THINGS TO DO IN SWINDON

Your essential guide to the very best things to do in and around Swindon

STEAM MUSEUM OF THE GWR

Swindon is the town that was built on steam, and this award-winning museum has the trains and social history displays to set the pulse racing. A hit with kids and trainspotters alike!



SOUTH SWINDON PARISH COUNCIL

The South Swindon Parish covers a wide expanse of Swindon including the town centre, the popular Old Town area and as far as Coate Water and Badbury Wick to the east.

VISIT HIGHWORTH

Highworth is an ancient hill top market town situated on the edge of the Cotswolds only four miles from the River Thames and close to Swindon.


SWINDON WILDCATS

The Swindon Wildcats are a professional ice hockey team that ply their trade in the NIHL National League, which runs from September all the way through to April each year.

SWINDON DESIGNER OUTLET

Housed within the beautifully restored Grade II listed buildings of the Great Western Railway, the South West's most popular Outlet Village boasts a huge variety of shops and brands, not to mention restaurants and coffee shops, many of which stay open until late.

Richard Jefferis Museum

RICHARD JEFFERIES MUSEUM

Set in the grounds of a 17th-century thatched cottage, there is a packed programme of activities at this museum dedicated to the nature writer, Richard Jefferies.

Wyvern Theatre

WYVERN THEATRE

Dance, comedy, drama and pantomime are all on show at Swindon’s premium theatre, located conveniently in the town centre.


MUSEUM OF COMPUTING

Visit the first museum in the UK dedicated exclusively to the history of computing and digital development.

ROVES FARM

Mention the name Roves Farm to any child in Swindon and it will invariably bring a smile to their face – this really is an incredibly popular place to go to enjoy all the fun of the farm.

MECA

Music and dancing and all kinds of laughing at Swindon’s oldest entertainment venue, located handily in the town centre.


BUTTERFLY WORLD

Visit Butterfly World and experience the tropics in Wiltshire, come rain or shine, summer or winter.

ATB SKATE PARK

To be a good skateboarder, you need to develop the sixth sense of an urban navigator, weaving through winding streets, learning to anticipate pedestrians and traffic with precision timing. Or you can play it safe and join the fun indoors!

JUNGLE PARC

Act out your inner Tarzan, Mowgli or George of the Jungle at swinging Lydiard Park attraction.


LASER QUEST

Whether you're six or sixty-six you'll love the adrenaline pumping exhilaration of stalking your opponents and unleashing a volley of laser fire in the Battle-Zone of the next Century!

TENPIN BOWLING

At Tenpin Swindon there are a whopping 32 bowling lanes for you to enjoy, plus fun-filled arcade games, table tennis and pool tables, an appetising menu at the restaurant and a fully licensed bar.

ROCKSTAR CLIMBING

Wiltshire’s premier indoor climbing centre is the place to go for adrenaline-junkies and casual climbers alike. All together now … whatever, you do, don’t look down!


SWINDON AND CRICKLADE RAILWAY

Wiltshire’s only standard gauge railway delivers a host of rides and activities, ideal for nostalgic adults and wide-eyed children.

COTSWOLD WATER PARK

Get in touch with nature across 170 lakes that boast all kinds of activities and accommodation, starting just 14 miles from Swindon.

FOOTGOLF AT BASSET DOWN

Calling all wannabe Harry Kanes or Rory McIlroys! If you love football or golf or both you will really love the 18-hole football golf course at Basset Down.


BOWOOD HOUSE AND GARDENS

Discover the rich and fascinating history of Bowood House and the Lansdowne family, set within 100 acres of beautifully landscaped ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland. Not to mention a fabulous Adventure Playground for the kids.

LYDIARD PARK

Lydiard Park is a beautiful historic estate on the western edge of Swindon. A Palladian House, Church and Walled Garden are set in 260 acres of parkland which surrounds a wonderful lake. Food and drink are available at the Forest Café and The Coach House Tea Rooms.

HEALTH HYDRO

First opened as a leisure and health facility for Great Western Railway workers in 1892, the Grade II listed Health Hydro is still going strong in the 21st Century.


BUZZ BINGO

“Me and you … number two”, “Cup of Tea … number three”, “Knock at the door” … number four”. Yes, the bingo lingo is alive and kicking at Buzz Bingo in Swindon.

COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK

Take a walk on the wild side with lions, giraffes, crocodiles and camels, or just relax in the lovely gardens.

VISIT CORSHAM

From starring on the small screen in Poldark to exotic peacocks and acres of picturesque autumnal countryside to explore, Corsham is a hidden gem.