#Obvs there’s much, much more than 5 things to do in Swindon. But in the interests of brevity I’ll limit this post to 5 historical and cultural things to do in Swindon. For a more extensive overview of things to do/visit in Swindon – and its environs – visit this page: https://swindonian.me/things-to-do-in-swindon/ But first and in no particular order I bring you:
1. Museum and Art Swindon
The civic offices home to museum and art swindon
Museum and Art Swindon resides on the top floor of the really rather splendid Art Deco civic offices on Euclid Street. Whenever I’m in there I expect Hercule Poirot to appear around a corner or to be sitting in the simply fabulous mayor’s parlour sipping one of his famous tisanes.
Home to the Swindon art collection, MAS also cares for thousands of objects, specimens and various bits of ephemera. Stuff collected from the early 1900s to the present day. The collections include archaeology, natural sciences, social and industrial history as well as the famous modern British art collection.
Almost as famous (?? more so!) is the gharial – otherwise known as the Swindon crocodile recently restored and returned to her rightful place. Find out more about the gharial here.
As MAS is situated not far from the Museum of Computing (below) and if you’re visiting on a Saturday, why not combine the two?
2. The Museum of Computing
Sited on Theatre Square, a stone’s throw from Museum and Art Swindon is the Museum of Computing. As their website says: ‘The Museum of Computing is devoted to the history of computing and digital development. It was the first physical museum of its kind in the UK.’
Run by volunteers it’s mostly open on Saturdays only. Do try and make time for a visit though. Within it you’ll find find many hands-on exhibits, allowing you to experience computers and related items as they were in the past. It’s definitely a ‘I remember those’ sort of a place.
3. The Richard Jefferies Museum
The back view of the Richard Jefferies museum and the garden
You’ll find the museum of Richard Jefferies Victorian nature writer housed within the walls of the Coate farmhouse in which he entered the world. From the museum website: ‘The museum consists of a seventeenth century thatched cottage bought by the Jefferies family in 1800, a later, nineteenth century three-storied farmhouse, plus outbuildings, gardens, a copse, orchard and vegetable gardens. The site’s run by the Richard Jefferies Museum Trust. It’s fully accredited by Arts Council England.’
In fairness that does all sound rather dry. Don’t be fooled. The RJ museum is a living, breathing thing. They do loads for children with their nature tots and the lazy summer Sundays in the garden with cream teas and free music are a joy. And an institution.
4. Lydiard House and Park
Lydiard House and park
A jewel in Swindon’s glittering crown if ever there was one. As the Lydiard Park website states, what we have here is a beautiful historic estate on the western edge of Swindon, with the Palladian House, Church, Walled Garden, Hotel, Restaurant and Conference Centre set in 260 acres of parkland.
You’ll find Lydiard House and Park in West Swindon, not far from junction 16 on the M4.
The park boasts a good children’s play area with equipment suitable for all ages. And of course there’s acres of space in which to fling a frisbee and kick a ball about.
The house is worth a visit – there aren’t a huge number of rooms but they have some interesting items and paintings. My favourite room is the bedchamber. It features a stunning stained glass window and a rare Socchi desk. This room also features a rather interesting portrait of Lady Diana Spencer (1743-1808) 2nd Viscountess Bolingbroke, 19th Century.This Lady Diana Spencer shares a common ancestry with the late Diana Princess of Wales. If ever you’ve thought that downcast eyes thing she did was an affectation – you’d be wrong – it’s evident in this portrait. The resemblance is striking.
Each room has two audio guides – one for adults and one for young visitors. And in school holidays there’s often a trail of some kind for the kids to do.
Right next door to Lydiard House is St Mary’s church (as featured in Secret Swindon). You’d be forgiven for thinking that this was the St John (pronounced SinJin) family’s personal church – stuffed to the gills as it is with monuments to the family and the incredible polyptych of their family tree. But wasn’t – it was a parish church for a long-gone village.
From the STEAM website: the museum resides in a Grade II listed railway building in the heart of the former GWR Works. Situated right opposite the Swindon Designer Outlet, the museum tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway, often referred to by historians and railway fans as ‘God’s Wonderful Railway’.
The pioneering vision and engineering genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel led to the Great Western Railway network becoming regarded as the most advanced in the world.
There’s something for everyone here. When my granddaughter was a toddler she derived great joy from running up and down the platforms and getting on and off the trains. There’s often events happening at STEAM so do check out their What’s On page.
There is a cafe there but the last time I used it (eons ago) it was, frankly, bluddy awful. So – you’ve been warned! It may be better now – I wouldn’t know. I simply never went back and go across to the Outlet Centre instead.
One I forgot to mention – my bad – is the cottage museum in the GWR railway village. I don’t want to rename this post as I’ll then have to change all the SEO etc so I’m adding it in here.
