Lydiard Park is a beautiful historic estate on the western edge of Swindon. A Palladian House, church and walled garden are set in 260 acres of parkland which includes a picturesque lake and Jungle Parc, a two high-wire, high-adrenaline adventure course set in the treetops next to an adventure playground.
There’s a wealth of history waiting to be discovered as you tour round the state rooms of Lydiard House, celebrated for its ornate plasterwork, original furnishings and family portraits dating back to Elizabethan times.
Next door, St Mary’s Church, renowned as one of the best churches in England, holds further monuments to the St John family, including the unique polyptych and Golden Cavalier statue.
The park’s Georgian ornamental walled garden has been faithfully restored with stunning displays of flowers, fruit trees and topiary. In the woods there is more evidence of this once-great country estate, including the castellated dam wall, an ice house and grand avenues.
Dogs are allowed in the grounds and the park is a lovely destination for a walk, run or bike ride. There are barbeques available to hire in the summer and lots of picnic spots.
Lydiard Park runs large scale events, particularly in the summer, including open air theatre, live music, the Luna Cinema, and more.
An onsite venue, Lydiard House and Annexe, is a stunning and unique location for wedding receptions, as well as birthdays, anniversaries and other celebratory parties or dinners. Facilities include 31 en-suite bedrooms.
The Parkside Bar and Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant with a light airy interior and beautiful view of Lydiard Park. The food here is fabulously unfussy and dishes are created and cooked from the wonderful natural Wiltshire larder.
Lydiard Park is very close to junction 16 of the M4 and a 15-minute taxi ride from Swindon station. There are direct train services from London, South West England and South Wales.
Admission to the park is free, but you need to pay to park, whether you park in a designated space in one of the car parks or on a grass verge. For tariff information, visit the Lydiard Park car park page on the Swindon Borough Council website.
Contact
Lydiard House & Park
Lydiard Tregoze
Swindon
SN5 3PA
Tel: 01793 466664
Email: lydiardpark@swindon.gov.uk
Ticket Prices
Admission to Lydiard House Museum
Adult £5
Child (3-15 years) £1.50
Senior/Student (60+) £2
Under 3s Free
See lydiardpark.org.uk for a range of family tickets.
Admission to the Walled Garden
Adult £2.50
Child (3-15 years) £1.50
Senior/Student (60+) £2
Under 3s Free
Opening Times
Lydiard Park is open every day from 7.30am to dusk (except Christmas Day). Please note that the Hook Street gates to the Park are now locked at 5pm each evening. The Hay Lane entrance, however, is not locked and is open for vehicle access 24 hours.
Toilets at the Forest Cafe are open from 7.30am to 9.00pm daily. Toilets at the Coach House tea room are open from 8.30am to closing time. Accessible toilets are available alongside the Forest Café and the Coach House tea room.
Lydiard House Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm (last admission 3:30pm). The museum may close for booked events, so please check before visiting.
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