Swindon has its origin as a small market town, used mainly for barter trade until the mid-1800s. The original settlement is now known as Old Town.
Take time to wander through its quiet courtyards and alleyways or enjoy a vibrant mix of traditional shops and pubs alongside modern outlets and stylish cafes and bars and use our website to find out more about what there is to see and do here.
With the arrival of the Great Western Railway in 1840 a whole new town was created between the new railway works and Swindon Hill. Today this is the town centre.