Swindon Things to Visit – the railway cottage museum in the GWR railway village
The JUST FOR FUN HOLIDAY CLUB EXPANDS TO MOREDON SPORTING HUB WITH NEW SUMMER SESSIONS.
This will be the fifth location for the popular children’s activity provider. It continues to grow thanks to strong local support and a reputation for fun, inclusive sessions during school holidays.
The Moredon venue offers a fresh and exciting setting for children aged 6 to 16. It offers access to high-quality facilities including:
A 4G pitch
Indoor and outdoor spaces
A pump track and an enclosed cycling course.
Co-founder Sean Harper, who grew up in Moredon, said ‘We’re thrilled to be bringing JFF to Moredon sporting hub this summer.
‘This venue gives us the chance to offer something a little different, with new activities and facilities that we know children will love. It’s a fantastic opportunity to reach more families while keeping the same high-quality experience we’re known for.’
As with all JFF venues, the new Moredon club provides a safe, welcoming environment. One that gives parents peace of mind during the school holidays. With full day sessions available, it’s a flexible and affordable option for working families looking for reliable childcare over the summer break.
Holiday Club Expands to Moredon – Moredon Club
Book early!
Spaces are limited, so JFF encourage parents to book early. ‘As it’s a new setup for us, we’re keeping numbers small to ensure everything runs well’ Sean added. It’s so special to bring JFF to the area where I grew up. I know how valuable something like this can be to local families.’
Just For Fun currently runs clubs across four other Swindon schools:
Holy Cross Primary School
Grange Junior School
Goddard Park Community Primary School and Rodbourne Cheney Primary School.
Each site offers a varied programme of creative, physical and themed activities. And the new Moredon club will follow the same successful formula.
The club in Moredon will run every Thursday and Friday from 8.00 am to 3.30 pm. It’s starting on Wednesday 24 July – launching even earlier than the other venues this summer.
JFF is well known for its wide range of engaging sessions, from team sports and imaginative crafts to quiet zones and theme days. The Moredon location will continue that tradition. It’ll give children the chance to stay active, explore new interests and make lasting friendships throughout the summer break.
Old Town launches Sunday Socials in response to road closure.
Friends of Old Town, the public face of the Old Town Business Association, has announced a bold new summer programme – the Old Town Gasworks Sunday Socials. The series of three large-scale street events across Devizes Road and Wood Street will bring music, food and footfall to the area this August. All helping to support businesses affected by the major gas mains upgrade.
It sure sounds like it’s going to be …. well … a gas!
Works began on 30 June at the Royal Oak roundabout. The full closure of Devizes Road starts from 21 July for an expected three-month period. The loss of through traffic and parking, coupled with uncertainty over the impact on trade, has prompted some concern among local businesses. In response, the OTBA has:
Negotiated free pavement licences through Swindon Borough Council
Secured a premises licence extension for Devizes Road …
… and developed a street event plan to energise the street every other Sunday during the peak of the works in August.
The Sunday Socials will take place on 3rd, 17th and 31st August. Each date will see a themed event delivered straight on the closed stretch of road and Wood Street.
The opening weekend, 3rd August, is a family festival. It’ll feature funfair rides, children’s arts and crafts, chalk art installations and live acoustic music.
On 17 August, the road transforms into a beer & country (music) festival. There’ll be craft beer bars, outdoor games and a line-up of Americana and folk bands.
The final event, on 31 August, will expand Old Town’s much-loved street foods festival onto Devizes Road for the first time. It’ll be featuring global cuisine, live music, artisan traders and a carnival atmosphere.
Old Town launches Sunday Socials – Old Town festival
Sponsorship support
Making the events possible is a headline sponsorship contribution from Wales and West Utilities.
When we learned Devizes Road would close for the whole of August, we knew we had to do more than complain, ‘said Kris Talikowski, Chair of the Old Town Business Association. ‘These Sunday Socials are about turning disruption into something worth coming out for. They’re designed to keep the area alive and thriving, not only for traders, but for the whole town. We’re grateful to Wales & West for recognising the impact of their works and stepping in with meaningful support.’
Ross Gregory, external affairs manager for Wales & West Utilities, said: ‘We understand the pressure roadworks can place on local high streets. That’s why we’re pleased to support this community-led programme of events. It’s a positive and creative way of keeping Old Town vibrant while we deliver vital gas infrastructure upgrades.’
The events form part of a wider strategy developed by the OTBA in consultation with:
Businesses
South Swindon Parish Council and …
… Swindon Borough Council’s licensing and streetworks teams.
You can find a full FAQ about the works traffic management at thisisoldtown.com alongside details of the Sunday Socials programme.
Care Advisor Champions Independent Living in Swindon. Shreeve Care Services are championing Swindon’s SLP Independent Living in its efforts to be serious about home care.
