Dyrham Park
A richly-furnished 17th-century mansion set in a vast estate with formal gardens and deer park, offering stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Gardens in bloom, fewer crowds
Dyrham Park
Best Time
Gardens in bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A richly-furnished 17th-century mansion set in a vast estate with formal gardens and deer park, offering stunning views.
"Beautiful house with magnificent gardens and parkland offering great views over the Severn Valley."
🚗 Parking Payment Tip
Bring coins for parking as mobile reception can be poor for app payments . :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Shuttle Bus Option
A shuttle bus is available for those who find the walk to the house challenging. Donation appreciated . :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Mansion's Rich Interiors
Dyrham Park House
Explore a stunning 17th-century house filled with Dutch ceramics, Flemish tapestries, and gilt leather walls.
Expansive Parkland and Gardens
Dyrham Park Estate
Wander through formal gardens and vast parkland offering panoramic views over the Severn Valley.
The Medieval Church
Near the Mansion
A charming, small medieval church that's a worthwhile stop during your visit.
Deer Spotting
Parkland
Keep an eye out for the resident deer roaming the estate, though sightings can vary.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and the Walk to the House
Inside the Mansion: What to Know
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Payment Tip
Bring coins for parking as mobile reception can be poor for app payments. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Shuttle Bus Option
A shuttle bus is available for those who find the walk to the house challenging. Donation appreciated. :bus:
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the many shady or sunny spots around the estate. Bring it with you from the start. :sandwich:
📸 Photography Advice
Carrying a backpack inside the house can be awkward for photos. Consider leaving it in lockers. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Payment Tip
Bring coins for parking as mobile reception can be poor for app payments. :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Shuttle Bus Option
A shuttle bus is available for those who find the walk to the house challenging. Donation appreciated. :bus:
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the many shady or sunny spots around the estate. Bring it with you from the start. :sandwich:
📸 Photography Advice
Carrying a backpack inside the house can be awkward for photos. Consider leaving it in lockers. :camerawithflash:
🗺️ Explore the Estate
Take a guided tour with a volunteer for excellent insights into the grounds and history. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dyrham Park is praised for its beautiful house, magnificent gardens, and expansive parkland with scenic views. Visitors appreciate the historical interiors and the option of guided tours. However, some find the staff presence intrusive, and the walk from the car park, along with parking payment issues, can be a drawback.
"Dyrham Park is a mansion with a lovely collection of Dutch ceramics, Flemish tapestries, gilt leather walls, and a charming Victorian kitchen. Prams and large bags aren’t allowed inside the mansion, though there are free lockers available. I was allowed to bring my backpack since we had a newborn with us, but was asked to carry it in front - which made taking photos (and being in them) a bit awkward. The staff were friendly, though their presence was very noticeable; they seemed to monitor every move, which can feel a little intrusive at times. The gardens are pleasant and well maintained, though we didn’t spot any deer in the parkland, which was a bit of a shame.
A stop at the small medieval church is worth it. One thing to plan ahead for: the mansion is quite a walk from the car park, and parking requires a separate payment. We struggled with this because there’s no mobile reception to pay via the app - it took ages and definitely dampened the mood. I’d recommend bringing coins just in case. There is a shuttle bus available if the walk feels too long, which is a helpful option. We had planned a picnic but left our things in the car while we explored first. Retrieving it later turned into a bit of a mission and cost us quite a bit of time so if you're planning a picnic, consider bringing it with you from the start."
Aleks Baranska
"Beautiful house with magnificent gardens and parkland. There are several walks (some very steep paths and steps, but there are benches around so you can take a breather) around the estate that offer great views over the Severn Valley, and surrounding countryside. It's well signposted, just a couple of miles off the M4 towards Bath.
There's a nice tea room offering the usual NT fare, with seating outside (very popular with the wasps 😃)."
David Sherratt
"Lovely house and gardens. Quite a walk from the car park but there is a shuttle bus if you don't want to walk. Costs more than other house and gardens but if you bring a picnic there are lots of shady or sunny spots to settle down for a few hours. Did see one pair of deer antlers shading under a tree but that was it as it was a hot day."
Kathrine Gibbons
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dyrham Park is located just a couple of miles off the M4 towards Bath. Ample free parking is available, though it requires a walk to the house.
Yes, there is ample parking available. However, it requires a separate payment, and it's recommended to bring coins as mobile reception for app payments can be unreliable.
While not explicitly detailed in the provided content, Dyrham Park's proximity to the M4 suggests it's best accessed by car. Check local bus routes for options if traveling without a vehicle.
The walk is approximately 10-15 minutes downhill to the house and uphill on the return. A shuttle bus service is available for those with mobility issues or young children.
The parkland and gardens offer various walks, some with steep paths and steps. Benches are available for rest. The shuttle bus can assist those with mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening times for Dyrham Park can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official National Trust website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours for the house, gardens, and parkland.
