Lydiard Park Swindon
A historic Palladian house set in expansive parkland with gardens, a lake, and a popular playground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls & fewer crowds
Lydiard Park Swindon
Best Time
Peaceful strolls & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Palladian house set in expansive parkland with gardens, a lake, and a popular playground.
"A beautiful escape with lovely walking trails and plenty of green space for a peaceful day out."
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is paid, typically around £2.50. Budget for this when planning your visit.
🚶♀️ Accessible Paths
Wide, flat paths make it easy for strollers and wheelchairs. Great for all mobility levels.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lydiard House Museum
Lydiard House
Explore opulent 18th-century interiors and learn about local history in this charming Palladian house.
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Expansive Parkland & Lake
Main park area
Wander through vast green spaces, enjoy picnics, and stroll around the scenic ornamental lake.
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Walled Garden
Adjacent to Lydiard House
Discover beautifully maintained gardens, a delightful spot for a peaceful walk and photography.
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Playground & Open Fields
Designated play area
A fantastic spot for families, featuring one of the best outdoor playgrounds in the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best Time for Photos & Peace
Weekday mornings are also ideal for a peaceful stroll. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is paid, typically around £2.50. Budget for this when planning your visit.
🚶♀️ Accessible Paths
Wide, flat paths make it easy for strollers and wheelchairs. Great for all mobility levels.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the expansive lawns or by the lake.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (on leash)
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cannot enter food areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fees
Parking is paid, typically around £2.50. Budget for this when planning your visit.
🚶♀️ Accessible Paths
Wide, flat paths make it easy for strollers and wheelchairs. Great for all mobility levels.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the expansive lawns or by the lake.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (on leash)
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash and cannot enter food areas.
☕ Cafe & Tea Rooms
Grab a warming drink or snack at the Coach House Tea Rooms or Forest Cafe.
📸 Golden Hour Magic
Visit during golden hour for breathtaking photos of the park and house.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lydiard Park is widely praised as a beautiful and well-maintained escape, perfect for families and anyone seeking fresh air. Visitors appreciate the free entry, ample space, and accessible paths, though some find the museum experience limited and the walled garden fee a bit steep. Overall, it's considered a top outdoor spot in Swindon for a relaxing day out.
"Lydiard Park in Swindon is such a beautiful escape! The parkland is so well-maintained with lovely walking trails and plenty of green space to relax. Perfect for families with kids or anyone wanting a peaceful day out.
The historic house and church add a nice touch to the visit - really interesting to explore the local history. The lake area is particularly scenic and great for a quiet walk. Love how spacious everything feels here.
Great place for picnics, dog walking, or just getting some fresh air. Free parking is a bonus too! Definitely one of Swindon's best outdoor spots for a lovely day out."
Chaitanya Patil
"This is a wonderful park area to suit all kinds of needs, from children, to adults to small or big groups. It is also good for those with mobility probmms as it has wide flat paths. I liked that you can book a bbq on the large field, stroll to the lake, play on the fields or playground. Or even visit the museum. The parking is ample but I walked through a lovely forested memorial garden to get to the park and left by foot a different way. Well worth the visit. The cafe and ice cream were good. There’s also toilets… a bit old but clean and functioning.
Dogs have to be kept on a leash, and cannot go into food premises. But they do sell dog treats. The ice cream shop was very reasonably priced, delicious and value for money.
My dog had a good day! Also the @Artpass gets you into the museum for free!"
P_Addler
"Stunning location for a buggy friendly family day out! Highly recommend a visit! We accidentally landed here on Race for Life day so there was even more going on than usual but still with lots of quiet places to enjoy ☺️"
Kelly Holding
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lydiard Park is located on the western edge of Swindon. You can reach it by car via the M4 motorway (Junction 16) or by public transport, with local bus services available.
Yes, there is ample paid parking available on-site. The fee is typically around £2.50.
The park itself is free to enter and explore. You only need to pay for parking.
Yes, Lydiard Park is accessible by foot, with lovely walking routes, including through memorial gardens.
The postcode for Lydiard Park is SN5 3PA.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Lydiard Park is free. Tickets are only required for specific attractions like Lydiard House Museum.
The park grounds are generally open from dawn till dusk. Lydiard House Museum has specific opening hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is an admission fee for Lydiard House Museum. However, some passes, like the @Artpass, may grant free entry.
Lydiard Park offers facilities for events and conferences, and the Lydiard Park Hotel can host events.
Lydiard Park hosts various events throughout the year, including Christmas light switch-ons and food festivals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore Lydiard House Museum, wander through the walled garden, enjoy picnics in the parkland, walk around the lake, and let kids play at the playground.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic family-friendly destination with a great playground, open spaces for running, and the museum offers activities.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Lydiard Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. They are not permitted in food service areas.
Yes, there are toilets available on-site, which are described as clean and functioning, though perhaps a bit dated.
The park offers lovely walking trails, including a circular walk, with wide, flat paths suitable for all abilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are a couple of options: the Coach House Tea Rooms and the Forest Cafe. The Palm Bar & Restaurant at Lydiard Park Hotel is also available.
You can book BBQs on the large field, making it a great option for group gatherings.
The Lydiard Park Hotel has a restaurant, and there are cafes within the park.
The cafes offer warming drinks and snacks. Visitors have also enjoyed reasonably priced and delicious ice cream.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is a popular and encouraged activity at Lydiard Park.
📸 📸 Photography
The Lydiard House, the ornamental lake, the walled garden, and the open parkland with its free-roaming horses offer excellent photographic opportunities.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, provides the most beautiful light for capturing the park's scenery.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to check with park management.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and near heritage sites. It's best to check Lydiard Park's specific regulations before flying a drone.
You'll find Palladian architecture, manicured gardens, expansive lawns, a serene lake, and natural woodland areas, offering diverse photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The expansive parkland offers plenty of space for kids to run around freely, and the picnic spots are perfect for a family meal. Don't miss the chance to explore Lydiard House Museum, which often has family-friendly activities, especially during school holidays. The wide, flat paths also make it easy to navigate with strollers. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
The golden hour provides a magical atmosphere for photography and quiet contemplation. Consider visiting Lydiard House Museum to delve into local history, or simply find a quiet spot on the lawns to relax and read. 🐶 Dog Owners
The park also sells dog treats, so your furry friend can have a treat too! Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Lydiard House Museum
Visitors can explore various rooms, each telling a part of the house's story. While some visits might find only a handful of rooms open, the preserved elegance is still captivating. Beyond the house itself, the museum often hosts family-friendly activities, especially during holidays, making it an engaging visit for all ages.
The museum admission is a modest fee, but it's worth checking for potential discounts or free entry options with certain passes. Nature and Recreation in the Parkland
The park is also home to a beautiful ornamental lake, perfect for a peaceful stroll, though it's not suitable for swimming. For families, the park boasts one of the best outdoor playgrounds in the area, ensuring hours of fun for children.
The park also features well-maintained walking trails, including a popular circular route, making it a great spot for dog walkers (on leash) and anyone looking for a bit of exercise. Seasonal Delights and Events
Summer months are perfect for picnics and outdoor gatherings, with families flocking to the park. The park also hosts a variety of events, from festive Christmas light switch-ons with brass bands
to lively food festivals that showcase local produce and culinary delights. These events add an extra layer of excitement and community spirit to the park, making it a dynamic destination. Checking the park's schedule for upcoming events can enhance your visit. +1
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