Free Things to Do in Swindon

You don't need to spend money to enjoy Swindon. From country parks and free museums to parkrun and browsing the Designer Outlet, there's plenty to do without opening your wallet. This guide covers free attractions and activities – some may charge for parking or extras, so we've noted where that applies.

Park with trees and green space
Free parks and green spaces in Swindon. Credit: Unsplash

Parks and green spaces

Entry to Swindon's parks is free. Parking may incur a charge at some sites.

  • Coate Water Country Park – Lake, woodland, play area, café. One of Swindon's largest and most popular parks. Parking charges apply. See our parks and green spaces guide.
  • Lydiard Park – 260 acres of parkland, lake, woodland walks, and a children's play area. Free to explore the grounds; the house and walled garden may charge for entry. Parking charges apply. See our Lydiard Park & House guide.
  • Stanton Park – Woodland, grassland, and a lake. Quieter option for walks and dog walking.
  • Queen's Park – Victorian park in central Swindon with lawns, flower beds, and a bandstand. Convenient for town centre visitors.
  • Shaw Forest Park – Woodland and paths. Part of the National Cycle Network.
  • Barbury Castle Country Park – Iron Age hillfort near Wroughton with walking trails and panoramic views. Free to visit; parking available.

Free museums and attractions

  • Museum & Art Swindon – Free admission. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am–4:30pm. Art, history, and Swindon's collections. See our Museum & Art Swindon guide.
  • Richard Jefferies Museum – Free entry to this 17th-century cottage museum dedicated to nature writer Richard Jefferies, near Coate Water. Check opening times before visiting.
  • Swindon Central Library – Free to browse, use computers, and borrow books. Study space and events. See our libraries in Swindon guide.

Shopping and browsing

  • Swindon Designer Outlet – Free to browse with no entry fee. Has a train ride for kids (may charge). See our Designer Outlet guide.
  • Swindon Market & Artisan Markets – Free to browse Market Street, Wharf Green, and Shop Small Swindon stalls. See our market guide.

Sport and fitness

  • Lydiard parkrun – Free timed 5k run every Saturday at 9am in Lydiard Park. All abilities welcome. Register once at parkrun.org.uk and bring your barcode. See our running clubs and parkrun guide.
  • Lotmead Farm – Free to visit during the week (check current policy). Acres of space for kids. Some weekend events such as Shire Horse and Birds of Prey displays may be free – confirm on their website.

Further afield (short drive)

  • The White Horse at Uffington – Famous chalk figure, free to view from the hillside. About 20 miles from Swindon.

More ideas

For paid attractions and family days out, see our guides to family days out, things to do with kids, and STEAM Museum. For events, check our What's On section.

Information correct as of February 2026. Opening times, parking charges, and free-entry policies can change. Check venue websites before visiting.