Magic of Christmas coming to Lydiard Park

Visitors to Lydiard Park are promised a jam-packed programme of festive events in December.

The elegant State Rooms of Lydiard House Museum will be beautifully decorated with traditional foliage and floral arrangements. 

Visitors can discover the festive displays and hear stories of the St John family, who lived at Lydiard Park from Elizabethan times, by booking onto a special festive guided tour with cream tea on selected dates in December.

There is also the chance to get into the festive spirit and create a beautiful Christmas wreath on 2 December with Wild Thoughts Floristry. 

The workshop will begin with a demonstration of sustainable wreath-making techniques, using a natural moss base. 

Those taking part will then be invited to get creative, choosing from an abundant selection of fresh foliage and seasonal decorations.

Cllr Matt Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said "Christmas is a wonderful time to experience the rich history and heritage of Lydiard Park and House.

"There’s something for everyone to enjoy during the festive period, including exploring the beautifully decorated State Rooms, taking a guided tour, singing your heart out with Christmas carols or getting creative with some workshops.

“We'd love to welcome visitors to Lydiard this December and I’d encourage people to book early for any events that take their interest.”

Over at Lydiard Park Hotel, friends, family or colleagues can celebrate in style at one of the hotel’s Christmas party nights. They can choose from the Festive Murder Mystery Evening on 4 December, a 1920s Casino evening on 12 December, or the Retro Disco on 18 December. 

The Boogie & Banquet Christmas Party Night is already sold out, so tickets are selling fast.

For those that prefer a daytime celebration, festive lunches will be available to book on Thursday and Friday lunchtimes throughout December, offering what is billed as the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends, family or colleagues over a two-course Christmas meal. Lunches are available for tables of eight or more.

On 6 December runners can choose their team - Santa or Rudolph - and take part in the Santa v Rudolph Run.

Participants can run, jog or walk the 3km or 5km course while raising money for charity.

There will also be a chance to enjoy an atmospheric evening of Carols by Candlelight at St Mary’s Church on Tuesday 8 or 22 December, with traditional carols and festive readings amidst 1000 years of history as part of this long-established celebration of the Yuletide season.

Creativity is the watchword on 9 December with Lydiard Park Hotel’s Festive Paint and Sip. Budding Van Goghs, or those who haven’t picked up a paintbrush in years, can benefit from a friendly instructor who will guide participants in creating their festive scene step-by-step. No experience is needed.

For something a little spookier, people can hear spine-tingling ghost stories in the atmospheric Main Hall of Lydiard House on 11 December. This event continues the tradition of recounting supernatural tales during the festive season.

On 19 December, a special Festive Afternoon Tea at Lydiard Park Hotel is taking place, which is accompanied by live music from Jazz & The Tonics. 

Their captivating blend of jazz, swing and soulful pop will bring a unique twist to a number of favourite Christmas classics.

To round off the celebrations, people can welcome 2027 in style at Lydiard Park Hotel’s New Year’s Eve Party, with fizz and canapés, a two-course meal, cheese and crackers, dancing and a midnight toast.

Cllr Jake Chandler, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resilience and Green Infrastructure, said: "Lydiard is one of Swindon's most treasured green spaces and provides the perfect setting for residents and visitors to come together over the Christmas period.

“Lydiard Park becomes a magical place over the winter, especially with those crisp and fog-filled mornings, not to mention a perfect location for a Boxing Day walk.

“If you're taking part in an event at the House, enjoying a winter walk amongst the trees or just meeting family and friends for a hot chocolate at the café, we can’t wait to welcome you to the park.”

For more information and to book tickets, people can visit www.lydiardpark.org.uk/events