Swindon is a town in Wiltshire County, Southern England. The town has a unitary authority with borough status. In the 2021 census, the population of the town was 201,669.
Swindon is the county’s most populous town and commercial hub. It is surrounded by some of England’s famous and finest countryside attractions.
Swindon is home to the famous STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, which features steam locomotives.
The Museum of Computing, dedicated to the history of computers, is housed in this town. Swindon also houses several Victorian parks and galleries.
Are you planning a trip to Swindon? Here are the best and fun things to do in Swindon, Wiltshire.
Things to Do In Swindon
1. Lydiard Park
Lydiard Park
Lydiard Park is a stunning historic estate on the western edge of Swindon featuring the Palladian House, Hotel and Event Center, church, and Walled Garden set in 260 acres of parkland.
The house is available for tours during summer. You can explore the main hall, morning room, drawing room, guest room, dining room, family portraits, silk wallpaper, marble fireplace, guest bedroom, and dressing room decorated with ornate stucco work and gilt wood furniture.
The grounds are open year-round, and their crowning glory is the now restored walled garden from the 1740s, planted with the same types of fruit trees and flowering plants as almost 300 years ago.
The grounds of Lydia Park are open throughout the year. The leading beauty is the renovated walled garden from the mid-18th century with the same flowering plants and fruit trees from 300 years ago.
The more expansive park features a patchwork of lakes, pastures, lawns, woodlands, and intriguing remains from the Georgian estate, such as a café in the forest and an ice house. One of the best things to do in Swindon, Wiltshire, is to explore Lydiard Park.
Address: Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA, United Kingdom
2. The Ridgeway
The Ridgeway
The Ridgeway is one of the oldest roads in Europe. It is located just a few miles from Swindon.
Ridgeway follows the same route over the high ground utilized by herders, soldiers, and travelers since prehistoric times.
The Ridgeway now serves as a public footpath that offers fantastic views of the Wiltshire Hills. It is popular among cyclists, runners, walkers, disabled people using mobility scooters, and horse riders.
You can enjoy the Ridgeway throughout the year, but March to November offers the best views, excellent surface conditions underfoot, and the most wildlife.
Address: Swindon, England, United Kingdom
3. Richard Jefferies Museum
Richard Jefferies Museum
Richard Jeffefries was a Victorian nature writer who loved the English countryside and the richness that he observed all around him.
He was born at the house which now serves as the museum on 6th November 1848. He died at 38 on 14th August 1887.
He is known for portraying English rural life in natural history books, novels, and essays. His childhood at Coate greatly impacted him and served as a background to all his main fictional works.
Richard Jeffefries Museum comprises the 1600s thatched cottage purchased by the Jeffefries family in the 1800s, a nineteenth-century three-storied farmhouse, an orchard, and vegetable garden, a garden, a copse, and outbuildings.
The Richard Jeffefries Museum Trust operates the museum, but the Swindon Borough Council owns it, and the Arts Council England has fully accredited it.
Address: Marlborough Rd, Swindon SN3 6AA, United Kingdom
4. Mouldon Hill Country Park
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Mouldon Hill Country Park
Although Swindon Borough Council owns the Park, the parish council is in charge of maintaining the area.
Mouldon Hill Country Park features many footpaths and walkways, making it a suitable location to take a walk with your buddies, dog, or family. The Park is a popular location for picnics and barbecues during the summer months.
Since this destination has a free parking space, you can enjoy the parking as long as you want, but it is essential to know that there is a height limitation for vehicles allowed to enter.
You will see several dog waste and public bins placed in every part of the Park by the council to keep it clean and tidy.
You will also find a lake in the Park; fishing enthusiasts love it for its stock of roach, tench, carp, gudgeon, perch, and bream.
Address: Swindon SN25 1WH, United Kingdom
5. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
Swindon’s Old Town and the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery are regarded as mutual attractions.
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery are housed in a listed Georgian townhouse on the corner of Victoria Road and Bath Road in Swindon Old Town. It features archaeological items like coins from a community at Wanborough and Roman ceramics.
