before setting out. The Quantock Hills National Landscape have partnered with Disabled Ramblers Association to provided graded accessible routes on the hills.
2. Embrace Somerset's cider country
Autumn is perhaps the perfect season to experience Somerset's cider heritage. Orchards are part of the character of the county, and the changing season provides a lovely backdrop for discovering local cider and Somerset produce.
A visit to Sheppy's Cider Farm near Bradford-on-Tone (22 mins drive) is a natural choice from Cider Cottage. Depending on the opening arrangements and seasonal programme, visitors can combine cider tasting with the farm shop and local produce.
Torre Cider Farm near Washford (20 mins drive) is a family favourite with adventure play areas, animal sanctuary, café and shop selling the farms cider.
Autumn tip: check opening times and any seasonal events before travelling, as visitor experiences and availability can vary during the year.
3. Spend an autumn day in Taunton
Taunton is close enough to make an easy day out and is particularly useful when the weather is changeable, with a mixture of indoor and outdoor attractions, cafés, shops and places to eat.
A good wet-weather option, the Museum of Somerset is a chance to discover more about the county's fascinating history and heritage. 25 minute drive Hestercombe Gardens
Hestercombe is a beautiful choice for an autumn visit, with gardens, historic surroundings and seasonal colour. Check current accessibility information and garden conditions if travelling with a wheelchair. 21 minute drive
For an easier-going autumn outing, Vivary Park provides a chance to enjoy seasonal colour without committing to a long countryside walk.
And of course, Taunton (25 minute drive) has plenty of cafés and places to stop for a warming coffee, lunch or something sweet.
4. Explore Exmoor in autumn
Autumn on Exmoor has a completely different atmosphere. The landscape becomes quieter, the bracken changes colour and the lower autumn light can make the scenery particularly dramatic.
It is a great time for a scenic drive, a short walk, a visit to one of Exmoor's towns and villages, or a leisurely lunch somewhere cosy.
Accessible option: Exmoor has some genuinely accessible places to enjoy, but the landscape is naturally rugged and many paths are uneven or steep. For Redlands guests, we suggest choosing individual accessible locations rather than assuming that a whole area or town is wheelchair friendly. Do have a look at our Accessible things to do in Exmoor post for further information.
5. Experience Exmoor's famous dark skies
One of the most magical things about autumn on Exmoor happens after the sun goes down. Exmoor is internationally recognised for its dark skies, making it an exceptional place for stargazing.
The earlier sunsets of autumn mean that you do not have to stay up late to enjoy the night sky. Wrap up warm, step outside on a clear evening and look upwards – you may be surprised by just how many stars you can see.
The 2026 Exmoor Dark Skies Festival runs from 16 October to 1 November, with events and activities taking place across the National Park. Always check the official Exmoor National Park events information for the latest programme and booking details.
Autumn also brings opportunities to experience Exmoor's wildlife and landscapes after sunset. Look out for guided night walks, stargazing events and nocturnal wildlife activities ( ).
These can make an autumn stay feel very different from a summer holiday and are particularly appealing to anyone who enjoys nature, photography or simply trying something a little different.
Always check event dates, meeting points, accessibility and booking requirements in advance.
6. Make time for a proper Somerset cream tea
Not every autumn activity needs to involve walking! A rainy afternoon can be the perfect excuse to find a cosy café and enjoy tea and cake.
Somerset is full of cafés and tearooms, and a cream tea makes an excellent addition to a day exploring Taunton, the Quantocks, the coast or Exmoor.
You can also use this as an opportunity to link through to our other The best cream teas in the Quantocks guide on the website.
7. Visit a Somerset farm shop
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore Somerset's local produce. Farm shops are ideal for picking up ingredients and treats to enjoy during your stay.
· Local cheeses
· Chutneys and preserves
· Fresh bread and cakes
· Apples and seasonal produce
· Local cider
· Locally produced meat and other Somerset specialities
Rumwell Farm Shop and Restaurant (20 minute drive, close to Taunton, is one option to investigate, while there are many smaller farm shops and local producers around Somerset.
8. Enjoy an autumn family day out
Autumn does not mean the children have to stay indoors. Somerset has plenty of attractions that work well when the weather is mixed.
· Indoor attractions and museums
· Animal and wildlife experiences
· Gardens and seasonal trails
· Family-friendly cafés
· Local events and autumn activities
If you are travelling with children and need accessible facilities, take a look at our separate guide to wheelchair-accessible family days out, where we go into more detail about individual attractions near Taunton.
9. Head towards the Somerset coast
One of the great advantages of staying in this part of Somerset is being able to combine countryside with the coast. Autumn can be a particularly lovely time to visit Watchet, Minehead, Dunster, Porlock and Lynmouth. On a crisp day, the combination of sea air, autumn scenery and a warming lunch or coffee makes for a memorable day out.
For wheelchair users, there are some accessible coastal options, but accessibility varies considerably between beaches, promenades, paths and car parks. We recommend checking the specific location before setting out.
10. Take a scenic drive through Somerset
If the weather is looking uncertain, you do not necessarily need to abandon your plans. Somerset is a wonderful county to explore from the car, and autumn gives the countryside plenty of colour.
You could combine a scenic drive through the Quantocks with a pub lunch, continue towards the coast, or make a day of exploring Exmoor's villages and viewpoints.
For guests who cannot manage long walks, a scenic drive can be a particularly enjoyable way to experience the landscape without making the whole day dependent on accessible footpaths.
11. Slow down and enjoy your stay
Perhaps the best thing about an autumn break is that you do not have to fill every day with activities and plans.
Autumn is made for slower mornings, countryside views, good food and cosy evenings. Pick up some local produce, explore for a few hours and then come back to your cottage to relax.
For Cider Cottage guests, the season is perfect for enjoying the quieter side of Somerset and making the most of the cottage, sauna and surrounding countryside.
For guests staying at Accessible Redlands, the cottage provides specialist equipment including a ceiling track hoist, mobile hoist, electric profiling bed, wet room and rise recliner chair, allowing guests to enjoy a countryside break without needing to bring all of this equipment with them.
Planning an accessible autumn break?
If you are considering Redlands, we know that accessibility needs can vary considerably from one person to another. We provide detailed accessibility information, including equipment details, door widths and a floor plan, so that you can decide whether the property is suitable before booking.
If you are unsure about anything, please contact us before booking. We are happy to talk through the accommodation and answer questions about the equipment and layout.
Our autumn Somerset checklist
· Walk or drive through the autumn Quantocks
· Visit a Somerset cider producer
· Explore Taunton
· Visit Hestercombe
· Discover Dunster and the Exmoor villages
· Enjoy a Somerset cream tea
· Pick up local produce from a farm shop
· Visit the coast at Watchet, Minehead or Porlock
· Look out for autumn events and family activities
· Try some Exmoor stargazing
Autumn might just be one of Somerset's best-kept secrets
With fewer summer crowds, beautiful changing landscapes, cosy pubs, local cider, farm shops, historic attractions and some of the darkest skies in the country, there is plenty to enjoy once the leaves begin to turn.
Whether you are looking for a romantic countryside escape, a family adventure, a relaxing break with good food and local cider, or an accessible holiday where specialist equipment is already provided, Taunton, the Quantock Hills and Exmoor make a wonderful autumn destination.
So wrap up warm, bring your walking boots, leave a little room for cake – and come and discover Somerset in autumn.
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