BBQ FAQs

How do I reserve a BBQ?

Soon we hope that you'll be able to use an on-line system to book your own BBQ but for now, bookings can be made in person at Lydiard House Reception or telephoning us on 01793 770401 (Tuesday to Sunday 11am-4pm). Full payment is required at the time of booking. If you are not able to pay then unfortunately we cannot guarantee availability. On booking, we will ask for a contact telephone number and address.

How can I make payment?

Payments can only be taken Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 4.30pm

By Telephone: Credit/debit card payments can be taken (may be subject to a fee).

In Person :At Lydiard House, museum reception.  Cheque, credit/debit card or cash payments can be taken.  

By Post: Alternatively you can post a cheque made payable to ‘Swindon Borough Council’ to The Estate Office, Lydiard Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA. However availability cannot be guaranteed.  Cheques will be returned if we are unable to accommodate your request, please provide return address.

Please retain your receipt as proof of payment and bring it with you on the day. You may be asked to produce it by the Park Wardens.

If I need to cancel my booking, can I get a refund?

Unfortunately payments are non-refundable. If you need to cancel, we can transfer your booking to another date, subject to availability. If it is not possible to arrange the BBQ for the same year, then a voucher can be provided that is valid for the following year.

What happens if it rains on the day?

If you cancel your BBQ due to bad weather, please inform us by telephone as soon as possible. We can transfer the booking to an alternative date subject to availability. If an alterative suitable date cannot be accommodated, then unfortunately the payment cannot be refunded however voucher can be provided for the following year.

Vouchers

If you have booked a BBQ that is cancelled for any reason we will attempt to rearrange it for an alternative date in that year. If this is not possible, a voucher will be issued during October only. The Voucher is valid for one year only and must be used during the next season.  

How many do each BBQ serve?

Our small BBQ’s serve 15 people approx. Size: 400mm x 550mm (16'' x 21'')

Our large BBQ’s serve 40 people approx. 550mm x 1500mm (21'' x 58'')

What time can I have my BBQ from and how long do I have the BBQ for?

BBQ booking on a Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday in June, July & August

On these peak dates, there are 2 sessions available each day. Lunch session is from 11.30am to 3.30pm. Evening session is from 5.30pm to half an hour before the park closes. If you want to book a BBQ for all day (from 11.30am to half an hour before the park closes), you can book two sessions during peak times for a discounted rate.

BBQ booking on Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holiday Monday in April, May, September & October and weekdays from April to October.

There is just one session per day, the BBQ’s are available from 12pm until half an hour before the park closes.

How much are the BBQ’s

Cost per session:

Large £40

Small £25

If you wish to book a BBQ for the entire day during peak times then following additional amounts apply:

Large £20 (Total £60)

Small £15 (Total £40)

Reduced rates apply to Charitable organisations, please contact us for more details.  

Can I request which BBQ pitch I want?

Yes, we will endeavor to accommodate your request subject to availability, however cannot guarantee the desired pitch.  

How will I know which BBQ I have reserved?

Your BBQ will have a ‘Reserved’ sign with your name on it when you arrive.

What do I need to bring?  

You will need to bring your own food, cooking utensils and your own coals.

Can I bring alcohol?

Lydiard Park is a family friendly Park. If you intend to have alcohol with your picnic / BBQ, please drink responsibly and be considerate to other Park users.

Can I bring some garden furniture?

You are welcome to bring your own picnic chairs and 1 small gazebo.

Please do not bring bouncy castles, rides, large gazebos, marquees or anything else likely to disturb other park users.

Where is the BBQ / Picnic field located?

Entering Lydiard Park via Hook Street, the field is located off the car park on your right hand side.  The field is close to the facilities in the Visitors Centre, including the Forest Café and toilets.

Can I cordon off an area for my party to use exclusively?

No, the picnic & BBQ field is open to all park users. For larger parties we have a field that can be hired out for exclusive use.  Please contact us if you would like further information.

I have not booked at BBQ in advance, can I turn up on the day and hire one?

The numbers of BBQ’s are limited; therefore we strongly recommend that you book in advance.

If we have availability on the day, you can hire a BBQ. Please go to the Museum reception to check availability and make payment. Please be aware that while a BBQ may seem to be available there may be a booking later in the day or had been used earlier. Also, the BBQ may not be immediately available.  

When are the BBQ’s available to hire?

The BBQ’s are available from April to October. Bookings can be made from March to October.   

Can I bring my own BBQ?

No, the only BBQ’s allowed in the Park are the static ones that are available to hire. If you bring your own BBQ you will be asked to remove it from the Park.

You are welcome to picnic in the grounds of Lydiard Park but fires and portable BBQs (including gas barbeques) are not allowed.

We do have barbeques available for hire during the summer season, priced at £40 for a large BBQ and £25 for a small BBQ. These must be booked in advance. As numbers of BBQs are limited, we recommend early booking.