What to do in Swindon

[Mr. B]

On Weds 9 May I will find myself in Swindon for the day (son having interview).

Is there anything of interest in the immediate area to pass a little time ???

 

[brucemillar]

Well it has a steam museum and used to have a problem with prostitutes. Not sure if you can combine the two, or even if you would wish to.

 

[davidjpowell]

lots of concrete and special roundabouts.

 

[corned]

What to do in Swindon?

Find the door marked 'EXIT'. Quick!

 

[DSM10000]

Drive to Bath. see the sights, have lunch, go back to Swindon and leave ASAP!

 

[PXW]

Definitely the best thing to do if you find yourself in Swindon is leave!

Thankfully there are other things to do within easy reach. Cirencester is a nice town to wander around, as is Cheltenham. You could easily pop up to the cotswolds - Northleach, the Slaughters, Bourton on the water, Stow on the wold all easy drives from Swindon, and provide decent scenery, good pubs for lunch etc etc. Model village at Bourton is quaint if you haven't seen it before. If you get online and prebook you coudl line up a day of watersport - skiiing, sailing or whatever - at the Cotswolds Water Park, just north of Cirencester. But do get out of Swindon....

 

[balge]

The only thing to see in Swindon...

The Magic Roundabout - Swindon's white knuckle ride! SwindonWeb guide

"It's what we're famous for"

Actually detoured through Swindon to drive round it on a holiday once

 

[evdok]

''mercedes of swindon''

 

[Merc Owner 2B]

What to do

Swindon is a thriving town with a wealth of attractions that will appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.
The award winning Steam Museum traces the history of the Great Western Railway taking visitors on a journey though the golden age of Steam bringing to life the workers and locomotives that were so central to Swindon's development and continued growth.
Next to the Museum and built into the Old Railway Works building is the Swindon Designer Outlet ideal for people who want to pick up a bargain and shop till they drop, the centre has over 100 shops, a multitude of eating establishments, a crèche and a children's play area as well The Hinton Manor Steam Locomotive.
The National Monuments Record Centre is home to the archive of English Heritage and has over 7 million documents.
To the west of the town is historic Lydiard Park the ancestral home of the Viscounts Bolingbrook, the house and church are a delight to visit, while the 18th Century walled garden has recently been restored is a mass of beautiful flowers and plants.
Swindon Museum & Art Gallery can be found in Old Town and has displays covering local history, archaeology and geology. It also tells the story of Swindon's Jurassic past, it's connection with the Roman Empire and more recent social history.
The art gallery has a reputation as one of the best of British 20th Century art collections outside of London.
The picturesque Town Gardens is one of Swindon's most attractive and well loved places, amongst the wonderful array of flowers you will also find a Victorian Bandstand, Aviary, Concert Bowl and refreshment kiosk, in the summer many concerts and festivals are held here including the popular Indian Mela a series of concerts and The Old Town Festival.
There are a number of other parks in and around the town including Coate Water Country Park, Queens Park, Stanton Park, Sevenfields and Nightingale Wood.
Just north of the town is the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, where visitors can enjoy train rides and absorb Swindon's railway history by viewing steam & diesel locomotives, historic carriages, wagons and a small museum.
Roves Farm is a joy for children with the opportunity to meet & feed its wide range of animals, Butterfly World at Studley Grange is a great place to visit whatever the weather and if your looking to keep the children entertained there are a number of indoor soft play areas such as Jolly Roger and Kidz About
With two theatres, two cinemas, bowling and karting centres, nightclubs,leisure centres, restaurants and plenty of events taking place throughout the year, Swindon is an ideal location to take a break.

 

[developer]

Well it has a steam museum and used to have a problem with prostitutes. Not sure if you can combine the two, or even if you would wish to.

Have it away day with a nostalgic twist - what's not to like?

 

[Mr. B]

Thanks guys - looks like Swindon is going to be a 'fantastic day'. Plenty of 'sights' to see and explore. I think I may take my video camera to remind me of my experiences.

 

[davidjpowell]

What to do

Swindon is a thriving town with a wealth of attractions that will appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.
The award winning Steam Museum traces the history of the Great Western Railway taking visitors on a journey though the golden age of Steam bringing to life the workers and locomotives that were so central to Swindon's development and continued growth.
Next to the Museum and built into the Old Railway Works building is the Swindon Designer Outlet ideal for people who want to pick up a bargain and shop till they drop, the centre has over 100 shops, a multitude of eating establishments, a crèche and a children's play area as well The Hinton Manor Steam Locomotive.
The National Monuments Record Centre is home to the archive of English Heritage and has over 7 million documents.
To the west of the town is historic Lydiard Park the ancestral home of the Viscounts Bolingbrook, the house and church are a delight to visit, while the 18th Century walled garden has recently been restored is a mass of beautiful flowers and plants.
Swindon Museum & Art Gallery can be found in Old Town and has displays covering local history, archaeology and geology. It also tells the story of Swindon's Jurassic past, it's connection with the Roman Empire and more recent social history.
The art gallery has a reputation as one of the best of British 20th Century art collections outside of London.
The picturesque Town Gardens is one of Swindon's most attractive and well loved places, amongst the wonderful array of flowers you will also find a Victorian Bandstand, Aviary, Concert Bowl and refreshment kiosk, in the summer many concerts and festivals are held here including the popular Indian Mela a series of concerts and The Old Town Festival.
There are a number of other parks in and around the town including Coate Water Country Park, Queens Park, Stanton Park, Sevenfields and Nightingale Wood.
Just north of the town is the Swindon and Cricklade Railway, where visitors can enjoy train rides and absorb Swindon's railway history by viewing steam & diesel locomotives, historic carriages, wagons and a small museum.
Roves Farm is a joy for children with the opportunity to meet & feed its wide range of animals, Butterfly World at Studley Grange is a great place to visit whatever the weather and if your looking to keep the children entertained there are a number of indoor soft play areas such as Jolly Roger and Kidz About
With two theatres, two cinemas, bowling and karting centres, nightclubs,leisure centres, restaurants and plenty of events taking place throughout the year, Swindon is an ideal location to take a break.

At least that's what the tourist board say!

What to do

 

[seven]

Marlborough is not far (9 miles) and is lovely. I am biased though! I could sell you some antiques and take you for a little tour.
Too many PQP's in Swindon.

 

[stevieb15]

The "magic roundabout" is probably its most famous and fascinating feature
Q

 

[Palfrem]

Starvin Marvins does a great breakfast baguette

 

[Mr. B]

The 'Magic R/Bout' - how bizarre.

Is it like driving around the Arc de Triomphe, once your on it you can't get off ??