Out & About in Swindon

Swindon is a large town nestled in the county of Wiltshire, and is situated directly between the cities of Bristol and Reading. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and only a short drive from some of the South's most stunning scenery, as a town larger than many cities Swindon has the ability to combine the best of both urban and rural living.

The McArthurGlen Shopping Centre, the Steam Museum, the Wyvern Theatre and Lydiard House are just a few examples of the many interesting and exciting attractions Swindon has to offer both its residents and visitors. Swindon is also well known for its roundabouts - there is even a well-loved calendar featuring Swindon roundabouts produced every year! - and the Magic Roundabout in particular is a sight to behold.

Shopping

Swindon offers a variety of shopping opportunities, perhaps the most popular of which can be found in the centre of the town. Here shoppers in Swindon can enjoy all of the popular high-street stores within a short distance of each other, as well as plenty of pubs and cafés at the South of the centre when a well-earned shopping break is required.
Swindon is also home to a McArthurGlen Designer Outlet centre. Located in the beautifully restored Great Western Railway works, this shopping centre houses a large selection of discounted brands such as LK Bennett, GAP, Tommy Hilfiger, Polo Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein Underwear. Within the McArthurGlen Centre there is also a food court, offering tired and hungry shoppers a chance to sit down and enjoy a wide variety of different foods at relatively low costs. The McArthurGlen Centre also houses a number of restored trains and equipment, paying an interesting and attractive homage to the building's previous use.

Food and Drink

Whether you are looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a romantic evening, somewhere to cater for families with children, or an ideal location for a large celebration, Swindon has something to offer. The oldest part of Swindon is (perhaps unsurprisingly) known as 'Old Town', and here a number of great eateries can be found, ranging from Spanish tapas bars to Italian restaurants. If Chinese food is what you are looking for then the best place to head is the Pagoda Palace, the UK's largest Chinese restaurant. Likewise excellent and authentic Japanese food can be found at the Mount Fuji Restaurant in Stanton House Hotel, which was designed to reflect traditional Japanese culture and cuisine.

Swindon is also home to a vibrant array of places to enjoy everything from a relaxed drink to a wild night out! Swindon and its surrounding countryside is home to many old and charming pubs, whereas both the centre and Old Town are the ideal location for painting the town red, full of swish bars and clubs to suit every music taste.

Arts & Entertainment

Swindon is home to a vibrant and ever expanding arts and entertainments scene, and many members of the local community are actively involved in continually improving Swindon's already established status as a hub for traditional and multi-cultural arts and culture.

A centre of Swindon's cultural life is the Wyvern Theatre. The Wyvern Theatre was opened in 1971 by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, and has the capacity to hold an audience of 615 people. Every year this theatre hosts national and international touring acts - such as Julian Clary and Stephen K Amos - and productions - such as 'Boogie Nights' and 'The Naked Truth' - as well as providing a venue for local projects and youth productions.

Swindon is also the home of an exciting and ever-growing live music scene, with venues such as The 12 Bar, The Beehive, The Victoria and Riffs Bar all providing venues for the extremely talented artists, such as Matthew Kilford, that Swindon is consistently producing.

Hotels and Travel

With regards to accommodation, Swindon has something to offer whether you are staying there for a business trip or a vacation. For conferences Swindon is an ideal location, as the town's location on the M4 corridor links it directly to Swindon and the West of England, and it also enjoys excellent rail links to all major international airports. Places such as the Blunsdon Hotel and Cricklade Hotel and Country Club can offer excellent conference facilities as well as rooms for those attending. For those looking for places to stay during a holiday, Swindon can offer a wide variety of charming B&Bs, as well as luxury hotels such as Stanton House.

Whether or not you have a car, getting to and around Swindon is easy. For those thinking of the environment Swindon operates a Park and Ride system which is both convenient and cost effective. Alternatively, the town centre offers a wide variety of parking opportunities. For those arriving by train, Swindon's train station is located in the very centre of the town -only a 10 minute walk from the main shops and night life - and a short bus journey from the delightful Old Town.