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A Family Outing in Swindon

A Family Outing in Swindon

Visiting STEAM - The Museum of the Great Western Railway and the Swindon Designer Outlet for shopping.

BY CAR

Park in the Designer Outlet car park on Kemble Drive (B4312) off Great Western Way. If you are coming via the M4, exit at junction 16 and follow signs to Outlet Centre.

A frequent bus service is available from the town centre and train station.

ON FOOT

From Swindon town centre. Start at the Tourist Information Centre where a free map of the town can be obtained. Turn right, follow the pedestrian area and turn left, then right again at the junction.

An Exhibit at STEAM (image owned by STEAM)STEAM is signed from here. Following the directions, you will pass under the railway where the National Monuments Records Centre is on your right and is of interest to adults and older children. Admission is free and you can also take advantage of the Search Rooms (open Tues-Fri, 9.30 - 17.00), Research Days, Guided Tours etc. For details telephone 01793 414600 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk.

The footpath leads on to STEAM which is located in a restored railway building. Discover the history of The Great Western Railway amongst railway memorabilia which is of interest to the whole family. Be prepared to spend around two hours in the museum.

Open every day 10.00 - 17.30, apart from December 25th and 26th and January 1st .
Admission £5.95 adult, £3.95 senior citizen. £3.95 child and £15.20 family (currently correct).
Facilities include a souvenir and gift shop, cafeteria serving refreshments and light lunches and toilets. The museum is accessible for wheel chairs users and audio guides are available.


Swindon Designer Outlet (image owned by Designer Outlet)Lunch is also available at one of the many restaurants in the Food Hall at the Swindon Designer Outlet. Situated opposite STEAM, it houses over 100 designer label stores all with discount prices. It is located in the restored buildings of Brunel's former locomotive works and incorporates original memorabilia.

Open Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 10.00 - 18.00, Thur 10.00 - 20.00, Sat 10.00 - 19.00 and Sun 11.00 - 17.00.
A children's crèche, play area and toiletsare avialable. The Outlet is accessible for wheelchair users.

For visitors who are staying in Swindon, The Health Hydro situated in Milton Road, near the town centre, has large and small swimming pools which are available for an evening dip.
Open Mon to Fri 8.30 - 21.30 , Sat 9.00 - 17.00 and Sun 8.30 - 15.30, closed Bank Holidays.
For more information visit www.swindon.gov.uk.

For those of you who prefer something a little more vigorous why not take a Turkish Bath to help soothe the rigours of the day. For more information on opening times visit www.swindon.gov.uk or telephone 01793 465630.