This South England town is known for Magic Roundabout - the world's largest traffic circle. Local museums focus on railway history, science, and art, with easy access to the Cotswolds.
Swindon lies between London and Bristol along the Great Western Railway line. In this Wiltshire town, you can climb aboard vintage train carriages at the STEAM Museum, walk through 260 acres of grounds at Lydiard Park, or see a 1977 Science of Cambridge MK14 at the Museum of Computing. Beyond the town, you'll find the ancient stones of Avebury and miles of walking paths along the Ridgeway National Trail.
Getting to Swindon
Regular trains run from London Paddington (1 hour), Bristol Temple Meads (45 minutes), and Cardiff Central. You can drive to Swindon via the M4 motorway from major cities. Oxford is 26 miles away, Birmingham 65 miles, and Cardiff 60 miles.
Museums and Culture
At the STEAM Museum, walk through train carriages and learn about the engineering work that built Swindon's railway industry. The Museum of Computing holds early technology like the 1977 Science of Cambridge MK14 and the 1989 Nintendo Powerglove. The Wyvern Theatre runs drama, comedy, and music shows throughout the year.
Parks and Green Spaces
Walk through 260 acres of grounds at Lydiard Park, where you'll find a Palladian house with rooms decorated in stuccowork, giltwood furniture, and silk wallpaper. At Coate Water, originally built in 1822 as a reservoir, you can walk the trails or watch local birds and wildlife. Stanton Park contains 185 hectares of meadows, woodland, and a fish pond.
Annual Events
The Swindon Festival of Literature fills two weeks in May with author talks and poetry readings. The Swindon Mela brings South Indian music, food, and dance to the Town Gardens each summer. The town's calendar includes the Summer Breeze Festival, Pride Parade, and Swindon Beer Festival.
Shopping and Modern Amenities
You'll find over 100 stores at the Swindon Designer Outlet, built within the former railway works buildings. The mall keeps many original industrial features like exposed brick walls and iron columns while housing modern shops.
Nearby Attractions
Walk among the stone circles at Avebury, a UNESCO World Heritage site 10 miles south of Swindon. Hike sections of the ancient Ridgeway path through the North Wessex Downs. In Lydiard Park, you can tackle rope courses and zip lines at Jungle Parc's treetop adventure course.