ancient ruins
Avebury Stone Circle
Largest prehistoric stone circle in the world, enclosing an entire village and considered by many to be more atmospheric than Stonehenge.
15 km · about 30 min drive
England, United Kingdom · Europe
Swindon is worth a stop: 5 minutes from Wroughton, 15km from Avebury Stone Circle.
Swindon is a city located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 201,669, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Swindon sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Swindon to your route.
Swindon ( ) is a town in Wiltshire, England. At the time of the 2021 census, the population of the built-up area was 224,942, making it the largest settlement in the county. Located at the northeastern edge of the South West England region, Swindon lies on the M4 corridor, 84 miles (135 km) to the west of London andRead more
36 miles (57 km) to the east of Bristol. The Cotswolds lie just to the town's north and the North Wessex Downs lie just to the town's south. It is the centre of Swindon unitary authority.
Recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as Suindune, the arrival of the Great Western Railway in 1843 transformed it from a small market town of 2,500 into a thriving railway hub that would become one of the largest railway engineering complexes in the world at its peak. This brought with it pioneering amenities such as the UK's first lending library and a 'cradle-to-grave' healthcare centre that was later used as a blueprint for the NHS. Swindon's railway heritage can be primarily seen today with the Grade II listed Railway Village and STEAM Museum. The Swindon Designer Outlet is housed in the renovated former works, and the Brunel Shopping Centre is one of several places in Swindon that bear the name of the famous engineer generally acknowledged with bringing the railways to the town.
Despite the subsequent decline and closure of its railway works, Swindon was one of the fastest growing towns in Europe post-war as its economy diversified, attracting large international companies, who made use of its burgeoning population and strategic transport links.
Major venues in the town include the Wyvern Theatre and the Mechanics' Institute. Lydiard Park has hosted festivals such as BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend, while the Swindon Mela, an all-day celebration of South Indian arts and culture, attracts up to 10,000 visitors a year. The ancient Ridgeway, known as Britain's oldest road, runs a few miles to Swindon's south, with Avebury, the largest megalithic stone circle in the world, and Uffington White Horse, Britain's oldest white horse figure, also nearby. Wiltshire's only professional football club, Swindon Town, have played in the Premier League in the 1993/94 season and won a major trophy, securing a famous giant-killing victory over Arsenal in the 1969 League Cup final. They currently play in League Two at the 15,000-seat County Ground in the town centre. Other sports in the town include Swindon Wildcats Ice Hockey and five-time British speedway champions the Swindon Robins.
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Swindon offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
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Swindon is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.5580 latitude, -1.7812 longitude.
Swindon has a population of approximately 201,669 people, making it a city in United Kingdom.
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Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
ancient ruins
Largest prehistoric stone circle in the world, enclosing an entire village and considered by many to be more atmospheric than Stonehenge.
15 km · about 30 min drive
landmark
Charming Cotswolds village famously described by William Morris as the most beautiful village in England, home to the iconic Arlington Row.
23 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
A curated classic car showroom and events space set in the idyllic Cotswolds village of Bibury.
23 km · about 25 min drive
racetrack
A charming Wiltshire circuit in a picturesque Cotswolds village, one of England's oldest operational racing venues.
31 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
A film-set medieval village of honey cottages with no visible modern intrusions, often called England's prettiest village.
32 km · about 35 min drive
landmark
Picturesque Cotswolds village known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds' for its elegant low bridges spanning the River Windrush.
37 km · about 40 min drive
racetrack
The fastest circuit in the UK, a former airfield in Hampshire with high-speed sweeping corners that test car and driver to the limit.
41 km · about 45 min drive
landmark
Mysterious prehistoric stone circle dating back 5,000 years on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire.
42 km · about 50 min drive
April to October
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