Following on from the success of last year’s event, the old cider press is back – where you can try your hand at crushing pears to make your own delicious pear juice. There will be harvest crafts, Morris dancing with Pigsty Morris troupe and Malmesbury Morris dancers, live folk music with The Island Folk Choir, local produce samples, mulled perry, pear bobbing, an orchard trail and harvest cakes and more.

This year’s pear harvest will be celebrated with a weekend of perry pear related activities held by the National Trust at Dyrham Park.

The gardens are home to a St Nichol’s orchard, which is made up of many perry pear trees crafted from trees which are over 200 years old. Each year, the team harvests the pears to make Dyrham Park perry. There are also some ancient pear trees in the lost terraces and pears growing, vine-like, along the stable wall.

Taking place on Saturday 3 October - Sunday 4 October, 2015, you’ll be able to learn all about perry making and old Gloucestershire folklore and take home bottles of golden perry cider with you or local pear juice.

Dyrham Park perry – still and sparkling varieties - is only available in the National Trust shop and tea-room on site.

Beth Taylor, Outdoor Visitor Experience Officer at Dyrham Park, said: “Dyrham Park’s perry orchard is a magical place which comes alive during this now annual celebration. It’s great seeing so many people get involved with the pressing and other activities and leaving as full pear converts. Other National Trust places have their apple days – we’re pleased to be able to champion the humble pear.”

Dyrham Park is situated just off junction 18 of the M4 – 8 miles north of Bath and 12 miles east of Bristol. The park is open daily from 10am-5pm (last entry one hour before close). Throughout 2015 new areas and exhibitions are on offer while the roof is replaced, with the upper floors of the house closed to visitors.

There is no extra charge for the perry pear event, but normal admission prices to Dyrham Park apply.

More information is available at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/DyrhamPark