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Discover more at Dyrham Park
Find out when Dyrham Park is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
There’s plenty for families to enjoy at Dyrham Park. Old Lodge parkland play area is fully open after a major revamp with a brand new café and ice cream kiosk. There are seasonal events all year round and you can also get involved with a range of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ challenges.
Here is the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out at Dyrham Park:
Nature tots at Old Lodge - term time
The popular nature-based sessions for pre-schoolers runs on Tuesday mornings in term time.
Summer of Play - Sat 20 July to Tue 3 Sep
Get active and creative with a wide range of activities in the great outdoors at Dyrham Park this summer. Challenge yourselves to do the 'Dyrham decathlon' or have a go at some arts and crafts.
The sporty-themed Dyrham decathlon will take place on the lawn by the house and includes throwing a foam javelin, target practice with bean bags, weaving in and out of the slalom, jumping hurdles, long jump, balance beams, hop scotch and stepping stones. The question is, can you complete each of the 10 challenges during your visit?
If you fancy something more creative, head along each Wednesday where you can grab a pencil, paper and a clipboard and wander round the lovely garden doing some sketches. Budding artists can add colour with a selection of water colour paint, pastels or pencil crayons kept in the gazebo at the end of the Avenue. On other days, paper and pencils will be available for visitors.
After all that exertion, why not enjoy an ice cream at Old Lodge in the parkland or relax at a shady picnic spot in the garden? Put on your sun hat and come and make the most of being outdoors this summer.
Activities will be free of charge, normal admission charges apply. Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank and supported by Sport England.
Nature explorers: Tuesdays 23 July to 27 August
Morning and afternoon sessions will take place each Tuesday in the summer holidays for families to get involved with nature spotting activities. Explore and get to know nature and have a go at fun activities such as hunting for bugs, exploring trees and grass and identifying different plants. Sessions might include pond dipping with nets.
Check here for family-friendly events taking place this season.
Old Lodge play area in the middle of Dyrham’s parkland has now reopened. Youngsters can play on climbing equipment, balance beams and a log tunnel and there are play kitchens. New paths have been laid between the car park and Old Lodge, to improve access to the parkland through the year. At Old Lodge there's a brand new café and ice cream kiosk, toilets, as well as the new play facilities.
The garden sits in the shadow of the main house and neighbouring St Peter's Church. There are plenty of inviting benches and spots to rest along the way.
The pool gardens with a gentle cascade are a relaxing place to wander round or take a break on a bench and relax.
The main house is open daily from 11.30am following major conservation and decorative work. The new exhibition and basement are open too.
There's lots to do even on a drizzly day at Dyrham Park. Pop on your waterproofs and stride out in the parkland. There's plenty of sheltered spots next to the play area at Old Lodge in the parkland for undercover picnics as well as the indoor cafe there. The house and exhibition are filled with interactive opportunities for all ages including video, some 17th-century dressing up and plenty of replica objects to feel and explore. The basement houses temporary displays and installations as well as a second-hand bookshop brimming with books, jigsaws. games and DVDs. The main tea-room and shop also provide some welcome refuge from the rain, and there are giant umbrellas covering the tea garden so you can enjoy an al fresco ice cream and stay dry.
The ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ challenges young explorers to connect with nature through play. Many of the activities can be completed at Dyrham Park like cloud-watching or getting to know a tree. You will find more information available at visitor reception on your visit.
Find out more about which ‘50 things’ activities you can take part in this spring.
Find out when Dyrham Park is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
The main phases of conservation and decorative work in the house at Dyrham Park are now complete and you can explore beautifully presented rooms, delve into the house's history and discover what it was like to live in the 17th century.
Winter is the perfect time for many of the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities. Wrap up warm and go welly wandering, fossil hunting or stargazing.
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.
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.
The 270-acre parkland at Dyrham is a great place to explore the outdoors and enjoy a walk, whatever the time of year.
Find the best family-friendly places to visit and discover the fun-filled activities on offer as part of our Summer of Play, sponsored by Starling Bank.
Discover the best places to explore as a family in Bath and Bristol this season. Plan your days out for a memorable visit that the whole family will enjoy.
Fancy running free in the fresh air, learning new skills and trying new things? Grab your gear and start your adventure.