19 of the Best Things to do in Swindon
We know, we know – Swindon has been on the receiving end of a bit of a bad rap over the years. Plenty of people are maybe too quick to knock the town, even though most have probably never even set foot in it. Maybe it’s just down to The Office giving it a few cheeky jabs back in the day, but honestly, Swindon has plenty going for it once you take a proper look.
As part of our local towns to the Cotswold Lakes posts, Visitors Guide to Cirencester and our Witney Guide, this piece shines a light on the spots that make Swindon worth exploring. From history and nature to family fun and local quirks, there’s more to this North Wiltshire than many might not realise. So, if you’re planning a visit (or even if you live nearby and fancy rediscovering it), here are some of our favourite things to do in Swindon.
Things to do Indoors
STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway
If you’re a fan of history, trains and engineering or just appreciate taking in old steam engines up close, then the STEAM museum is an absolute classic gem. I love strolling through the restored workshops and exploring interactive bits like the GWR signal box simulator – it so feels like stepping back in time. Visitors often praise its “hands-on displays” and say it’s a fun blend of education and nostalgia.
Contact Details
Address: STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway, Firefly Avenue (off Kemble Drive), Swindon, SN2 2EY
Phone: 01793 466646
Email: steammuseum@swindon.gov.uk
Website: steam-museum.org.uk
Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
This is one of my go-to’s for a superb night out in Swindon – it’s a popular venue so whether it’s comedy, musical theatre or a band, the Wyvern always seems to hit the mark for me and many others too I’d guess! People often compliment the theatre’s energetic atmosphere and friendly local staff.
Contact Details
Address: Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN
Phone / Box Office: 01793 524 481
Email: info@wyverntheatre.org.uk
Website: https://trafalgartickets.com/wyvern-theatre-swindon/en-GB
Swindon Outlet Centre
If you love a spot of bargain hunting (and who doesn’t love a good bargain!), then Swindon’s Designer Outlet never ever disappoints. I often pop in to look for discounted designer pieces and there’s always a neat twist, like spotting a restored steam loco in the food court as a nod to the town’s railway roots. Shoppers frequently mention the “great variety of brands,” friendly staff, (mostly) easy access and how accessible it is for everyone including mobility-impaired visitors.
Contact Details
Address: Kemble Drive, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN2 2DY
Phone: 01793 507600
Email: enquiries@swindondesigneroutlet.com
Website: mcarthurglen.com/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-Swindon
Ice Skating at the Link Centre
This place is one of my favourite places especially in Winter. The ice rink is a real gem for Swindon – it’s big enough to hold public skating sessions, lessons and even ice hockey games. Whether you’re a total beginner or highly used to gliding around on ice, there are classes and casual sessions for everyone. Visitors often mention helpful, enthusiastic staff and how fun the ice rink feels when it’s buzzing with families
Contact Details
Phone: 01793 877323
Address: The Link Centre, Whitehill Way, Westlea, Swindon, SN5 7DL
Email: link@gll.org
Website: better.org.uk/leisure-centre/swindon/the-link-centre
Museum of Computing, Swindon
This museum may satisfy your inner geek (!) but if you’re seriously into your tech, it’s an ABSOLUTE delight.
Found in the centre of Swindon with car parking nearby, you’ll find a selection of carefully curated vintage computers, exhibits on computing pioneers as well as some great hands-on displays that make you appreciate how far we’ve come with tech. People often highlight its charm, the knowledgeable computer-savvy volunteers and how it’s great for curious minds. The slight downside is that it only opens on Saturdays, the upside is that it doesn’t cost too much to enter, just £5 per adult, under 16’s for £3 and free for under 5’s with concessions too.
It’s a real trip down your RAM (or ROM) memory lane!
Contact Details
Address: 6-7 Theatre Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 1QN.
Website: https://www.museumofcomputing.org.uk
Rockstar Climbing Swindon
If you’re a fan of being “upwardly mobile” then this is the go-to indoor climbing spot in Swindon. It’s modern, friendly and perfect whether you’re new to climbing or having to train hard on the wall. I’ve visited a few times and love how helpful the instructors are, especially with first-time climbers. The bouldering wall is brilliant and the routes get updated regularly so the climbing never feels like it’s ever going stale.
Contact Details
Address: Unit 36, Bramble Road, Elgin Industrial Estate, Swindon, SN2 8DW
Phone: 01793 523243
Email: info@rockstarclimbing.co.uk
Website: rockstarclimbing.co.uk
Butterfly World & Farm Park
Butterfly World is a warm, tropical place full of beautifully coloured butterflies flitting around your head – it’s a proper escape, especially on a grey Winter’s day. There’s also a small animal area outside with rabbits, raccoons, otters, goats, birds and more that the young ones seem to adore.
