The Prospect Walk at Dyrham Park
Please check with Visitor Reception for any recent route changes on arrival. With 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.
Near to
Dyrham ParkStart point
Visitor reception, Dyrham Park, SN14 8HYTrail information
Total stages: 10
Total stages: 10
Start point
Visitor reception, Dyrham Park, SN14 8HY
Stage 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.
Stage 2
Once here, you'll 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.
Stage 3
At the tree stump, follow the path of the arrow labelled Prospect Walk. Keep walking until you reach the split tree.
Stage 4
At the split tree trunk, look for the arrow carved into the wood and follow its direction to the edge of the parkland.
Stage 5
At the northern fringe of the park, you'll find another 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, enjoying the sweeping views as you walk.
Stage 6
Continue until you reach the large beech tree and topograph. Here you'll find one of the best 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.
Stage 7
After walking for around 300 yards you'll come to a collection of Victorian farm buildings known as Old Lodge. You could 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.
Stage 8
You'll 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 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 house and the West Garden, or visit the tea-room for a cup of tea and a slice of cake.
End point
East Front, Dyrham Park, SN14 8HY
Trail map
A map of the Prospect Walk at Dyrham Park | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
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Dyrham Park’s 17th-century inspired West Garden, ponds perry orchard and 270 acres of parkland are filled with seasonal interest and great places to spot nature.
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Assistance dogs are welcome throughout Dyrham Park but we do not allow other dogs on site.
Eating and shopping at Dyrham Park
After exploring the house and garden, refuel with a tasty treat from the tea-room, café at Old Lodge or tea garden kiosk. Whether sweet or savoury, there's bound to be something to tempt you. Afterwards, take home a gift from the shop, where there's a wide range of products, from locally made chutneys to fun family books.
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Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.
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