Dyrham Park
Dyrham Park, situated off the A46 near Bath, is nestled in a 270-acre ancient parkland filled with magnificent trees and breathtaking views reaching right over to Wales.
Inside the baroque-style house visitors can get a flavour of 17th-century life with a fine collection of Dutch ceramics and fine art.
Splendid formal borders, idyllic ponds and a wildflower orchard are all features of the stunning garden which is being sensitively developed as a 21st-century garden with echoes of the past.
The sloping and spacious parkland’s a great space for young explorers to run free, be in nature and tick off challenges on their National Trust ’50 Things to Do Before You’re 11 3/4′ list.
Garden and park tours run most days led by specialist volunteer guides or if you prefer to explore independently, there are lots of paths and self-led trails.
Dyrham Park is currently housing an exhibition on the world of the late 17th century, when civil servant William Blathwayt created the Dyrham Park we know today. It puts the period into context by introducing some of the events happening nationally and internationally at the time, as well as highlighting prominent figures in history from that period.
Visitors can try out the newly revamped play area and brand new café at Old Lodge in the middle of the parkland, and enjoy walking through the parkland year-round, thanks to new paths across the site.
The house has recently reopened to the public after conservation and decorative work, with improved lighting to illuminate the beautifully restored rooms. New interpretation brings the refreshed house to life with interactive, multi-sensory information for visitors to involve themselves in. Outside, historic metal gates at the end of the garden’s Avenue have been restored, and a parterre is set to be created in 2023, linking back to plans for the original 17th-century garden.
The site also features a large tearoom decorated in a blue and white theme to mirror the Delftware in the house, as well as a new tea garden to enjoy in warmer weather. An ice-cream kiosk is also open on busier days in the year.
Dyrham Park is home to a National Trust shop, selling cards, books, plants, gardening items, homeware and a wide variety of other gifts.
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