Best Areas to Live in Swindon Old Town, Wichelstowe, Shaw and more

Swindon offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with good transport links to London, Bristol, and the M4. House prices are generally lower than in Reading, Oxford, or Bristol, making it attractive to first-time buyers and families. This guide gives an overview of areas and postcodes – for school catchment details and current house prices, use official sources.

Best areas to live in Swindon – neighbourhood and community
Swindon offers a range of neighbourhoods for different lifestyles. Credit: The Swindon Post
Swindon areas – school catchment affects demand and prices
AreaPostcodeNotes
Old TownSN1Historic, independents, higher prices
Rodbourne, Penhill, Upper StrattonSN2North of town centre, Churchward Academy catchment
Liden, Covingham, EldeneSN3East Swindon, strong school catchments – Liden, Dorcan
Shaw, West Swindon (Toothill, Peatmoor, Lydiard)SN5Shaw Forest Park, Lydiard Park, Link Centre
North Swindon (Priory Vale, Haydon Wick)SN25Newer housing, Mouldon Hill, Tadpole Garden Village
WichelstoweSN1 (part)Canal-side, growing community

Source: Swindon Borough Council / Royal Mail

By postcode

Swindon's postcodes roughly correspond to different parts of town. SN1 – town centre south and Old Town; SN2 – north (Rodbourne, Penhill, Upper Stratton, Kingsdown); SN3 – east (Stratton, Covingham, Liden, Eldene); SN4 – villages (Wroughton, Chiseldon); SN5 – West Swindon and Shaw (Toothill, Peatmoor, Lydiard, Shaw Forest Park); SN25 – North Swindon (Priory Vale, Haydon Wick, Redhouse); SN6 – Highworth and villages.

Shaw is in SN5 (West Swindon); Rodbourne is in SN2. See our Swindon postcode areas guide for a full breakdown. School catchment areas often influence demand – check Swindon Borough Council's catchment maps for the latest.

Old Town (SN1)

Old Town is the historic heart of Swindon, with independent shops, restaurants, and a distinct character. It generally scores well for income, employment, and education. Some areas have higher crime rates – check specific roads and recent data. Popular with young professionals and families who want a walkable, village-like feel.

SN2 (Rodbourne, Penhill)

North of the town centre. Rodbourne, Penhill, Upper Stratton and Kingsdown. Churchward Academy catchment. Mix of housing and local amenities, generally more affordable than Old Town. Link Centre nearby.

SN5 (Shaw, West Swindon)

Shaw (Shaw Forest Park, Shaw Village) and West Swindon – Toothill, Freshbrook, Peatmoor, Lydiard. Link Centre, West Swindon shopping, Lydiard Park. Shaw is in SN5, not SN2.

SN3 (Liden, Covingham, Eldene)

East Swindon. Strong school catchments – Liden Primary, Dorcan Academy. Green spaces and family-oriented communities. Expect strong demand for properties in catchment areas.

SN25 (North Swindon)

North Swindon – Priory Vale, Haydon Wick, Redhouse, Tadpole Garden Village. Newer housing, Mouldon Hill Country Park. Different from West Swindon (SN5): North Swindon is northeast of town.

Wichelstowe

Major development area south of the town centre. Newer housing and community facilities. Check the council website for the latest on the development and infrastructure.

House prices

House prices vary by area and property type. For current data, use ONS house price statistics (Swindon, E06000030) and property portals. Properties in strong school catchments often command a premium and sell more quickly.

What to consider

Think about commute (train to London Paddington, M4 access), schools, and local amenities. Swindon has good parks (Coate Water, Lydiard Park), leisure facilities, and the Designer Outlet. See our Moving to Swindon guide for utilities, schools, and key services. For detailed area guides – character, transport, schools – see our Swindon areas & neighbourhoods pages.

What's the best area to live in Swindon?

Old Town
0 votes (0%)
Railway Village
0 votes (0%)
Eastcott
0 votes (0%)
Walcot
0 votes (0%)
Shaw
0 votes (0%)
Rodbourne
0 votes (0%)
Penhill
0 votes (0%)
Stratton St Margaret
0 votes (0%)
Upper Stratton
0 votes (0%)
Covingham
0 votes (0%)
Dorcan
0 votes (0%)
Liden
0 votes (0%)
Redhouse
0 votes (0%)
Nythe & Eldene
0 votes (0%)
Park South
0 votes (0%)
West Swindon
1 vote (50%)
Toothill
0 votes (0%)
Freshbrook
0 votes (0%)
Peatmoor
0 votes (0%)
Haydon Wick
0 votes (0%)
Priory Vale
0 votes (0%)
Oakhurst
0 votes (0%)
Wichelstowe
0 votes (0%)
Park North
0 votes (0%)
Gorse Hill
0 votes (0%)
Pinehurst
0 votes (0%)
Town Centre
0 votes (0%)
South Marston
0 votes (0%)
Wroughton
0 votes (0%)
Chiseldon
0 votes (0%)
Highworth
0 votes (0%)
Blunsdon
0 votes (0%)
Tadpole Garden Village
0 votes (0%)
Lydiard
0 votes (0%)
Kingsdown
0 votes (0%)
Other
1 vote (50%)
2 total votes

School catchment areas

Check the latest catchment maps – they influence demand and house prices.

Swindon.gov.uk – Schools

References & sources

  1. Swindon Borough Council – School catchment areas (accessed February 2026)
  2. ONS – Swindon house prices (accessed February 2026)

Information correct as of February 2026. House prices and school catchments change. Use official sources (Land Registry, ONS, Swindon Borough Council) for current data.