Numerous Covid-19 lockdowns in the UK have meant more people than ever are looking to explore walks in their local area. Check out my recommendations for the top walks in Swindon, Wiltshire to fill your weekends with new adventures.
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1. Lydiard Park
One of my favourite walks in Swindon is Lydiard Park. Located in West Swindon, the big car park makes this an easy place to visit from anywhere in Swindon. The historic house leads down to a lake, full of ducks and swans and perfect for a walk around. There are many paths to choose from, as well as a children’s playground and cafe. Plenty here for a day out all year round!
2. Coate Water
The iconic diving board at Coate Water Country Park makes this large lake instantly recognisable. Although the diving board is no longer in use, you can still walk around the lake and enjoy the wildlife. The varied path gives views over the lake as well as taking you through some more wooded areas. There are other attractions here too – a cafe, children’s playground and a mini golf course. If you want to extend your walk, there’s also a cycle path that leads towards Chiseldon over the motorway bridge.
3. Stanton Country Park
Situated just to the North East of Swindon, Stanton Country Park is another great place for a walk in Swindon. Most of the paths lead you through woodland, and there’s also a lake here as well where children can feed the ducks. Another attraction for younger children (and adults!) are some of the wooden carved animals that are dotted through the woods.
4. Moulden Hill Country Park
The open fields in Moulden Country Park make this a perfect place for dog walkers looking for somewhere for their dogs to run off some energy. The small lake is lovely, and you can also extend your walk from the back of the park along the River Ray and nearby canal.
5. Barbury Castle
For stunning views across Swindon and the Marlborough Downs, you really can’t beat Barbury Castle. The history of this area is really important too – it’s an Iron Age hill fort dating over 2000 years. You can read more about the history of the site here. The large, free car park makes this area really easily accessible – just be aware of the relatively steep, single track road you need to drive up to get here. But once you get to the top, the views are worth it and the hills are great fun for kids to run up and down.
6. Stratton Woods
A smaller, less known area for walks in Swindon is Stratton Woods. There’s a small car park, but it’s better if you can walk here if you live nearby. Enjoy following numerous paths through the woodland and seeing how the trees change with each season.
7. Town Gardens
The Town Gardens in Old Town, Swindon really come alive in the spring and summer with beautiful flowers. The bandstand here is famous too, as well as the stunning rose garden. While it’s not a huge park and lacks the big, open spaces of some walks, it’s a great place for a wander and to enjoy the flowers.
8. Lawns Park
Another great area for wide, open spaces is Lawns Park, situated in Central/East Swindon. There’s a lake here, but the best thing to do here is just enjoy the open space as a chance for the kids and/or dogs to play.
9. Shaw Forest and Peatmoor Lagoon
A favourite area for anyone living in West Swindon, Peatmoor Lagoon and nearby Shaw Forest Park are great areas for a walk. There are plenty of ducks, geese and swans on the lake and well marked footpaths to walk around. The lake is fairly small, so you can extend your walk by heading into nearby Shaw Forest Park for a longer walk.
10. The Ridgeway at Barbury Castle
Barbury Castle also has another option for a different walk. From the car park, instead of heading to the hill fort, you can turn in the other direction, cross the road, and pick up The Ridgeway, the famous ancient long distance path. The views from here are as good, if not better, than the views from the hill fort, and it tends to be a bit quieter walking in this direction.
If you’re looking for something to do on a rainy weekend in Swindon, why not check out the Swindon Monopoly game (affiliate) – it’s a great way to spend a rainy afternoon with your friends and family!
Enjoy your weekend walks in Swindon! It’s so important to look after your mental health and going for walks in nature can be really helpful. Check out some of my other top tips for looking after your mental health.
If you’re looking for walks a bit further away, check out my list of Weekend Walks in and near Wiltshire or walks near Oxford.