Devizes-based Janet Shreeve, founder of Shreeve Care Services, has spent many years advising and supporting care providers. She has worked with many businesses and professionals across the sector. Her latest partnership is with Swindon-based SLP Independent Living, founded by Laura Parsons in 2024.
SLP Independent Living focuses on developing the care side of their business. In particular with household tasks, cleaning, food preparation, companionship, and chaperone services. They put special focus on confidence and independence.
Care Advisor Champions Independent Living – anet Shreeve, of Shreeve Care Services, and Laura Parsons, of SLP Independent Living, who are advocating for care services in Swindon and Wiltshire.
Joined forces
Since joining forces in March 2025, Shreeve Care Services has helped SLP strengthen its care offering and grow.
‘Throughout my years in the care sector, I’ve supported and connected with many care companies who aim to revolutionise the world of care,’ said Janet.
‘My work with SLP Independent Living and Laura Parsons has been so interesting as she works in so many different areas. For example: care, property maintenance, gardeningand cleaning to name but a few.’ Since joining forces in March 2025, Shreeve Care Services has helped SLP strengthen its care offering and grow.
‘Throughout my years in the care sector, I’ve supported and connected with many care companies who aim to revolutionise the world of care,’ said Janet.
‘My work with SLP Independent Living and Laura Parsons has been so interesting as she works in so many different areas. For example: care, property maintenance, gardeningand cleaning to name but a few.’
Since joining forces in March 2025, Shreeve Care Services has helped SLP strengthen its care offering and grow.
‘Throughout my years in the care sector, I’ve supported and connected with many care companies who aim to revolutionise the world of care,’ said Janet.
‘My work with SLP Independent Living and Laura Parsons has been so interesting as she works in so many different areas. For example: care, property maintenance, gardeningand cleaning to name but a few.’
‘At SLP, we place strong emphasis on household and domestic support. That’s because these everyday tasks – the unsung heroes of independent living – make all the difference.
Vital clinical care
While clinical care is vital, it’s the little things like preparing a warm meal, enjoying a garden stroll, or having someone to chat with that shape a person’s quality of life. Shreeve Care Services has been essential in helping us build a domiciliary care service that focuses on individuals’ key needs. Janet has been a pleasure to work with and will be a long-term consultant vital to our growth.’
Earlier this year, Laura also founded the first Care Show Swindon. That was an industry networking event which attracted strong local interest in April 2025. Due to its success, it’s returning this September.
‘SLP recognised a need to provide care that was more than medical support,’ said Janet. ‘Their offer is both practical and companionship based. It’s something that keeps people independent and engaging with their home and communities. I’m excited to keep working with SLP and see how they develop in the future.’
Shreeve Care Services, led by Janet Shreeve, offers tailored consultancy to care businesses across the South West. It also offers guidance for individuals navigating care options.
Nationwide Gives Breakfast Charity £10k. Swindon’s Big Breakfast Plus is celebrating after receiving a £10,000 Nationwide Colleague Grant.
The grant is thanks to an application from Kayleigh Parker. Kayleigh works at Nationwide and volunteers with Big Breakfast Plus, which provides breakfasts seven days a week for homeless and hungry people in Swindon.
Kayleigh, from West Swindon, who’s worked at Nationwide for 18 years, said: ‘I volunteer one day every weekend, and I absolutely love it. All the volunteers are so lovely, we’re a great team, and it’s nice to be able to help other people. It fits in well around the family, so I can spend the day with them, after being able to help at Big Breakfast Plus.
‘The Nationwide Colleague Grant is for different amounts up to £10,000. So we’re all delighted to get the full amount.’
Nationwide Gives Breakfast Charity £10k Big Breakfast Plus co-ordinator Wayne Twitchell Service Co Ordinator, trustee Charlotte Mannion, Kayleigh Parker volunteer and Nationwide grant winner, volunteer Franki Walklake, and volunteer Nikki Loveday.
Charlotte Mannion, Big Breakfast Plus trustee, said: ‘We’re so grateful to Nationwide, and to Kayleigh for putting in the application. This amount will make such a difference to the charity. We’re getting busier and are often supplying cooked breakfasts to more than 100 guests.’
Big Breakfast Plus
Big Breakfast Plus, based in the Pilgrim Centre in Swindon’s Regent Street, is among 160 charities across the UK which, in the last year, have benefited from Nationwide Colleague Grants totalling £1.4million.
Big Breakfast Plus is also celebrating having raised more than £10,000 by teaming up with the platform Big Give. It match-funds donations during a fundraising campaign. Charlotte added: ‘We’d like to say thank you to everyone who donated during the Big Give campaign. This money guarantees another six months of opening our community cafe breakfast service in Swindon.’