Admission prices for Dyrham Park can vary. Parking also incurs a separate fee. Check the National Trust website for current ticket and parking prices. Some visitors mention it costs more than other National Trust properties.
Booking in advance is often recommended, especially during peak seasons, to guarantee entry and potentially secure preferred time slots. Check the National Trust website for booking requirements.
National Trust members typically receive free entry. Some visitors mention having a free autumn pass. Check the National Trust website for any specific offers or membership benefits.
Dogs are generally welcome in the parkland and gardens at Dyrham Park, but are usually not permitted inside the house or formal gardens. Always check the National Trust's specific dog policy for the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside Dyrham Park house, you'll find a rich collection of Dutch ceramics, Flemish tapestries, gilt leather walls, and a charming Victorian kitchen. The house offers a glimpse into its historical grandeur.
Yes, guided tours of the grounds with knowledgeable volunteers are available and are included in your ticket price. These tours offer excellent insights into the estate's history and features.
Photography inside the mansion may be restricted, especially if carrying larger bags or prams. Visitors are advised to use lockers for their belongings to facilitate easier photography.
The estate offers several walks, including scenic routes with great views over the Severn Valley. Some paths can be steep, but benches are available for rest.
Yes, a handy shuttle bus is available for those who need assistance with the walk to the house, including the less able, elderly, and families with young children. A donation is requested for its use.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe offering the usual National Trust fare. It has outdoor seating, which can be popular with wasps. There's also a small cafe with good drinks and snacks.
Absolutely! Dyrham Park is a great spot for a picnic, with plenty of shady and sunny areas to settle down. It's recommended to bring your picnic with you from the start.
The cafe typically offers a range of light meals, snacks, and drinks, consistent with National Trust properties. Expect items like sandwiches, cakes, and hot beverages.
National Trust cafes usually offer vegetarian options, and increasingly, vegan choices. It's advisable to check the menu on-site or inquire with staff for specific dietary offerings.
Toilets are available by the cafe and also at the top by the car park.
📸 📸 Photography
The approach to the house, appearing in a valley below, is very picturesque.
Photography inside the mansion might be restricted, especially with larger bags. It's best to check on-site rules. Some visitors found it awkward to take photos while carrying their belongings.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm would be useful for capturing both landscapes and interior details. A wide-angle lens can be great for the expansive parkland and gardens.
Drone photography is typically not permitted at National Trust properties without prior permission due to privacy and safety concerns. Always check the specific site's regulations.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful light for the house and gardens. Overcast days can also be good for capturing details without harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Inside the mansion, rules about prams and large bags might require some planning. Consider using the free lockers or carrying essentials in a smaller bag. The Victorian kitchen might spark curiosity in younger visitors. A picnic is highly recommended, allowing kids to enjoy their meals in the open air amidst the beautiful surroundings.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Couples might enjoy a romantic picnic amidst the picturesque landscapes or a leisurely exploration of the house's elegant interiors. Solo visitors can take their time soaking in the atmosphere, perhaps focusing on photography or simply enjoying the tranquility of the grounds. The drive off the M4 makes it an accessible day trip for those looking for a cultural and natural immersion.
🌳 Nature & History Enthusiasts
Nature lovers will appreciate the vast parkland, designed by landscape architects, offering stunning views and a chance to observe local flora and fauna. The formal gardens provide a more manicured beauty, contrasting with the wilder charm of the park. The opportunity to spot deer adds an element of wildlife appreciation to the visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Dyrham Park Estate
The estate offers several walking trails, ranging from gentle strolls to more challenging routes with steep paths and steps, all providing excellent views over the Severn Valley and surrounding countryside.Visitors can explore the formal gardens, which are beautifully maintained, and the expansive parkland, where you might spot the resident deer, though sightings can be infrequent.
For those who find the walk from the car park challenging, a shuttle bus service is available, making the estate more accessible for visitors with mobility issues, the elderly, and families with young children. This service operates on a donation basis.
Inside the Dyrham Park Mansion
When visiting the mansion, it's important to note that prams and large bags are not permitted inside. However, free lockers are provided for visitors to store their belongings. In some cases, visitors with newborns might be allowed to carry their bags in front, but this can make navigating the house and taking photos more difficult.
Despite these considerations, the house offers a fascinating journey through history. The attention to detail in the furnishings and decor provides a vivid impression of the era. It's a key part of the Dyrham Park experience, offering a contrast to the open spaces of the parkland and gardens.
Practicalities: Parking, Picnics, and Payments
For those who prefer to dine al fresco, Dyrham Park is an excellent location for a picnic. There are numerous spots, both sunny and shaded, perfect for relaxing with your own food. It's advisable to bring your picnic with you from the start of your visit, as retrieving items left in the car can be time-consuming.
To assist visitors, a shuttle bus service operates between the car park and the house, catering to those with mobility issues, the elderly, and families with young children. While this service is a donation-based, it significantly enhances accessibility to the main attractions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit