Family-friendly things to do at Dyrham Park

A family of two parents and three small children walk in single file along a path in front of a very low-rise box hedge and herbaceous border next to a building. — A family day out at Dyrham Park-South Gloucestershire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

There’s plenty for families to enjoy at Dyrham Park. Old Lodge parkland play area is fully open after a major revamp with a brand new café and ice cream kiosk. There are seasonal events all year round and you can also get involved with a range of ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ challenges.

Planning your family visit

Here is the information you need at a glance to help plan your next day out at Dyrham Park:

The play area in the parkland at Old Lodge also has a café and ice cream kiosk
Baby-changing facilities are available near the car park
Please don't bring bikes or scooters into the park
Lockers are provided where bags, pushchairs, large child carriers and food and drink can be stored, as these items can't be brought into the house
There are toliets on arrival by the car park, at Old Lodge in the parkland and down by the house
Picnics can be held at Old Lodge, on the lawn by the East Front and the orchard in the West Garden.

Family-friendly events

Nature tots at Old Lodge - term time from 12 March

The popular nature-based sessions for pre-schoolers will be back from mid March on Tuesday mornings in term time.

Summer of Play - Sat 20 July to Tue 3 Sep

Get active and creative with a wide range of activities in the great outdoors at Dyrham Park this summer. Challenge yourselves to do the 'Dyrham decathlon' or have a go at some arts and crafts. Activities will be free of charge, normal admission charges apply. Why not enjoy an ice cream at Old Lodge in the parkland or relax at a shady picnic spot in the garden? Put on your sun hat and come and make the most of being outdoors this summer.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Nature Explorers

Weekdays sessions will take place during the summer holidays for families to get involved with nature spotting activities. Check back for dates.

Check here for family-friendly events taking place this season.

Children and adult in play area at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire — Family in Old Lodge play area at Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Family-friendly things to do on the estate

Old Lodge play area

Old Lodge play area in the middle of Dyrham’s parkland has now reopened. Youngsters can play on climbing equipment, balance beams and a log tunnel and there are play kitchens. New paths have been laid between the car park and Old Lodge, to improve access to the parkland through the year. At Old Lodge there's a brand new café and ice cream kiosk, toilets, as well as the new play facilities.

Family-friendly things to do in the garden

The garden sits in the shadow of the main house and neighbouring St Peter's Church. There are plenty of inviting benches and spots to rest along the way.

The pool gardens with a gentle cascade are a relaxing place to wander round or take a break on a bench and relax.

Family-friendly things to do in the house

The main house is open daily from 11.30am following major conservation and decorative work. The new exhibition and basement are open too.

Rainy day activities for families

There's lots to do even on a drizzly day at Dyrham Park. Pop on your waterproofs and stride out in the parkland. There's plenty of sheltered spots next to the play area at Old Lodge in the parkland for undercover picnics as well as the indoor cafe there. The house and exhibition are filled with interactive opportunities for all ages including video, some 17th-century dressing up and plenty of replica objects to feel and explore. The basement houses temporary displays and installations as well as a second-hand bookshop brimming with books, jigsaws. games and DVDs. The main tea-room and shop also provide some welcome refuge from the rain, and there are giant umbrellas covering the tea garden so you can enjoy an al fresco ice cream and stay dry.

‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’

The ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾’ challenges young explorers to connect with nature through play. Many of the activities can be completed at Dyrham Park like cloud-watching or getting to know a tree. You will find more information available at visitor reception on your visit.

Find out more about which ‘50 things’ activities you can take part in this spring.

Italianate double staircase on the west front at Dyrham Park, Gloucestershire

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Plan your visit

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