A gathering aimed at families, culinary enthusiasts, and plant lovers is set to take place within the enchanting Walled Garden of Lydiard. Discover an array of over thirty heritage apple varieties, ranging from Golden Knob to Colonel Vaughan. Taste the apples, explore the food stalls and trails, and join in with delightful games.

Lydiard Park is celebrating its historical apple tree collection within its 18th Century Walled Garden during Heritage Open Days 2023. These remarkable varieties predate the 1740s and have been meticulously trained into goblet shapes under the guidance of Lead Gardener Andy Dyer and his dedicated team. Meet Andy to learn about the garden, indulge in apple tasting, join in with traditional apple-themed games, and enjoy Lydiard’s exquisite cider and apple juice.

Take the apples home with you

Bags of heritage apples will be available in the garden’s pop-up shop, alongside exclusive Lydiard cider and delicious treats, from Victorian apple cake to tarts and toffee apples.

The Walled Garden boasts more than just apples; trained pear, greengage, peach, plum, cherry, apricot, and fig trees grace the space, alongside historic and locally cultivated flowering plants. The Lydiard Park gardening team employs traditional, organic methods to nurture and preserve these plants, creating a haven for wildlife, including butterflies and bees.

Lydiard Park, under the ownership of Swindon Borough Council, along with St. Mary’s Church and Lydiard House, forms the core of the former grand estate once belonging to the St. John family, the Viscounts Bolingbroke.

The Friends of Lydiard Park provide support for this event.

Event Schedule:
Sunday, September 10: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Booking Information:
No advance booking required.

Accessibility:
A pay and display car park adjacent to the Walled Garden is available, with no charge for disabled parking. Wheelchair users will find suitable paths into and around the garden.

Additional Details:
Lydiard Park’s Walled Garden resides within 260 acres of historic parkland, accessible to the public year-round. A significant Heritage Lottery Fund project (2004-2007) restored the park, including its lakes, woodland paths, castellated dam wall, icehouse, and trail network. A children’s playground is also present within the park. Lydiard House (admission fee applies) serves as the ancestral home of the St. John family. The ground floor State Rooms showcase original furnishings, intricate plasterwork, and a historic portrait collection dating back to Elizabethan times.

Contact for the event: Andy Dyer at 0781 851 0493.

Back