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Swindon

From Roman times until the mid nineteenth century, Swindon was a small market town. Now known as Old Town, the original Swindon is a pleasing place to while away the hours. Wander through its quiet courtyards and alleyways, or enjoy a vibrant mix of traditional shops and inns alongside modern outlets and stylish cafes and bars - whatever your taste, Old Town offers a great night out.

With the arrival of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Great Western Railway in 1840, Swindon turned from a sleepy backwater into a veritable hive of industry as it developed into a locomotive and carriage building centre of world renown. A whole new town was created between the railway works and Swindon Hill and this is modern-day Swindon's town centre with a great mix of shops. Whether you are in search of the latest must-have fashion accessory, or simply after a bargain, this is the place to be.

Although not technically a city, Swindon certainly has the feel of one. Colourful and vibrant, it offers a great choice of festivals, theatre, live music and comedy to suit all tastes, so lovers of music, culture and the arts need look no further.

The industrial architecture of the past has been successfully incorporated into modern-day life, with the beautifully restored Grade II Listed buildings of the former railway works now housing the award-winning STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway.

Also to be found within the former GWR works is Swindon Designer Outlet - one of the largest undercover designer outlet centres in Europe - with over 90 stores including Ted Baker, John Lewis Home Outlet and Marks & Spencer Outlet.

Swindon also enjoys an abundance of green spaces, with many acres of parks, gardens and woodlands where you can swap the urban delights for calm and tranquillity.

Swindon - altogether a great place to visit for the day and perfect for short breaks too.

>>Discover Swindon on a family day out

If you are looking for accommodation in Swindon, or elsewhere around the county, Wiltshire has an excellent range of hotels, and accommodation, properties and camping and caravanning sites to choose from. bed and breakfastfarmhouseself-catering

Tempting places to eat and drink range from tea shops and cafes to pubs and restaurants, while shopping is a pleasure, with everything from major discount outlets to unique, individual retailers.

There is an excellent year-round programme of arts and entertainment on offer, and enough festivals and sports and leisure opportunities to satisfy even the most active of visitors... not to mention our outstanding range of places to visit.

>>.More information on Swindon

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