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5 Days of Fun in Swindon, UK

Discover the charm of Swindon - an underrated gem in the heart of England.

22 April 2023

Swindon is a quaint town located in the southwest of England, known for its rich history and picturesque countryside. Tourists can explore cultural landmarks such as the Steam Museum and the Lydiard House and Park, or take a leisurely stroll through Coate Water Country Park. With a diverse range of dining and shopping options, Swindon offers a peaceful and enjoyable escape from the bustling city life.

Travel plan

• Check into your hotel, the stylish Jurys Inn Swindon, and relax in your modern room.
• Visit the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery to admire the diverse collection of artworks, from Renaissance paintings to contemporary sculptures.
• Head to Baila Coffee & Vinyl for a quirky café experience, where you can sip tea, coffee or cocktails while browsing the vinyl records and retro memorabilia.
• Walk to the Coate Water Country Park, a peaceful oasis with a lake, picnic areas and wildlife, where you can enjoy a gentle stroll.
• Finish the day with dinner at The Weighbridge Brewhouse, a gastropub with a passion for homemade food and craft beer.

• Catch a bus to the nearby town of Avebury, famous for its Neolithic stone circles and mystical atmosphere.
• Marvel at the ancient stones, explore the village with its charming thatched cottages and medieval church, and peek into the National Trust Museum.
• Stop at The Red Lion, a 16th-century pub where you can try the locally brewed beer and hearty pub grub.
• Return to Swindon and learn about the town's heritage at the STEAM Museum, a stunning former railway works showcasing the industrial past of Swindon and the Great Western Railway.
• End the day with a visit to The Victoria, a trendy pub with a rooftop terrace and live music.

• Go to the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, a paradise for fashion lovers, with over 90 stores offering discounts on brands such as Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein.
• Take a taxi or a bus to the Lydiard Park, a magnificent estate with a Georgian mansion, a walled garden, a lake and woodlands.
• Enjoy a picnic or a cream tea in the picturesque surroundings, or take a guided tour of the house and learn about the St John family, who owned it for centuries.
• Head back to Swindon and dine at Los Gatos, a cosy tapas bar with a colourful decor and a tempting selection of Spanish dishes.
• Watch a movie at the Empire Cinema, a state-of-the-art venue with comfortable seats, a bar and a wide variety of films.

• Visit the UK Space Agency's Space Centre, a fascinating attraction dedicated to space exploration and technology, with interactive displays, models and a space garden.
• Have lunch at the Roves Farm Café & Playbarn, a family-friendly venue with farm animals, indoor and outdoor play areas, and homemade food.
• Walk to the Cotswold Water Park, a stunning complex of lakes, rivers and parks, where you can go kayaking, bird watching or simply enjoy the scenery.
• Stop at The Red Lion Inn, a charming pub with a beer garden and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
• Grab a drink at The Tuppenny, a vegan-friendly micropub with a quirky decor, board games and live music.

• Visit the Richard Jefferies Museum, a tribute to the Victorian writer who loved nature and the countryside, and owned a house in Swindon.
• Walk to the Old Town, a charming neighbourhood with independent shops, cafés and restaurants, and take some photos of the colourful Georgian buildings.
• Have lunch at Cricklade House Hotel & Spa, a luxurious retreat with stunning views, elegant interiors and a delicious menu.
• Discover Rick Stein's, a seafood restaurant with a reputation for excellence, where you can taste fresh fish and shellfish from the British coast.
• End your stay in Swindon with a drink at The Hop Inn, a cosy pub with a focus on craft beer and a welcoming atmosphere.