Top ten guides

Top ten things to do in Swindon

STEAM Museum of the GWR

A must see for railway enthusiasts and non-railway enthusiasts alike, STEAM is housed in a lovingly restored Grade II listed building 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 and tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. See famous locomotives, ‘drive’ the train simulator and even work the signals in an interactive GWR signal box. The kids will love it!

steam-museum.org.uk

Coate Water Country Park

This beautiful country park surrounding a vast lake has been a Swindon favourite for generations. 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.

visitswindon.org.uk

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Wyvern Theatre

Swindon’s landmark theatre has entertained generations of theatregoers with a showstopping variety of live entertainment and in 2017 it won an award as the Best Theatre in the South. If you are going for the full theatre experience, the Wyvern Theatre offers incredible hassle-free dining in its own brand-new restaurant.

swindontheatres.co.uk

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Lydiard Park

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 Jungle Parc play area, Cafe & Tea Rooms, events and education programmes make Lydiard Park a great destination for a family day out.

lydiardpark.org.uk

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Swindon Designer Outlet

There is a reason why coachloads of shoppers from as far afield as the Midlands and South Wales regularly descend upon Swindon’s Designer Outlet; it’s because it has more brands that you can shake a well-dressed stick at, and all at amazing discount prices. There are more than 100 stores, as well as a huge food court.

mcarthurglen.com

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Museum of Computing

Based in the centre of Swindon at Theatre Square, the museum is not simply a repository of artefacts, but has active displays as well as providing a forum for the provision of lectures. The Museum is family-friendly and welcomes people of all ages, technophobes included! You will find many hands-on exhibits, allowing you to experience computers and related items as they were in the past.

museumofcomputing.org.uk

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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. Roves Farm is a local working farm that covers 166 hectares just 3 miles east of Swindon, on the Wiltshire and Oxfordshire border.

rovesfarm.co.uk

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Richard Jefferies Museum

The museum consists of a seventeenth century thatched cottage bought by the Jefferies family in 1800, a later, nineteenth century three-storied farmhouse, plus outbuildings, gardens, a copse, orchard and vegetable gardens. The site is run by the Richard Jefferies Museum Trust and is fully accredited by Arts Council England.

richardjefferies.org

MECA

An entertainment venue since 1929, the magnificent former Regent Theatre now hosts all types of evening events from music to comedy to tribute acts. It’s even a wedding venue. In any given month MECA might host comedy legends like Johnny Vegas, classic ‘60s soul nights, or a DJ set by Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp. And if MECA is renowned for one thing, it’s the regular Family Roller Discos.

mecaswindon.co.uk

Butterfly World

Butterfly World is part of Studley Grange Garden and Leisure Park, a couple of minutes off the M4, junction 16. You can walk among some of the most beautiful butterflies in the world, flying freely against a backdrop of tropical plants and skimming over fish-filled ponds. See the amazing Danaus Plexipuss which looks like an art deco lamp, or the almost transparent Greta Oto.

studleygrange.co.uk

Top ten places to stay in Swindon

Jurys Inn Swindon

Whether you’re visiting Swindon on business or using our hotel as a base to explore nearby towns, cities and picturesque countryside, it’s important to feel at home during your stay in the town. The Jurys Inn Swindon, feels comfortable and relaxed from the moment you walk through the door, with their stylish and spacious rooms, in-house bar and restaurant, and free hotel-wide WiFi. So whatever you’re doing in Swindon, you can rest assured your stay is nothing short of perfect.

jurysinns.com/hotels/swindon

Blunsdon House Hotel

Blunsdon House Hotel in Swindon is a unique four star family owned hotel in Wiltshire situated on the edge of the Cotswolds, close to the M4, M5 and easily accessible by rail from London and Bristol.

There are 108 comfortable bedrooms, 1 restaurant, 3 bars, 7 meeting rooms and Leisure Club with gym, and indoor pool making Blunsdon House Hotel a go-to destination.

blunsdonhouse.co.uk

5

Thistle Express

Thistle Express Swindon is a comfortable, modern and central hotel in Swindon town centre, located just opposite the planned new commercial quarter. Free wifi is available throughout the hotel and rooms come with a 40 inch flatscreen TV.

thistle.com/en/thistle-express/hotels/ swindon

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Stanton House Hotel

Surrounded by beautiful gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll in the 19th century and overlooking Stanton Lake and Park, we offer a peace and tranquillity that is craved for in today’s world, whilst offering all of the comforts that you would expect in a AA 3* hotel.

stantonhousehotel.co.uk

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Marriott Hotel

Discover modern style, 4-star service and a convenient setting near the city centre at Swindon Marriott Hotel. Located on the outskirts of historic Old Town, Swindon, near the M4 motorway and the Cotswolds, our hotel positions you to explore the city with ease.

marriott.com/hotels/travel/swidtswindon-marriott-hotel

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Chiseldon House

An award-winning country house hotel set in the stunning Marlborough Downs in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside. Situated just minutes from Swindon and the M4, it ensures easy access from London and the West. Whether you’re joining us for your dream wedding, a discrete business meeting or simply a special family meal, you’ll be perfectly cared for from start to finish.

