Are there any hidden gems in Somerset we should visit whilst on holiday?

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I've never been to Somerset. We normally visit Devon or Cornwall as there seems to be a lot to do. Are there any places that anyone would suggest we visit? Any nice beaches, restaurants, tourist attractions?

So far, we have on our list:
The Newt
Cheddar

Help me fall in love with Somerset!

St Audries Bay (it has 2 gorgeous waterfalls. a fair few steps to get down but is well worth it when you do).

if you have time/its raining hard, The Roxy in Axbridge is one of the smallest cinemas in England

all the best x

Dunster is a charming little village. On the downside this is quite well known and be prepared to be engulfed in a crowd when you arrive at the Yarn Market. The good news is the streets empty at lunchtime and afternoon tea. Crowds aside Dunster is a great day out, and I’d recommend a visit to the castle. Now-a-days it's more of a stately home up a big hill than a castle. Great views from the top and nice gardens with plenty of quiet corners. The village itself is full of interesting buildings particularly the medieval Yarn market and Church priory area.
The Quantocks are a range of hills in the north west of Somerset, designated both an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest.. So spectacular scenery, nature and little picture postcard villages, most notably Crowcombe and Aisholt.

Lyte’s Cary is a lovely medieval NT house and gardens.

Alfred’s Tower (also NT) has views over Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire

Bruton is full of interesting independent shops.

It's not everyone's cup of tea but Glastonbury Town, with the Tor, Abbey and Chalice Well.

Wookey Hole is quite good and not far from Wells which is one of the smallest cities in England....think market town with a cathedral.

Somerset is quite a big county, so it sort of depends where you're aiming for and what you like. You could do Cheddar, Wooky Hole and Wells altogether, for example, and have a lovely day combining views, walking, caves, with pottering around shops and a wonderful cathedral. Or you could head for Frome (quirky town with independent shops), go on to Bruton, (similar, but smaller), and then visit Hauser & Wirth art gallery with its amazing garden on the outskirts of Bruton. If you still had energy and time, Stourhead is nearby (which might technically be in Wiltshire) and has the most wonderful gardens, as well as longer, well-signposted walks around the estate. If you go to Glastonbury, which is indeed quite out there in many respects, you're not far away from some brilliant walking/cycling/bird watching in the large nature reserves on the Somerset levels. As well as the Clarks Shopping Village if you need to spend some money.

Kilve is lovely, you can get ice cream and cream tea at the chantry then go fossil hunting on the stony beach. You could go on the steam train from bishops Lydiard to Minehead and get off on all the stops on the way. Exmoor is lovely. Further east there are lovely walks around the Cheddar area, obviously ones around the gorge but also at Crooks Peak nearby.
Beaches on that coast are so so, avoid Burnham-on-Sea, and Weston. But Brean Down is gorgeous - you could spend a day climbing the steps, roaming the down and then playing on the (Sandy) beach. Wells is a good day out, the bishops palace is lovely and there’s a great park.

Oh thank you! These are great suggestions. We love nature and beautiful scenery and I can't wait to have an afternoon tea with proper scones.

Is there anywhere family friendly you'd recommend to take a 4 year old?

Yes, Foxes hotel in minehead. It is kind of like a college for young adults with learning disabilities and it’s absolutely fantastic. V family friendly and we had afternoon tea there for my birthday last month! And then you can go on the beach afterwards as it’s right on the seafront.

Oh lovely. My son has ASD, so I'm keen for him to see some good role models working.

Does Somerset have any decent theme parks/zoos/museums etc?

There are a number of farm / amusement type places puxton park, animal farm, Noah’s ark, court farm are all within easier reach of the Cheddar area. Bristol Zoo is nice if you head up that way. Similarly there are some great museums in Bristol (m shed and the city museum).

West Somerset railway essential.

You can also get day tickets for Butlins

We live in Somerset and also have a 4 year old with ASD. He loves brean play and the compass wellbeing centre in Taunton has a lovely cafe, sensory room and hydro pool. Flip out in Wellington do autism friendly sessions and if you are going in the school holidays then gympanzees in Bristol is amazing. We are the curious in Bristol is really good too.

Tarr steps and hawkridge church for country
Minehead for slightly run down but charming seaside town

Selworthy, a little cluster of National Trust thatched cottages, one of which is a tea room. Absolutely chocolate box.

There's the Haynes Motor Museum and the Fleet Air Arm Museum near Yeovil and the Helicopter Museum in Weston Super Mare.