Local attractions to visit in Swindon
Discover the enchanting history of Lydiard House – a striking Grade I listed building at the heart of Lydiard Park. Wander through the elegant State Rooms, where ornate plasterwork and original family furnishings are on display alongside portraits and photographs of the St John family, who lived here from Elizabethan times.
Situated on Lydiard Park Hotel’s doorstep, the picturesque historic parkland on the western outskirts of Swindon offers a diverse range of attractions throughout the year. The Jungle Parc offers plenty of activities including two courses: The Adventurer Course and Xplorer Course. Learn more here.
STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway
STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway is located in a meticulously restored Grade II railway building within the historic Swindon railway works. Positioned across from the Swindon Designer Outlet, the museum serves as a storyteller, recounting the history of the individuals who constructed, operated, and travelled on the Great Western Railway. Learn more here.
Coate Water, located 5 km southeast of central Swindon near junction 15 of the M4, encompasses a diverse range of amenities within its expansive country park. Facilities include a café, toilets, a play area, nature reserve, events program, angling opportunities, bird hides and more. Large static BBQs can be hired. The park offers wheelchair-accessible walks, with a popular 1.75-mile route around the lake. For further information, click here.
The Richard Jefferies Museum’s unique site includes a seventeenth-century thatched cottage, a nineteenth-century three-storied farmhouse, gardens, orchards, and outbuildings. Fully accredited by Arts Council England, the museum showcases an extensive collection of items related to Richard Jefferies, featuring first editions of his writings, manuscripts, photographs, paintings, and memorabilia. Learn more here.
Stanton Park, under the ownership of Swindon Borough Council, is home to a Scheduled Ancient Monument—the site of a Roman Villa, though no visible remains are present. The park holds a Green Flag award, recognised as an inspiring and largely unspoiled country park. A Nature Reserve designation covers 36 hectares, encompassing the lake, woodland, and grassland. Learn more here.
This 60-hectare site overlooks Swindon and stands out for its chalk grassland and the diverse wildlife it supports. The iron-age hill fort has preserved a portion undisturbed since ancient times due to its thin soil with excellent drainage, fostering the growth of specialist plants. The site is an ideal location for wildlife observation, walking, mountain biking, and horse riding. The adjacent amenity field near the car park provides a perfect space for activities like flying kites and exercising dogs, enhancing the site’s appeal as a picnic destination. Learn more here.
Swindon McArthur Glen Outlet Village
Discover your favorite brands at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon, offering year-round savings of up to 60%. Housed within a charming heritage building, the outlet features over 110 boutiques, including iconic fashion brands like Polo Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, Tommy Hilfiger, and Jack Wills, as well as athletic labels such as Nike and Puma, and popular high-street favorites like Guess and Joules. The site also offers amenities such as cafes, restaurants, a children’s play area, and more. Learn more here.
The Museum of Computing, the first physical museum of its kind in the UK, is dedicated to the rich history of computing and digital development. Located in the heart of Swindon at Theatre Square, the museum offers a hands-on experience with numerous exhibits, allowing visitors to interact with computers and related items as they existed in the past. Learn more here.
In 1971, the Wyvern Theatre opened its doors, becoming a prominent live entertainment venue in Wiltshire. Over five decades later, it hosts diverse events, including concerts, comedy, dance, drama, exhibitions, musical theatre, and local amateur productions. The auditorium, with 635 seats within 70ft of the stage, ensures an immersive experience. Named after the mythical Wyvern, once the emblem of the Kings of Wessex, the theatre continues to enchant with its magical atmosphere. Learn more here.
Swindon Arts Centre, situated in Old Town, has been a popular venue since the 1950s, hosting a variety of performances. With its intimate auditorium, it caters to small-scale touring productions and serves as a hub for locally produced shows in Swindon. The diverse program includes stand-up comedy, film, and music of every genre, along with original and inventive drama. The venue is a platform for groups like the Western Players, Phoenix Players, and the Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Additionally, Swindon Arts Centre is home to Old Town Library, further enriching its role as a cultural hub. Learn more here.