Wick & Co
Open countryside on The Ridgeway above Barbury Castle, a short drive from Swindon.
The journal

Guide · Swindon & Wiltshire

Things to do in and around Swindon

9 July 2026 · 8 min read

A running list of the places we send our own guests to. Food and drink, live music, days out with the kids, quiet corners for couples, and long walks a short drive from the door.

Swindon gets an unfair press. Spend a weekend here and you'll find independent kitchens, a proper live music scene, hillforts with big skies, and the Cotswolds twenty minutes up the road. This is the list we keep for our own guests, sorted by mood. Every link goes straight to the official site so you can check opening times and book.

Food and drink

Date nights and family meals

  • Bar and kitchen

    Rudi's Bar and Kitchen

    Regent Circus institution with three bars. Cocktails on the Boulevard terrace, a relaxed dinner upstairs in the Luna Bar, live music at weekends.

    Visit website

  • Steakhouse

    Harper's Steakhouse at The Weighbridge

    Steak in a converted GWR weighbridge building near the Designer Outlet. Try the hanging kebabs or the Sunday roast with unlimited Yorkies.

    Visit website

  • American diner

    The Ridge, Shaw Ridge

    American bar and diner that's featured on The Grand Tour. Quiet daytime wine and a chat, or a livelier crowd once the evening picks up.

    Visit website

  • Steakhouse

    Miller and Carter Swindon

    30 day aged steak near Queen's Park. Book ahead for the Thursday Dates and Steaks set menu from 3pm.

    Visit website

Music and nights out

Gigs, shows, evenings out

  • Live music

    The Vic Swindon

    Live music, comedy and food under one roof on Victoria Road. Check the gig calendar and grab tickets for whatever's on.

    Visit website

  • Theatre

    Swindon Theatres, Wyvern

    Touring drama, comedy, dance and musicals in the town centre. Worth a regular check of what's on.

    Visit website

  • Arena

    MECA Swindon

    Art deco arena from 1929 at Regent Circus. Club nights, live bands, comedy and family events.

    Visit website

For the kids

Half days, rainy days, energy to burn

  • Museum

    STEAM Museum

    Hands on Great Western Railway museum. Let them climb aboard a real locomotive cab. A good rainy day option.

    Visit website

  • Treetop course

    Jungle Parc Swindon

    Treetop rope courses at Lydiard, ages 4 and up. Book a course slot online before you go.

    Visit website

  • Butterfly house

    Studley Grange Butterfly World

    Warm up in the indoor butterfly house, then say hello to the animals in the outdoor paddock and craft village.

    Visit website

  • Farm

    Roves Farm

    Tractor rides, animal feeding and an indoor play barn. Pick your own berries through the summer.

    Visit website

Family days out

Everyone, all ages

  • Park and estate

    Lydiard Park

    260 acre estate. Pack a picnic for the walled garden, let the kids loose on the playground, tea at the Coach House after.

    Visit website

  • Country park

    Coate Water Country Park

    Feed the ducks, hire a pedal boat, or walk the lake loop. Splash park for hot days.

    Visit website

  • Hillfort

    Barbury Castle

    Iron Age hillfort with big skies. Perfect for kite flying and running down the slopes.

    Visit website

  • Water park

    Cotswold Water Park

    150 plus lakes near Cirencester. Hire a kayak, paddleboard or rowing boat for the afternoon.

    Visit website

For couples

Date ideas, a little further afield

  • Village

    Bourton on the Water

    The Venice of the Cotswolds. Stroll the River Windrush, stop for lunch by the water.

    Visit website

  • Lavender farm

    Cotswold Lavender, Snowshill

    45 acres of lavender, open daily mid June to early August. Go early morning for the best light and fewer crowds.

    Visit website

  • Steam train

    Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

    Vintage steam ride from Cheltenham Racecourse to Broadway through the Cotswold hills.

    Visit website

  • Spa

    Spa day for two, Lucknam Park

    Side by side massage in the dual treatment room, finished off with a glass of champagne.

    Visit website

Explore and find

Walks, nature, quiet corners

  • National trail

    The Ridgeway National Trail

    Britain's oldest road. Pick a short stretch near Barbury Castle for a half day walk with big views.

    Visit website

  • Woodland

    Stanton Park

    74 hectares of woodland and lake, plus the site of a Roman villa. Good for a quiet wander.

    Visit website

  • Town park

    Queen's Park

    12 acre town centre park with a lake and a secret garden. Good for a lunchtime escape.

    Visit website

  • Museum

    Richard Jefferies Museum

    Nature writer's birthplace at Coate. Small museum, open the second Wednesday of the month and Sunday afternoons in summer.

    Visit website

More from the journal