Swindon Hotels

A quick guide to hotels in Swindon

• Swindon is home to the headquarters for a number of big businesses, and offers a great selection of modern hotels catering to the business traveller
• Many of the popular chain hotels can be found here, including Doubletree, Marriott and Jurys Inn
• Hotels in the Old Town are the perfect place to explore Swindon’s dining scene, as well as catch up on its history as a unique market town
• In addition to modern accommodation, Swindon also has a number of old-world pubs and vibrant boutique hotels, offering something for every traveller

Swindon hotels put you in the middle of modern Wiltshire

Home to tech behemoth Intel, as well as Honda’s production plant, Swindon is known for its booming modern industry, but its origins date from the Bronze Age and it rated a mention in the Domesday book (as Suidune, or “Pig Hill”), making it a destination for history buffs and business travellers alike. Hotels in Swindon put you on the doorstep of both the modern and the old world, with a range of accommodation to fit any visitor. Swindon has many mid-range hotels – including some of the big-name chain hotels such as Doubletree, Marriott and Jurys Inn – offering creature comforts, modern amenities and convenient locations, as well as business centres and meeting space. If you’re looking for something more unique, you’ll also find a good range of cosy B&Bs, along with classic inns, bright boutique hotels and apartments, which provide the perfect landing spot for families and larger groups.

Explore the museums and the galleries, or shop ‘til you drop

With its courtyards and quaint alleys, the Old Town testifies to Swindon’s roots as a historic one-of-a-kind market town. This is a place, after all, where pigs once raced willy-nilly through the streets to celebrate the full moon – an event famously memorialized by the poet John Keats. On a wander through the Old Town you’ll come across many traditional restaurants and pubs, along with modern shops, cafes and galleries. The centre is completely pedestrianised and is a pleasure to stroll through. If you’re looking to get to know modern Swindon, then pop into the old coachworks, which now houses the Swindon Designer Outlet, where you’ll find over a hundred shops offering high-end brands, as well as a farmers’ market selling organic produce and treats on Sundays.

Another great spot to take in some modern history is the Museum of Computing – the UK’s first computing museum. There are also plenty of opportunities to get acquainted with old-world Swindon. The Museum of the Great Western Railwayis situated opposite the outlet mall, and houses exhibits detailing the history of the railway. Visitors will step back through time and into the shoes of Swindon’s railway workers, who helped make The Great Western Railway a success. You can check out iconic locomotives, see the foundry and boiler shop, and read the Wall of Names – a memorial to the Swindon citizens who worked in the factory.

Art fans will enjoy a visit to The Swindon Museum and Art Gallery in the Old Town. The museum houses one of the best collections of 20th-century British art in the country, as well as exhibits revolving around Egyptology, archaeology and photography. If you’re an outdoorsy type and would prefer some fresh air with your art, consider an amble following the West Swindon Sculpture Trail. Appearing between 1982 and 1992, the mysterious sculptures are dotted around the town, and the 5-mile walk will cover all 7 statues (including one of famous Swindon-born actress Diana Dors), as well as carry you through some lovely parkland and open spaces.

Catch up with the local culture

A day out in Swindon wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Lydiard Park, a historic estate nestled on 240 landscaped acres. The park is home to an open-air theatre, as well as a walled garden and the Lydiard House, a Palladian residence that’s open for tours.

The Wyvern Theatre and Swindon Arts Centre promise a great night out, with both venues offering live theatre, comedy and music. There are plenty of kids’ productions on the docket, so a night at the theatre could be the perfect plan for a family night out.

If you’re looking to see more of historic England, why not take a look at our guide to hotels in Stratford Upon Avon?

If you want to stay in another popular place in Britain you could also consider hotels in Bath.