I found the place spotless and the staff were lovely, happy to explain the butterfly life cycle and answer all sorts of questions. You’ll also find a handy garden centre and cafe too. I first visited around 15 years ago and on my return it’s grown so much! It’s dead easy to reach, being reasonably close to the M4 motorway and you could easily spend a couple of hours here, especially if you’ve got little ones who love nature. This place always puts a proper smile on my face!
Contact Details
Address: Studley Grange Craft Village, Hay Lane, Stanley, Swindon, SN4 9QT
Phone: 01793 852400
Email: info@studleygrange.co.uk
Website: https://www.studleygrange.co.uk/butterflyworld/
Kidz About
When my child was (much) younger, Kidz About was where he always wanted to head to so we made it a fairly regular weekend stop. It’s a huge indoor softplay centre with slides, climbing frames and a toddler area making it ideal for little ones to burn off energy on a rainy afternoon.
Parents love the café area too; it’s clean, comfortable and relaxed with a good view of the play zones, so you can sip a coffee while keeping an eye on your kids. It’s well managed, making it a safe, fun space for families together with a lot of parking. Definitely book ahead though especially during school holidays!
Contact Details
Address: Mead Way, Westmead Industrial Estate, Swindon, SN5 7UT
Phone: 01793 522155
Email: info@kidzabout.net
Website: https://www.swindonrocks.co.uk/kids-parties/kidz-about
Active Reality Swindon
Active Reality is one of the most fun, unexpected activities in town! It’s a virtual reality experience centre where you can team up with your friends or family for exciting VR adventures. I tried one of their zombie escape games and it was unreal, the tech is totally next level and the staff walk you through everything so even beginners feel comfortable. The experience is fully immersive, the space is spotless, and the atmosphere is electric. It’s ideal for something that little bit different.
Contact Details
Address: Orbital Shopping Park, Thamesdown Drive, Swindon, SN25 4AN
Phone: 01793 975525
Email: info@activereality.uk
Website: https://www.active-reality.com/
Things to do Outdoors
Lydiard Park & House
Lydiard is one of those places I never get tired of visiting. With its historic house and stunning parkland, it’s perfect for dog walks, picnics or just a Sunday wander though from experience I’d get there early as Lydiard Park gets busy at times).
Inside the stately home, the guides are brilliant at bringing its history to life, and there’s a lovely café and play area too. It’s ideal for families or anyone who just wants a bit of fresh air close to town.
Contact Details
Address: Lydiard Park, Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, SN5 3PA
Phone: 01793 466664
Email: lydiardpark@swindon.gov.uk
Website: lydiardpark.org.uk
The Magic Roundabout
Okay, I hear you, this one’s not exactly a “venue” you can enter, but it’s one of Swindon’s quirkiest landmarks and has made international headlines over the past several year. There’s not really anything “magic” about it”, the “Magic Roundabout” is just a ring junction made up of five mini-roundabouts arranged in a circle around a central roundabout – drivers can navigate in both directions depending on which mini roundabout they use.
It gets its fair share of attention, both nationally and globally as some call it bewildering (especially if you’re new to it), but more seasoned locals often say once you figure your route, it kind of flows pretty smoothly. It’s even made it onto lists of Britain’s “scariest junctions” but it forms part of Swindon’s personality and I always relish it giving me a challenge.
Contact Details
Location / Roads involved: Intersection of A4259 (Queen’s Drive / County Road), Fleming Way, Drove Road, Shrivenham Road, Swindon
Official name: Sometimes also called “County Islands” (its original official name)
Email / Phone: It’s a road junction, so there’s no formal contact info or social presence.
Swindon Town FC/ The County Ground
If you’re up for a proper local Swindon experience, then catching a football match (if that’s your thing!) at Swindon Town’s County Ground is a must. There’s something electric about walking into that stadium, feeling the buzz as the footy fans take their seats and hearing the roar when Swindon Town FC scores. People often talk about how welcoming the club is and how walking the ground gives you a real sense of our town’s sporting spirit.
Contact Details
Address: The County Ground, County Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 2ED
Phone: (switchboard / general enquiries): 0330 002 1879
Email / ticketing & retail contacts:
Store / retail enquiries: store@swindontownfc.co.uk
Ticketing / general: queries@swindontownfc.co.uk
Coate Water Country Park
This is my favourite place in Swindon if I am in need of escaping the rush of modern life, it’s a (mostly) peaceful haven with parking just a short drive from the centre of town.
It sits fairly close to the A419 dual carriageway and M4 motorway but you’d be surprised at how quiet it is. Whether for walking, bird-watching or just chilling by its man-made lake, Coate Water always delivers – especially for families and dog walkers. Footpaths are generally well-kept, the volunteers at the Ranger Centre (found in the pay and display car park) are very helpful and you’ll also find angling facilities, water park (it closes in Winter) crazy golf, pitch and putt as well as 2 bird hides!
