HERITAGE DAY OUT IN SWINDON

The town boasts an extremely rich history but it was the Great Western Railway which put Swindon firmly on the map in 1841. Scratch beneath the surface and Swindon is one of the South West’s most stimulating destinations for culture vultures.

STEAM MUSEUM
 

Discover how the GWR become known as God’s Wonderful Railway. A must see for all railway enthusiasts and non-railway enthusiasts alike, located on the site of the world famous railway works the museum houses a fantastic collection of some of the greatest steam locomotives ever built. There is plenty for all ages to see and do at this South West Business & Community Leisure & Tourism Award winner.

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RAILWAY VILLAGE & GWR PARK

Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel himself, the terraced two-storey cottages were built to house the railway workers and although modernised inside are still as they appeared in his time. There is also the Railway Cottage Museum, opening times vary. The Central Community Centre in the village was once the GWR Medical Fund Hospital.

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HEALTH HYDRO
 

Opened in 1891 and paid for by the workers of the Great Western Railway through their Medical Friendly Society. This Victorian health centre provides a number of unique facilities in addition to the pool – the original, beautifully decorated Turkish Baths are still in use today.

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RICHARD JEFFERIES MUSEUM

There is always something happening at this museum dedicated to the esteemed writer, Richard Jefferies. Set in the grounds of a 17th-century thatched cottage there are exhibits, beautiful gardens and a whole host of year round events and activities for young and old. The house and maintained gardens which reflect the nature writing that Jefferies created are great fun to explore.

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COATE WATER COUNTRY PARK

This beautiful country park is a fantastic community resource in a perfect setting and with a children’s playground, summer splash pool, all year café and space to run around, it makes for an enjoyable family day out. A Nature Reserve and a Site of Specific Scientific Interest means that the park is bursting with interesting bird and wildlife species and offers both fishing and birdwatching. 

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LYDIARD HOUSE & PARK

This Palladian house and grounds were once a great country estate and the ancestral home of the Viscounts Bolingbroke. Take the opportunity to wander through the elegant state rooms which still contain the original family furnishings, portraits and ornate plasterwork.

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RADNOR STREET CEMETERY

Not only a Commonwealth War Grave cemetery, buried here is a snapshot of Swindon people from all walks of life. From senior managers at the GWR works to murderers and thieves, every grave has its own fascinating story. Centrepiece of the graveyard is the chapel with its Cross of Sacrifice standing proudly on guard.

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CENTRAL LIBRARY & LOCAL STUDIES

Spread over three floors, the main central library in Regent Circus is the go to place for all the information you need when visiting the town. Here the Visitor Information Centre is where you can find free leaflets about places to visit and things to do. There are books on local history, maps, and souvenirs and staff are on hand to help you make the most of your visit as well as providing advice on public transport around the town.

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