Lydiard House & Park |
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Lydiard Park, the ancestral home of the Viscounts Bolingbroke, lies in beautiful parkland within easy reach of junction 16 on the M4. The Palladian house, stunning church, formal parkland and surrounding pasture are the striking remains of a great country estate, which reached its peak in the 18th Century. In 2005, the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded a major grant to restore Lydiard's historic landscape to its former glory. Major works including the reinstatement of the lost lake, unique ornamental walled fruit and flower garden and restoration of the 18th Century coach house for educational use. Avenues and pathways have been upgraded and a fantastic new children's play area opened in Autumn 2006.
The House
Lydiard House was rescued from ruin by Swindon Corporation in 1943, the ground floor State Rooms have been beautifully restored and are open to the public all year round. Visitors are free to wander at leisure through the elegant apartments where ornate plasterwork and original family furnishings are preserved alongside portraits of the St John family who lived here from Elizabethan times. More recent family photographs lend an intimate atmosphere to the House which is one of Wiltshire's smaller stately homes.
Lydiard's curious little blue Dressing Room is devoted to the talented 18th century society artist Lady Diana Spencer. Lady Diana married into the St John family becoming the 2nd Viscountess Bolingbroke. Some of her delightful floral wall panels and pictures of her children are on display.
A fascinating 17th century painted window by Abraham Van Linge is another favourite attraction. It contains over a hundred pieces of glass exquisitely painted with figures, flowers, strange mythical creatures, tiny flies and even an elephant.
Guide books are available as well as quiz sheets and discovery trails for families and children.
The Gardens & Park
Towering Cedars of Lebanon, the lakes, ancient avenues and sweeping lawn reveal Lydiard's formal parkland. The 18th Century ornamental fruit and flower Walled Garden has been faithfully restored and is open to the public all year round. The lawns and shady trees provide wonderful picnicking area in summer and, in early spring, the woodlands are carpeted with snowdrops.
Close to the main car park and visitor centre cafe, a fantastic new children's play area has opened with exciting swinging and climbing equipment and separate toddler play area.
The Church
St Mary's Parish Church, which stands behind the house, is one of England's finest small churches. It is richly packed with monuments to the St John family, including the Golden Cavalier, a life size effigy of Edward St John emerging from his tent in full battledress.The church key can be obtained from the House.
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Opening Times
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(2008 times)
Lydiard House and Walled Garden:March to October: Tuesday to Sunday 11.00am to 5.00pm and Bank Holiday Mondays 11.00am - 5.00pm. November to February: Tuesday to Sunday 11.00am - 4pm Closed 24th - 26th December. From mid-May, the walled garden will be open during same opening hours. The grounds of Lydiard Park: Open daily until dusk. closed: 25th December. |
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Admission Charges
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(2008 prices)
Entry to Lydiard Park and parking is free.Joint entry tickets to Lydiard House & Walled Garden: Adult £4.50; Senior Citizen £4.00; Child £2.25; Family £11.25. Tickets for Walled Garden Only: Adult £1.85; Senior Citizen £1.50; Child £1.00. Tickets for Lydiard House Only: Adult £3.50 Senior Citizen £3.00; Child £1.75. Discounts for pre-booked groups and SwindonCard holders. Under 5s free. For full information, please check website or call 01793 770401 |
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Directions
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From M4 take exit 16 (West Swindon) and follow the brown signs to Lydiard Park. From other directions: Follow signs to West Swindon and then the brown signs to Lydiard Park. Buses run frequently from Fleming Way in town centre (short walk from Swindon Railway Station), Thamesdown Transport Services 1 or 1A to Middleleaze or Ramleaze |
| Show map of Lydiard House & Park... |
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Lydiard House & Park Postcode for SatNav: SN5 3PA |
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Nearby Attractions
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Buscot Park
(11 Miles)*
Buscot Park was built by Edward Loveden Townsend in the 1770's. The house is a dignified example of late 18th-century taste for Italianate country houses. |
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Bowood House & Gardens
(12 Miles)*
People come again and again to rediscover the enchantment of Bowood - a family stately home embracing a whole world of fascination in the splendour of a bygone age. |
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Tom Browns School Museum
(12 Miles)*
The Museum is housed in the 380 year-old schoolroom which was featured in the novel "Tom Brown's School Days", first published in 1857. Its author, Thomas Hughes, was born in Uffington. |
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