Contact Details
Address (of Ranger Centre): Coate Water Country Park, Marlborough Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 6AA
Phone: 07824 550463
Website: https://www.swindon.gov.uk/info/20077/parks_and_open_spaces/487/coate_water_park
Wilts & Berks Canal
I personally like walking the route around Wichelstowe, it’s usually calm and scenic and a great location to recharge your batteries.
If you love peaceful walks and a bit of local history, the Wilts & Berks Canal is one of Swindon’s hidden gems. The restoration project is amazing to see in progress – the volunteers make their dedication to this project clear and do such great work maintaining stretches where you can stroll, spot wildlife or just enjoy the quiet.
Contact Details
Main Office: Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, Dauntsey Lock, Chippenham, SN15 4HD
Email: info@wbct.org.uk
Website: wbct.org.uk
Swindon & Cricklade Railway
If you’ve got even a passing interest in trains, this heritage line is a proper treat. I spent years driving past Swindon and Cricklade Railway on my way to work in the Cotswold Lakes and thought it was perhaps just a railway graveyard – how wrong I was!
The Swindon & Cricklade Railway is run by passionate volunteers who’ve lovingly restored the old train line and it really shows too. There’s something special about hearing the steam whistle and watching the countryside roll by from an old-fashioned carriage window. It’s great for families, history buffs, or anyone who just wants a slower pace for an hour or two. They also run themed days – like the ever popular Santa Specials as well as Diesel Weekends – which are brilliant fun, why can’t all railway trips be more like this?
Contact Details
Address: Tadpole Lane, Blunsdon, Swindon, SN25 2DA
Phone: 01793 771615
Email: info@swindon-cricklade-railway.org
Website: swindon-cricklade-railway.org
Roves Farm Visitor Centre
Sitting just outside Swindon, Roves Farm is a real countryside gem for families with younger children. It’s a well-established working family farm where kids can meet animals up close, enjoy fun tractor rides and explore the adventure play areas. It’s proper wholesome fun and the staff there clearly care about the animals and the visitors’ experience too. I love that it changes with the seasons – there’s lambing in spring, pumpkin picking in autumn and a magical Christmas setup in winter. It’s one of those places you can happily visit again and again!
Contact Details
Address: Sevenhampton, Swindon, SN6 7QG
Phone: 01793 763939
Email: info@rovesfarm.co.uk
Website: rovesfarm.co.uk
Bassett Down Golf
Whether you’re a dedicated golfer with a decent handicap or just fancy a relaxed round with friends, Bassett Down is a brilliant spot to play golf. The course is well kept, with a mix of challenging holes and some beautiful countryside views. I often stop by the driving range for a practice; it’s covered, modern, and fitted with Toptracer tech so you can track your golf shots. There’s also a lovely café-bar for post-game snacks or drinks. Staff are always welcoming, and it never feels overly formal, just friendly and laid-back.
Contact Details
Address: Hay Lane, Swindon, SN4 9QW
Phone: 01793 812336
Email: enquiries@bassett-down.co.uk
Website: bassett-down.com
The Ridgeway
From personal experience, I’ve left the best till last! I’m a huge fan of the Ridgeway and have spent many a happy time walking along this ancient path. If you love walking and local history, The Ridgeway is something really special. Often called “Britain’s oldest road,” this trail has been regularly used for over 5,000 years, long before Swindon even existed! It once served as a vital trading route and a safe high-ground passage across southern England, linking communities, hill forts and sacred sites from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages right through to the Saxons.
The section near Swindon, especially around Barbury Castle, really brings that history to life. Standing on those chalk hills, it’s easy to picture travelers and traders making their way across the same ridge thousands of years ago. Today, it’s still shaping the local area – drawing walkers, cyclists and horse riders who come for its incredible views and peaceful sense of continuity.
Whether you do a short stretch or set out on the full 87-mile route, it’s one of those places that makes you feel deeply connected to Wiltshire’s past and landscape.
Contact Details
Start point near Swindon: Barbury Castle Country Park, Wroughton, SN4 0QH
Phone (National Trail team): 0300 060 1631
Email: nationaltrails@naturalengland.org.uk
Website: nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/the-ridgeway
Final Thoughts
Hopefully we’ve proved that Swindon is far more than a punchline or a pit stop off the M4 motorway. From steam engines and stately homes to virtual reality, butterflies and Britain’s oldest road, there’s genuinely something here for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for the day, staying for a weekend or rediscovering your own hometown, Swindon has a way of surprising people who give it a chance.
