Swindon Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Nestled in the picturesque county of Wiltshire, Swindon is a charming town in the heart of England. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, Swindon offers a unique and diverse experience for travelers.
One of the main attractions in Swindon is the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway. Housed in a beautifully restored railway building, this museum takes visitors on a journey through the golden age of steam. Explore the interactive displays, marvel at the historic locomotives, and learn about the impact of the Great Western Railway on the development of the town.
For art enthusiasts, the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery is a must-visit. Showcasing a wide range of artwork, from contemporary pieces to local heritage collections, this gallery provides a glimpse into the vibrant art scene of the town. Be sure to catch one of the temporary exhibitions, featuring both local and international artists.
Nature lovers will find solace in the beautiful Lydiard Park. With its sprawling green spaces, serene lakes, and majestic woodlands, this park offers the perfect place to relax and unwind. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens, admire the stunning architecture of Lydiard House, or enjoy a picnic by the lake. If you're lucky, you might even spot some wildlife!
For a taste of Swindon's rich history, head to the Old Town. This charming area is home to a wealth of historic buildings, including the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, the 17th-century Christ Church, and the Brunel Shopping Centre, housed in a former railway warehouse. Explore the quaint streets lined with independent shops, cozy pubs, and delightful cafes, and immerse yourself in the town's unique atmosphere.
No visit to Swindon would be complete without a trip to the Swindon Designer Outlet. Located in the former Great Western Railway Works, this shopping destination offers a wide range of designer and high street brands at discounted prices. Indulge in a spot of retail therapy, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes, and take in the architectural beauty of the converted railway buildings.
Swindon Attractions - What to See and Explore
Swindon offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Museum of the Great Western Railway, Swindon Stadium, Coate Water, Wilts & Berks Canal. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Things to See and Do in Swindon by Category
Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Swindon.
Active
Swindon Stadium
SwindonArenas and stadiums Sport venue Sport 
County Ground
SwindonOutdoor activities Sport venue Football 
Oasis Leisure Centre
SwindonSport complex 
Swindon Cricket Club
SwindonCricket Sport venue Sport 
Link Centre
SwindonSport venue Sport
Museum
Museum of the Great Western Railway
SwindonMuseum Specialty museum 
Museum of Computing
SwindonMuseum Specialty museum 
Swindon Art Gallery
SwindonMuseum Art museum 
Lydiard House
SwindonMuseum 
Richard Jefferies Museum
SwindonMuseum Specialty museum
Church
Christ Church
SwindonChurch 
Holy Rood Church
SwindonChurch Gothic Revival architecture 
St Mark's Church
SwindonChurch Gothic Revival architecture 
St Augustine's Church
SwindonArchitecture Church 
St Mary's Church
SwindonChurch
Park
Coate Water
SwindonPark Nature and wildlife Body of water 
Lydiard Park
SwindonPark Vernacular architecture 
Mouldon Hill Country Park
SwindonPark 
Clout's Wood
SwindonPark 
Queens Park
SwindonPark
Swindon – popular in the area (distance from the center)
In the vicinity of Swindon, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Stowe House, Stourhead, Didcot Railway Centre (Didcot).
Best Time To Visit Swindon
Learn when is the best time to travel to Swindon weather-wise and what to expect in each season.
Best Ways to Experience the City
Food & drink
CuisineA guide to some of the best local dishes and drinks that you will meet in the region.
Ale
Ale is a type of beer distinguished by its sweet, full-bodied, and fruity flavor, resulting from a warm fermentation process. Originally, ale was brewed without hops, using a blend of herbs or spices known as gruit for bitterness.
Type of beer
Stew
A stew is a robust dish crafted by simmering solid food ingredients in a liquid to create a rich, flavorful gravy. These ingredients often include a diverse array of vegetables and proteins such as beef, poultry, sausages, and even seafood.
Parkin
Parkin is a classic gingerbread cake originating from northern England, particularly cherished in Yorkshire and Lancashire. This delightful treat is made with oatmeal and black treacle, which impart a distinctive flavor and texture.
Sticky toffee pudding
Sticky toffee pudding is a cherished English dessert celebrated for its moist sponge cake enveloped in a rich toffee sauce, typically accompanied by vanilla custard or ice cream. In Australia and New Zealand, a similar delicacy known as sticky date pudding enjoys...
Crumble
A crumble is an incredibly versatile dish that comes in both sweet and savory variations, although the sweet version is undoubtedly more popular. For the sweet crumble, you typically begin with stewed fruit, topped with a crumbly mixture made from fat, flour, and sugar.
Dish
England