Discover Dyrham Park
How fortunate we – and our guests – are to have one of the most magnificent of the National Trust’s properties in the neighbourhood! Dyrham Park – just a few miles away from Toghill House Farm along the A46 – is a splendid testament to Baroque architecture, surrounded by sensational gardens and parkland sprinkled with fallow deer (the Anglo-Saxon word “dirham” means an enclosure for deer – hence the name).
As we write, spring planting is about to start at Dyrham Park as the estate gears up for another colourful and vibrant summer season, welcoming visitors of all ages and stages who come from near and far to enjoy this noble and ancient repository of rich English heritage, and the grounds around it.
A Great Grand House with Ornate Interiors
The impressive mansion of Dyrham Park as it stands today dates from the late 17th century, when it belonged to one William Blathwayt.
That’s not where the story of Dyrham began though. Like any quintessential English grand estate it went through its ups and downs in the hands of successive prominent families over hundreds of years. If you have the inclination to find out more about the history of Dyrham Park, the link will take you to a very thorough synopsis on the National Trust website.
Thanks to the unbridled attentions of the National Trust over the 60 years since it has owned it, and a recent major conservation and restoration project to “create a more authentic, meaningful experience for visitors”, Dyrham Park is now resplendent as a sparkling example of the privileged 17th century lifestyle of its former inhabitants.
The ornate Baroque style interiors, adorned with Dutch masterpieces, are breathtaking. Perhaps not to all tastes, but definitely worth seeing, particularly the huge Great Hall which is the only part of the original Tudor house left intact when Blathwayt rebuilt it.
Little wonder it was a favourite film set for TV dramas like Poldark and Sanditon, and movies like The Remains of the Day.
Find out more about what to see in the Dyrham Park house.
Explore the Dyrham Park Gardens & Parkland
View along the Avenue with spring planting at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire
©National Trust Images/James Dobson
Beyond the mansion’s ornate interiors, Dyrham Park encompasses 274 acres of rolling parkland with far-reaching views, home to a herd of fallow deer that roam freely, much like they have for centuries. The landscape, originally crafted by renowned designer George London in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, features formal gardens, serene water features, meticulously placed statuary, a wildflower orchard and wooded terraces.
With all that wonderful outdoor space Dyrham Park is a magnet for walkers, which is why there is a busy programme of guided walks in operation, as well as plenty of marked trails to follow (ask for maps at the reception office).
In fact, the famed Cotswolds Way passes through Dyrham Park, connecting the Estate to Bath to the south.
Information for Dyrham Park Visitors – All You Need to Know
When you come and stay with us at Toghill House Farm you’ll never lack for great attractions to visit in the local area – and Dyrham Park is one we’d highly recommend.
There is ample pay and display parking on site. Admission and parking is free if you’re a National Trust member, or for the under-fives. Currently entry charges for non-members are:
- Adult (18+) £23.10 (with Gift Aid) £21.00
- Child (5-17) under 5s free £11.60 (with Gift Aid) £10.50
- Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £57.80 (with Gift Aid) £52.50
- Family with one adult £34.70 (with Gift Aid) £31.50
Dyrham Park is very family friendly with an adventure playground and there’s always trails and activities arranged for school holidays. No dogs though – assistance dogs only are allowed, because of the presence of the deer.
Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas in the garden and parkland, or make use of the café (open weekends only) or tea room.
We’ll be happy to point you in the right direction, but if you need the postcode to navigate it is SN14 8HY.
Opening hours vary seasonally, so best to check on the online calendar, or call 01179372501.