Only 55 minutes by train from London Paddington, or a quick jaunt down the M4, Swindon should be on more UK travel itineraries — after all, it was voted 7th nicest place to live in the UK in 2022. There may be more glamorous places in the country, but Swindon is often unfairly overlooked. The centre might not be much to look at, but there are plenty of fun and interesting things to do in town. Here are some ideas:
Photo by Jemima Whyles on Unsplash
Historical Swindon
Just an ancient stone’s throw from the centre of Swindon lies Coate Stone Circle. Although less well known and dramatic than Avebury, the partially buried sadden megaliths are an interesting part of British Antiquarian history. Archaeologists have long speculated that the stones are representative of supernatural entities.
STEAM is the museum of the Great Western Railway, the cornerstone of the Industrial Revolution, and one of the most famous works of engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The museum’s collection contains steam locomotives, rolling stock, and a vast archive of photographs, artworks, and documents.
Finally, check out Coleshill House which served as the headquarters for the highly secret Auxiliary Units in World War 2. This made up a large part of the planned British resistance in the event of a German invasion. The mansion itself was destroyed by fire in 1952, but there are fascinating traces of its past, including a guard’s house, the remains of huts, and a replica of an underground bunker.
Cues & Dabbers
If you need some fun and games after that, Swindon has you covered. Head out to Boom Battle Bar to take on your friends at American Pool, or to Cuetopia for pool, darts, and poker games.
Head to one of Swindon’s bingo halls and you’ll probably see more under-40s than older generations, with electronic rather than paper dabbers. The bingo comeback is partly driven by the emergence of online bingo, with many sites offering traditional forms of the game, as well as slots such as funfair-themed Fluffy Favourites, fishing-themed Big Catch. Another popular format is ‘slingo’ — as the name suggests, a hybrid of slots and bingo.
Street Food Swindon
You’ve probably worked up an appetite by now. Embracing the street food gentrification that has swept the globe in the last decade, Swindon has some delicious options for hungry visitors. Located on a double-decker bus, Bandido’s Burritos serves up Mexican street food. They use locally sourced produce and independent butchers to make their burritos, tacos, quesadillas, and rice boxes. If you spot the Really Awesome Coffee van doing the rounds, be sure to grab a gourmet latte or cappuccino to wash it down, or a delicious frappe or milkshake in warmer weather.
In more of a pizza mood? Check out Falvo Artisan Pizza Co., who have equipped their vintage Renault Estafette camper van with a wood-fired oven. It takes them 90 seconds to cook a delicious, authentic Neapolitan pizza.
Its name may not resonate in the same way as other towns, but for great eats, interesting museums and games, Swindon is well worth a visit. Whether you’re making a road trip pit stop or looking for a weekend jaunt, pop it on your itinerary.
