There are many places to visit in Swindon and the surrounding areas of Wiltshire. Here we give you the lowdown on 7 of the most popular. Parks, museums and lots of other attractions!!
Parks
Lydiard Park
Set on 260 acres, Lydiard Park is a beautiful country park where visitors can open all year round. It can be located around 3 miles to the west of central Swindon and a stone’s throw from junction 16 of the M4. With its 18th-century country house and rich history along with some exciting attractions, we think Lydiard Park should be on anybody’s list of places to visit in or around Swindon.
Coate Water Country Park
If you are a water-lover and looking for an outdoor space to explore, then this is the place for you. With its beautiful reservoir-come-lake, a pleasant stroll around the outside will take around 45 minutes, and this will give you ample opportunity to take in the delightful surrounding wildlife. A few other attractions include the water park, mini-golf, a mini railway station, and children’s play area.
Queens Park
From its central Swindon location, Queens Park offers a great place for running, picnics, and some lovely trees and shrubs to enjoy. It is about 12 acres in size, one of the most frequented parks in Swindon. If you like beautiful gardens in a quiet setting, this is the place for you. We guarantee you will love walking around this stunning and peaceful park.
Mouldon Hill Country Park
To the northwest of the town centre of Swindon, Mouldon Hill Country Park is owned and managed by Swindon Borough Council. The park was originally named after the small hill found in the park which is around 105 metres above sea level. With its many pathways and walkways, including some which lead into the hidden lake, kids love the adventure and exciting vibe of the park.
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
Located on the corner of Bath Road and Victoria Road in the Old Town, Swindon Museum and Art Gallery is a listed building that houses a collection of 20th-century art. Established in 1944 by local benefactor H.J.P Bomford, the collection predominantly focuses on the 20th and 21st-century movements and significant artists, including Lucian Freud, Henry Morre, Augustus John, and many more. One of the more popular attractions in Swindon for sure.
STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway
This one is a must for anyone interested in locomotives, history, or the history of locomotives. The STEAM museum tells the story of when men and women who, after the vision of Isambard Kingdom Brunel had pioneered the Great Western Railway, built, operated, and travelled on the network. The museum has a series of reconstruction scenes with heat and smells aplenty. A fantastic site for the family and educational for children.
The Museum Of Computing
In the centre of Swindon on Theatre Square, The Museum of Computing offers a unique insight into the history of computers, as well as lots of active displays and hands-on exhibits. Kids love trying new things, and there are many exciting things to try here. An absolute must for the geeks amongst us and one of the most talked-about museums in Wiltshire.
Other Places To Visit
Of course, not everybody wants to visit a museum or a park. Fortunately, there are plenty of other attractions in Swindon. From the banks of the River Ray to the historic Old Town, entrenched in heritage, there are activities for all ages in Swindon and the surrounding areas.
The nearby canal provides lovely scenery if you like a stroll by the waterside, and there are various activities closer to the centre of Swindon. The market is vibrant and buzzing throughout the Summer too. With a range of family-friendly activities for all age groups, including parks, museums, art galleries, national train exhibits, and many others, we think everybody should make time to discover what this great town offers.
There are several tours and lots of wildlife and animals to explore. Families with children are exceptionally well looked after in Swindon, with all manner of attractions to discover. Perhaps the railway above the museum is the most famous of all Swindon attractions; what do you think?
Many people love Swindon’s railway heritage, and as it is an indoor museum, you can visit it all year round. This gets our vote!
Of course, you may need transport to and from all these fantastic attractions. That’s where we come in. 1st Call Swindon Taxis should be your first and only port of call for all your taxi needs in Swindon. We know the area so well, and being so local, we have a real passion for the town. We also offer airport transfer and event travel, so you can do that HERE if you would like to book online.
Want to know more about some of the things you can do in Swindon? We have information on upcoming events in 2023, and our top 3 nightlife hotspots for you to plan a great day or night out right in our blog!