Swindon certainly has its lovers and haters.
Some argue that it’s a dull place with challenges, while others praise its affordability and proximity to both beautiful countryside and London.
The Basics
Swindon is in the county of Wiltshire, conveniently located within easy reach of some of England’s most famous landmarks. Stonehenge is just over 30 minutes away by car, while Oxford and Bath can both be reached within an hour’s drive. Additionally, for those looking for easy access to London without the cost of living in the city itself, Swindon offers direct train links to London Paddington station that take just under an hour.
Our Experience Of Swindon
Swindon can take some time to get used to. The city’s architecture is characterized by a mix of Victorian-era red-brick buildings and contemporary glass structures. However as time goes on it’s easy to grow fond of the place and all it had to offer.
One thing that strikes out immediately was how affordable housing was compared to other cities nearby such as Bristol or Reading. This means that you can find a nice flat without breaking the bank!
The abundance of outdoor activities available immediately springs to mind – with both Cotswold Water Park and numerous country parks within half an hour’s drive from the town centre.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows – there were some aspects that have room for development. For example, the lack of cultural events and lively nightlife means that for younger people you need to travel to neighbouring cities for a night out.
If you’re looking for somewhere closer to the beach in the South West check out our full guide of cities. Bournemouth is becoming a hot spot for beach life and good transport links!
Overall though, when it comes to evaluating whether Swindon is a nice place to live, it all comes down to personal preferences. Some people may not be able to look past its shortcomings, while others will be drawn in by its affordable housing costs and proximity to natural beauty.
Pros of Living in Swindon
Affordable Housing
Living in a large city like London or Bristol can be prohibitively expensive for many people, but Swindon offers a more affordable option without sacrificing quality of life.
The average house price in Swindon is significantly lower than in other nearby cities, and there’s a range of different housing options to suit every budget. Whether you’re looking for a spacious family home or a cozy apartment, you’re sure to find something that fits your needs and your wallet.
Access to beautiful countryside and outdoor activities
One of the best things about living in Swindon is the easy access to stunning countryside and outdoor activities. Just a short drive away from the town centre, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling hills, picturesque villages, and tranquil lakes. For nature lovers, there are plenty of options for hiking, cycling, fishing, birdwatching or simply enjoying a picnic with friends and family.
Variety of restaurants and shops, including a designer outlet village
Swindon may not be as big as some nearby cities, but it still has plenty to offer when it comes to dining out and shopping. You’ll also find plenty of great shops scattered throughout the town centre with everything from high street fashion brands to luxury designer stores.
If you’re looking for some bargain shopping then don’t miss out on Swindon Designer Outlet Village! This mall features over 100 stores offering steep discounts on designer clothing brands such as Burberry, Ted Baker and Hugo Boss plus homeware & cosmetics – perfect for any shopaholic!
Top Restaurants In Swindon
Greek Olive
For a romantic dinner, you can try The Greek Olive located in the town centre. They serve authentic Greek food and have a cozy atmosphere. Make sure you try some of their top desserts, including baklava.
Thai Orchid
Thai Orchid is a restaurant located in Swindon’s Old Town that provides authentic cuisine at a reasonable rate from their chic building on Victoria Road.
Good transportation links including direct train to London
Swindon’s location in the heart of the UK means that it’s well-connected to other major cities by road, rail, and air. The town is situated just off the M4 motorway, which provides easy access to London and other parts of the country.
In addition, Swindon has a direct train connection that runs regularly throughout the day into London Paddington station – making it an ideal spot for commuters or anyone who wants to explore all that the capital city has to offer.
The Cons of Living in Swindon
Less Culture & Swindon Nightlife
While Swindon has a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty and affordable living, it falls short when it comes to cultural events and nightlife. As a smaller town, there simply aren’t as many opportunities for art exhibitions, live music performances or theatre productions, so it’s worth bearing this in mind if these are some of your non negotiables.
Of course, this isn’t to say that there aren’t any cultural events in Swindon at all. There are still some seasonal festivals and community events that you can attend, such as the annual Old Town Festival.
Additionally, the Wyvern Theatre does host some touring shows throughout the year (the pantomime season can be great at Christmas time too).
However, if you’re looking for a constant stream of cultural offerings or late-night entertainment options like you might find in nearby Bristol or Bath, then Swindon may not be the place for you.
Limited Job Opportunities in Certain Industries
Another potential downside to living in Swindon is that there might be limited job opportunities that are available depending on your industry.
While there are certainly jobs available in sectors like retail and hospitality due to the town’s shopping centres and tourist attractions, other industries may have fewer options. For example, if you work in finance or technology, you may find that opportunities tend to be further afield in other cities.
This could mean a longer commute or even having to relocate entirely if job prospects aren’t sufficient. That being said, if your industry is more flexible or specialized (such as healthcare), there may still be opportunities available within Swindon itself.
Some of the large employers in Swindon include Intel, IBM, Honda and Vodafone. The presence of the Swindon Science Park and the nearby R&D facilities have given a big boost to employment in the fields of science, engineering, and innovation.
