Swindon: A Town Comprised of Impressive Manufacturing and Literary Acclaim
Intel-brand electronics, Honda cars and Spitfire military airplanes are just a few things that are or have been produced in Swindon. This English destination is in Wiltshire, and originated as a market town in the mid 1800s. Swindon was notably the site of the first lending library in the United Kingdom and is home to the book depository for the Bodleian Library, which includes 246 kilometres worth of bookshelves. Swindon’s tourism culture is strong, thanks to many modern hotels, plus cultural attractions such as the Swindon Arts Centre and the Museum of Computing. The latter was the United Kingdom’s first.
Spend Time at a Special Event in Swindon
Swindon presents numerous annual events that give visitors chances to enjoy themed gatherings. If you’re a proud bookworm, the Swindon Festival of Literature could seem like paradise. This celebration happens in early May for about two weeks. Besides offering an engaging programme of book signings, lectures and social gatherings with fellow lovers of literature, the event includes politicians, scientists, sportspersons and other notable figures, all helping pay tribute to books, plays and speeches. Alternatively, quench your thirst at the Swindon CAMRA Beer Festival. Organised by a group of ale enthusiasts, this is a weekend event that usually happens in late October. Swindon has had a long-standing association with beer appreciation, and there have been dozens of beer festivals held there. This one normally attracts thousands of thirsty patrons and there are contests whereby breweries compete to be crowned the best entrants in beer or cider categories. Many of the beverages are locally brewed, allowing you to taste concoctions that may not be available in your hometown.
Points of Interest to Put on Your Itinerary
If you’re interested in venturing outside your hotel to learn about Swindon’s origins, the steam railway museum is a great place to start. It chronicles the history and significance of the Great Western Railway, which passed through town and was instrumental in its modernisation. In fact, the museum is inside a carefully restored railway building. While you explore, admire numerous locomotives, a coal wagon and a Wall of Names exhibit, which lists some of the 12,000 people who were employed by the railway works company when it existed in Swindon from 1843 to 1986. Also, make your way to Studley Grange. This multi-purpose attraction includes a kids play area with inflatable and soft equipment, plus a craft village, where people make and sell items ranging from chocolates to paintings. You can even try your hand at creating something while talking to a local artisan. Also, don’t miss Studley Grange’s butterfly exhibit, which features creatures from all over the world flying freely in a protected, all-weather environment.
Satisfy Your Hunger and Thirst in Swindon
No matter what kind of meal you’re hungry for, there’s a good chance you can find impressive cuisine during trips to Swindon. You might head to an establishment known for traditional British fare, such as bangers and mash in the west part of town, or feast on flavourful hand-battered cod and chips at a restaurant that’s more centralised. In addition to trying foods specific to this part of the world, you can find Mediterranean, Indian and Thai fare, just to name a few. That means no matter how long you’re staying in the area, you don’t have to stick to only one type of food, and may even feel like you’re going on a tour of the world, based on what you’re eating for dinner every night. Complement your meal with a foamy pint of beer or go with a traditional cream tea. Many establishments, including hotels, also serve signature cocktails, or “mocktails” which feature the familiar tastes of well-known cocktails, but are made without alcohol.
Activities in Swindon for Adventurous Groups
Travelling to Swindon with family members, friends or work mates? You’ll find lots of cool group activities in the area. For example, play a high-spirited game of laser tag at Laser Quest Swindon. This facility features a purpose-built arena that includes fog, turrets, ramps, and mazes, plus sound and lighting effects to complete the experience. Each game of laser tag lasts about 20 minutes, so you and the people you’re with can easily choose to stay for just one game, or several depending on other plans and when you want to return to your hotel. If you’d love to get behind the wheel of a speedy vehicle the Swindon Go Karting Arena is another group activity to pursue. A family owned operation for over 20 years, this indoor track is a fantastic place to go if it’s raining. The arena hosts a mixture of themed races, along with “arrive and drive” events that are ideal for beginners. There’s also a café on site if you get hungry.