Background

Dyrham Park: A Majestic 17th-Century Baroque Estate with Expansive Parkland

Explore Dyrham Park’s majestic 17th-century mansion, vast deer-filled parkland, and elegant gardens for a serene blend of history and nature.

4.6

Dyrham Park is a grand National Trust estate near Bath, featuring a stunning 17th-century baroque mansion set within 270 acres of ancient parkland. Visitors can explore beautifully restored historic rooms, formal gardens with a new parterre, peaceful wooded terraces, and an orchard. The estate is renowned for its fallow deer herd, cascading pool gardens, and family-friendly amenities including a play area and café. It offers a tranquil blend of heritage, nature, and scenic walking trails.

A brief summary to National Trust - Dyrham Park

  • Chippenham, Dyrham, Bath, SN14 8HY, GB
  • +441179372501
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 2 to 5 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy quieter garden and park walks.
  • Take part in guided garden or parkland tours offered on selected days for expert insights.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the orchard or on the East Front lawn with scenic views.
  • Use mobility vehicles available for easier access across the steep parkland terrain.
  • Explore the family-friendly play area and take the ’50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenge.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    Driving from Bath, the journey to Dyrham Park takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes via the A46 and B4058. Parking is available on-site with moderate fees. Note that the parkland terrain is steep in places, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

  • Bus

    Local bus services from Bath to Chippenham run regularly, with a travel time of about 45 to 60 minutes. From Chippenham, a taxi or rideshare service is recommended for the 10-minute onward journey to Dyrham Park due to limited direct public transport.

  • Train and Taxi

    Travel by train to Chippenham from major nearby cities such as Bristol or Bath, with journey times around 20 to 30 minutes. From Chippenham station, taxis are available for the 5-mile trip to Dyrham Park, taking approximately 10 minutes.

  • Walking

    For local visitors staying nearby, walking to the estate is possible but involves navigating uneven and steep parkland paths. Expect a 30 to 45-minute walk from Dyrham village center, suitable for those with moderate fitness and mobility.

National Trust - Dyrham Park location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

Unlock the Best of National Trust - Dyrham Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about National Trust - Dyrham Park

A Historic Baroque Mansion Revived

Dyrham Park’s centerpiece is its magnificent 17th-century baroque mansion, built by William Blathwayt, a notable civil servant. Recently completed conservation and decorative works have restored the house to its former glory, with beautifully redecorated rooms featuring oak wainscoting, walnut panelling, and leather-hung walls. The interior is enriched with a fine collection of paintings, furniture, and Dutch Delftware ceramics, including three prized items recognized among the National Trust’s 125 Treasures. Visitors experience a multi-sensory journey through history with interactive exhibits, ambient music, and scents that evoke 17th-century life.

Expansive Parkland and Wildlife

Surrounding the house, 270 acres of ancient parkland unfold, home to a free-roaming herd of fallow deer that add to the estate’s serene atmosphere. The landscape offers panoramic views stretching towards Wales and features steep, uneven terrain in places. Well-maintained walking paths invite exploration of the rolling countryside, while mobility vehicles assist visitors with accessibility needs. The parkland’s natural beauty is complemented by wooded terraces and open grass areas perfect for picnics and relaxation.

Gardens of Elegance and Innovation

The formal gardens at Dyrham Park are a highlight, boasting a newly created parterre that reconnects to the original 17th-century garden plans. Visitors can stroll through the orchard—historically linked to the estate’s tradition of perry (pear cider) making—and enjoy the pool gardens with their gently cascading waterfalls. Seasonal garden tours led by expert volunteers reveal the estate’s horticultural heritage and ongoing developments, enriching the visitor experience.

Family-Friendly Facilities and Activities

Dyrham Park welcomes families with a recently revamped play area located at Old Lodge within the parkland. This area includes a café, ice cream kiosk, and restrooms, making it a convenient spot for children and adults alike. The estate offers a popular ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ challenge, encouraging young visitors to engage with nature and history. Additional amenities include a large tea-room decorated in Delftware blue and white, picnic spots in the orchard and East Front, and a National Trust shop selling gifts, books, and gardening items.

Access and Visitor Experience

The estate is open year-round except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, generally from 10am to 5pm or 6pm depending on the season. Entry to the house is from the East Front with level access to the ground floor, while the first floor is accessible via an electronic photobook for wheelchair users. Assistance dogs are allowed due to the presence of deer, but other dogs are not permitted. Guided walks on selected days explore the parkland’s history, archaeology, and tree varieties, providing deeper insight into the estate’s significance.

A Blend of Heritage, Nature, and Tranquility

Dyrham Park offers a unique combination of architectural grandeur, natural beauty, and engaging visitor experiences. Whether admiring the historic interiors, wandering through extensive gardens, or spotting deer in the expansive parkland, visitors find a peaceful retreat rich with cultural heritage and scenic charm. The estate’s careful conservation ensures that its stories and landscapes endure for future generations to enjoy.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Popular Experiences near National Trust - Dyrham Park

Popular Hotels near National Trust - Dyrham Park

Select Currency