The Prospect Walk
With breathtaking views across the Cotswold hills and the Bristol Channel, Dyrham Park is the perfect place to enjoy sweeping vistas. The Prospect Walk will guide you to the best viewpoints around the parkland, before finishing at the baroque splendour of the house's East Front.
Map
Start:
Visitor Reception, Dyrham Park
1
After leaving Visitor Reception, follow the pathway across the small grassed area, towards the main drive. Keeping the main entrance to your right, cross the drive to the other side.
2
Once here, you will see the entrance to a third lime tree avenue. Follow the route of the avenue across the parkland, until you reach a tree stump with an engraved compass on it.
3
At the tree stump, follow the path of the arrow labelled 'Prospect Walk'. Keep walking until you reach the split tree.
4
At the split tree trunk, look for the arrow carved into the wood and follow its direction to the edge of the parkland.
5
At the northern fringe of the park, you will find a further carved-log waymarker. This viewpoint overlooks Hinton Hill, an Iron Age hillfort and the supposed site for the Battle of Dyrham. From here, turn left and follow the brow of the hill and enjoy the sweeping views as you walk.
6
Continue until you reach the large beech tree and topograph. Here you will find one of the most spectacular views at Dyrham Park. Follow the directions on the topograph to see where your eyeline takes you; on clear days, you may be able to see as far as the Welsh Black Mountains. After taking in the view, follow the path to your left towards Old Lodge.
7
After walking for 300 metres, you will come to a collection of Victorian farm buildings known as Old Lodge. Though the play area is currently closed, you can take a break to visit the picnic area, or you can continue onwards with your walk. You can either walk with Old Lodge to your left, to see glimpses of Neptune Hill and the house through the trees, or you can walk through the trees to the right of Old Lodge.
8
You will soon come to a dip between the two hills, turn right and follow the slope downwards. Keeping the fenced area to your left, walk across the parkland until you reach the bottom of Neptune Hill.
9
At the foot of Neptune Hill, take a moment to look upwards at the striking profile of Neptune against the sky. Then, turning towards the house, make your way across the flat parkland towards the house.
10
By now you'll have reached the East Front, and will be able to see Dyrham in all its baroque splendour. From here, you can walk through the gate to the right of the cattle grid to see the outside of the house (currently closed) and the West Garden, or visit the tea-room for a well deserved cup of tea and a slice of cake.
End:
East Front, Dyrham Park
