St Mary's Church Lydiard Tregoze
A living medieval church with a 900-year-old font, ancient wall paintings, and a warm, welcoming community.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Open for visitors
St Mary's Church Lydiard Tregoze
Best Time
Open for visitors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A living medieval church with a 900-year-old font, ancient wall paintings, and a warm, welcoming community.
"Amazing to have such history right on your doorstep. Thankyou!"
🐶 Dog-Friendly Welcome
Friendly guides and even biscuits for your dog! A truly welcoming experience for all visitors.
🔑 Key Access
If not manned, get the key from Lydiard House or the stable rooms café with photo ID.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Norman Font
Inside the Church
A 900-year-old Norman font that is still in use today, a testament to the church's long history.
St. John Family Monuments
Inside the Church
Discover superb monuments and artifacts linked to the St. John family, offering a glimpse into Tudor dynasty history.
Medieval Wall Paintings
Inside the Church
Admire pre-Reformation wall paintings, including a rare scene depicting the murder of Thomas a Becket.
Historic Helmet
Roof of the Church
Look up to find an old helmet, likely from a funeral of a St. John family member, suspended from the roof.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Times
Combine with Lydiard Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐶 Dog-Friendly Welcome
Friendly guides and even biscuits for your dog! A truly welcoming experience for all visitors.
🔑 Key Access
If not manned, get the key from Lydiard House or the stable rooms café with photo ID.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours
Book private tours for an excellent, in-depth historical experience lasting about an hour.
🧒 Kids' Activity Trails
Engage younger visitors with fun activity trails designed for children.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐶 Dog-Friendly Welcome
Friendly guides and even biscuits for your dog! A truly welcoming experience for all visitors.
🔑 Key Access
If not manned, get the key from Lydiard House or the stable rooms café with photo ID.
🚶♀️ Guided Tours
Book private tours for an excellent, in-depth historical experience lasting about an hour.
🧒 Kids' Activity Trails
Engage younger visitors with fun activity trails designed for children.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Mary's Church Lydiard Tregoze for its rich history, well-preserved medieval features, and incredibly welcoming atmosphere. Many highlight the knowledgeable guides and the unique artifacts like the Norman font and wall paintings. It's often described as a hidden gem and a must-visit for history enthusiasts. +1
"Lydiard Park & Church are just 5 mins from Junction 16 M4. Easy parking 2 cafes & brilliant Church. Handy place for a break from driving on the M4.
Currently open for visitors most Friday & Sunday afternoons in addition to services. Great little church full of surprises lots of fascinating history some from 1100, Font is 900 years old and still in use. Recently £1m conservation restoration, supported by the Heritage fund. Church is still a place of worship described as "a living, loving & worshiping community in an historic building". Open most Fridays to Sunday in afternoons to view historical art work. Privates tours can be booked, excellent quality allow around one hour. Activity trails also available for children. Tea, coffee & refreshments nearby in stable rooms. See Web site for details: www.stmaryslydiardtregoze.org.uk"
Bryan Hutchinson
"Wandering around Lydiard Park on a dog walk with my brother, we stopped and looked into the Church. We were welcomed in, my dog was given biscuits, and we had a lovely guide telling us about the Church's history.
My brother & I who don't get to meet up very often, both said afterwards it was the highlight of our afternoon, lovely people, welcoming....and the history is just amazing.
We were both born in Swindon, amazing to have such history right on your doorstep. Thankyou"
Deborah Moore
"Lovely old church with a friendly vicar. It is also worth coming when there is no service to see the superb monuments and box pews. I like the old helmet ( presumably from a funeral of one of the St John family) that is on hook right up in the roof."
Peter Minett
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is easily accessible, located just 5 minutes from Junction 16 of the M4 motorway. Ample parking is available nearby, making it a convenient stop.
Yes, there is easy parking available near the church, which is also convenient for visiting Lydiard Park.
While specific public transport routes are not detailed, its proximity to the M4 suggests it's best reached by car. Check local bus routes for Swindon if traveling without a vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The church is typically open for visitors on Friday and Sunday afternoons, in addition to regular services. It's highly recommended to check the official website or Facebook page (#@SwindonsJewel) for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Entry to the church is generally free, though donations are always appreciated. Private tours may have a fee.
If the church is not manned during your visit, you can obtain the key by presenting photo ID at Lydiard House or the stable rooms café, both located very close by.
There is no specific admission fee mentioned for general visits, but donations are welcome to support the upkeep of this historic building.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore a 900-year-old Norman font, superb monuments to the St. John family, medieval wall paintings (including the murder of Thomas a Becket), and a historic helmet. The church's history dates back to 1100.
Yes, the church offers activity trails specifically designed for children, making it a family-friendly historical site.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to be respectful of ongoing services or other visitors.
Absolutely. It is described as 'a living, loving & worshiping community in an historic building,' and services are still held there.
Yes, private tours can be booked and are highly recommended for an excellent, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic insight into the church's history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are two cafes located nearby in the stable rooms, offering tea, coffee, and refreshments. These are also where you can collect the church key if needed.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best practice to consume food and drinks outside the historic church to preserve its interior.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the ancient Norman font, the detailed St. John family monuments, the unique medieval wall paintings, and the historic helmet suspended in the roof. The exterior architecture is also picturesque.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed, but always be mindful of services and other visitors.
The church's Facebook page, #@SwindonsJewel, features a great deal of photographs and provides a good visual preview of the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Lydiard Park for a full day out. The proximity to cafes in the stable rooms also means easy access to refreshments, perfect for a family outing. Remember to check opening times, as the church is often open for visitors on Friday and Sunday afternoons.
🚗 Road Trippers & M4 Stopovers
Easy parking and nearby cafes in the stable rooms make it a hassle-free stop. You can explore the ancient church, admire its historical artifacts, and then enjoy a coffee or snack before continuing your travels. It's a great way to add a unique cultural experience to your road trip without significant detours.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Living Piece of History
Recent conservation efforts, supported by the Heritage Fund, have ensured the preservation of its unique features. These include a Norman font that remains in use, intricate monuments to the St. John family, and remarkably preserved medieval wall paintings. The church also holds links and artifacts connecting it to the Tudor dynasty, offering a rich tapestry of historical narratives.
For those interested in a deeper understanding, private tours are available and highly recommended. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides who share the church's fascinating stories with enthusiasm. The church's Facebook page, #@SwindonsJewel, is also a valuable resource for visual exploration and updates.
Exploring the Interior Treasures
One of the most captivating features is the collection of medieval wall paintings. These pre-Reformation artworks include a rare depiction of the murder of Thomas a Becket, providing a vivid historical and artistic experience. Don't miss the unique sight of an old helmet suspended from the roof, believed to be from a funeral of a St. John family member.
For families, the activity trails offer an engaging way for children to discover the church's history. If the church isn't officially staffed during your visit, the key can be obtained from nearby Lydiard House or the stable rooms café with photo ID, ensuring you don't miss out on these interior wonders.
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