Somerset is home to a stunning variety of green spaces, from expansive rural retreats to hidden urban gems, perfect for enjoying nature this summer. To help you explore, we’ve compiled a full list of Somerset parks that have earned the prestigious Green Flag Award this year—a mark of excellence given annually by Keep Britain Tidy, much like the Blue Flag status for beaches.
With summer holidays underway, here’s your comprehensive area-by-area rundown of Somerset’s 26 Green Flag sites, including highlights contributed by recent visitor reviews and insights drawn from Google.
Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s lead member for communities, environment and climate change, says: “We are delighted that Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve and Ham Hill Country Park have once again been recognised with Green Flag Awards. These beloved green spaces are true assets to Somerset, giving residents and visitors opportunities to connect with nature, heritage, and the outdoors. The awards celebrate the hard work of teams, volunteers, and partners who maintain them. Congratulations also to other winners across the county for reflecting similar commitment and care.”
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Somerset Council manages two award-winning sites. Among the 26 Green Flag winners, Bath tops the list with seven parks, closely followed by Taunton’s five and North Somerset’s four. A surprise addition is Clark’s Village in Street, traditionally known for shopping but honoured for its eco-planting initiative improving local biodiversity.
Here’s a glimpse of what these parks offer:
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Beechen Cliff, Bath: Perched high with sweeping panoramic views of Bath’s cityscape. Visitors appreciate tranquil walks along tree-lined paths, grassy slopes, and picnic spots.
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Two Tunnels Greenway Neighbourhood Park: Small and peaceful, perfect for a rest during a bike ride or a quick dog walk.
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Compton Cemetery: Impeccably maintained grounds featuring a wildflower and natural burial area, offering peaceful countryside views.
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Philips Park, Bath: Historic 19th-century hillside park with winding paths, mature trees, a bandstand, and children’s play area.
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Sydney Gardens: A quiet, accessible 7-acre park with ornamental and sunken fountain gardens, ideal for relaxation away from busy tourist zones.
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Royal Victoria Park, Bath: The city’s largest park with a café, children’s adventure playground, skate park, duck ponds, and the renowned Botanical Gardens.
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Sydney Gardens: Georgian pleasure gardens featuring tennis courts, a café, and charming heritage bridges over canal and railway lines.
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Kennet & Avon Canal Towpath: A flat, 14-mile route for cycling and walking alongside historic locks, tearooms, and the intriguing “Somerset Space Walk” sculpture.
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Bridgwater & Taunton Canal: Iconic waterway offering flat towpaths, floating cafés, traditional pubs, and kayak hire for family fun.
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Victoria Park, Bridgwater: Formal flowerbeds, a children’s playground, bandstand, and café at the heart of town life.
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Victoria Park Extension: Open grassy sports fields adjacent to Victoria Park, perfect for dog walking and ball games.
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Weston-super-Mare Coast Park: Coastal 6-acre park with a seasonal café, putting green, play area, and vibrant flower displays.
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Abbots Leigh Woodland Reserve: A fairy-tale woodland with a historic pond, waterfalls, wooden bridges, and shaded walking trails.
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Birnbeck Island Gardens: Clifftop gardens offering uninterrupted views across the Severn Estuary, benches, ornamental ponds, and free parking.
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Nailsea Community Green: Diverse habitats, woodlands, open fields, and play areas cared for by local volunteers.
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Pill Headland Park: Grassy open space with wide paths, river views, and striking artwork installations.
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Clark’s Village, Street: Known for shopping but awarded for its eco-planting project boosting biodiversity, accompanied by cafes and play areas.
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Brewery Fields, Bridgwater: Community park with a duck pond, children’s playground, café kiosk, and flat paved paths.
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Chard Reservoir Nature Reserve: A 48-acre site for birdwatching, woodland walks, children’s natural play, and scenic water views.
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Ham Hill Country Park: Vast 390-acre Iron Age hill fort setting with panoramic countryside views, a café visitor centre, dog-friendly pub, and free parking.
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Mountway Park, Taunton: Suburban green space with open lawns, mature trees, and a children’s playground.
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The Foxes, Taunton: Riverside park with café, outdoor gym, play areas, river access for paddleboarding and canoeing.
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Vivary Park, Taunton: Large community park with sports pitches, skate park, playground, and outdoor gym equipment.
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Blackbrook Park, Taunton: Urban park offering sports grounds, walking paths, and a children’s playground.
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Westland Gardens, Yeovil: Small, peaceful pocket park near town centre, ideal for a quick break.
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Ninesprings Country Park, Yeovil: 127-acre park with visitor café, waterfalls, children’s play area, ornamental waterways, and well-paved accessible paths.
Exploring Somerset’s Green Flag parks offers not only refreshing nature but also family-friendly facilities, cultural heritage, and quiet escapes. Whether you’re planning a day of adventure, wildlife watching, or a peaceful picnic, these award-winning spaces promise memorable experiences all summer long.