Swindon: The Perfect base for Touring SW Britain

Swindon is a must-visit destination that captivates with its diverse offerings. From its renowned designer outlet to picturesque parks and gardens, Swindon promises an enriching experience for all. As the perfect base for touring Southwest Britain, this vibrant city allows easy access to historic landmarks and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or seeking family-friendly adventures, Swindon's charm and central location make it an ideal choice for an unforgettable journey through Southwest Britain. Immerse yourself in a world of excitement with our Swindon City Guide, revealing a plethora of exciting attractions waiting to be explored.

Swindon, in Wiltshire, was in the past known as a railway town, its station being on the line from London Paddington to Bristol. This makes it perfect for day trips even as far as London! The city is midway between Bristol (40 miles west) and Reading (east), anda mere 81 miles from London so it is an ideal hub for travellers touring South West England. Swindon is not a small village, yet not a bustling metropolis, so it has just the right level of facilities including Swindon hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, shops, doctors, etc.

Nearby towns and cities include Cirencester (30 minutes drive), Bath (50 min), Salisbury (1 hr 10 min), Oxford (50 min) and Cheltenham (51 min); and conveniently nearby tourist sites include Uffington White Horse, Silbury Hill, Barbury Castle and the infamous Stonehenge (1 hr).

Choosing a hotel in Swindon is a smart choice. Of course, being such a central location in South West England, Swindon is the perfect take-off point for the likes of Bath, just 50 minutes away by car. Bath, site of the original Roman baths and temples that draw tourists from all over the world, is a testament to the age when a water "cure" was the medicine of choice for Brits, and Bath was the social epicenter of Britain.

The Leonardo Swindon Hotel is also only an hour from the infamous Stonehenge site, with its mysteriously-placed rocks that many believe are Druid symbols of some kind. Also an hour away is Salisbury, with its glorious and historic cathedral; and the university town of Oxford is less than an hour away. Don't miss Bristol, another university town with many historic buildings and churches.

Staying local- The Culture of Swindon

The town is rich in music and theatre venues and events, including the Arts Centre, the Swindon Festival of Literature, Big Arts Day and Swindon Mela. Shopping in Swindon is not limited to the local supermarket and hardware supplier. One can expect to find Marks & Spencer, McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, Blooms Garden Centre, and more, with food outlets such as Starbucks, Frankie and Bennies and KFC Pizza Hut.If you want to get in touch with nature, there is the Lydiard Country Park, Stanton Park and Coate Water nearby.

Stay in the safest city in England

Insurance companies have named Swindon the second safest city to live in the UK after Guildford, based on police and insurance reports. Leonardo, a Swindon hotel, is the perfect "taking-off" point for your travels to historic cities and towns in Southwest England. On Fleming Way, it's just a stroll from the Parade and the retail centre of the town, and just 10 minutes from the central station.

Amenities include: 229 rooms, a bar and restaurant, costa coffee bar, WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms and laundry/dry cleaning. Light, modern and spacious, you will find that the Leonardo Hotel Swindon Hotel is a perfect "home away from home" as you discover the delights of South West England.

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