Things to Do in Swindon
Swindon grew up around the Great Western Railway, and its railway story sits alongside parks and ancient downland. Here is how to spend a day.
STEAM and the railway works
STEAM, the museum of the Great Western Railway, is housed in the old railway works, next to the designer outlet that now fills other works buildings. It tells the story of the railway that made the town, and suits a morning indoors.
STEAM, the museum of the Great Western Railway, is housed in the old railway works, next to the designer outlet that now fills other works buildings.
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The Railway Village
The Railway Village, close to the works, is a conservation area of stone terraces built for the railway's workers in the nineteenth century. A short walk through it shows how the town grew.
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Somewhere to book a room or a table for the evening, in Swindon itself.
Real events in Swindon, from onthedoor.uk.
Lydiard Park
Lydiard Park, on the west side of town, is a large public park around Lydiard House, a historic country house, with woodland, lakes and a walled garden. It is the place for a slow afternoon.
Lydiard Park, on the west side of town, is a large public park around Lydiard House, a historic country house, with woodland, lakes and a walled garden.
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Coate Water
Coate Water Country Park, on the south east edge of town, has a large lake with a path around it and a nature reserve. It is an easy walk in most weather.
Coate Water Country Park, on the south east edge of town, has a large lake with a path around it and a nature reserve.
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The Downs and Avebury
South of the town, the Ridgeway national trail runs along the Marlborough Downs past Barbury Castle, an Iron Age hillfort with wide views. Avebury, with its great stone circle, is a short drive further south.
South of the town, the Ridgeway national trail runs along the Marlborough Downs past Barbury Castle, an Iron Age hillfort with wide views.
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Planning a Swindon day
Start at STEAM and the Railway Village, then head for Lydiard Park or out to the Downs in the afternoon. Finish with dinner in the Old Town. As everywhere on the site, this guide is for adults aged 18 and over.
Start at STEAM and the Railway Village, then head for Lydiard Park or out to the Downs in the afternoon.
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Places worth knowing in Swindon
- STEAMThe museum of the Great Western Railway
- Railway VillageStone terraces built for railway workers
- Lydiard ParkA country house and park west of the town
- Coate WaterA lake and country park
- Barbury CastleAn Iron Age hillfort on the Ridgeway
- AveburyA great stone circle a short drive south
Frequently asked questions
It is a short drive south of the town, roughly half an hour depending on traffic.
The park is free to walk in. Check the house's opening times separately.
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