chiseldonhouse.com

9

The Churchill

The Churchill, situated just off the M4, is within easy access of Swindon and its surrounding areas. Expect a great deal, friendly staff, tasty reasonably priced food and drink, and a really handy location. Free on-site parking and free wifi is available at this hotel.

greenekinginns.co.uk/hotels/thechurchill-wootton-bassett/

10

Alexandra House

A modern, stylish conference and event venue set in acres of green far-reaching grounds, Alexandra House is home to a range of contemporary event suites and an abundance of outside space. With its collection of 152 contemporary guest bedrooms, it’s the ideal hotel in Swindon for leisure guests and business travellers alike and is also a dog friendly venue, so feel free to bring along your waggy-tailed friends.

swindonalexandrahouse.co.uk

DoubleTree by Hilton

DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon is set in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, near Junction 16 of the M4 motorway and just 3 miles from Swindon town centre. Enjoy proximity to Windmill Hill and key businesses, the Swindon Designer Outlet, STEAM Museum and the Cotswolds parks – all minutes from our Swindon hotel.

hilton.com/en/hotels/swihndi-doubletreeswindon/

Central Travelodge

Located in the heart of Swindon, the Swindon Central Travelodge is in the perfect location to explore the town and the surrounding area. The hotel features a new Business Floor Room option and all rooms come with a comfy king size bed, television and ensuite bathroom.

travelodge.co.uk/hotels/335/ Swindon-Central-hotel

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Top ten places to eat out in Swindon

Helen Browning’s Royal Oak

Helen Browning’s run the Royal Oak, a boutique hotel and dining pub in Bishopstone, just outside Swindon. They also offer workshops and courses as part of Eastbrook Experiences and are proud to announce their wildlife photography and workshop business.

helenbrownings.co.uk

Los Gatos

Los Gatos’ tapas menu changes regularly with the seasons and new ideas from the owners’ travels in Spain. The menu includes nibbles, hot and cold fish, meat, egg and vegetable dishes and some dishes suitable for vegetarians and vegans. There is also a range of Spanish cheeses and some tasty desserts, including the naughty but nice Pudin de Chocolate!

losgatos.co.uk

5

Moshan Island Grill

The small restaurant welcomes a wide range of customers from families, couples, friends, travellers wishing to relive past experiences from the Caribbean or simply those yet to discover Caribbean cuisine Its aim is to provide an exceptional and memorable service to all. Moshan Box Dinner opened its doors in 2013 and became very popular in the town with its modern takeaway box meals.

moshanislandgrill.co.uk

6

The Jewel in the Crown

The Jewel In The Crown is a family-run business now celebrating its 30 Year Anniversary. Award-Winning chefs create refined fresh-to-order Indian food from diverse regions, displayed with verve and style. The Jewel In The Crown has four suites each catering for 50 covers, making it an ideal venue for business meetings, family get-togethers, Christmas meals and all other occasions.

jewelinthecrown.co.uk

7

Greek Olive

Head chef Michael Kalotinis boasts over 20 years’ experience running his own restaurant in Kos. He takes great pride in the meals served from his kitchen, serving only authentic, traditional Greek cuisine. A large amount of his ingredients will be direct from Greece to ensure you experience the real Hellenic taste of the Mediterranean.

thegreekolive.co.uk

8

Siam Thai

Swindon’s only authentic Thai Restaurant, this exquisite venue is waiting to take you on a journey of fine dining and exciting dishes, freshly prepared by its speciality Thai chefs. Siam Thai’s motto is to deliver each customer an exceptional fine dining experience every time by providing delicious authentic Thai dishes prepared and cooked in a modern Thai style.

siamthaiswindon.com

9

Gaetano’s Italian

Gaetano’s is where you can enjoy the full Italian experience of superb cuisine, vino and atmosphere. It’s proud to continue the tradition of cooking the best quality food - freshly prepared to unique recipes including freshly-made bread every day. Here you will enjoy wonderful food cooked with Italian passion and served with Italian hospitality.

gaetanos.co.uk

10

Hall & Woodhouse

The winner of CAMRA’s best new build pub in Britain 2020 award, this striking venue is split into sections and the design is a mixture of industrial, canalthemed and family memorabilia. At the heart of the house you’ll find the Bar, you’ll also find the Pantry with long bench style seating for a more relaxed experience and a Dining Room which is perfect if you’re looking for a more formal dining experience.

hall-woodhousewichelstowe.co.uk

The Bank

The Bank provides the perfect backdrop to a great day or evening. Catch up over coffee or a leisurely lunch, enjoy afternoon tea with the children, wind down after work with a well-deserved drink or relax with an early supper. Your perfect day begins and ends in a chic, informal, continental style brasserie. It’s something different!

thebank.bar

Harper’s Steakhouse & Bar

Harper’s new steakhouse menu will create an experience that is worthy of the fabulous ambience that this unique building (formerly The Weighbridge) creates. At the heart of the new menu is a focus on melt in the mouth premium steaks, with a supporting menu of dishes brimming with flavours and big on portion generosity. Alongside this, the new bar highlights fabulous new cocktails.

harpers-weighbridge.co.uk

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Shopping in Swindon

Designer Outlet Village Swindon

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 till late.

www.mcarthurglen.com

The Brunel Shopping Centre

The town-centre Brunel boasts a great selection of shops – both big names and independent retailers- as well as the recently opened The Crossing Food Court. Among the big names are Boots, M&S, Claire’s, Holland & Barrett, House of Fraser, Lush, O2, Pandora, Timpson, The Entertainer, Vision Express and Waterstones. There’s also John Anthony, the longest running designer menswear shop in Swindon at nearly 40 years old.

