Lydiard Park is getting ready for Christmas, with a programme of festive events planned throughout December, from traditional carols and wreath-making workshops to Christmas parties and guided tours of the historic house.
The Swindon attraction will offer visitors plenty of opportunities to get into the festive spirit, with activities taking place at Lydiard House Museum, St Mary’s Church and Lydiard Park Hotel.
Inside Lydiard House Museum, the State Rooms will be decorated with traditional foliage and floral displays. Visitors can book a special festive guided tour to explore the decorations and hear stories about the St John family, who lived at Lydiard Park from Elizabethan times. Cream tea will also be included on selected dates.
Those looking to try their hand at something creative can join Wild Thoughts Floristry on 2nd December for a Christmas wreath-making workshop. The session will begin with a demonstration of sustainable wreath-making techniques using a natural moss base, before participants choose from fresh foliage and seasonal decorations to create their own wreath.
There will also be several opportunities to celebrate with friends, family or colleagues at Lydiard Park Hotel, which has a choice of Christmas party nights planned for the month.
The programme includes a Festive Murder Mystery Evening on 4th December, a 1920s Casino evening on 12th December and a Retro Disco on 18th December. The Boogie & Banquet Christmas Party Night has already sold out, with organisers encouraging people to book early for the remaining events.
For those who prefer a daytime get-together, the hotel will be serving festive lunches on Thursday and Friday lunchtimes throughout December. The two-course Christmas meals are available for groups of eight or more, offering an opportunity to catch up over lunch during the busy festive season.
Runs, carols and Christmas creativity
Sporting Santa hats and antlers will be encouraged on 6th December, when runners can take part in the Santa v Rudolph Run. Participants can choose to represent either Santa or Rudolph and run, jog or walk a 3km or 5km route while raising money for charity.
Traditional Christmas music will take centre stage at St Mary’s Church on 8th and 22nd December, when Carols by Candlelight returns. The event will bring together festive readings and familiar carols in the historic church, continuing a long-standing seasonal tradition.
On 9th December, Lydiard Park Hotel will host a Festive Paint and Sip session. Whether participants have plenty of painting experience or are picking up a brush for the first time in years, a friendly instructor will guide them through creating a festive scene. No previous experience is needed.
Ghost stories will provide a different kind of seasonal entertainment on 11th December, with visitors invited to hear spooky tales in the atmospheric Main Hall of Lydiard House. The event draws on the tradition of sharing supernatural stories during the festive period.
Music lovers can look forward to a Festive Afternoon Tea at Lydiard Park Hotel on 19th December, accompanied by live music from Jazz & The Tonics. The group’s mix of jazz, swing and soulful pop will put a different spin on some familiar Christmas favourites.
The celebrations will continue beyond Christmas Day, with the hotel hosting a New Year’s Eve Party to welcome 2027. Guests can expect fizz and canapés, a two-course meal, cheese and crackers, dancing and a midnight toast.
Council encourages visitors to book early
Councillor Matt Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said the festive programme offered a chance to enjoy both the history of Lydiard and its seasonal activities.
He 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.”
Councillor Jake Chandler, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resilience and Green Infrastructure, said the park offered a welcoming setting for people to spend time together over the Christmas period.
He 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.”
With events ranging from family-friendly activities and creative workshops to evening celebrations, visitors are being encouraged to check dates and availability before making plans.
For the full programme and ticket information, visit Lydiard Park’s events page.
