Lydiard Park is set for a busy autumn, with a packed programme of events ranging from birds of prey and heritage apples to Halloween films, ghost stories and a spooky murder mystery.
The programme gets underway on Saturday, 12 September, when the historic Walled Garden hosts a Birds of Prey event. Visitors will be able to see the impressive birds up close while expert falconers explain more about their behaviour and remarkable adaptations.
Music takes centre stage the following weekend with an 80s Experience on Saturday, 19 September. Disco Dollz will perform live in the Luxborough Suite at Lydiard Park Hotel before a DJ takes over with a selection of classic retro anthems.
One of the park’s more unusual annual events returns on Saturday, 26 September, with Heritage Apple Day. The free event celebrates Lydiard’s collection of rare apple varieties and will include tastings, apple-themed games and local produce, including Lydiard cider and apple juice.
Visitors can also see a free art exhibition featuring work by Billy Beaumont and Marilyn Trew, while a free printing workshop will give people the chance to create their own artwork.
History fans can take part in guided tours of Lydiard House on selected dates during September, with a cream tea included.
October brings more opportunities to explore Lydiard’s history, including Rogues and Rascals Week, running from 10 to 18 October.
The museum will explore the notorious 1684 brawl involving MPs Henry St John and Edmund Webb, which ended with the murder of Sir William Estcourt MP. Among the items on display will be a newly acquired painting of Estcourt and Henry St John’s official pardon from King Charles II.
Lydiard House Museum will be open from 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday, throughout the event, with guided tours offering further stories about some of the characters who have left their mark on Lydiard’s history.
For something rather more frightening, Adventure Cinema returns from 16 to 18 October with a Halloween-themed programme of outdoor screenings.
Films include The Lost Boys, Hocus Pocus, Coco, Room on the Broom, Zog and The Nightmare Before Christmas.
The spooky season continues with Ghost Tales at Lydiard House on Friday, 30 October. Visitors will gather in the atmospheric Main Hall to hear a selection of ghost stories as the house takes on a decidedly darker mood.
The autumn programme comes to an appropriately sinister conclusion on Saturday, 31 October, when Lydiard Park Hotel hosts a Halloween Murder Mystery evening.
Guests will be treated to an arrival drink and three-course dinner before being challenged to investigate a mysterious death and identify the killer, against a backdrop of rumours that the dining room itself is haunted.
Councillor Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said Lydiard Park remained one of Swindon’s most treasured attractions.
“This autumn we’re offering something for everyone, from learning about birds of prey, to exploring fascinating stories from Lydiard House,” he said.
Councillor Jake Chandler, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Cabinet Member responsible for Country Parks, added that autumn was a particularly good time to visit.
“The changing colours provide a beautiful backdrop for a packed programme of events,” he said.
Tickets must be booked in advance for most events, although Heritage Apple Day is free and does not require advance booking.
Full details of the autumn programme and tickets are available from the Lydiard Park website.
