It’s that time of year again when people across the UK gather together in celebration of the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year and marked by rituals and celebrations since prehistory.
The June solstice (Summer Solstice) in Swindon is at 10:13 am on Tuesday, June 21, 2022. In terms of daylight, this day is 8 hours, 50 minutes longer than the December solstice.
So how can you celebrate the Summer Solstice in Swindon? It’s a working day, but there’ll be plenty of light before and after work, so there will be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the day in the great outdoors.
The sun won’t be setting until 21:28 in Swindon on June 21, so why not make the most of the longest evening of the year by taking a stroll around one of your favourite parks or open spaces? There will be plenty of time for a picnic or BBQ before it gets dark!
Swindon and its surrounding area has a stunning array of beautiful green spaces to rival any town in the UK.
From beautiful Victorian parks in and around the town to the Ridgeway (above), Britain’s oldest road. Add to that our stately home gardens, wildlife reserves and areas of outstanding natural beauty – this really is a place to explore.
Lydiard Park has always been a family favourite with its wide-open spaces and big playground for the kids. Coate Water is also a huge expanse to stroll in where your dogs can enjoy a dip in the lake.
Not sure if the bats enjoy the Summer Solstice but Stanton Park’s wildlife also includes birds of prey, wildfowl, amphibians and invertebrates.
Barbury Castle is an Iron Age hill fort. It is one of several such forts found along the ancient Ridgeway route, and offers panoramic views of Swindon.
The Town Gardens in Old Town, Swindon is a classic example of Victorian Gardens, while Queen’s Park is home to many species of wildfowl and contains a diverse range of ornamental trees and shrubs.
The GWR park is a simple large expanse of green close to the centre of the town, with ornamental gardens and a children's play park. The park dates from the 1840s when It was a popular venue for the railway workers' community and sporting events and later, holding fetes and rallies.
The Lawns was once the estate of the Goddards, a prominent Swindon family. The beautiful walks offer fantastic views across the town.
Another way to relax and enjoy the Summer Solstice is to spend the evening in one of Swindon’s many inviting pub gardens. Sit back and toast the end of the longest day at The Strawberry Thief in Tadpole Garden Village, The Sun Inn next to Coate Water, The Clifton in Old Town, The Runner on Wootton Bassett Road (below left), The Kingsdown in Upper Stratton, The Tawny Owl in North Swindon, The Plough on the Hill in Badbury or Mackenzies in Old Town.
If you have the time to venture further afield, Swindon’s hinterland has some very special places to celebrate the Summer Solstice.
At nearly 4,500 years old, the Avebury henge has been marked the largest stone circle in Britain. Although attracting much less visitors than its neighbour, Stonehenge, this unique landmark never fails to disappoint with its spectacular display during the Summer Solstice; particularly best at sunrise.
For thousands of years, many people have gathered at Stonehenge (above) for one of the most iconic celebrations for Summer Solstice in the world. With the construction of the stones making for the perfect alignment at sunrise and sunset, visitors can experience a unique view of the solstice!
This year on June 21st, there are events happening across the Stonehenge area to mark the occasion including Solsticefest. From 18-21 of June, pop down to the famous Stonehenge and enjoy live music whilst browsing through the various craft stands and pop-up stalls; enjoy open access to the Stones for the Sunset and Sunrise too! Solsticefest is one not to miss!