By Emma Kirkup
When you first think of Swindon you may not think of how many things there are to do with your family, well let us enlighten you! Here are some of our suggestions on top family things to do in and around the town:
1. Hop aboard a locomotive at STEAM
Swindon is famed for its industrial links particularly as the hub of Brunel’s Great Western Railway. Learn more about the history of Swindon’s railways on a visit to the very interactive STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway. Children (and big kids) can have a go at ‘driving’ a locomotive and there are plenty of events throughout the year including the popular LEGO Festival.
2. Build dens at Roves Farm
As well as den making out of willow, children will love meeting the various animals at Roves Farm as well as playing in the indoor and outdoor playgrounds. At certain times of the year (mainly school holidays) the farm runs tractor rides and look out for the family-friendly events that often take place here too.
3. The Link Centre
Just a short drive from the town centre is the Swindon Link Centre which comes complete with swimming pool, ice skating rink, climbing wall and lots of other leisure activities.
4. Lydiard Park
Children will love exploring the large parkland at Lydiard. Spot wildlife, enjoy a picnic (if the weather’s not too bad), have fun in the children’s play area or burn off some steam on the aerial adventure trail within the woodlands. Entry to Lydiard Park is free (there are charges in place for the aerial adventure trail, entry to the House and to the Walled Garden).
5. Studley Grange Butterfly World and Craft Village
Just south of the M4, Studley Grange offers a craft village where you can not only buy local craft items but also have a go. Spot the large array of butterflies in Butterfly World and visit otters, goats, meerkats and more in the on-site Animal Paddock.
6. Enjoy family events at the Wyvern Theatre
From the good old pantomime through to children’s theatre, TV show acts and more – the Wyvern hosts a variety of different family events throughout the year aimed at different ages.
7. Swindon & Cricklade Railway
Again just a short drive from the town, hop aboard the Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Special events take place throughout the season including kids go free weekends (on selected dates), Santa specials, murder mystery events and ghost trains.
Find out more about what there is to see and do in Swindon and search for family-friendly places to stay.
Related
Get up close to magnificent locomotives, be a signalman in the GWR interactive Signal Box and drive the steam train simulator as you travel through STEAM’s story-telling displays! STEAM tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway - a railway network that, through the pioneering vision and genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was regarded as the most advanced in the world. Our museum is housed in a beautifully restored Grade II railway building in the heart of the former Swindon railway works.
Roves Farm is a family run, working farm open all year round. We welcome visitors of all ages to come and enjoy hands-on farm activities with our friendly animals, as well as experience the sights and sounds of a working farm. This summer join the ‘Nature Detectives’ and enjoy Woodland Crafts, Den Building, Bug Hunting and Activity Trail. Tractor & Trailer Rides, Animal Racing, Meet & Feed the Animals, Indoor Play Barn and more all included in the ticket price! With excellent indoor and outdoor facilities, there is plenty to do for the whole family whatever the weather.
Open all year round, Lydiard Park is the ancestral home of the Viscounts Bolingbroke. The Palladian house, beautiful church, walled garden and formal parkland are the stroking remains of a great country estate.
In Butterfly World and the animal paddock meet the otters and meerkats and visit the Craft Village offering a huge range of beautiful and interesting handcrafted gifts. Take refreshments in the 'Butterfly Cafe' overlooking the butterfly garden.
The Wyvern Theatre offers a mixed programme of concerts, comedy, dance, drama, musical theatre and local amateur productions. The theatre was opened by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Phillip in September 1971.
Wiltshire's only standard gauge heritage railway! Experience steam or diesel hauled train rides along our 1.75 mile railway line, witness locomotive restoration in our engine shed, visit our museum and gift shop and enjoy food and beverages in our Whistlestop Cafe. Throughout the year we host a variety of special events for families and enthusiasts to enjoy! See our website/social media for the most up-to-date info about these!
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to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Must-try games:
- https://2048games.cc (Perfect for puzzle lovers)
- https://clickspacebar.com (Quick and fun)
- https://catan.topicsdirect.com (Great with friends)
Hope you enjoy these as much as I do! 🎮