Visiting Lodge Park in 2026
Lodge Park will open for select long weekends in 2026 from 11:00am - 4:00pm. In this article you’ll find everything you need to know about what's open and what to expect when you arrive.
Exploring the Grandstand
At Lodge Park you can soak up the atmosphere of the Great Hall, admire a large collection of paintings, and even take in countryside views from the balcony and roof. Much of Lodge Park is a restoration - look out for the intricate stone masonry of the fireplace, and the enormous wooden beams in the Great Hall - all from the modern restoration. Knowledgeable room guides are on hand to answer questions about the grandstand, and there is an introductory video to help set the scene.
Bridgeman landscape
If you'd like to find out more about the landscape surrounding Lodge Park, there are tours of the Bridgeman landscape throughout the day. These tours give insight into how the land around Lodge Park has changed, and the work that is taking place today to restore the vision of Charles Bridgeman.
The Sherborne Collection
This year Lodge Park will also host objects from the Sherborne Collection. Usually in storage, the items are on display while renovation works take place. This provides a fascinating insight into life at the estate across multiple generations, and a behind the scenes glimpse at the National Trust's conservation work.
For families
For our younger visitors there are lawn games to play with outside the Grandstand - try your hand at skittles or croquet. Inside there is a free children's trail all about animals who live in the building, and parlour games in the Great Hall. If you'd like to really embrace the 17th century, there is a range of costumes to help you feel what it would have been like visiting Lodge Park during the time John Dutton held his lavish parties - perfect for a selfie opportunity!
When is Lodge Park Open in 2026?
We are delighted to open the grandstand on selected long weekends, in spring and summer. 11:00am - 4:00pm.
Opening dates for 2026 are:
Spring
13 - 15 March - free admission for National Lottery open week
3-5 April
10-12 April
17-19 April
24-26 April
Summer
31 July-2 August
7-9 August
14-16 August
21-24 August
28-30 August
20 September - free admission for Heritage Open Day
To find out more about parking, accessibility and prices, view our visitor information page.
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Things to see and do at the Sherborne Estate
Sherborne estate is a great place for a walk throughout all seasons. It is also a haven for wildlife, so bring along your binoculars and see what you can spot.
Restoring Bridgeman's landscape at Lodge Park
The landscape at Lodge Park was designed by Charles Bridgeman in the 18th century, but it was never completed. Now, almost 300 years later, work has begun to restore the design.
History of Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate
Although much of the original landscape at Lodge Park has now been lost, there are still plenty of clues as to what may have looked like in the past. The designs, created by the gardener Charles Bridgeman, was considered revolutionary at the time.