The Swindon Art Gallery Festus collection of 1900 British Art was established by HJ P Bomford, a local benefactor, in 1944 through a large donation of artworks.
Additionally, you can explore the collection of a mummified hand from Ancient Egypt and a group of Jurassic Fossils at the Swindon Museum.
Swindon Art Gallery is in a contemporary building. It is known for housing works by some famous artists of the 1900’s British Art, such as Lucian Freud, Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland, Ben Nicholson, John Hoyland, and Gwen John.
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery serve as one of the venues for the yearly Swindon Festival of Literature. It is one of the best places to visit in Swindon, Wiltshire.
Address: Bath Rd, Swindon SN1 4BA, United Kingdom
6. Coate Water Country Park
Coate Water Country Park
Coate Water Country park is located 5km southeast of Central Swindon. The park’s name comes from the reservoir, Coate Water which was initially constructed to provide water for the Wilts & Berks Canal.
The park, the lake, and the surroundings now serve as a nature reserve and recreational facility.
Although swimming at the reservoir has been prohibited since 1958, an Art Deco diving platform has existed since 1935.
Coate Water is the most famous site of interest, especially for the locals. Also, the lake is a home for migrating species and breeding birds.
The woodland features ash, oak, and mature birch, and the chances of seeing foxes and deer in the wildflower meadows are very high.
Furthermore, the park has a splash pond for kids, toilets, a play area, and a barbecue hire.
Coate Water Park is a perfect place to walk your dog, even though they are restricted in some areas.
Address: Marlborough Rd, Swindon SN3 6AA, United Kingdom
7. STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway
STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway
One of the best places to visit in Swindon, Wiltshire, is the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway.
STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, also called Swindon Steam Railway Museum, is housed in a renovated Grade II railway building in the center of the former Swindon Railway works.
This 6,500- square-meter Museum was established in 2000 to remember the history of the Great Western Railway.
When you visit this Museum, you will learn about Isambard Kingdom, the Victorian engineer who designed the railway.
STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway features stunning steam locomotive sets such as a GRW 2301 Class from 1897, an imitation of a GRWR Star Class Train made in 1838, and lots more.
The Museum narrates the story of the railway community in the city with film archives and recorded private experiences.
Additionally, the Museum has exhibits that explain the building of the locomotive, railway tools, and the railways as well. There are also lots of interactive displays and hands-on exhibits.
You will find passionate ex-railway workers who will give a personal understanding of many exhibits in the Museum.
Address: Fire Fly Ave, Swindon SN2 2TA, United Kingdom
8. Stanton Park
Stanton Park
These habitats are home to a wide variety of wildlife, such as birds of prey, owls, bats, moths, amphibians, wildfowl, and invertebrates.
The Swindon Borough Council owns Stanton Park. This park has a scheduled Ancient Monument, i.e., the site of a Roman Villa, but you won’t find any visible remains when you visit the park.
The Park has baby changing units, cycle racks, free parking space, toilet blocks, round surface routes suitable for wheelchairs, and a visitor information and interpretation room.
You can bring your dog to Stanton Park since dogs are welcome. In addition, the park is open for daily exercises from 8.00 am, and the gates are locked almost 30 minutes after sunset
Address: The Avenue, Stanton Fitzwarren, Swindon SN6 7SF, United Kingdom
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9. Museum of Computing
Museum of Computing
The Museum of Computing is dedicated to the history of computing and digital development and was established in February 2003.
The Museum of Computing was the first unique physical museum in the United Kingdom. It is housed in a shop by the Central Library on Regent Circus. It features 70 years of old technology ranging from Apple Macs, laptops, and desktop PCs to consoles, games, arcade games, and calculators.
This Museum is a family-friendly place and accepts people of all ages. You will discover many hands-on exhibits, permitting you to experience computers and everything relating to them as they were in old times.
Some of the unique exhibits in the Museum include a Nintendo Powerglove from 1989 and Science of Cambridge MK14 from 1977, which was the first computer Sir Clive Sinclair designed.
