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Swindon is a large town in Wiltshire, south west England, that is known for its railway-town heritage and links with the British railway system in which it played a central part during the 19th and 20th centuries. Swindon hosts a railway museum in a restored railway works building, and a volunteer-run heritage railway
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The United Kingdom's largest water park has over 150 lakes which were formed by filling old gravel quarries. It is about north-west of Swindon and offers many water sports and activities.
Steam Museum
The museum is in a restored railway works building, which is a treat in itself. As well as having a wealth of information about the railways, it also is an invaluable source of social history. Highlights of the collection include former fastest loco in the world Caerphilly Castle, and one of Queen Victoria's personal carriages. There are plenty of events for children, model railways, vintage arcade games, and - best of all - a steam train driving simulator!
Educational museum with excellent collections of what are now antique computers and games consoles. Guided tours depending on number of visitors.
Interesting displays on local history, geology and archaeology. It is run by the local council.
Very important collection of 20th-century British art and includes works by Henry Moore and L.S. Lowry.
A remnant of Swindon's past glory involving Brunel and the steam railways, these three rows of houses are Grade II listed gems, hidden away between the railway station, the Great Western Designer Outlet Village and Swindon central shopping plaza. Although the cottages are still private property, the streets have public access; and the two pubs in the centre of the village (the Glue Pot and the Cricketers) serve local ale and food, from lunch time until late.
Created in the early 1990s, this event is for those who enjoy readings, poetry and talks from a wide range of authors, performers and speakers. Highlights from previous years include Sir David Attenborough, Will Self, Richard Dawkins, and the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Sir John Major.
10-day programme showcasing the latest independent films from Britain and abroad.
A celebration of Indian culture.
The main annual LGBT event in Wiltshire. Accessible and free for all to attend.
Music festival packed with upcoming and established bands from Swindon and the wider region.
"The Robins" play football in League Two, the game's fourth tier. Their stadium- the County Ground, capacity 15,700, is half a mile east of the railway station.
Adventure park in the 'tree-tops', with zip lines, rope bridges and cargo nets. Aimed at children 3yrs or over.
Standard gauge heritage railway located on a portion of the former Midland & South West Junction Railway (M&SWJR). Rides are available on carriages hauled by steam and diesel locomotives. The line is operated by a dedicated team of volunteers, with the track length increasing year on year.
Probably one of the better places to find good real ale in Swindon. They also have a large and constantly changing selection of ciders.
The ubiquitous Wetherspoons: cheap beer, no atmosphere.
Great food, a brilliant laugh free pub quiz on Wednesdays which involves snakes and ladders and cheating is encouraged! They are also a great music venue for all types of music encouraging unsigned bands. They also show films and have a great atmosphere.
The Old Bank comprises a bar and brasserie on the ground floor and on the upper floors, bar areas.
Reasonable bar; food served.
Reasonable bar with good drinks selection, conservatory and outdoor areas.
Small, friendly, independent bar serving real ales and craft beers. Beer list changes very frequently. Crisps, etc., but no kitchen.
formerly Jurys Inn
Hilton Hotel
Hotel just outside Swindon with fully equipped gym, 23-m indoor swimming pool, and a health and beauty spa. Special Spa Break from £75 per person for one night including three-course dinner, full English breakfast and choice of beauty treatment.
Cotswold stone house overlooking Stanton Lake and park just outside Swindon. Mt. Fuji Yakiniku-style Japanese restaurant is on the grounds of the hotel, and the hotel also hosts a Japanese market from time to time.
Pub with 12 charming annexe bedrooms on an organic farm.
It is accessible from Canal Walk, and comprises a two-storey indoor shopping area and open-air shopping 'high street'. It is effectively barren like most British town malls, underfunded with a lack of maintenance. Youth crime and homelessness is rampant and vape shops and fake barber shops even more so.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
Europe's largest indoor designer outlet in the unique setting of restored Victorian railway engineering buildings. Consists of high-end brands to more quaint brands. Has a food-court. Family friendly and disabled friendly.
One of Swindon’s most popular shopping and leisure destinations. Restaurants and cinema in the same place. Surrounding it are many car showrooms.
West Swindon's shopping destination. Includes Asda, Clinton Card and food and drink outlets such as Costa and McDonalds.
North Swindon's shopping destination. accommodates ASDA, New Look, Pizza Hut and Nandos.
By train
Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain
By bus
National Express Coaches are available from the Fleming Way bus interchange, and FlixBus Coaches are available from Regent Circus.
By car
Driving along the M4, take junction 15 or 16 into Swindon.
By bus
Swindon has an extensive local bus network, with the vast majority of routes radiating outward from the Fleming Way bus interchange in the town centre.
By bicycle
Swindon has extensive support for bikes, with paths following major roads split between pedestrians and cycles.
By car
The road network in Swindon is comprehensively signposted.
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