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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

What to do in / around Swindon please?

7 replies

MaggsS · 27/01/2009 11:11

Hi,

I have booked a night away as a surprise for DH as to be honest we just need some time on our own away from our 3 dc's.

We are staying at the De Vere in Swindon because there was an offer on and it looked really nice.( also about an hour from home so not too far to travel)

I was wondering what there was to do around the area and if anyone could recommend somewhere resonable to eat on that Friday night.

Thanks

OP posts:
McDreamy · 27/01/2009 11:14

There is a nice place in Purton (not far from the De Vere) called the Pear Tree, very nice food.

MaggsS · 27/01/2009 12:20

Thanks

OP posts:
JoLucy · 28/01/2009 23:26

The Pear Tree is good, but can be a bit pricey (imho). You could try the Vale of the White Horse Inn, in Minety (max 15 mins from M4 junct16) or the Sally Pussey on the road to Wootton Basset from junct16 (2 mins). If you google these you should be able to get directions. If you like Asian food, 'Cosmo' in Town is quite an experience, but always busy, so book ahead.

Depending on your interests, there is the Steam Museum in Swindon, right next door to the Designer Outlet shopping centre (shame!). Also, the Swindon and Cricklade Railway (Steam & Diesel) is about 10-15 mins from your hotel (do you see a theme emerging?!).
Alternatively, Avebury isn't too far away, or you could go walking on the Ridgeway & visit Barbury Castle.
Lydiard Park is nice for a short walk, and there's a house & gardens to visit (don't know about entry charges, sorry); it's about 5 mins from your hotel. Also there's a bigger country park 'Coate Water' on the opposite side of town. If you look on the Swindon Borough Council website you should find more info about these places.

That's about all I can think of right now; will ask DH what he thinks tomorrow. The actual centre of Swindon isn't that exciting - the same shops etc that you find on most high streets these days, and not many independent ones.

OTOH, Wootton Basset is a lovely little market town with some nice shops (OK, nothing earth shattering, but we like it!), and is only 10-15 mins drive from your hotel.

Hope you have a good weekend, whatever you get up to!
Jo x

MaggsS · 29/01/2009 06:29

Thanks Jo,

That's all really helpful.

Really looking forward to some time alone with DH without always being harressed by 3 DC's. (love them really)

OP posts:
SexyDomesticatedDad · 29/01/2009 11:53

Pear Tree has deffo the best food out of those (yes its pricey but good). Try Swindon Old Town too as there are more smaller eateries there - a good tapas bar and other bars too. Some smaller interesting shops too - gallery, art centre etc. Devere is on a 'complex' - has Cinema opposite, bowling place, laser quest, pizza hut & a Chinese place too. Opposite side of road is Asda and McD upstairs! All those you can walk to. Old Town is about 10mins drive from DeVere.

JL pretty much summed it up - agree centre is a bit rank (but being done up) - House of Fraser is now an 'outlet' place so a few bargains to be had. Don't forget to go around the magic Roundabout a few times .

JL - do you live in Basset???

Near drives out to Malmsbury / Tetbury and you can also quite easily go north to Stow on Wold or even Bourton on Water. All touristy places but will be quiter this time of year.

JoLucy · 29/01/2009 15:17

Hi Dad!
Yes, do you?
Jo x

SexyDomesticatedDad · 30/01/2009 11:43

Jo - We live just up the road in Purton but go to WB quite a bit to shop / Lime Kiln for swimming and stuff use the music shop quite a bit too.

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