Christmas is fast approaching which means time is running out to grab those last-minute presents and experience those magical festive moments. And while Bristol has a lot to offer in terms of festive fun, it can get extremely busy.
To avoid the queues and big crowds, travelling out of city might be a good option, and just a 30-minute drive away sits the village of Hinton in South Gloucestershire. It sits on the outskirts of Bristol and is perched on the edge of a National Trust landmark, Dyrham Park.
It is well worth the drive as Dyrham Park is home to 270 acres of historical beauty and a 17th-century Grade I listed building with a garden. The park itself is listed as a Grade II on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Tickets for an adult costs £19 and £9.50 for a child – it’s free for National Trust members.
The park has various Christmas events for the whole family to enjoy away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. The parkland and garden opens from 10am to 4pm, the house from 11.30am to 3pm and the tea-room opens from 10.30am to 3.30pm everyday until Monday, December 23.
The house is decorated with styles from six different eras from Tudor times right up to the 20th century. New this year is a 1980s room filled with colour, fun and authentic items from the decade of decadence. Visitors can work out which room matches which period, helped by decorations, yuletide customs and objects.
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Children can look out for tiny fancily dressed toy deer hiding in each room to match each era. There is also a reindeer discovery trail for children across the site.
Time your visit right and you can find the Christmas choir performing at the village church of St Peter every Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. There is also the National Trust Shop to explore, stocking a range of presents for your loved ones and a range of food and drink.
After you are done exploring the site, Hinton has a local pub that serves homegrown and locally-sourced food. The Bull is a 17th-century pub and since 2014 has been an independent pub.
Serving a range of dishes including their well-known faggots, their vegan sweet potato burger and fish and chips, their choices mean customers keep coming back for more. Adding on the many starters and desserts available, there is something for everyone.
One reviewer on TripAdvisor said: “Great cosy pub, superb customer service and a scrumptious Sunday Roast. Good play area for the kids. Defo worth a visit.” The Bull has an average of four and a half stars out of five with nearly 600 reviews.
Despite being located just two miles south of the M4, this quaint and quiet village may just be the escape from reality to truly enjoy a Christmas experience without the mad rush of being in Bristol.