Swindon Local Information: 10 top things to know... more
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1. History of Swindon
Swindon is famous for Brunel's Great Western Railway, which arrived in the town in 1840 when it was chosen as the site for an engine building and maintenance works. The works were officially opened in January 1843 and by 1848 it had a workforce of 180 men. Before the arrival of the railway, Swindon had been a small market town, and this original settlement is the Old Town today...Read more
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2. Now in Swindon
Swindon has a fully pedestrianised town centre with indoor and outdoor shopping, as well as the more quaint Old Town. Due to its position on the M4, Swindon has become a popular commuter town for those working in London. Swindon Town Football Club is a large feature in the town's life. Swindon also has its own daily newspaper, the Evening Advertiser.
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3. Events in Swindon
Swindon Railway Festival takes place in September every year to celebrate the town's railway heritage. The event includes model railways, displays and much more and appeals to both rail enthusiasts and families. The Great Western LEGO Show is held for two days every October and is the largest display of models built by LEGO fans in the UK. The Swindon Half Marathon takes place ...Read more
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4. Attractions in Swindon
STEAM is the museum of the Great Western Railway and tells visitors the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. The museum includes a reconstructed station platform and a reconstructed seaside pier complete with working vintage amusement machines. Swindon Museum and Art Gallery has displays covering local history, archaeology a...Read more
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5. Things To Do in Swindon
The Swindon and Cricklade Railway gives visitors a chance to ride on a steam train on a four-mile round trip.The Oasis Leisure Centre includes a large fun lagoon-style leisure pool with slides and wave machines. The Link Centre houses the town's large ice rink. There are many indoor soft play areas for children in the town, including Jolly Roger, Kidz About and Bonkers.
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6. Business in Swindon
The Brunel is an undercover shopping area in the town centre containing more than 100 stores, restaurants and cafes. The Parade houses many high street names and department stores. The Old Town offers more independent shops including businesses for jewellery, gifts, home furnishings and art. The Swindon Designer Outlet centre is just 15 minutes from the town centre and has over...Read more
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7. Transport in Swindon
Swindon is situated next to the M4 motorway, giving easy access to the east and west. It takes around 1hr 30 minutes to drive into central London from the town. The A419 is the main road heading north of the town, while the A346 links to the south. The nearest airport to Swindon is Bristol Airport, to the west. London's Heathrow Airport is around 75 minutes away. Rail services ...Read more
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8. Entertainment in Swindon
The Wyvern Theatre offers a wide selection of live entertainment including family pantomimes, music, comedy, dance and drama. Swindon Arts Centre is small venue featuring live music, professional and amateur theatre, comedy, films, children's events, and one-man shows. Swindon has a thriving local music scene and bands can be seen in a variety of venues including the 12 Bar, Ri...Read more
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9. Famous Landmarks in Swindon
Swindon is famous for its Magic Roundabout, which comprises of one large roundabout surrounded by four normal-size roundabouts. The traffic system, opened in 1972, has often been voted one of the country's most feared road junctions.
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10. Interesting Facts about Swindon
One the most famous people to come out of Swindon was the Hollywood actress Diana Dors. The actress was born in the town in 1931 as Diana Mary Fluck, and was often referred to as "the UK's answer to Marilyn Monroe".
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Swindon Events
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06 April 2014 - 30 November 1999
Worship With Us at RCCG True Worshippers' Aseembly, Swindon. SN3 5DA
Experience the overflows of the presence of God like never before as you worship with us on the following days; Sundays: 10:30am ( True Worship Service) Wednesdays:6:30pm ( Bible Study/ Prayer) Every Third Sunday: "STAND IN THE GAP" ( ...more
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Swindon Marketplace
Swindon Blog
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Twins star in West End together
Twins Chloe and Kaitlyn Hill share most things in their life and now they are sharing the West End stage in Billy Elliot. 11 year old Chloe will be starring as Sharon Percy from the 18th May and will be...
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Art trail created by children
Fire-breathing dragons and spooky moomins are among the characters that can be seen on a new art trail. The trail, in Chippenham, has been made up using the artwork of pupils from across the town, to celebrate the Olympic Torch...
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Pupils meet aviation artist
Churchfields Academy students were welcomed into acclaimed artist David Bent’s studio as part of a series of events that are being held to celebrate his aviation art. The renowned artist will be the subject of a year-long retrospective at...
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Not just pretty faces
The new Miss Swindon and Miss Wiltshire winners are joining forces to try to raise £100,000 for charity during their year in office. Ela Good, 23, of Wootton Bassett, who is the new Miss Swindon, and Ruth May-Johnson, of...
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