Location: Swindon
Top Things to do in Swindon
The 10 Best Things to Do in Swindon, United Kingdom (UK)
Swindon (/ˈswɪndən/ ( listen)) is a large town in the ceremonial county of Wiltshire, South West England, midway between Bristol, 35 miles (56 kilometres) to the west, and Reading, the same distance to the east. London is 71 miles (114 km) to the east, and Cardiff is 60 miles (97 km) to the west. At the 2011 census, Swindon's built-up area had a population of 182,441.
Restaurants in Swindon
1. STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By concertjon - Exeter, United Kingdom
What a wonderful way to begin to understand the incredible engineering history of the pre-digital world. Such skill, hard work and pride in the job comes through loud and strong here. This is a well laid out museum showing in excellent detail the life of the old Swindon GWR/BR works. It’s educational and awe inspiring. To be able to walk under Caerphilly Castle shows the design skill and phenomenal engineering expertise that produced these wonderful old engines. The static exhibits are brought to life with audio visual explanations. There’s enough hands on activities too. The lasting impression is of the half dozen or so original steam engines gleaming proudly in their GWR livery. The shop was rather so so and I have to admit I didn’t try the cafe.
The walk from the station is not too far if you’ve come by train but wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a physical link between the two? A monorail or some other modern transport technology to juxtapose with the history? For anyone who isn’t motivated by our steam heritage there’s the outlet centre next door.
2. Stanton Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By Gail C - Swindon, United Kingdom
lovely walk in the fresh air ,and then a nice cup of tea and cake in the little cafe at the entrance xx
there is always so much wild life to see there and you can see more now all the grass ect has died down for the winter .
there is paths all the way round but wellies are good if you like taking photos and want to get close up with natue xx
3. Museum of Computing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By Selery - Oxford
I loved it - it was very interesting to see all the different computers over the years. It even brought back memories of the older stuff that I had at one time! I would recommend this but you couldn't spend much more than an hour here as it's simply too small. Hopefully in time it may get bigger :-)
4. Lydiard Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 904 reviews
Lydiard Park is a beautiful historic estate on the western edge of Swindon, with the Palladian House, Church and Walled Garden, set in 260 acres of parkland. The children's play area, Cafe & Tea Rooms, events and education programmes make Lydiard Park a great destination for a family day out.
Reviewed By kimminewbold - Swindon, United Kingdom
I do love going to lydiard Park, lots of space and places around the park that I can let the dog off without bumping into lots of people. Can spend a lot of hours here tiring the dog out and catching up with friends at the same time
5. Coate Water Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 529 reviews
Reviewed By shorthaul2015 - London, United Kingdom
A huge open space with a large lake in the middle, a great place for a ramble taking a dog for a walk, running or even having a barbecue on a warm day. There is a little kiosk selling refreshments and food which is very welcoming.
6. Swindon Designer Outlet
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Tom_Blancmange - Malmesbury, United Kingdom
Really excellent range of shops, variety of restaurants and good children's play area, train and crèche. Definitely the best place to shop in the area!
7. Roves Farm
Overall Ratings
4 based on 297 reviews
A great family day out come rain or shine! Meet & feed the animals in Pets Corner. Hop on a tractor ride to explore the farm. Sit and relax with a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake from the tearoom, while the children run off steam in the heated indoor play barn or outdoor adventure play. There's lots to do whatever the weather! Twice daily toddler time sessions every weekday in term time, include bubbles, stories & games for the little ones. During school holidays there is a year round calendar of themed activities & special events to keep you busy all day. So go and enjoy some 'Hands on Farm Fun & Adventures' with the help of the Roves Farm team.
Reviewed By Brad C
We go to Roves a lot and pretty much always have a season ticket. As a family we’d never done the Christmas experience so decided to book it this year. The kids absolutely loved it. The Santa experience was great and the nativity play where they got dressed up was brilliant.
I’d fully recommend it!
8. Swindon & Cricklade Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Reviewed By Jeremy W - Wroughton, United Kingdom
This is a small preserved railway that has been about for some time and has made slow progress to where it is now.
The journey is short behind a small industrial engine
The station master is brilliant making us very welcome.
A lot of the site is best said to be work in progress.
Teas taken in Norwegian coaches are interesting. Pity they could not be used. A volunteer commented that after bringing them from Scotland they found they did not fit under the bridge!
A nice visit if you live locally but not worth a long journey
9. ATBShop Skate Warehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
ATBShop Skate Warehouse - Swindon's only indoor Skate park. A fun place to bring your scooter or skateboard or you can hire. The park include a large street section with movable rails,grind boxes and mini ramp. The park also features a 4f extension, wall ride, "A" frame, Hubba, down rail, channel gap, fun box. The park also has a cafe serving real coffee and snacks and has a workshop and show room.
Reviewed By Lyzajo - Swindon, United Kingdom
Took my 8 year old son and his friend here for the first time today!!! Absolutely fantastic! The staff were friendly, helpful, gave advice on a faulty scooter and allowed us to borrow one with no charge!
Well stocked shop with everything the budding boarder would need and a nice little cafe area.
I also have to mention that I am very very impressed with the kids that were using the park today.... all polite and friendly, the more experienced ones taking time to help the novices (big thanks to Harry who helped my son) and they all seemed like one big family, congratulating and encouraging each other when they accomplished tricks and helping each other if they fell.
Youngsters often get a bad rap so it was really refreshing to be around some great kids with amazing talent!
My son has not put his scooter down since and already wants to go back next weekend!
Keep up the good work ATBshop!
10. The Magic Roundabout
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