Summer is ending but there is plenty to look forward to at Lydiard Park this autumn.
The venue promises an exciting programme of events throughout September and October.
ITgets underway with Birds of Prey in the historic Walled Garden on Saturday 12 September, offering visitors the chance to experience the thrill of nature up-close.
Expert falconers will also share fascinating insights into the behaviours and adaptations of these impressive birds.
Music lovers can step back in time the following weekend with the 80s Experience on Saturday 19 September.
Disco Dollz will be performing live in the Luxborough Suite at Lydiard Park Hotel, before the DJ keeps the party going with all the favourite retro anthems.
Heritage Apple Day returns to Lydiard Park on Saturday 26 September, showcasing the park’s remarkable collection of rare apples.
The free event will feature apple-themed games, tastings and local produce for sale, including Lydiard cider and apple juice.
There will also be a free art exhibition featuring work from Billy Beaumont and Marilyn Trew, while visitors can create their own artwork with a free printing workshop.
For those looking to soak up some history, guided tours of Lydiard House, with a cream tea included, are available on selected dates in September.
An Autumn Paint & Sip takes place on Wednesday 7 October, when a talented teacher will guide participants through painting a beautiful scene using easy-to-follow steps.
Between 10 and 18 October, Lydiard House Museum will be holding a Rogues and Rascals Week.
The display will shed light on the notorious 1684 brawl involving MPs Henry St John and Edmund Webb, which resulted in the murder of Sir William Estcourt MP.
Visitors will be able to see a newly-acquired painting of Estcourt, as well as Henry St John’s official pardon from King Charles II.
Lydiard House Museum will be open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, from 10 to 18 October. Guided tours will also take place throughout the week, offering visitors the chance to hear more stories about some of Lydiard’s other rogues and rascals.
Adventure Cinema returns to Lydiard Park from 16 to 18 October for a special Halloween outdoor cinema experience. The programme includes cult classics such as The Lost Boys (15) and Hocus Pocus (PG), plus family favourites such as Coco (PG), Room on the Broom and Zog (U), and The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG).
Lydiard House Museum’s popular Ghost Tales returns on Friday 30 October. Visitors will step into the shadows and hear spine-tingling ghost stories in the atmospheric Main Hall of Lydiard House.
The programme concludes with Lydiard Park Hotel’s spooky Murder Mystery evening on Saturday 31 October.
Legend has it that the very room where guests will dine is haunted by a restless spirit, unable to find peace until the truth behind their shocking death is uncovered. Guests will enjoy an arrival drink and a three-course dinner curated by the hotel’s Executive Chef before being presented with evidence and challenged to uncover the killer - before the haunting takes a darker turn…
Cllr Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: “Lydiard Park is one of Swindon’s most treasured attractions and this autumn we’re offering something for everyone, from learning about birds of prey, to exploring fascinating stories from Lydiard House, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to make the most of this special place.
"I’d encourage people to book early to avoid disappointment.”
Cllr Jake Chandler, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and the Cabinet Member responsible for Country Parks, said: “Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Lydiard Park, with the changing colours providing a beautiful backdrop for a packed programme of events.
“Lydiard Park continues to be a valued green space for our communities, and we look forward to welcoming visitors throughout the autumn season.”
Tickets must be booked in advance for most events, with the exception of Heritage Apple Day.
Full event details and ticket information are available at www.lydiardpark.org.uk/events/
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