If you live in or near Swindon and you’re wondering where the best places to visit near Swindon are, you’ve stumbled upon the right page. This blog will showcase the diverse attractions and experiences available within a short distance of Swindon, highlighting natural wonders, historic sites, charming towns and cities, as well as popular day trips. 

Natural wonders 

• The Cotswolds 

Not far from Swindon lies England’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswolds. It features 800 square miles of hills and countryside, with picturesque villages, castles, gardens and country houses. 

• Salisbury Plain 

Salisbury Plain, a chalk plateau in the south, is famous for its history and archaeology. Covering 300 square miles, it lies within Wiltshire but stretches into Hampshire, although the boundaries have never been truly defined. 

Historic sites

• Longleat

This refers to Longleat Park and Gardens, not the safari park. The aesthetic house lies within a 1,000-acre area of land in Wiltshire. The house itself is a Grade I listed building – a must-see for any history buffs looking for the best place to visit near Swindon.

• Lacock Abbey

Lacock Abbey is a museum/country house located in Chippenham, Wiltshire, and is part of the National Trust. There is a wide range of things to explore and discover here, from the gardens to the activity trails and mediaeval architecture. 

Towns and cities 

• Bath

Bath is home to a famously wide range of activities, including family attractions, history and areas of beauty. The city itself is the only UK city designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If that’s not a reason to visit, we’re not sure what is. Choose between visiting Roman Baths, celebrating the Jane Austen Centre, or discovering architectural masterpieces. 

• Bristol 

Just 12 miles East of Bath lies the city of Bristol, which itself is entirely unique and with a fascinating history. The 8th largest city in England and Wales, Bristol is a busy, multicultural university city that deserves a spot in the top 10 best places to visit near Swindon. 

Day trips

• Stonehenge 

One of the most speculated about and visited places in England. This World Heritage Site is a prehistoric display of a range of stones in a circular layout. It sounds simple, but this is famous throughout the world and is one of the most important landscapes in Europe. We’ll let you make your own mind up about it – but trust us, it’s worth seeing. 

• West Country 

The West country refers to South Western England, namely Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. There’s nothing not to love – castles, villages, cathedrals and miles of coastline. Count us in! 

• STEAM Museum of The Great Western Railway

Since Swindon has such close ties to the railway industry, it’s not surprising that a rail museum is located within the Great Western Railway Works, offering a range of simulators and stories. If you’re in the area, you’ll be missing out on a huge part of the history and legacy of the GWR by not visiting. 

• Lydiard Park

Last but certainly not least, Lydiard Park is a 260-acre park with a Palladian House, church and Walled Garden that dates back to Elizabethean times. It’s open year round so whatever the English weather is up to, you can enjoy the beautiful historic estate.

So, you’ve been looking for the best places to visit near Swindon, we hope this guide helped! If you live in Swindon and need extra storage to free up some space at home or for your business, contact our friendly team who would be happy to help, and even give you a recommendation or two!