It became a home to many railway workers in the 1840’s when Isambard Kingdom Brunel introduced the Great Western Railway to the area, as a result the town exploded in population and growth of the housing market. Its growth is also credited to the housing crisis in London to which Swindon had to construct new houses to reduce the impact caused by the Blitz in the Second World War.
History & Culture
This modern town is surrounded by some of England’s finest countryside and famous attractions. With Victorian parks, gardens and museums still present to this day, it takes us back to the past and helps us understand the beauty and nature in which people lived.
When Swindon was a tiny saxon village it was mentioned in the Doomsday book, 1086 and was referred to as ‘Suindune’ derived from the Old English words ‘swine’ and ‘dun’ meaning ‘pig hill’. However, in the 18th century Swindon grew to be a small town with a weekly market.
Before the 1900’s Swindon was split into two towns, the old town and new town. Due to new housing and shops, the two towns slowly became one throughout the industrial revolution. It wasn’t until Queen Victoria gave a town charter to the combined towns, as a single town, and simply named it ‘Swindon’. Swindon is now one of the fastest growing towns in Europe, with the population reaching a staggering 221,000 in 2020; reason being industrialisation and great employment opportunities.
Why move to Swindon?
Swindon is very popular amongst property hunters due to it’s great & competitive house prices, its well mix of modern and Victorian houses and excellent commuter links.
It is referred to as one of UK’s Top 10 spots to make a living, accommodating major national and global companies, such as Nationwide Building Society, Dyson and Intel bringing great employment opportunities to the town, as mentioned earlier.
Steam – Museum of the Great Western Railway:
This well-known museum in Fire Fly Avenue is described as the ‘Bringing of life to a bygone era’. Famous for its Railway history, it truly does not disappoint in showing and portraying the evolution of what it is known for today. It is an historic place which tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway. Its interactive activities such as ‘driving the steam train simulator’ are most popular amongst visitors and local residents.
Steam can be found to the left of the Food Court entrance of the Outlet Centre.
Coate Water Country Park:
If you’re looking for a nice long walk with nature, this country park is definitely THE place to go. Big Lakes, woodlands and large open grass areas make it ideal for family picnics and outings with friends or just a quick walk around the lake.
Swindon Designer Outlet:
This outlet is home to many iconic fashion brands such as Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis etc. alongside athletic brands such as Nike. You can also take a small break for something delicious in the indoor food court filled with restaurants and cafes such as Wagamamas, KFC, Pizza express, Costa, Starbucks and many more offering dine-ins and takeaway options. However, currently dine-in options are to be remained closed until further notice.
Transport
With its strong relationship to the Great Western Railway, there is no doubt on the frequency and efficiency of transport links to neighbouring cities, such as London and Bristol. Due to its proximity to London and Bristol, direct lines to London can get you there in less than an hour, similarly, lines to Bristol can get you there in anywhere between 35-50 minutes, depending on the destination of the train and stops; making it very commuter friendly for those who do not want to live in the city.
Not only does Swindon have great train lines but it also has well connected motorways. The M4 is located to the south end of the town, making it easy for residents to travel to Heathrow Airport and Bristol Airport, which takes about 60 minutes in the car (Heathrow) and just under 50 miles for Bristol Airport.
Swindon also has a plethora of bus and coach services travelling within the town and to other cities.
Swindon Education
There are a variety of schools and colleges local to the town centre and the outskirts, so that wherever you are within Swindon, they will all be easily commutable and safe to travel to via direct bus transports, depending on your chosen schools’ location and distance.
Some of the well known schools and colleges in the town are Wroughton Junior School, St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Swindon Academy, The Ridgeway School & Sixth Form College, St Joseph’s Catholic College and New College Swindon.