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Old Town Swindon

There’s a clue in the name, Old Town is the original town sitting up on the hill and has an ambience all of its own with stylish wine and cocktail bars, traditional pubs, restaurants ranging from Thai and Nepalese to Spanish and Indian. There are also independent retailers, galleries, buzzing night clubs and the 212-seater theatre, The Arts Centre.

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Greenbridge Retail Park

Just outside the town centre sits Greenbridge Retail and Leisure Park, home to Swindon’s only Imax cinema. There’s also a wide variety of restaurants, several shops and plenty of free parking.

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West Swindon Shopping Centre

The West Swindon Shopping Centre is best known for its massive ASDA but it’s also home to a host of independent stalls with appealing gifts for all the family, from movie memorabilia to bespoke jewellery. The shopping centre is also adjacent to the Link Centre, Swindon’s largest recreation facility which offers an enormous array of sports and leisure activities suitable for all ages, abilities and interests.

Orbital Shopping Park

Shopping until you drop is always on the agenda at the Orbital Shopping Park, a popular destination for residents of North Swindon and the nearby Cotswolds. The Orbital includes a large M&S, Outfit, Boots, New Look and Argos. There is also a state-of-theart Everlast Fitness Club, or for those who prefer more sedate pursuits, a large library and a Costa.

Mannington Retail Park

Located barely ten minutes from M4 junction 16 and only five minutes from Swindon town centre by car, Mannington Retail Park is an easily accessible site with a variety of shops, notably Next Home and that favourite of Middle England shoppers, M&S Simply Food.

A speakeasy located in the heart of Swindon’s Old Town. Serving fine spirits and cocktails in an intimate, friendly environment.

thevaultbarlounge.co.uk

Swindon – the perfect base for explorers and holidaymakers

Consider this: Swindon is just 13 miles from Cirencester, 30 miles from Oxford, 34 miles from Bath, 39 miles from Bristol and 42 miles from Salisbury. As a base camp for visiting some of England’s most beloved destinations it could hardly be better placed.

Swindon’s privileged location make it the ideal gateway to the South West, the Cotswolds, and the Thames Valley.

It also makes economic sense to stay in Swindon with hotels in the town more affordable than in neighbouring locations.

Some people know Cirencester as the Capital of the Cotswolds, but in Roman times the town had a much loftier status. At that time Corinium Dobunnorum was the second largest settlement in the whole country with a large forum and basilica and an amphitheatre that could seat 8,000.

The Perpendicular Church of St John the Baptist crowns Cirencester’s silhouette, and you can mix sightseeing with shopping at the New Brewery Arts studios, cosy little lanes and the famous weekly antiques market at the Corn Hall.

Built for pleasure and relaxation, Bath has been a wellbeing destination since Roman times. The waters are still a big draw, both at the ancient Roman Baths and the thoroughly modern Thermae Bath Spa, which houses the only natural thermal hot springs in Britain that you can bathe in.

Bath’s compact, visitor-friendly centre is overflowing with places to eat and drink while its stunning honey-coloured Georgian architecture is straight from a Jane Austen novel – highlights include the iconic Royal Crescent and the majestic Circus.

Discover things to do in Bristol born out of the city’s centuries-old heritage and irrepressible creative spirit. Float over historic landmarks in a beautiful balloon, seek out world-class street art and follow the sound of live music flowing into cobbled streets.

In walking boots or hot air balloon, on a bike or a boat, even stand-up paddleboard or kayak, plan your visit to lively yet laid-back, green-at-heart Bristol and find a city bursting with character ready to inspire you.

Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires, is famous the world over for its university and place in history. For over 800 years, it has been a home to royalty and scholars, and since the 9th century an established town. With its mix of ancient and modern, there is plenty for the visitor to do, whether it’s visiting one of the many historic buildings, colleges or museums, going out for a drink or a meal, taking in a show or shopping till you drop at the huge Westgate centre.

Salisbury is a medieval cathedral city on the southern tip of Wiltshire. It’s 9 miles south of the iconic prehistoric stone circle at Stonehenge, which stands on the grassland of Salisbury Plain. The city’s ornate 13thcentury cathedral has a 123m spire, a working 14thcentury clock and an original copy of the Magna Carta (the Great Charter), a key document from 1215 A.D.

So there you have it, some of England’s must-visit destinations and all in striking distance of Swindon.