Living in Swindon

Swindon is a town in Wiltshire which is growing in popularity, especially among those who want to be close to the capital whilst remaining reasonably rural. Its transport connections, along with continued investment in the area, make it a prime location for those who want to settle down or retire.

History of the area

The bronze age town of Swindon is steeped in historical significance. Archaeological digs have found evidence of pre-Roman and Iron Age farms and there are over 300 listed buildings, including Liddington Castle and Barbury Castle. Swindon is also home to the infamous White Horses, a super-sized chalk figure which sits in the Uffington countryside.

The property market

Diverse housing

Swindon is an old town with beautiful Victorian and Georgian buildings, perfect for those looking for a home with a bit of character and history. On the flipside, regeneration within the area means you can also get your hands on more modern, architecturally phenomenal and highly sustainable buildings.

Popular places to live

If you’re looking for that wonderful, aged charm, then you may want to consider moving to the Old Town area or Stratton (on the outskirts of Swindon). For a more urban lifestyle and modern housing, you may wish to consider Eastcott. But if it’s green spaces you are after then the town of Rodbourne, which is close to many stunning parks, could be for you.

Schools and education

One of the best primary schools in the area is Croft Primary School, with an “outstanding” Ofsted rating. But for those a little older you may want to consider The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College or New College Swindon. Although Swindon does not have its own university, it does house a campus for Oxford Brookes University.

Transport links

Swindon is perfect for those who commute to London, Bristol or Oxford, as it bypasses the M4 motorway. But for those who don’t drive or want to save on fuel, there is a reliable network of buses and railways. Swindon Train Station and Swindon Bus Station are not far from each other. But if you plan on jet-setting, there’s Bristol Airport just 50 miles away or Heathrow 65 miles away.

Lifestyle and leisure

Places to see

If museums are your thing, then you may want to visit the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway or The Museum of Computing. To get back into nature there’s Roves Farm, Lotmead Farm or TWIGS Community Gardens. But the one thing you must see, if you have yet to see it, is The Magic Roundabout. This is a fascinating feat of engineering, in which five mini roundabouts connect to make a larger circle.

Things to do

For retail therapy, you can visit the Swindon Designer Outlet or The Brunel Shopping Centre. If you’re more of an outdoorsy person then you may like to take a stroll through Coate Water Country Park, Lydiard Park or Stanton Park. But, for those looking for a bit of culture there’s the amazing Wyvern Theatre. If it’s sport you’re looking for, there’s the Broome Manor Golf Club or the Dorcan Better Health & Recreation Complex.

Where to eat

For hearty British pub grub, head over to The Messenger or The Merlin Pub. For Asian cuisine you can go to Ruchi, The Jewel in the Crown or Jicsaw Thai Restaurant. Italian delights can be found at Mario’s Restaurant, Fabios Italian Restaurant and Da Vinci Restaurant. But if all you’re after is a snack, there’s the punny Baristocats Coffee Lounge, The Olive Tree Café or The Cakehole if you have a sweet tooth.

The surrounding area

Swindon is reasonably self-contained, sat in the beautiful British countryside. It’s close to the Cotswolds and the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. However you’re only a short drive away from popular areas such as Oxford, Gloucester, Bath and Bristol. It sits away from the hustle and bustle of London, which makes it an incredibly attractive place to live.

Thinking of living in Swindon?

If you are considering a move to Swindon, let us know. We have a wide range of stunning period and modern properties available to buy within the area. Give us a call directly on  01793 374890, send us an email at Wiltshire@chewtonrose.co.uk or come in and visit our Bridgemead branch on Ashworth Road.