Natural play areas open at Dyrham Park and Tyntesfield

The two National Trust properties near Bath and Bristol have created new natural play areas using natural materials and inspired by the history of each property. Both places have included new wooden sculpture trails and outdoor family trails guiding people through the parkland and woodland.

The Tyntesfield project will be celebrated with a series of events this weekend and is the result of working with local people.

“At Tyntesfield we have been working with local families and volunteers to create a fantastic family day out. Following extensive consultation and community involvement we now have four fantastic play areas for families to enjoy, ensuring that there is something for everyone, from little toddlers to older children and teenagers”, said Rebeca Medrano, Learning and Engagement officer and play project manager at Tyntesfield

The Dyrham Park family trail, which starts at the car park reception, takes visitors out through the lime avenues, open parkland and wooded areas past eight impressive new wooden sculptures, including an eagle, a fawn and a parrot, all inspired by the history of Dyrham Park.

Garden and Parks Manager at Dyrham Park, Dale Dennehy, said: “Families are so important to us and we want to give them everything they need to have a fun day out – this trail, the new play area and revamped Old Lodge make getting in touch with nature very fun indeed.”

Old Lodge has long been a favourite among families and the old play area there has been revamped with new creations to suit the under 5s and the under 10s. These include the much-loved tractors and wagon to climb on, a new viewing tower, mini maze and Cedric the model cow.

At Tyntesfield the National Trust team have created two new play areas, The Orchard play area, by the Pavilion café, and a woodland adventure play and sculpture trail. Children from 2 to 15 years old will be able to test their balance skills in The Orchard play area, where they will find stepping stones and boulders, balance logs and beams, giant apple crates and parallel ropes, as well as a well-loved old tractor.

The new woodland adventure play and sculpture trail takes families along the plantation woods and is a must for the most intrepid explorers. The play trail includes challenging play equipment including an enchanted tree house, a rope swing and a giant guano bird and its nest, celebrating the fertiliser industry which gave the Gibbs family, who lived at Tyntesfield, the money to develop the house and estate. The sculpture trail includes five wooden sculptures designed by a team of staff and volunteers working with a storyteller, and they are all inspired by Tyntesfield Spirit of Place – what makes Tyntesfield unique and special. Families will also find brass rubbings on the trail, so they are encouraged to take some paper and pencils to create a rubbing picture at each plaque they find.

The Farm play area, situated in the upper courtyard in Home Farm and already a favourite amongst local families, has been revamped and it now includes brand new play barns.

To celebrate the launch of the play areas at Tyntesfield, on Saturday 14 February there will be a full day of activities including storytelling, den-building, apple-bobbing, roasting marshmallows, sipping hot chocolate by the fire and climbing on a giant guano bird.