Lydiard House Museum

Discover the enchanting history of Lydiard House – a striking Grade I listed building at the heart of Lydiard Park.

Wander through the elegant State Rooms, where ornate plasterwork and original family furnishings are on display alongside portraits and photographs of the St John family, who lived here from Elizabethan times.

Home to the St John family for over 500 years, the house dates back to the medieval period, which developed into a great two-level hall over time. In the 1740s John 2nd Viscount St. John and his wife Anne Furnese took over the estate and saw Lydiard House redeveloped into a grand Palladian home. As you walk through Lydiard House, you will notice many ornate and decorative details, including columns, pediments and doorcases.

In 1943, the St John family put the estate up for sale after a period of financial difficulties. Efforts to secure the estate were led by Town Clerk David Murray John and Swindon Corporation (now Swindon Borough Council) purchased Lydiard House and its parkland. The house was in a poor state of repair and since then, work has taken place to return the house to its former glory.

Today, Lydiard House Museum offers a vibrant programme of special exhibitions, family activities and tours. Visit their website to find out more here.

Lydiard House Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00am to 4:00pm (last admission 3:30pm).

Admission costs £5 for an adult and £2.75 for a child. Under 3s go free! Family tickets are also available.

Please note that Lydiard House Museum may close for booked events. Please check the Museum’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels for the latest updates.

The Museum will close for the winter on Friday, 23 December 2022.