Somerset

[AnnaMariaDreams]

We are staying in Frome for a week in August.
We are planning a day at Longleat and a day at Lacock. We are in the National Trust.
What else to do, especially good beaches- I know the coast is an hour or so drive.

You're about 1/2 hour from Bath in one direction and Wookey Hole in the other. Both nice days out.

If you belong to the National Trust I would definitely visit Stourhead, about 20 minutes from Frome. Beach wise - it depends what you are looking for. If you want traditional seaside there is Weymouth. Lyme Regis and Jurassic coast area is great for fossil hunters and Durdle Door is beautiful. Bath is 30 mins away if you fancy a day of culture

I would definitely go south to Dorset way if you are looking for coast rather than Weston Super Mare etc (and I say that as someone from that area!), much much prettier etc

Bath
Shearwater Lake
Clevedon
Weymouth for the beach.

Another vote for Stourhead. If you are short of time I'd pick it over Laycock personally,. The is also Dyram Park close to the M4. Agree on beaches in Dorset are preferable to those in Somerset though Clevedon is not a bad spot. The drive down to Dorset can be a drag though. Happy holiday!

South Somerset is nicer for coast IMHO - potter round Lyme Regis, have chips on the harbour at West Bay (where TV series Broadchurch was filmed), a day in Dorchester is OK - take food for ducks on the river at lower town. Wells is worth a visit and picnic on lawn by cathedral. NT properties - Barrington Court and Montacute are close to each other with Lytes Cary not far away. Steam train from Norden to Swanage or Bishops Lydeard (just north of Taunton) is a lovely journey up to Minehead. You'll have a lovely week!

Decent beaches start around Minehead. Anything further up the Bristol channel tend to have dangerous mudflats due to the massive tidal range (2nd highest in the world).
Have you thought about Bristol?
There's also Tyntesfield which is near Clevedon.

Wells is nice. Lyme Regis is a nice bit of coast. Dunster castle (NT so not sure if it would be open), same with Wookey hole. Climb up Glastonbury Tor and visit the abbey. Frome and bruton also both nice.

Lots of lovely ideas, thank you all,