Lydiard House and Park

Take the family to visit Lydiard Park, a beautiful historic estate covering 260 acres of parkland on the western edge of Swindon. The estate includes a Palladian House, Church and Walled Garden and offers a fantastic day out for families with plenty of things to do and enjoy.

Begin your outing by visiting Lydiard House, which was home to the St John family for 500 years. There are fun family trails, free with standard admission, to encourage young visitors to explore the rooms with their original furnishings and family portraits and photographs. Step back to the past as you wander through the main hall, morning room, dining room, drawing room and the grand, ground-floor bedroom and dressing room.

Head outside to spend the rest of your day in acres of glorious parkland offering wonderful opportunities for family walks, runs or bike rides. The hugely popular play area is packed with colourful, state-of-the-art play and climbing equipment suitable for children of all ages. The children will be occupied for ages, climbing, swinging and sliding on features such as huge climbing frame Triaction Special and the Giant Octonet with its maze of rope ladders. Toddlers have their own dedicated play area.

Allow time to have a go at Jungle Parc, an aerial adventure activity which offers a Children’s Adventurer and Xplorer courses. The Adventurer Course is suitable for children aged over 3 years and the Xplorer course for children aged over 10 years and adults (minimum height is 1.35m). Charges apply for Jungle Parc and booking may be required.

If you need to stop along the way for refreshments, choose from the family-friendly Forest Cafe or enjoy the atmospheric setting of the Coach House Tea Rooms. Alternatively, cool down with an ice cream at the seasonal Park Parlour.

There are also BBQs available to hire and plenty of picnic spots too. Dogs are allowed in the grounds so four-legged family members can enjoy a fun-filled day out as well!

Admission to the grounds is free, charges apply to the House, Garden and Jungle Parc. Car park charges also apply. Please see www.lydiardpark.org.uk for opening times, ticket prices and other details.