From murder to man’s best friend, Lydiard Park is set to welcome a bumper programme of events aimed at delighting and entertaining.
The country park has already hosted its annual Wedding Showcase last month, but the events are set to continue into Spring and beyond.
Mother’s Day is on Sunday 15 March, and for people looking to treat your mum to a special treat there will be Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea at Lydiard Park Hotel, which features live performances by talented harpist Ruth Kenyon.
Guests will be able to indulge in a specially crafted afternoon tea featuring homemade sandwiches, scones, sweet treats and a glass of Prosecco for £35 per person.
For those looking to flex their detective skills, murder mystery evening ‘Murder Beyond the Manor’ takes place on Saturday 28 March. Prospective sleuths can step back to the roaring twenties for an evening of intrigue, betrayal and a three-course dinner that’s to die for.
Children are invited to take part in the much-loved Lydiard Park Easter Trail on Sunday 5 April. What’s more, this year little ones can join in the park’s Easter Bonnet Parade.
Those taking part can make a whimsical, cute or traditional Easter bonnet at home and show off their creations in the Lydiard Park Walled Garden.
Mayhem of Mad4Animals also returns to the park in April. Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 promise to be a weekend filled with animals - including snakes and spiders - plus entertainment and learning.
On Saturday 2 May, the country park is once again hosting the hugely successful Cancer Research UK Race for Life. Walk, jog or run a 3k, 5k, 10k or Pretty Muddy course to raise money for life-saving research.
Around 2,500 people took part in 2025, raising over £225,000 for Cancer Research UK.
One of the exciting new arrivals at Lydiard Park this year is The Big Bark, billed as Swindon’s ultimate dog-lover festival. Visitors can bring their best pup to the country park on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May for a weekend of canine fun with interactive activities, demonstrations, a doggy café and expert advice.
For those who fancy themselves to be a bit of a Dancing Queen, the ABBA Tribute Night at Lydiard Park Hotel on Friday, 22 May is described as the perfect opportunity to be thankful for the music and let your hair down with ABBA’s greatest hits performed by ABBAholics.
Paulo's Circus arrives at the country park from 19 to 28 June, where world-record breakers meet mechanical marvels and the King of Clowns takes centre stage.
The much-anticipated Swindon Balloon Festival returns on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 July. Visitors can enjoy two days of family fun with hot air balloon flights, living history demonstrations, a parachute display, breathtaking night glow, and so much more.
Open air theatre also returns over the Summer with two shows – Romeo & Juliet on 25 July and The Jungle Book, on 2 August, both in the Walled Garden near Lydiard House. Award-winning Immersion Theatre Company will be bringing their shows right to the heart of the park.
In addition, the Great British Food Festival returns on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, promising a weekend filled with incredible flavours from local and artisan producers as well as live demonstrations and live music.
Cllr Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “Lydiard Park is an amazing place and a beautiful backdrop to the many events we’ve got coming up this spring.
“It’s a fantastic location and I’m really pleased to see the diversity of things that are happening, there really is something for everyone.
“We’ve still got more events to be announced and there will be plenty to look forward to throughout the year, so keep your eye out for the announcements.”
More events will be announced for Lydiard Park in the coming months. All details about what is available at the country park, including the day-to-day facilities, can be found at www.lydiardpark.org.uk
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