A remarkable thing about the Museum of Computing is that majority of the items are still working and can be played with, so your kids can play with games like pong or space invaders, Joys of Gameboys, and Sonic the hedgehog. The non-profit Museum is run entirely by volunteers
Address: 6-7 Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN, United Kingdom
10. Swindon Designer Outlet
Swindon Designer Outlet
Swindon Designer Outlet is situated in the Grade II listed buildings of the Great Western Railway Works.
This shopping outlet is among the largest covered designers outlet in Europe. It has a lot to offer you when you visit.
Swindon Designer Outlet features over 90 stores with international names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein Jeans, Boss, Guess, Vans, and Levi’s, and other brands known to British shoppers, such as M&S and Next.
Aside from top-notch quality shopping, Swindon Designer Outlet offers an impressive selection of dining options.
There’s something suitable for everyone, such as a quick coffee at Starbucks, mouthwatering treats at Patisserie Valerie, drinks at Wagamama, and a family burger at Ed’s Easy Diner.
Some of these restaurants are open till 10 pm so that you can visit at your convenience. Shopping at Swindon Designer Outlet is one of the top things to do in Swindon, Wiltshire.
Address: Kemble Dr, Swindon SN2 2DY, United Kingdom
11. The Link Center
The link Center
The Link Centre is known for its national-sized ice rink, home to the Swindon Wildcats and the National Hockey League team.
Link Center has amenities such as a 25m deck-level swimming pool, spin studio, a gym with more than 100 stations, an Astroturf area, a squash court, a library, two fitness class studios, and a 1,100 square meter trampoline park.
Address: Whitehill Way, Westlea, Swindon SN5 7DL, United Kingdom
12. Swindon and Cricklade Railway
Swindon and Cricklade Railway
This tourist attraction is a heritage railway in Wiltshire, England. The railway works on a short section of the midland and southwestern junction Railway line between this town and Cricklade.
A group of passionate people created the Swindon and Cricklade Railway Preservation Society in November 1978.
This railway is constructed and managed by volunteers. It is among the first heritage railway to handle the complete refurbishment of a standard-gauge railway without a record of track or buildings.
The Swindon and Cricklade Railway provides a round-trip passenger journey of nearly four and a half miles in the Wiltshire countryside.
The railway works seasonally between February and October. Its “Santa Specials” takes place at Christmas and Steam Cider & Sausage event in Summer.
Address: Blunsdon Station, Tadpole Ln, Blundson, Swindon SN25 2DA, United Kingdom
13. Roves Farm
This destination is a family-operated working farm open throughout the year. Visitors of all ages are welcomed to the Roves Farm, so come with your kids and participate in hands-on farm activities with friendly animals and experience what it feels like to work on a farm.
Children can go on themed tractor rides, interact with and feed domestic animals in the pet section, look at more giant animals such as sheep, donkeys, alpacas, cows, and sheep in their paddock and watch animals run about.
Roves Farm has an adventure playground, a heated play barn for cold days, sandpits, and a bouncy castle.
With impressive indoor and outdoor facilities, there is a lot for you to do at Roves Farm, regardless of the weather. Therefore, visiting Roves Farm is one of the fun things to do in Swindon, Wiltshire.
Address: Roves Farm & Visitor Centre, Sevenhampton, Swindon SN6 7QG, United Kingdom
14. Avebury Stone Circle
Avebury Stone Circle
The picturesque village of Avebury lies within the Avebury World Heritage Site and Stonehenge.
Avebury Stone Circle is located in Marlborough, 22 minutes from Swindon. Avebury is known for its worldwide important Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments.
Here, you will discover the world’s largest stone circles, ancient tombs, and stone avenues. Most of Avebury and the surrounding landscape are owned and maintained by the National Trust. It is also free to explore throughout the year.
The first set of farmers left a mark at Avebury nearly 6,000 years ago, and even up till now, archaeologists are still searching for clues about their life.
