NATIONAL Trust property Dyrham Park reopens for the season this week.

This year marks the first time part of the house, tea room and shop have been opened during the winter.

Opening this week during the school half-term holidays, the National Trust has made the historic kitchens in the house, the garden, shop, tearoom and park available, together with a host of family-focussed activities ranging from a trail in the park to a chance to make bird boxes and feeders.

Normally it was only the deer park which was open during the winter months but now, in common with other National Trust places, Dyrham is throwing open its doors from February.

Katie Morgan, visitor experience manager, said: “We’re really looking forward to opening again for 2014.

“It’s been a wet and windy winter and we’re looking forward to bringing everything back to life.

“This half-term is perfect time to put your wellies on and get outdoors, with our trails and bird activities as well as the brilliant 50 things campaign, there’s something for all the family.”

The RSPB will be joining the National Trust team to help show how to make bird boxes with families from Tuesday, February 18 – Thursday, February 20 (11am-3pm) at the Old Lodge in the park. The team will also be making bird feeders that families can take home with them.

The historic kitchens, garden, shop, tea room and park are now open from 10am 5pm seven days a week until the end of November.

The National Trust recently launched a £500,000 fundraising campaign towards a £3.5million project to repair the roof at Dyrham Park and safeguard the future of the historic house. The trust has already been able to find £3million for the project and is spending this year raising the rest of the remaining £500,000.

With over 160,000 visitors coming to Dyrham Park each year, the trust has pledged to keep the house open, even during the building work, which is scheduled to start in 2015.