Places To Eat Near Swindon
After a busy day exploring everything Swindon has to offer, you will not be far from many of our nearby Wiltshire restaurants. Whether you are looking for the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal or a refreshing drink to quench your thirst, our local Wiltshire restaurants offer mouthwatering menus for food and drinks.
The Bear Inn
Right on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll find The Bear Inn. Enjoy modern twists on pub classics in a historic pub with traditional features, rustic furnishings, a pleasant beer garden and a roaring open fire. Locals’ favourites on the restaurant menu include Baked Camembert, Butcombe Original beer-battered fish and chips, and, of course, Cirencester’s finest Sunday roast. Perfect for birthdays, events and meetings – or after a trip to Swindon!
The Prince Of Burford
After a day trekking about the rolling Cotswold hills, you deserve a comforting, locally-sourced classic pub meal in a proper South West restaurant. Stop into the Prince Of Burford gastropub, situated right on the edge of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and treat yourself to their famous Butcombe Original beer-battered fish and chips, Cotswold burger or decadent vegetarian pumpkin and ricotta tortelloni. There’s a host of other delicious meals to choose from, all perfectly paired with a selection of award-winning Butcombe beer behind the bar – perfect after a visit to nearby Swindon.
The Crown
From steamed mussels steeped in cider to Butcombe Original beer-battered fish and chips, you’ll find something you love at The Crown restaurant. Fancy something sweet? Try the decadent warm chocolate brownie with salted caramel ice cream, or a New York-style cheesecake with maple-roasted figs and blackberry sorbet. The perfect pick-me-up after a day exploring Swindon.
The Horse & Groom
The Horse & Groom restaurant is a charming, Grade II-listed gastropub set in the village of Charlton. Having recently undergone a full refurbishment, the pub boasts a brand-new dining room that serves stunning seasonal dishes and modern takes on pub classics. With a tree-sheltered lawn and surrounding paddock outside, it provides a perfect space for al fresco drinking and dining after a trip to Swindon.
The King’s Arms
Steeped in history, The King’s Arms restaurant is a cracking 18th-century pub located in the historic market town of Melksham. Serving delicious seasonal dishes, the gastropub is renowned for its great food, alongside its excellent offering of beers, ales and wines – the perfect place to unwind after a tiring day in Swindon.
The White Hart
Located in the heart of picturesque Wroughton, The White Hart inn is a beautiful thatched pub with spades of character. Passionate about great food, the pub’s restaurant is focused on local produce, seasonal ingredients and modern takes on pub classics. Behind the bar, it’s all about award-winning Butcombe beer – the perfect refreshing pint after a day at Swindon.
Tenanted Restaurants
The Beehive
Cosy booths, a friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and award-winning beers await you at The Beehive pub and restaurant in Carterton, close to the market town of Swindon, and the spectacular Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Stop by for your favourite classic pub meal, whether you’re a fan of fish and chips, peckish for a light bite, or in the mood for a proper British roast dinner, and indulge with a perfectly-paired pint of Butcombe beer.
History Of Swindon
Built in close proximity to what is now known as Swindon Hill, the origin of Swindon can be traced back to pre-historic times (though it first became populated during Saxon times).
Originally known as Swine Dun or “Pig Hill”, Swindon remained as a small settlement until it started to expand at the beginning of the 19th century.
When the Great Western Railway reached Royal Wootton Bassett in December 1840, a new “town” was built to accommodate the workers who had moved from other areas of the country. Swindon’s population had increased from just over 1,000 in 1801, to more than 15,000 by 1881.
As the admiration for the market town grew, so did its population. Further industrial investment in the area followed, and in the 2011 census, Swindon’s population was recorded at more than 200,000.
What To See In Swindon
With an ever-increasing population comes an ever-increasing need to entertain people.
Swindon is arguably most famous nowadays for being home to Swindon Designer Outlet, though it does have plenty of options for the whole family.
The Steam Museum Of The Great Western Railway allows visitors to learn about the impact that the GWR has had on Swindon, while the Richard Jefferies Museum celebrates the work of the great writer and the Museum of Computing displays a wonderful collection of early technology.
If it is fun for all the family that you are looking for, head straight for Roves Farm or Butterfly World & Farm Park. Nature walks, goat brushing and tractor rides are all on offer at Roves Park, while butterflies (obviously!), fish ponds and tropical flowers are all waiting to be discovered at Butterfly World & Farm Park.
If it is music, comedy, dance or drama that you are after, Wyvern Theatre has you covered. With a host of domestic and touring productions, all tastes are catered for at this 635 seat arena.
Swindon Designer Outlet
Since it opened in 1997, Swindon Designer Outlet has become one of the most popular destinations in Swindon and the surrounding areas.
Located within close proximity to the M4 motorway, Swindon Designer Outlet boasts more than 100 retail stores and numerous food, drink and entertainment establishments.
Attracting more than a million visitors every year, Swindon Designer Outlet is housed in Grade II listed buildings that were once home to the Great Western Railway works and is one of the largest covered designer outlets in the whole of Europe.
Coate Water Country Park
Coate Water Country Park is a nature reserve and area of scientific interest, offering activities for the whole family.
The model railway, pitch & putt, endless walks and fishing should keep everyone entertained, and there is an on-site cafe for those that feel thirsty or peckish.
Having first opened in 1822, Coate Park has been entertaining generations of “Swindonians” for 200 years.
Swindon On The Big Screen
With creator Ian Fleming hailing from nearby Sevenhampton, it seems only right that Swindon has featured in the movies of James Bond.
Its first appearance came in the 1985 blockbuster, A View To A Kill, where Roger Moore was filmed alongside Sir Godfrey Tibbett in the Renault building.
Some years passed before 007 visited Wiltshire again, this time it was Pierce Brosnan who was shooting scenes at the Motorola factory in Swindon.
Markets In And Around Swindon
The residents of Swindon are spoilt for choice when it comes to markets, with several daily, weekly and monthly fairs being held in and around the town.
Lotmead Farm Store leads the way for availability, opening 7 days a week to sell their meat, dairy and vegetable produce, while Swindon Farmers Market (Sunday), Swindon Country Market (Friday) and Highworth Market (Saturday) all congregate weekly.
Wanborough Farmers Market and Royal Wootton Bassett Farmers Market operate on the 3rd Saturday and 4th Saturday of the month respectively to offer cut flowers, freshly baked bread and cakes and other local produce.
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