The large henge banks, ditches, and Stone Circle were erected about 4,300 years ago. You are permitted to walk and wander around the standing stones today.
You can also learn more about Avebury’s prehistoric past in the Alexander Keller Museum, which is situated in two galleries.
These two galleries are a 1600s threshing barn with an interactive display and a stable gallery with archaeological findings.
Since the Bronze Age, this destination has been a landscape of farms, so don’t be surprised if you find sheep among the stones and sometimes mud.
Don’t forget to bring appropriate shoes because of the rough walking condition.
Address: Avebury, Marlborough SN8 1RF, United Kingdom
15. The Wyvern Theatre
Wyvern Theatre
The Wyvern Theater Ltd manages the Wyvern Theatre on behalf of Swindon Borough Council. This destination has 635 seats, all arranged to be within 70 feet of the stage.
Casson Conder and Partners built the Wyvern Theatre in 1968-1971 as part of the Swindon Civic Center. The first show held here was by the Ukrainian Dance Company.
On 3rd September 2006, the theater was shut down temporarily after traces of asbestos were found in the theater’s roof void and offices during an inspection.
Wyvern Theater remained shut down until September 2007. During this temporary lockdown, new features and renovations were made to the venue, such as new decorations, cafes, bars, new seats, and entrances for disabled people.
The first performance after it was reopened was on 25th September 2007. Wyvern Theater offers a mixed program of comedy, concerts, dance, drama, local productions, and musical theater.
Address: Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN, United Kingdom
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16. ATBShop Skate Warehouse
If you are interested in skating during your vacation in Swindon, then a visit to the indoor skatepark should be on your checklist of what to do in Swindon, Wiltshire.
ATBShop Skate Warehouse is the only indoor skatepark in Swindon. It is situated off Great Western Way, close to the Oasis Leisure Center.
This tourist attraction has free parking space, and scooter and skater riders of all ages can practice their skills in a secure and inviting environment.
The attraction has a large street section with rails that can be moved, a small ramp, and grinds boxes.
ATBShop Skate Warehouse also had a 4f extension, down rail, fun box, channel gap, “A” frame, Hubba, and a wall ride. The park also has a café offering authentic coffee and snacks, a showroom, and a workshop.
The staff are civil, welcoming, helpful, and knowledgeable and takes time to answer all your questions.
Address: Hawksworth Trading Estate, Skate Park, Unit 1 Newcombe Dr, Swindon SN2 1DZ, United Kingdom
17. TWIGS (Therapeutic Work In Gardening Swindon)
TWIGS (Therapeutic Work In Gardening Swindon)
TWIGS was established in November 1997 and was created by Anne Billingham, a pride of Swindon winner who found out that nature could benefit people with mental health issues
TWIGS Community Garden is a bright and colorful set of gardens in the center of Swindon.
TWIGS operate the garden as a resource to help people with mental health challenges regain their self-esteem and confidence.
Additionally, the garden offers many different ideas to take home and experiment on your garden, as well as craft goods and plants to improve it.
All the money raised through plant sales and craft goods is used to fund TWIGS services. The garden is not very smooth, but it is a nice place to spend 30 minutes or an hour.
Address: Manor Garden Centre, Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, Swindon SN2 2QJ, United Kingdom
18. Jungle Parc
Among the many fun things to do in Swindon, Wiltshire, is swing at Jungle Parc.
Jungle Parc Swindon was established in 2012 and is the most recent high wire Forest adventure location.
Jungle Parc features two courses where you can climb, trek and swing through the trees on more than 45 activities created to cater to all skill levels.
The Adventure course is created for kids aged four and above. It features activities like rope bridges, rocket launchers, cargo nets, and swings. You can go with your kids for free on the Adventure Course.
The X-plorer Course is for people approximately ten years and above and is a more extensive version of the Adventure Course.
The Adventure Course is a fantastic place to climb, glide and swing through treetops and is ideal for parents, kids, and even grandparents.
There’s also an area for you to enjoy a picnic and bring your dogs.
