Somerset Space Walk - Earth

The Somerset Space Walk starts where it should - with Earth. This gallery takes the solar system and brings it down to ground level, mapping out the planets across actual countryside, so you're not just reading about distance, you're walking it. The whole thing spans several miles of Somerset farmland, making it less a traditional indoor exhibition and more an excuse to get outside and think big while your feet do the work.

It's brilliant for anyone who's ever wondered why space feels so impossibly vast. Walk from Earth toward Mars and you start to feel how empty the solar system actually is - that's the whole point. Families with children old enough to manage a decent hike will get the most from it. Younger kids might find the walking tedious if they're not already keen on astronomy. Walkers and teachers regularly bring school groups through, and you'll understand why - it's educational without feeling like school.

Free to access, though you'll need decent footwear and a bit of time. Allow three to four hours if you're doing the full route. Summer's the obvious choice, but autumn when the fields are quieter works equally well. It's only a few miles from Taunton, so slot it in alongside a stay at one of the local caravan parks - Thornhills or Secret Valley are both within reach. The Somerset Levels aren't dramatic, but that flatness rather suits the theme. Space is vast and mostly empty, after all.