Around Somerset, Bath and Bristol, National Trust places are sparkling after their winter cleans and gardens are bursting into life. There’s loads going on this season, from celebrations of spring and garden tours to spring markets, Easter Egg Hunts, outdoor theatre and much more.
Image: Easter trail at Tyntesfield.
What’s more, every time you experience a National Trust day out, you help care for these special places for future generations.
Barrington Court
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/barrington-court
Spring market
Fri 8 to Sun 10 April, 10.30am-4pm
Held in the historic Cow Shed, the Barrington Court Spring Market showcases a variety of products that have been crafted by local artists.
Price: Entry to the market is free but normal admission applies if you want to visit the garden, grounds and café
Woodwork week
Sat 28 May – Sun 5 June, times vary
Join us for a week of woodworking and rural skills at Barrington Court. Try your hand at willow weaving, tree climbing or watch a falconry display on the South Lawn.
Price: normal admission prices applies. There may be an additional charge for some activities.
Dunster Castle
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle
Local walks
Every day
Grab your walking boots and discover Dunster Castle and the surrounding area on one of our new downloadable self-led walks. With several walks to choose from, you can be sure to find one that suits.
Price: Free, normal admission applies if you want to visit the castle, garden, and watermill.
May half term
Sat 28 May – Sun 5 June
This half term, take the whole family on a walk through nature as you explore Dunster through the decades with a trail to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Price: £2 per trail, normal admission prices apply.
Outdoor Theatre: Twelfth Night
Sun 29 May, 7pm (doors open at 6pm)
The Three Inch Fools are dusting down their musical instruments and hitting the road with Shakespeare’s riotous comedy, Twelfth Night. Prepare for an evening of mischief and hilarity, as five actors present an inventive take on this rip-roaring comdey, fit for all the family.
Price: £18 Standard / £10 Under-18 / Free under-5 / £50 Family (2+2)
Dyrham Park
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park
Conservation studio tours
Tues – Fri until 8 April, on the hour between 11am and 3pm
Take a look how we care for the collection behind the scenes at Dyrham Park with our volunteer guides. Subject to volunteer availability - please check on arrival.
Price: normal admission prices apply. Booking not required.
Guided garden tours
Selected dates (check website) at 11.30am and 2pm
Discover the best of the seasonal blooms, learn about the garden’s history and find out about upcoming projects. Walks are subject to volunteer availability - please check on arrival.
Price: normal admission prices apply. Booking not required.
Guided parkland tours
On select days (check website) at 10.30am and 1pm, 10.30am and 2pm from April
Learn more about the site's history, archaeology, management and significance.Walks are subject to volunteer availability - please check on arrival.
Price: normal admission prices apply. Booking not required.
Dyrham village walks
Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 1pm - 2.30pm from 11 May
Travel back in time to the year 1704 and discover the different families and trades in Dyrham village and their connections to the main house at Dyrham Park.
The tour is limited to eight people – please collect ticket on arrival.
Nature trails
Tue 31 May and Thu 2 Jun, 11am-12pm and 2-3pm
The parkland trail will start outside the shop and include family activities based around 50 things to do before you’re 11 and ¾. Discover different types of grass, have a go at identifying some bugs and create some wild art.
Price: normal admission prices apply. Booking not required.
May half term
Sat 28 May - Sun 5 Jun
Jubilee-themed activities for all the family will be taking place around the parkland and garden. Please check the website for more information.
Price: normal admission prices apply.
Fyne Court
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fyne-court
Sparks at Fyne Court, a talk on the history of the Lovelace family.
Fri 8 April, 6pm-7pm
Join local historian, Dr David Taylor, as he brings Ada Lovelace (Lord Byron’s daughter) to life. He will discuss her colourful life, her loves and her connections with Fyne Court and the Crosse family who lived there in the 19th century.
Price: £5. Booking essential 0344 249 1895.
May half term
Sat 28 May – Sun 5 June
Explore the springtime gardens as you follow our trail and take part in natural craft activities in the Music Hall.
Price: normal car park charges apply.
Lytes Cary Manor
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lytes-cary-manor
Markets at Lytes Cary Manor
23 & 24 April and 29 & 30 May, 10am-3pm
Pop by for a spot of shopping at our craft market weekends. There will be arts, crafts and produce all from local artisans.
Price: entry to the market is free but normal admission applies if you want to visit the house, garden and estate.
West Wing open days
Tues 10 to Fri 12 May
This hidden gem of National Trust will be opening it doors - giving everyone a chance to wander round the beautiful holiday cottage at Lytes Cary Manor. The sumptuous seven-bedroom West Wing was added at the beginning of the 20th century by the Jenner family, but was designed in late 17th century style and features fine period furnishings, grand full-length portraits and dark wood-panelled walls.
Price: Normal admission prices apply
Montacute House
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/montacute-house
Spring escapades
Fri 1 March - Fri 31 May, 10am-3pm
Climb to the top of St Michael's Hill and discover one of the best views of Somerset. The walk is about 3.5km and you will need to follow the purple way markers out through the parkland (ask at Visitor Reception to help locate the start point).
Price: normal admission prices apply if you visit the house and garden.
Croquet at Montacute House
Everyday (except Wednesdays) in April and May
Stop by Montacute House for a spot of croquet on Cedar Lawn this spring. There’s no charge for the use of the equiptement which can be borrowed from Visitor Reception. Children must be supervised. The croquet set may not be available during bad weather.
Price: normal admission applies.
Prior Park Landscape Garden
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/prior-park-landscape-garden
Garden tours
Every Tue and Thu, 11am from the end of April
These informative guided tours lead you through historic Prior Park, giving you a chance to find out about the project to restore the Georgian dams at the bottom of the garden.
Price: normal admission prices apply.
Wild garlic season
Wild garlic carpets the garden in spring, with a sprinkling of tiny flowers, and a delicate scent. You can forage for the best leaves to take home, and pick up some recipe cards.
Price: normal admission prices apply.
May half term
Sat 28 May – Sun 5 Jun
Take part in our jubilee-themed quiz this half term and put your royal histocial knowledge to the test.
Price: normal admission prices apply. Booking not required.
Tyntesfield
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield
Head Gardener’s trail of the house at Tyntesfield
Daily from Mon 4 April 5th June, 10.30am-3pm
To celebrate the start of spring we asked our Head Gardener to help us bring the outside in, with self-led garden-themed trail in the house. Learn about the Gibbs family’s passion for gardens, and about how nature and wildlife inspired Tyntesfield’s design.
Price: normal admission prices apply.
Wellington Monument
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wellington-monument
From Sat 9 April – check the webiste for exact dates and times.
Climb up the spiral staircase inside Wellington Monument and enjoy the breathtaking views from the top. The tours begin at the base of the monument with a safety briefing and overview of its history and the recent restoration project.
Price: £5 per person. Booking essential at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wellington-monument
Easter Egg Hunts with the National Trust
From 9 April 2022
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/easter-egg-hunts-in-the-south-west
Join us for our Easter adventures in nature trails at many of the places we care for across Somerset this spring. There'll be lots of fun for you and your family on your trail as you do your nature-inspired activities. Complete the trail and collect your Rainforest Alliance chocolate egg.
Price: £3 per trail, normal admission prices apply.
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