My husband and I are members of the National trust. For anyone who is unfamiliar with the National Trust it is the organisation which looks after many stately homes and gardens as well as large swathes of countryside in England. It is a charity and membership fees help pay for the conservation and upkeep of the property and land. It is also possible to pay an individual admission fee to each property.
I thought I would share two of my favourite local gardens for a relaxing afternoon walk.
This house was built in the early 17th century by William Blathwayte who was a friend of William of Orange and had worked in the Netherlands so it has a decidedly Dutch feel. It is particularly noted for its Delft china and Spring Tulip Festival. It is on the edge of the Cotswolds and is an ancient deer park. Unfortunately the deer were culled last year due to a serious outbreak of bovine tuberculosis. The National trust want to reestablish the herd in the future.
It has a good play area for children. Dogs are not allowed in the deer park but there is also a separate dog walking area. The roof of the house was recently replaced and last year visitors were able to walk around the scaffolding and see how the house was constructed. As well as a large park there is a lovely well-maintained garden with a lake and newly opened terraces to explore. In spring, it is well worth visiting just to see the snowdrops.
A free shuttle bus takes people from the car park to the house or you can enjoy walking through the parkland though be warned there are steep hills. It has a good café with outdoor seating and a large gift shop. The basement also houses a second-hand bookshop.
Visit the NT Durham Park website for more information and to check opening times and prices.
At present some rooms in the house are undergoing refurbishment and are closed to the public.
Prior Park Landscape Garden
This garden is on a hill above the city and has wonderful views over Bath. The Bath Skyline walk starts close by.
As there is not much parking nearby we catch the number 2 bus from Bath bus station. It is also served by the hop on hop off tourist bus. The house was owned by Ralph Allen who was associated with the introduction of the 1d post. The landscape garden was partly designed by Capability Brown with some suggestions from the poet Alexander Pope. It has plenty of shady woodland and lakeside walks and a small café. The original house is now a college and not open to the public.
It is on a steep hill so not suitable for disabled visitors. It is most famous for its Palladian Bridge which is listed on a website as one of the ten most romantic places to propose in the west country. The last time we were there a bride and groom were having wedding photos taken. If you plan to do this make sure you bring suitable footwear as the paths are steep and can be muddy.
You could even book a professional Somerset wedding photographer to capture the special occasion.
Prior Park Landscape Garden click the link to find out more.
If you would like to read more of my posts about Bath here are a few links to other posts.
Coombe Down and the story of Bath Stone
As usual, I would love to hear your comments. I read them all.
To find out more about National Trust membership. How to become a member of the National Trust
9 responses to “Two National Trust properties to visit near Bath.”
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I love going for long walks. These places look like great places for relaxing walks. Love the way they look.
Both look totally beautiful, I love the outdoors! Dyrham Park looks so picturesque and peaceful x
I love NT places and I hope to visit ones nearer Bath and Bristol soon as my son will be at uni close by
We recently became National Trust members and have used it so many times – it’s such a good investment! We’re visiting near Bath later in the year, so I’ll have to remember these places 🙂
They look like lovely places to visit. I really like that 2nd photo 🙂