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Welcome Take time to discover Swindon – where the West Country meets the Cotswolds. This vibrant, growing town has so much to offer the whole family. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Swindon. The fascinating history of Brunel's railway is brought alive at the Railway Museum and the refurbished buildings of the historic railway area are now home to Europe's largest covered designer outlet village. The town centre re-development has resulted in excellent shopping where keen shoppers can happily while away the hours. The town's engaging history can be discovered in Swindon's Museum and Art Gallery, situated in Old Town. In the Museum you can see the roman artefacts recovered locally and the Art Gallery houses one of the best collections of 20th Century British Art outside of London. As well as having its own appeal, Swindon is surrounded by some beautiful and exciting countryside. A short drive to the south will take you into the heart of the magnificent Wiltshire Downs with picturesque market towns and the world famous White Horses. To the north, past the upper reaches of the River Thames, are many charming Cotswold villages, making Swindon an ideal touring base. Swindon There are plenty of places to stay in Swindon. International hotels, elegant country house hotels, budget lodge-style hotels and family run guest houses, inns and farmhouses. So whether you are looking for a base, somewhere to pamper yourself or somewhere extra special you are sure to find the right accommodation to suit your taste and budget. Swindon offers plenty to do both during the day and at night, all year round. So if you are looking for a leisurely break in the country, a fun weekend away with the family or a night out at the county's premier night-clubs then read on.... We look forward to welcoming you to Swindon! Town Gardens. History & Heritage Dynamic change and innovation are features of a town that has become one of Britain’s greatest success stories. Swindon is now home to many National and International businesses yet it also cherishes its past, of which the Railway Age was a brief, yet important, part. The Great Western Railway Works were one of the largest industrial enterprises in Europe and dominated the life of Swindon for 150 years. They produced some of the finest locomotives and carriages the world has ever seen. STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway offers a great day out for the family. Young and old will find plenty to enjoy at STEAM, which celebrates ‘God’s Wonderful Railway’. STEAM has entertained thousands of visitors with the remarkable human stories behind the magnificent locomotives on display. Visitors can climb aboard the famous ‘King George V’ or drive a steam train on a realistic simulator. Continue with the railway theme and visit the original Railway Village. Here you can discover the domestic life of a Victorian railway worker. The Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Wiltshire’s only heritage steam railway, allows you to step back into a bygone era and take a ride on a standard gauge steam train. On the other side of the town centre is Old Town where you can discover the original market town that was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Old Town is home to the Swindon Museum which displays exhibits of local history, archaeology and geology. Next door to the Swindon Museum is the Swindon Art Gallery which houses one of the finest collections of 20th Century British Art. The collection includes works by Henry Moore, Graham Sutherland, L S Lowry, Paul Nash and many more. One of Swindon’s most surprising treasures is waiting for you to discover in West Swindon. Lydiard Park and House is the ancestral home of the Viscounts Bolingboke. The elegant country house is set in rolling parkland and has entertained both Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Elizabeth II. Stroll through the rooms of the house and walk through some of the surrounding 250 acres of parkland, paths and trails. To the south of Swindon you will find the Science Museum at Wroughton, which houses the National Science Museum’s larger objects, including aircraft, vintage cars motorbikes, Wurlitzers, buses and agricultural machinery. The extensive collections can be viewed on special open days that are held by the museum. Leisure Time Leisure Time Page 103