We are now a few weeks into the summer holidays which means, for many families, the purse strings are quite likely to be growing increasingly tight. The pressure to keep everyone entertained can be difficult - not to mention expensive - to keep up with, but there are still things out there to be enjoyed at no cost at all. To give you a helping hand, here are five free things you can do in Somerset this summer.
At nine miles (14.5km) long, with no steep hills and very little traffic, the offers a peaceful and safe cycle route from which to appreciate the beauty of Somerset. Used as a working railway for almost a century up to 1965, the cycle path has been in progress since 1983 when volunteers began the work of converting it.
Perfect for families, the route takes in a wonderfully varied range of sites - from the cider apple orchards around Yatton to the spectacular scenery of Cheddar Gorge. Stephen Penning, a bike mechanic at the Strawberry Line Cycle Project in Yatton, said: "It's great for your health, there's the enjoyment of cycling down the track through the countryside with no traffic to worry about. "It's very good for the mind, very relaxing, and you get to meet people on the track.
It's a great experience, a great day out and it costs very little to do." Ok, so it might not seem like the most exciting suggestion - but that does not mean it is not worth your time. With the kids at home for a whole six weeks the sheer amount of in our homes can suddenly become very obvious, and can make a clear out feel like a necessity.
And when better than a rainy summer day to dig into your cupboards and drawers with the whole family and clear out those clothes and toys that now lie untouched? It will not just benefit you - your good quality items could find brand new homes while turning a profit for charity. Gail Fry, shop manager at the Children's Hospice South West charity shop in Bridgwater, said: "It's great for kids because they're going to be donating their unwanted items, maybe they've grown out of their clothes, to a worthwhile charity. "That's going to make them feel good because they're donating their goods for us to raise the funds for children with life-limiting illnesses, so it's going to give kids a buzz - plus you.
" Spacesuits are not required for this trip beyond the bounds of Earth's atmosphere. In fact, your feet do not even have to leave the solid ground of Somerset. Wander along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal and pretty soon you will catch sight of more than just riverbanks and ducks.
Tucked away along the pretty waterway you will find the - a scale model of our corner of the galaxy. The walk was dreamt up by the late Pip Youngman, an inventor, poet and astronomer from Taunton, who realised that the 14 miles of the canal was the perfect distance to create a scale model of the solar system. The best place to start is at the very centre of the solar system with parking at Maunsel Lock and a huge model of our very own star, the Sun.
From there, it is almost seven miles along to Pluto - the size of a pea. The whole family can get in touch with their creative side with a series of touring "play days" run by . There are days lined-up in Wincanton, Langport and Chard over the next few weeks, all of which offer professional workshops, performances, crafting and face-painting.
You could even try your hand at music-making or circus skills, all without spending a penny. There is always something interesting going on at , and the summer holidays are no exception. Alongside their regular programming of art exhibitions, theatre, poetry and music, the creative space is also hosting a range of family-friendly creative sessions.
Why not try using recycled paper to make your own moving bird sculptures? Or turn natural objects into a wind chime? Collage, bead-making and portrait printmaking are also all totally free and open to all ages..
