Our enthusiasm for a family day trip took a hit early on due to unexpected road closures on the main route from Bristol to Newark Park via Wotton-under-Edge. Despite the National Trust website’s clear warning about significant roadworks, we missed the notice and found ourselves lost more than once, leading to some tense moments and debates about whose fault it was (clearly not mine). To add to the challenge, our toddler napped during the winding journey, foreshadowing a likely bedtime struggle once we arrived.
Parking was another minor hurdle, with an uneven surface giving us a bit of trouble as we pushed the stroller toward the entrance. Although slightly frazzled, we were eager to present our National Trust membership cards—a thoughtful gift that has encouraged us to explore family-friendly sites around Bristol. Among our top favorites are Dyrham Park and Tyntesfield House, although these charge around £20 for adult entry. By comparison, Newark Park offers a more affordable ticket at £10 per adult or £25 for a family group of two adults and up to three children.
A short, pleasant walk from the car park brought us to the estate’s grandeur, where we were greeted by an unexpected visitor: a magnificent peacock exhibiting its iridescent turquoise feathers and strutting proudly before the house. This delightful surprise wasn’t mentioned in our hurried research due to the earlier route troubles, making it even more memorable. As visitors gathered to capture photos, the peacock flaunted its splendid plumage with evident pleasure.
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The Tudor hunting lodge itself stands majestic against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush countryside, with another elegant peacock parading nearby on the manicured lawn. Close by, the estate map led us to the ‘tea pavilion’—a charming café kiosk offering outdoor table service, complete with shelter perfect for less-than-sunny days. We were fortunate to enjoy warm sunshine with our coffees and cakes during a relaxing outdoor picnic.
A humorous sign outside the pavilion caught my eye: “Please do not feed the peacocks. Human food isn’t good for them and they might peck you.” Our toddler didn’t quite grasp the warning, resulting in several scramble moments to retrieve sandwich crumbs before the surprisingly quick Percy—the peacock’s name—could snatch them. Naughty Percy clearly learned that toddlers enjoy tossing lunch scraps, and his frequent visits amused us, though other visitors were less keen, especially when he began interrupting their cream teas.
The situation escalated to the point where a staff member rushed out to shoo Percy away from the café area. Undeterred, Percy darted around the side, intent on being fed, only to later reappear perched smugly on the café roof. We could have happily spent more time watching his antics in the sunshine, but instead headed toward the house to explore the beautifully maintained gardens, bursting with blooms this season.
Volunteers and staff were busy pruning and planting, with one enthusiast sharing details about a unique lilac poppy they were tending. Inside, the house’s quirky combination of Tudor architecture and 1970s decor—thanks to restoration work during that era—creates an intriguing atmosphere. Knowledgeable volunteers stationed throughout the three floors offered fascinating insights into the estate’s history, and a cozy library upstairs provided affordable books alongside stunning views over the grounds.
Though a woodland play area featuring carved animals exists within the estate, we unfortunately didn’t manage to visit it ourselves. While some larger National Trust estates boast expansive playgrounds and trails, our daughter found plenty of joy simply running on the lawns and spotting the local peacocks.
Newark Park may not fill an entire day’s itinerary, but its charm and reasonable prices make it an excellent destination, whether you’re a National Trust member or visiting for the first time. Just be sure to plan your route carefully to avoid unnecessary detours!