Swindon is a unique British town with a deep history and a range of things to enjoy. Mainly used as a trading point until it became an important hub for Great Western Railway in the mid-1800s, Swindon’s historical roots go back to Roman times and was even mentioned (as Suindone) in William the Conqueror’s Domesday Book. Today it’s a lively town with plenty of things to do and see from high street shopping to cultural site seeing to lovely scenic walks in its public parks. And, of course, there’s the infamous Magic Roundabout!
Best Bar: The Glue Pot (5 Emlyn Square, Swindon) is full of real ale and quirky characters! Get a true taste of Swindon in here.
Best Restaurant: Authentic Italian in an intimate setting at family-owned Fratello’s (12 Victoria Road).
Best Kept Secret: Swindon’s Old Town boasts many small shops selling antiques and furnishing and is to many cafes, bars and restaurants.
STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway
Housed in a restored Grade II railway building, STEAM – the Museum of the Great Western Railway is a fun and educational outing for all the family to enjoy. Originally opened as a railway engineering complex in 1843, STEAM was one of the largest of its type in the world, at one point employing over 12,000 people and producing an average of 3 locomotives a week!
Nowadays visitors can climb aboard and appreciate the many classic locomotives on display, as well as enjoy the various interactive displays detailing the railway yard’s history. Only a 14 minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Swindon, STEAM is open every day from 10:00 – 17:00, with ticket prices depending on the size of your group.
Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
The Swindon Museum and Art Gallery is a culturally important centre of 20th Century art, having accumulated one of the most impressive collections in the UK. It features works by Lucien Freud, Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland, and many more. Established in 1944 by HJP Bomford, the Museum also houses extensive historical, archaeological, and geological displays including Roman and Egyptian artefacts.
Unless there is a specific event on, admission to the Gallery is free and it’s only a 7 minute drive from our Swindon hotel!
Studley Grange Butterfly World and Craft village
Walk among and watch some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies against a backdrop of tropical plants at the Studley Grange Butterfly World. Having gradually added to the Animal Paddock over the last 7 years, Studley Grange also houses meerkats, otters, goats, pigs, guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, ponds of fish and a range of reptiles. Open almost all year, the admission rates vary on the time of year with special rates for families.
Lydiard Park
Lydiard House and Park is a beautiful, tranquil estate and the perfect place for a family day out. Open all year round, the 260 acre grounds is home to a Palladian house, Church, Walled Garden, and a picturesque lake. The estate also has plenty of sprawling lawns and expansive woodlands for children adventurers.
There is much to be seen and appreciated inside and outside Lydiard House. Inside, the original furnishings, the Viscounts Bollingbroke family portraits, the library, and the lavish wall decorations take you on a historical journey from the Tudor period to the Civil War, to the war years and more. Outside, the Walled Garden has spectacular floral displays and fruit trees as you enter into Swindon’s own secret garden.
Lydiard Park ticket prices vary depending on which part of the estate you want to enjoy. The park is only a 13 minute drive from our Leonardo Hotel Swindon.
Nestled within the heart of Swindon, the vibrant town offers a myriad of shopping opportunities, where enthusiasts can revel in the unique charm of shopping in Swindon's eclectic markets and modern retail spaces.
Swindon Centre
The centre of Swindon is a bustling area with a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants to explore and enjoy. The Brunel Centre is one of the main shopping complexes and offers many of the standard brand shops such as Topshop, Mark and Spencer, Cargo and Waterstone’s. Outside of the Brunel Centre is The Parade, noticeable by the decorative canopies, and Regent Street where there are more high-street shops including a Debenhams, BHS, and Monsoon. The perfect place for a little retail therapy and you can find them only a 2 minute walk from Leonardo Hotel Swindon.
Swindon Designer Outlet
Using the old buildings of the disused railway engine works, the Swindon Designer Outlet is another indoor shopping complex close to Swindon centre and only a 15 minute walk from our hotel. Mainly home to designer brands such as Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger and Ted Baker, the Outlet has over 100 stores making it one of the largest designer shop centres in Europe. A must for any fashion fanatics!
Swindon Old Town
The Old Town area of Swindon offers a different retail experience to the Centre with a unique selection of old-fashioned outlets. Found in the area around the Swindon Museum and Arts Gallery, only a 20 minute walk from our Swindon hotel, many of the shops are long-established family businesses selling a mixture of jewellery, art and home furnishings.
Explore the charming town of Swindon even further by indulging in a delightful shopping spree. Swindon boasts a vibrant shopping scene, and one of the must-visit spots for avid shoppers is the bustling shopping district right in the heart of the town. Whether you're looking for high-end fashion, unique crafts, or souvenirs to remember your trip, Swindon has it all. Take a leisurely stroll through the town's quaint streets and discover a myriad of boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores, all offering an array of goods to cater to every taste. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the joy of shopping in Swindon.