The hillfort on Hinton Hill overlooks the valleys and the confluence of two tributaries of the River Boyd. The Dyrham Circular walking route also reaches the hillfort and continues to Hinton. Points of cultural and historical interest include St Peter's Church in Dyrham and Hinton, Dyrham House and the Statue of Neptune in Dyrham Park. This gives you the chance to discover Hinton from a landscape, walking and cultural-historical perspective.
Hillfort and Walking Routes
The hillfort is also known as “Dyrham Camp”, “Barhill Camp” and “Burrills Camp”. The Dyrham Circular starts at the National Trust car park near Dyrham Park; the address given is Hinton, Chippenham, UK. As parking arrangements may change, check them before setting out. On the way back to the parkland at Dyrham, the route follows the Cotswold Way. It continues to Hinton and eventually reaches the hillfort on Hinton Hill.
The Dyrham & Hinton Trail is listed as Walk 4 in a South Gloucestershire Council guide to the Cotswold Way. The two route references provide different ways to find your bearings: the Dyrham Circular specifies the starting point at the car park and a section of the return route, while the Dyrham & Hinton Trail can be identified by its number in the guide.
Church and Memorials
St Peter's Church in Dyrham and Hinton is a Grade I listed parish church, the highest level of protection. Its origins date back to the mid-13th century; the tower and porch date from the early 15th century. Visitors to the National Trust’s Dyrham Park are invited to visit the church and attend services.
St Peter's Dyrham contains the tomb of George Wynter, who died in 1581, and his wife Anne, as well as a brass memorial to Sir Morys Russell and his wife that is at least 400 years old. Alongside the church’s building phases, these two memorials, each associated with named individuals, offer a glimpse into the church’s history.
Dyrham House and the Statue of Neptune
Dyrham House was originally a Tudor manor house and was rebuilt for William Blathwayt in the late 17th or early 18th century. William Talman completed the east façade by 1703. The Statue of Neptune in Dyrham Park was erected between 1700 and 1712; it was created by John Harvey of Bath.
These two examples offer different ways to explore the history of Dyrham Park: the house reveals its Tudor origins and later rebuilding, while the statue’s date and sculptor are known. Those interested in architecture can explore a history spanning several phases; the statue offers a distinct point of interest in sculpture.
Dining in Hinton
The Bull is a characterful 17th-century country pub and restaurant in Hinton. It serves seasonal British cuisine, Sunday roasts, local ales and traditional ciders. If you’re visiting for a particular dish, it’s worth checking the current menu, as the cuisine is seasonal.
Discover more destinations: Coalpit Heath, Hawkesbury, Tortworth, Wick, Marshfield, Brockworth, Acton Turville, Chippenham.
For the broader travel overview: South Gloucestershire.
