West of London and east of Bristol in Wiltshire (South West England) is Swindon. Three miles west of its centre, on the edge of town is Lydiard Park.
In 244 acres of parkland are the eighteenth century Lydiard House, its walled garden, an exceptional church and close by a kids’ adventure play area. Bought by the former Swindon Corporation in 1943, entrance to the parkland is free and well used. The landscaping is mature and breathtaking.
Six ground floor rooms in the house are open to the public with good exhibits and an impressive range of paintings including a Stubbs. If you’re interested in literature, there’s a portrait of the Bolingbroke upon whom Swift was said to have based Gulliver and a famous portrait of the libertine poet John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester.
The church has a unique ‘Golden Cavalier’. The walled garden is large. Links to photos, videos and maps below.
Lydiard: http://www.picturetheuk.com/uk-tourism/search?act_q=lydiard
Swindon: http://www.picturetheuk.com/uk-tourism/destinations/swindon-30844.html