With the kids in Bristol: Dyrham Park

Having overindulged during Christmas, we decided to start the New Year by getting some well deserved fresh air at Dyrham Park. Located just outside Bath, this beautiful house and estate has everything a family requires for a full day out. I’m clearly not the only one who thinks so as on arrival it seemed like most of the West Country was also joining us.

It was a bitterly cold start to the New Year, however, that was not going to stop us. Our first activity was ‘The Lord of Misrule hunt’. Rarely do we visit the National Trust without learning something new and The Lord of Misrule was it on this occasion. The Lord, generally a peasant, was responsible for the Christmas festivities. The challenge for us was to scour the grounds in search of wooden Lords, who to me looked like jesters. So, with map in hand, off we set, and also joined the deer tour to see some wildlife.

One of the fun guided tours is a great way to explore the grounds

Our tour took us round some of the 270 acres of ancient parkland where a herd of fallow deer roam freely. Considering it was really busy, we were lucky enough to see the deer and get quite close. It was a moment to remember as my children’ faces lit up during this close encounter.

Having been suitably educated, we made our way to the children’s playground, which includes a toy farm and a wooden obstacle course. It’s a nice spot for a picnic too, although a bit cold on a winter’s day. With our tummies satisfied and in need of warmth, we headed to the house.

Looking for deer across the 270 acres of parkland

The house has a 17th century feel about it, although it was built many hundreds of years prior. It was acquired by William Blathwayt through marriage, and as we explored the house we were treated to some of his collection of artworks, furniture and Dutch Delftware. To help us navigate around the house the children were handed a quiz – something we’ve become accustomed to at National Trust properties and it always keeps the children entertained and involved.

The children were especially mesmerised by the harpsichord; mainly because it appeared to be playing itself. They also enjoyed exploring the Victorian kitchen, which contained a rotisserie that was turning itself.

Suitably warmed up, and with the children itching to run around again, we headed back out to the stunning gardens.

A hedge clipped into the shape of a face is just one of the features of Dyrham Park’s gardens

The gardens at Dyrham Park are a mix of blooming borders, impressive water features and natural gardens, with lots of interesting features and details like topiary hedges in the shape of giant heads. It gave me a real sense of Francis Hodgeson Burnett’s The Secret Garden, with something different to discover around every corner. Plus it was safe for my children to run free.

Once we’d completed our walk around the garden, we nipped into the cafe for a coffee and a cake. I opted for  a cream tea, which came with one of the biggest fruit scones I’ve ever seen. It was delicious. We had just enough time to catch the minibus back to the car park before the grounds were closed. Now that’s what I call a full day out.

Entry to the house and garden at Dyrham Park costs £13.50 for adults and £6.75 for children, while annual National Trust membership starts from £69. Find out more at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park