What to see this spring at Dyrham Park

Spring is in the air at Dyrham Park as the popular family Easter trail returns, a selection of rooms reopen in the house and the garden is brimming with colour. 

This season is always a popular one at the 270-acre South Gloucestershire National Trust site due to the fine display of tulips that burst into bloom in the Avenue in April. 

This year, visitors can also see a new exhibition which is on display in parts of the house that have never previously open the public. Open daily, ‘The world of William Blathwayt and the birth of modern Britain' provides a fascinating insight into the world of the late 17^th century when the Dyrham Park we see today was created for William Blathwayt. It explores how Blathwayt’s roles weaved into historic events and linked him to famous figures of the time.   

As well as the new exhibition, three ground floor rooms in the house will be open each afternoon from Friday 8 April while conservation and decorative work continues in the rest of the house. The rooms will allow visitors to get a taste of the 17^th century as they see some of the collection on display as well as in storage. The entrance to the house will be through the Greenhouse next to the house.  

More of the newly decorated and conserved rooms will reopen over the coming months as work is completed. 

Those looking for an outdoor adventure or with a sweet tooth can take part in Dyrham Park’s Easter Adventures in Nature trail taking place between Saturday 9 and Monday 18 April. Families can pick up a £3 pack on arrival and follow the trail around the parkland which culminates in a chocolate egg prize.   

Image - Dyrham Park, copyright Nation Trust Images - James Dobson

Visitor Experience and Operations Manager Ann Fiddler said: ‘It’s a really exciting time to visit Dyrham with new things to see and so many changes afoot. Spring’s a wonderful season here with tulips and spring flowers brightening up the garden as well as our ever-popular family-friendly Easter trail. The exhibition, which recently opened in a brand new space, is open each day as well as a small selection of rooms in the house.’  

The work in the house and exhibition are part of a site-wide project to revitalise Dyrham Park. The house has been closed to visitors since January. Work continues on creating parkland paths, restoring the garden gates, inside the main house and up at Old Lodge where new refreshment and play facilities are due to open later in the year. 

The tea-room, shop and second-hand bookshop are open daily and there are volunteer-led tours of the parkland, garden and conservation studio running on selected days – please check the website or on arrival for details and timings.  

Dyrham Park is open daily from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 4pm. The exhibition will be open from 10.30am to 3pm and the three rooms of the house will be open between 12pm and 4pm. House and exhibition opening times are subject to volunteer numbers. 

More information can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park