The words "free family day out" usually come with an asterisk large enough to be seen from Glastonbury Tor.

This August, however, one of the biggest costs can genuinely be removed.

Children aged between five and 15 can travel free on participating bus services in England until August 31 under the government-backed Summer Bus Fare Offer.

With adult single fares capped at £3, one adult travelling with two children could make a direct return journey to Bristol, Bath or Yeovil for no more than £6 in bus fares.

Two adults with two children could make the same direct return journey for no more than £12.

Journeys requiring a change of bus may cost adults more because each part can count as a separate journey.

There is no need to register in advance when using participating First Bus services. Children can make unlimited journeys, receive their free ticket from the driver and do not need to be accompanied by a fare-paying adult.

The offer makes several days out possible from Glastonbury, Street, Wells and Shepton Mallet — including some where families will not need to pay an admission charge when they arrive.

Bristol harbourside and M Shed

Direct from: Glastonbury, Street and Wells

From Shepton Mallet: Change at Wells

Bus: 376

The 376 provides a direct journey to Bristol from Street, Glastonbury and Wells.

After arriving in the city, families can walk from the bus station to the harbourside.

M Shed is free to enter and tells the story of Bristol through exhibits covering the city, its people and its industries.

The museum is open from 10am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. Some temporary exhibitions and activities may carry a separate charge.

Families can continue around the harbour, visit Millennium Square, see the boats outside the museum or take a picnic to Queen Square.

The journey from Somerset is relatively long, particularly for those changing buses at Wells, so checking the final return service is essential.

Bath without the parking bill

Direct from: Wells and Shepton Mallet

Bus: 174

The 174 connects Wells and Shepton Mallet with Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Bath.

Families can walk through Bath city centre, see Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge, follow the riverside or head to Royal Victoria Park and its play area.

The city's best-known heritage attractions charge for entry, but it is possible to spend the day exploring the centre and parks without buying an attraction ticket.

Families could also leave the bus at Midsomer Norton or Radstock for a shorter journey.

Ninesprings and Yeovil Country Park

Direct from: Wells, Glastonbury and Street

From Shepton Mallet: Change at Wells

Bus: 376

The 376 continues south from Street through Somerton and Ilchester to Yeovil.

From Yeovil town centre, families can walk to Yeovil Country Park, which is free to enter and open throughout the year.

The park includes Ninesprings, woodland, streams, open grassland, riverside paths, a play area and picnic spots. There are also toilets and a café.

It is one of the better options for families looking for a full day out without paying an admission charge after getting off the bus.

Somerton and Ilchester are stops on the same route, giving families the option of a shorter journey if a full trip to Yeovil feels ambitious.

Glastonbury Tor and the town centre

Direct from: Wells and Street

From Shepton Mallet: Change at Wells

Bus: 376

Families travelling into Glastonbury can explore the High Street before walking along Chilkwell Street towards Glastonbury Tor.

The Tor is managed by the National Trust and is free to visit throughout the year. The walk from the town centre is manageable for many families, although the final climb is steep.

There is no general visitor parking at the Tor, making the bus a practical way to visit.

Glastonbury Abbey, Chalice Well and the Somerset Rural Life Museum provide alternatives for families who want to make a longer day of it, although admission charges apply.

Wells, the palace moat and Recreation Ground

Direct from: Glastonbury, Street and Shepton Mallet

Buses: 376 and 174

Wells is one of the easiest shorter trips available through the offer.

Families from Glastonbury and Street can use the 376, while those travelling from Shepton Mallet can take the 174.

Once in the city, visitors can explore the Market Place and Cathedral Green, walk down Vicars' Close and follow the moat around The Bishop's Palace.

Tourists are charged to enter Wells Cathedral, while The Bishop's Palace and Gardens also requires a ticket.

There is no charge to enter the cathedral to pray, attend a service or light a candle. Some local residents may also qualify for a resident or parish pass.

For a free alternative, families can take a picnic to the Recreation Ground, which has open space and a children's play area.

Those visiting on a Wednesday or Saturday can combine the trip with Wells Market.

Collett Park and Shepton Mallet

Direct from: Wells

From Glastonbury and Street: Change at Wells

Bus: 174

The 174 provides a direct journey from Wells to Shepton Mallet.

Collett Park is within walking distance of the town centre and includes a play area, boating pond, stream, café, bandstand and toilets.

Families can combine the park with a walk around Shepton Mallet town centre.

Shepton Mallet Prison is another option for families wanting to make a full day of the trip, although admission charges apply and tickets should be checked before travelling.

Passengers from Glastonbury or Street can reach Shepton Mallet by taking the 376 to Wells and changing to the 174.

Street and Castle Cary

Street residents have another possible day trip through the 667, which runs towards Castle Cary and its railway station.

A new timetable begins on August 3, alongside the launch of Somerset Council's 567 service between Glastonbury and Castle Cary station.

Families can explore Castle Cary town centre or use the bus to reach the railway station. Train fares are not included in the free bus scheme.

Passengers should check that their chosen bus journey is participating in the August offer and consult the new timetable published by Somerset Council before travelling.

What families need to know

The offer applies from August 1 to 31 and covers children aged five to 15.

On participating First Bus services:

• No advance registration is required.
• Children receive a free ticket from the driver.
• Children can make unlimited journeys.
• A fare-paying adult does not have to accompany them.
• Older children may be asked for proof of age.

Children under five already travel free on the main services operating in Somerset.

Not every bus is included. School buses, special services, coaches and some routes operated outside the scheme may be excluded.

Free travel does not guarantee a seat, and services to popular destinations may be busier during the school holidays.

Families should check every part of their journey before leaving, particularly when changing buses. It is also important to check the time of the final service home.

Timetable changes are expected on some First services towards the end of August.

Current journey times are available through the First Bus journey planner, while the complete list of participating operators and services can be found in the government's Summer Bus Fare Offer guide.

The free travel offer ends on Monday, August 31.