Crowned with a balustrade and with fine views over its ancient deer park, Dyrham was built between 1691 and 1702 for William Blathwayt, William III's Secretary at War and Secretary of State. The rooms have changed little since Blathwayt furnished them and their contents are recorded in his housekeeper's inventory. There are many fine textiles and paintings, as well as items of blue-and-white delftware, reflecting the contemporary taste for Dutch fashions. Restored victorian domestic rooms open, including kitchen, bells passage, bakehouse, larders, tenants' hall and Delft-tiled dairy. The car park has been relocated to the East Lodge and a free bus now takes visitors to and from the house, thereby restored to its original, car-free, setting. Audio tours of the house, colour souvenir guidebook and a CD-ROM are available to purchase. Opening details
- House open from April to October, from 12:00pm-5:30pm with last admissions at 4:45pm. It is open from Friday to Tuesday, but closed on Wednesday and Thursday
- Garden open the same months as the house, but from 11:00am-5:30pm, or dusk if this is earlier
- Park open daily (closed 25th December) from 12:00pm-5:30pm or dusk if this is earlier. It opens at 11:00am when the garden is open
- Winter opening for domestic rooms: November to December, Saturday and Sunday 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Picnics are welcome in the park, but for parties of more than 20 people please telephone in advance. No barbecues are allowed.
Contact details
Dyrham Park House
Dyrham Park
Nr Chippenham
SN14 8ER
Tel: 01179 372501
Fax: 01179 372501
Email: wdymxa@smtp.ntrust.org.uk