There’s no need to hunt for excitement this Easter in Swindon, as the town gears up for a weekend packed with egg-citing activities across its parks and museums.
At Lydiard Park, families can embark on an egg-sploration adventure with the return of the park’s beloved Easter trail. From 11 am to 3 pm on Sunday, March 31st, participants of all ages can follow clues scattered around the park and lake, hunting for hidden eggs to uncover a special word and claim their prize. Trail sheets can be picked up from the Coach House Tea Rooms, with tickets priced at £5 per child. No booking is necessary, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
For those feeling peckish after their egg hunt, Lydiard Park Hotel offers a tantalising array of food options, including a succulent hog roast served by Lydiard’s Executive Chef on Friday and Sunday, a braised lamb special for Sunday lunch, and a tempting hot cross bun and hot drink deal for just £5.
Meanwhile, Lydiard House Museum invites visitors to explore its newest exhibition, ‘Lest We Forget’, which delves into the often-overlooked Black contribution to the World Wars in Wiltshire. Through fascinating archive material from the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre and the National Archives, as well as poignant artifacts like a memorial wreath from Wiltshire Museum, the exhibition sheds light on the experiences of the Black community, including African American GIs stationed at Lydiard Park during World War II.
Younger visitors can also engage in the ‘Signals and Cyphers’ activity at Lydiard House Museum on April 4th and 11th, offering an immersive experience into the world of wartime communications.
Beyond Lydiard, Swindon Borough Council’s other country parks beckon residents and visitors alike to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether strolling around the serene Coate Water or exploring the woodlands of Stanton Park, there’s plenty of natural beauty to behold. And for those seeking urban green spaces, Swindon boasts a variety of parks including Town Gardens, Queens Park, GWR Park, St Mark’s Recreation Ground, Seven Fields, and Mouldon Hill Park.
At STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway, history enthusiasts can ‘Meet the Railway Workers’ on March 30th, gaining insight into life within Swindon’s renowned railway works. Plus, special exhibitions like ‘Locomotives Through the Lens’ and ‘In a Man’s World’ offer extended viewing opportunities.
During the Easter holidays, young visitors to STEAM can unleash their creativity during the Bridge Builders Event on April 3rd and 10th, learning to construct bridges using Polydron and bespoke wooden models of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s iconic designs.
Frances Yeo, Swindon Museums Manager, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming events, stating, “We’ve got so much going on across our museums and country parks throughout Easter and the school holidays. Whether you’re interested in the history of Swindon, wanting to entertain the kids, or you’re just looking for a nature walk, there’s something for the whole family.”
So, as the Easter holiday approaches, why not hop along to one of the parks and museums and join in the egg-cellent fun?
