Lydiard House Museum
Georgian mansion in Lydiard Park, Swindon, with ornate state rooms and family portraits telling the story of the St John family.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Lydiard House was the home of the St John family for more than 500 years. The building dates back to the medieval period and grew into a two-level hall. In the 1740s John, 2nd Viscount St John, and his wife Anne Furnese redeveloped it as a Palladian house.
The family put the estate up for sale in 1943 after financial difficulties. Swindon Corporation, now Swindon Borough Council, bought the house and its parkland, with the effort led by the town clerk David Murray John. The house was in poor repair at that time, and restoration work has continued since.
Today the Grade I listed house is a museum at the heart of Lydiard Park. Its state rooms have ornate plasterwork, original family furnishings, and portraits and photographs of the St John family. Architectural details such as columns, pediments and doorcases can be seen throughout. The museum is on the ground floor and runs exhibitions, guided tours and family activities. The park around it covers about 260 acres of parkland, lakes and woodland and also includes a restored eighteenth-century walled garden and the church of St Mary.
Highlights
- State rooms with ornate plasterwork and original family furnishings
- Portraits and photographs of the St John family
- Palladian redevelopment of the 1740s
- Restored walled garden in the park
- Family trails and special events through the year
Permanent exhibition
- State Rooms – Rooms with ornate plasterwork, original furnishings and portraits and photographs of the St John family.
- Operated by
- Swindon Borough Council
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £6.70 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £5.85Seniors (60+) and students |
| Children & teens | £3.65free up to age 2 · Child price applies to ages 3 to 15; children under 3 are free. |
| Seniors | £5.85Age 60 and over |
| Students & apprentices | £5.85 |
| Walled Garden – adult | £3.15Tickets are bought at the museum. |
| Walled Garden – senior (60+) or student | £2.45 |
| Walled Garden – child (3 to 15) | £1.85Under 3s are free. |
Day ticket prices for the museum in 2026. No family ticket is listed. Parking in the park must be paid for.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The whole museum is on the ground floor, the door has push-button access and the ticket desk is at a low level. A wheelchair can be borrowed for use inside the building only. Accessible toilets are next to the museum, and the park has a Changing Places toilet. Blue Badge parking is at the Hay Lane and Hook Street entrances. Large-print panels, easy-read signs, audio guides and seating are provided in most rooms. Guide, hearing and assistance dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
|---|
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Playground / play area
Three family trails are included with admission: Look Up!, Look and See for children aged five and under, and Puzzle it Out. Booking is recommended for family activities. The park has a children's play area.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Hay Lane entrance bus stop
Buses 1 and 1A from Swindon town centre stop close to the Hay Lane entrance.
By car
Paid parking
Parking in the park must be paid for, whether in a car park or on a grass verge. Disabled parking is at the Hay Lane and Hook Street entrances.
- Accessible parking
The park is a short distance from junction 16 of the M4. There are two vehicle entrances, Hook Street (closes at 17:00) and Hay Lane (open to vehicles around the clock, although the grounds close at dusk).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The Coach House Tea Rooms (daily, 10:00 to 16:30) and the Forest Café are in the park. The museum has a gift shop.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
Couples can marry in Lydiard House or in the neighbouring church of St Mary; receptions are held in the hotel.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Audio guide | yes |
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Audio guides are available in most rooms. Guided tours run during special weeks, and there are house tours with cream tea on selected dates. Groups of 15 or more should arrange visits in advance with the museum. The learning team offers school sessions, with costs on request. |
