The free entry will only run on certain dates
Prior Park Landscape Garden makes for a perfect day trip(Image: Getty)
Visitors will be able to explore many of the National Trust’s historic manor houses and beautiful gardens for free this month. On certain dates, the organisation will be scrapping admissions fees as part of the Heritage Open Days festival at some of its most popular estates.
The free festival runs from September 12-21 and sees thousands of free events and experiences across the country at locations rich with history.
It is run by the National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and powered by local organisations and volunteers. The line-up includes six impressive National Trust sites within an hour’s drive of Bristol, as outlined below.
A spokesperson said: “This year sees the biggest programme yet in the festival’s 31-year history, with more than 5,800 events [nationally] including a wide range of places that usually charge entry fees, free sites that put on extra-special events for the festival, and access to many places that aren’t usually open to the public.”
“Every single Heritage Open Days event is free, including access to many sites that usually charge for admission. Some events require booking as outlined on event listings, but more than 3,600 need no booking at all.” Bristol visitors can read our guide to the local ‘hidden gem’ attractions opening up for free.
There are more than 200 National Trust sites and events nationally, according to the festival’s list of locations and experiences. We’ve rounded up some of the best options nearby below, along with the dates free entry is being offered, and the usual price of admission so you can see how much you’ll be saving:
Newark Park
The tea pavilion and outdoor tables(Image: Sophie Grubb/Bristol Live)
Distance from Bristol: 40-minute drive
When is it free? Newark Park will be offering free entry today (September 13) as part of Heritage Open Days 2025. Look out for the peacocks that wander the grounds (and try to nab visitors’ picnics)
Usual admission price: £15.40
Distance from Bristol: 30-minute drive
When is it free? Between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21
Usual admission price: Not applicable (not usually open to public except for booked accommodation in the manor house)
Avebury
Explore the wonderful garden at Avebury, Wiltshire(Image: National Trust Images / Emma Weston)
Distance from Bristol: 55-minute drive
When is it free? Enjoy free entry to Avebury Manor Garden and the Alexander Keiller Museum on Saturday 13 September. See the annual sculpture exhibition in the colourful Avebury Manor Garden, and learn more about the site’s history in the museum or on a tour.
Usual admission price: £7.20 for the museum plus the same for the garden
Dyrham Park
A long view across the park to the east front at Dyrham Park(Image: Shared Content Unit)
Distance from Bristol: 25-minute drive
When is it free? 10am-5pm on Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20
Usual admission price: £23.10
Tyntesfield
(Image: John Myers / Bristol Live)
Distance from Bristol: 20-minute drive
When is it free? Timings and tours are listed as:
Thursday 18 September: Estate 1000-1800, House 1030-1530, Cow Barn Café 1000-1700, Shop 1000-1730
Friday 19 September: Estate 1000-1800, House 1030-1530, Cow Barn Café 1000-1700, Shop 1000-1730
Saturday 20 September: Estate 1000-1800, House 1030-1530, Cow Barn Café 1000-1700, Shop 1000-1730.
Usual admission price: £22
Distance from Bristol: 40-minute drive
When is it free? Today (Saturday September 13) between 10am and 5pm
Usual admission price: £12.10
Elsewhere in the South West there are many more options for those happier to travel further afield. Other popular estates running free entry include Killerton House near Exeter, Barrington Court in Somerset, Knightshayes Court near Tiverton, Arlington Court near Barnstaple and Trengwainton Garden near Penzance.