Shrivenham 2015

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
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