Traffic Congestion During Rush Hour
If you do end up commuting from Swindon into nearby cities for work or leisure activities, another potential issue is traffic congestion during rush hour. Swindon’s main transport artery – the M4 motorway – can become heavily congested during peak travel times, making getting in and out of the town a slow and frustrating experience. This can be particularly problematic for those who need to travel long distances or have time-sensitive commitments.
One potential solution is to explore alternative transport options, such as taking the train or cycling (if feasible). However, this may not be suitable for everyone depending on their location and schedule.
Top Areas To Live In Swindon
Swindon is a bustling town with a diverse range of neighborhoods for residents to choose from. Whether you’re looking for historic charm or modern amenities, there’s a neighbourhood in Swindon that will suit your needs. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at three popular neighborhoods: Old Town, Eastcott, and Westlea.
Old Town:
Historic area with independent shops and restaurants
Old Town is one of the most charming and historic areas of Swindon. With its cobbled streets and old buildings, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped back in time. But don’t let the quaint exterior fool you; Old Town is also home to some of the best independent shops and restaurants in Swindon.
You’ll find everything from vintage clothing stores to artisan bakeries, as well as several pubs serving local beers and ales. If you’re interested in history, be sure to check out the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, which houses artifacts from the town’s past.
Eastcott:
Family-friendly neighbourhood with good schools
Located just South of the town centre, Eastcott is a popular neighbourhood for families. It boasts several highly-rated primary schools as well as secondary schools such as St Joseph’s Catholic College and The Commonweal School. In addition to good schools, Eastcott has plenty of green spaces for children to play in.
The Lawn Woods nature reserve is located nearby, offering hiking trails through ancient woodland. The neighbourhood also has easy access to major roads such as Queens Drive and Victoria Road.
Westlea:
Affordable housing options for first-time buyers
If you’re looking for affordable housing options in Swindon, Westlea might be just what you’re looking for. Located on the western edge of town near Lydiard Park, Westlea offers a range of housing options including terraced houses and apartments. Despite its affordability, Westlea still has plenty of amenities.
The West Swindon shopping centre is located nearby, offering a variety of shops and restaurants. The neighbourhood is also home to the West Swindon Library and Link Leisure Centre, which has a gym, swimming pool, and sports facilities.
The river in Westlea has a calming and enchanting charm that attracts both locals and visitors. It offers a peaceful setting for leisurely walks and moments of relaxation. With its green surroundings and charming bridges, the river provides a serene escape from the city’s busyness, allowing people to reconnect with nature.
Westlecot Road:
For the ‘Additional Tax Band’ earners
Westlecot Road is a particularly boujie part of the Swindon neighbourhood. Expect to find spacious detached homes for individuals looking to establish a permanent base in the area.
It’s not uncommon to drive past a 4+ bedroom home on this road. Most properties also have spacious gardens attached.
Hidden Gems of Swindon
Lydiard Park:
A Historical Treasure Trove with Beautiful Gardens
If you’re a history buff, you’ll appreciate the 18th-century Lydiard House and Park. This stately building was once home to generations of the St John family, and is now a popular tourist attraction.
The mansion has been beautifully preserved, with original furnishings and paintings on display for visitors to admire. But that’s not all – the surrounding parkland is equally impressive.
The stunning gardens are immaculately maintained, with an array of colourful flowers and shrubs arranged in elaborate patterns. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, or explore the woodland trails – there’s something for everyone at Lydiard Park. There’s even a hotel on the grounds if you’d like to spend the night.
Coate Water Country Park:
Nature Lovers’ Paradise
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Coate Water Country Park is just what you need. This beautiful nature reserve boasts serene lakes, lush greenery, and an abundance of wildlife. You can take a leisurely walk around the lake or try your hand at fishing – there are plenty of carp and roach to catch.
There’s also a children’s play area with swings, slides and climbing frames – perfect for keeping little ones entertained all day long. And if you’re feeling peckish after all that exploring, head over to the café for some delicious snacks or light meals.
Steam Museum:
A Journey Through Time
The Steam Museum is one of Swindon’s hidden gems that should not be missed! This interactive museum showcases Swindon’s railway heritage in an exciting way that engages visitors young and old alike. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits where visitors can learn about steam engines up close.
You can even take a ride on a steam-powered locomotive or browse the museum’s extensive collection of railway memorabilia. There’s so much to see and do here that you’ll need to set aside at least a few hours to explore properly.
Swindon Summary
Swindon may not be as well-known as some of Britain’s larger cities, but it has plenty of hidden gems that are worth exploring. From the grandeur of Lydiard Park to the tranquillity of Coate Water Country Park and the fascinating history on display at Steam Museum, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant town.
One of the main advantages of living in Swindon is its affordable housing market. Compared to nearby cities like Bristol or Oxford, Swindon’s housing prices are relatively low while still offering access to all the amenities you need.
Additionally, Swindon provides easy access to beautiful countryside areas such as the Cotswolds Hills, which are perfect for hiking or exploring.
So why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and discover Swindon’s hidden gems for yourself? You might just be surprised at what you find!