Address: Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon SN5 3PA, United Kingdom
19. Los Gatos
Los Gatos
Los Gatos was opened in April 2006 on Wood Street Swindon. This little restaurant thrived so much that the growing demands from patrons led to the relocation of a bigger building in Devizes Road Swindon in October 2014.
Their tapas are made on-site by a team of talented chefs. They are careful about the ingredients they use and are always looking out for much better ones.
Since they have tiny storage space, they operate a “just in time” supply policy. This means that the supplies are delivered in small quantities to remain fresh.
Furthermore, Los Gatos is the only Spanish-style tapas restaurant in Swindon where you will get a warm reception and a selection of Spanish-style tapas dishes on their main menu, including their everyday special.
The meals are complemented by an excellent selection of Spanish Wines & Beers.
Address: 1-3 Devizes Rd, Swindon SN1 4BJ, United Kingdom
20. Leonardo Hotel Swindon
Before figuring out what to do in Swindon, Wiltshire, you should secure a good place to stay during your visit, and one of such place is Leonardo Hotel Swindon.
Leonardo Hotel Swindon, formerly called Jury Inn, is an elegant and stylish hotel situated 5 minutes from Swindon town center and train station.
The hotel offers sweeping views over Swindon and has fantastic amenities, including a large work area, tea and coffee-making facilities, and flat-screen television.
Look at the artwork on the room walls and enjoy the fast and free Wi-Fi, which is accessible throughout the whole hotel.
If you are traveling on business or want to host an event, you can book one of the seven meeting rooms in the hotel.
Address: Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 2NG, United Kingdom
21. Village Hotel Swindon
Whether for a business trip, vacation, weekend stopover, or family break, there’s more to meet the eye at Village Hotel Swindon than a bed for the night.
This hotel is situated between Bath and Oxford, providing a place for you to stay regardless of which city you visit.
Village Hotel Swindon is a suitable spot to explore all the beautiful attention in the city without delay.
The hotel has everything you need for a fantastic stay, such as a huge gym, a buzzing pub & Grill with awesome food, a Starbucks coffee shop and ice cold beers, and large screen live sport.
Address: Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon SN5 7DW, United Kingdom
22. Lotmead Farm
Lotmead Farm is situated on the outskirts of Swindon in Wiltshire. The Farm has various seasonal offerings such as pick your fruit and pick your pumpkin.
Lotmead farm also has a nature trail, animals, a café, and a play area. Lotmead play area is created for children of 14 years. The play area also has a wooden structure with tube slides, walkways, climbing places, and swings.
The Farm has a café that serves a selection of hot drinks, cold drinks, cake, and snacks. Additionally, Lotmead houses guinea pigs, alpacas, and pigs in an enclosure and features a 1km nature trail in a wetland reserve.
Dogs are welcome at Lotmead Farm.
Address: Stratton Rd, Wanborough, Swindon SN4 0SN, United Kingdom
23. Buzz Bingo
Buzz Bingo is located at Greenbridge Retail Park, which is 2 miles North East of the Swindon Center.
There are plenty of free parking spaces around Buzz Bingo, so if you bring your car, you won’t have a problem finding a space.
Buzz Bingo is a sizeable Modern club with everything you need for an amazing time out. Buzz Bingo has facilities for disabled people, a cash machine, and a smoking shelter.
Bingo is played from 10.30 am almost every day, and its amazing collection of 97 slot machines can be played daily.
Additionally, you can enjoy the complimentary snacks and drinks in the slot room as you play, but if you want something more filling, you can check out their menu.
The menu offers everything from house classics to desserts, nibbles, and sandwiches, so you will undoubtedly find something you like.
Address: Unit 17, Greenbridge Retail Park, Garrard Way, Swindon SN3 3SQ, United Kingdom
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Plan Your Trip to Swindon
Swindon is a fantastic choice for a visit, regardless of your reason. The town offers many activities, and you will thoroughly enjoy your time here.
So when you get to Swindon, make sure to refer to this article, and you won’t regret it. A wonderful time awaits you!