Locals invited to experience Dyrham Park in a different light this summer

Local residents are being encouraged to experience Dyrham in a different light this summer, with a range of events being held after normal closing time at the site near Bath.

Evening light at Dyrham Park © National Trust/Beth Weston

From deer park walks to open air theatre, there’s a range of activities planned for the long evenings at the National Trust property on the outskirts of Bath.

On the summer solstice, Friday 21st June, Dyrham Park will be open for a few extra hours giving visitors a chance to experience the beauty of a summer evening, and take in the sunset and views.

Last entry is at 8pm and the park will stay open until 9.30pm.

The evening opening is a great opportunity to see Whitefield meadow at its finest, with lots of wildflowers in bloom.

The meadow, situated near the main car park, is home to daisies, clover, wild grasses and if you’re lucky you might even catch sight of an orchid. All flowers are visible from the carefully mown pathways.

Sunset deer park walks are also taking place on selected Tuesdays and Thursdays in June and July from 7.30-9pm.

You can join one of the guides on a leisurely guided walk around the park as the ‘golden hour’ sets in.

This is ideal for nature-lovers and photographers with exclusive access to the park after hours. Booking is essential and tickets are £10.

In August, you can go and see an outdoor performance of one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Performed in the open air by an all-male cast in Elizabethan costume, spectators can bring a picnic and a chair or blanket and make an evening of it. Performances are taking place on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd August and prices range from £10 per child to £17 per adult. Booking is essential.

Finally, there are bat walks taking place in September. Bring a torch for a stroll around the garden and park in search of bats. The guided walks take place on two Wednesdays – September 4th and 25th – from 7.30-9pm. Tickets are £5.65 and must be booked.

Senior Visitor Experience Officer Emma Aldred said: “Dyrham Park’s especially spectacular in the evening and we’re offering a wide selection of events and activities to allow visitors the chance to experience it this summer.”

Dyrham Park is open daily from 10am-5pm, with last entry one hour before close.

More information is available at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/DyrhamPark.