Living in Swindon

Your guide to moving to Swindon

Why Swindon is a good place to live

Swindon’s humble roots mean it’s never quite seen as a Cotswolds town, despite sitting just 10 miles from the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. But it’s a town on the rise, offering good schooling, mod-cons and proximity to both major cities and beautiful countryside.

Swindon’s main appeal lies in its affordability and connectivity, with lower house prices than nearby city hotspots like Bristol, Newbury and Reading. It sits just off the M4 with a mainline train station that runs to both Bristol and London Paddington in under an hour.

With extensive outdoor spaces like the lush Lydiard Park and Coate Water Country Park, you'll always have a place to unwind and enjoy nature. The dining culture in Swindon is also diverse and vibrant, with cuisines ranging from Indian and Caribbean to classic Italian and Chinese.

For these reasons, many former city dwellers are seeing Swindon as a well-connected compromise. So if you're considering moving to Swindon, there's plenty to appreciate about this town.

What's Swindon famous for?

Swindon's affiliation with the Great Western Railway earns it a place in history. This proud railway heritage is beautifully encapsulated in the STEAM Museum on the site of the old railway works. Swindon's fame also stems from its former railway engineering complex, which is now the home of the notable McArthurGlen Designer Outlet.

One of the most widely recognised aspects of Swindon is, strangely enough, a traffic system. The Magic Roundabout, encompassing six roundabouts into one, has become something of a talking point for both residents and visitors alike.

Things to do in Swindon

For those living in Swindon or just visiting, there are plenty of things to do. A highlight for any itinerary would be a visit to the STEAM Museum where you can immerse yourself in railway history. For the art enthusiasts, a tour of the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery is always a good bet.

If you're into shopping, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is a must-visit with its assortment of designer brands. If you're more up for enjoying a theatre show, the Wyvern Theatre is the place to go. Those fond of the great outdoors can lose themselves in the scenic Cotswolds or enjoy a sunny day at Lydiard Park. And you can enjoy cultural experiences by participating in various annual events such as the Swindon Mela and the International Street Festival.

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