Would it be possible to dig the turf under and then reseed? Harder work, but cheaper.

What has caused the rough patches? Is it from a dog or children playing? Because I wonder if your hard work in getting it re-established might be ruined if there is still a lot of footfall (paw-fall?).

Perhaps some stepping stones would help? Or some gravelled areas?

Sorry I cannot be of more help.

Thank you for your replies, they are very helpful. The grass has got like this partly due to a little boy who loves to dig and distribute soul around the garden and partly due to having had a10ft trampoline up for the last 18 months! We have now dedicated an area of garden for our little ones to dig! Paving stones sound like a good idea and then digging and treating the rest of the lawn. Thanks again for your responses, kind regards, Charlie

What I would do is wait till mid-March, cut the grass as low as you can, then fork into the earth over the whole area to aerate it, then buy a large bag of compost and liberally spread it over the whole area, especially where the grass is bare. I would then spread grass seed (you can buy one for heavy duty areas). Water it (it will look terrible) and leave off it for at least 2 weeks. It will look a lot better after a month.

Thanks for your response Kildermorie, that is really helpful advice. I'll give it a go. Many thanks, Charlie