Introduction

The largest town in the UK county of Wiltshire, Swindon is known for its rich industrial heritage. Forever associated with the railways, it was a major hub for building trains including those for the Great Western Railway. Today, it’s seen as a major destination in southern England for hi-tech businesses, while parts of the town are being regenerated. Swindon is located near the Cotswolds to the northwest, while its location along the M4 means that you’re never too far away from trips to major destinations such as London, Bristol and Cardiff. Meanwhile, Swindon is surrounded by picturesque market towns such as Marlborough and is the closest major settlement to Stonehenge, one of the UK’s most amazing landmarks.

Ideal car

Important things to note

Highlights & Hotspots

Steam: The Great Western Railway Museum is the most impressive of Swindon’s museums. It tells the story of how the GWR was integral to the town’s developments, how it helped to connect the entire country and offers insight into its social impact.
Another museum worth visiting is the Museum of Computing @ Swindon. Although it’s a little more educational than most, it’s free to enter and has amazing collections of computers which were made in the town’s factories.
Formerly a railway engineering building, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is Europe’s largest of its kind. Here, you can pick up a few bargains, have a cup of coffee or simply explore the amazing building and how it has transformed.
The market town of Royal Wootton Bassett is just a few miles southeast of Swindon. The town is famous for its military connections although it’s a good place to get away from the busy centre of Swindon if you need a change of pace.