Take a walk out of the urban jungle and breath in the fresh air of the countryside and our wonderful parks around Swindon. Our town is blessed with being surrounded by some of the most stunning countryside from the strolling green fields surrounding Lydiard Park to the Ridge Way, White Horse Hill and Barbury Castle to name just a few. And don’t forget the many parks in and around Swindon.
We’ve put together our favourite walks around our town of Swindon and the surrounding area has to offer! So put on your walking shoes and head out for a walk this Easter.
Lydiard Park
Lydiard Park is a beautiful historic estate on the western edge of Swindon, with the Palladian House, Church, Walled Garden, Hotel, Restaurant and Conference Centre set in 260 acres of beautiful parkland and beautiful lake which is always alive with wildlife.
Enjoy a walk around the famous Lake, through the walled garden, and around as many fields as you like! Use postcode of SN5 3PA. Parking is £2 for 2 hours, £4 all day. The park also has toilets and a cafe.
Walk Distance: 1.5mile walk.
Town Gardens
If you know Old Town, you will for sure know how much of a beauty and credit the Town Gardens is to Swindon. Although situated in the heart of Swindon, you’d never guess!
The park is incredibly tranquil, with beautiful formal gardens, a stunning bandstand, rose garden, birds (next to fountain) and woodland walks perfect for the dog.
April is a great time to visit – the blossom trees at in the south of the park make a beautiful photo! The paths are all flat and concrete. Toilets situated in the rose garden, parking on Quarry Road SN1 4EN, next to the play park and tennis courts.
Walk Distance: Under 1mile
Swindon Canal Path and Old Railway Line
As one of Swindon’s hidden gems, not many people are aware of a canal that runs through the centre of town. Beginning at the bottom of Kingshill and running down to Waitrose, a path sits alongside the canal all the way.
Note: The canal path will end by Waitrose, so you’d have to go either back the same way or through the town. There are no toilets and parking is difficult, but there are several layby’s off of Peglars Way and side streets nearby.
The old railway line runs above this (from Blagrove to Old Town) and gives you fantastic views all over Old Town and towards Wroughton. Use postcode SN1 7NU.
Walk Distance: 2-3miles
Nightingale Wood
Nightingale Wood is a young woodland, planted in the 1990s as part of the Great Western Community Forest project. Over the years, it has become popular with dog walkers and wildlife spotters.
With three walking trails, a picnic area and a trim trail.
Choose from three way-marked trails, the shortest is Nightingale Walk at 0.6miles, Kestrel Walk 0.9miles to Heron Walk 1.6miles. Nature spotters, don’t miss the wildlife viewing area along the Kestrel Walk.
Barbury Castle
Barbury Castle Country Park is just a short drive out of Swindon, 3miles south of Wroughton. Situated at the same level as Hackpen Hill, Barbury Castle is one of the highest points in the Swindon area.
Enjoy a stroll whilst being surrounded by beautiful countryside views of Wroughton, Swindon and towards Marlborough. For the car park, use postcode SN4 0QH on SatNav. Parking is free and there are toilets. Note: Beware of uneven surfaces.
Walk Distance: 1.25miles to 8.5miles depending on the taken route.
The Ridgeway
The Ridgeway Path is the old road that runs from Cornwall to London. Now it’s a public footpath offering fantastic views all over the rolling Wiltshire hills. By parking at Hackpen Hill, you have the opportunity to walk either north towards Barbury Castle (around a two mile walk there) or south towards Avebury.
The track is flat and has a good path. Unfortunately, there are no toilet facilities. Parking is free, use postcode SN4 9NR on SatNav for car park.
Jubilee Lake
Situated just outside of Swindon in Royal Wootton Bassett, Jubilee Lake is a short but sweet walk for those who fancy a quick stroll.
The small lake is perfect for those who are just taking the dog for a swim or have kids who want to feed the ducks! The lake is a short walk from the free car park through beautiful woodland.
There are small paths and alleyways leading into other areas of the town, and the park itself is just a 15minute walk from Royal Wootton Bassett High Street.
Walk Distance: 1-3miles
White Horse Hill
White Horse Hill is a 30 minute drive out of Swindon, but it’s definitely worth it. With views across 3 different counties, the famous Uffington White Horse and Uffington Castle, it’s a walk that everyone will love.
It is owned by National Trust so there is a car park charge of £3 unless you are a member. Unfortunately there are no toilets.
Ice Cream vans will be there on sunny days! For car park, use postcode of SN7 7QJ for SatNav. Note: uneven surfaces.
Walk Distance: 3- 6miles
Shaw Forest
The Shaw Forest is a hidden gem based in West Swindon. The park is fantastic for walks just off of Mead Way (by TH White). From meadows to woodland areas to big wide open fields, the Shaw Forest is perfect for dogs and children.
There are many different paths all around the park, so you can choose the distance walk you want to do. For the car park, use postcode of SN5 7EX on a SatNav.
Note: Unfortunately there are no toilets on site. All the walkways have flat, gravelled paths.
Walk Distance: 3 – 6miles
The Lawns
The Lawns, like the Town Gardens, is a hidden gem in the town centre. With two stunning lakes and fields upon fields of lawn to run free within its 50 acres of park and woodland which makes for a wonderful walk.
It’s huge expanse of grass has amazing views over Swindon, a great variety of trees, and also has 2 large lakes that are home to fish and waterbirds.
There is so much history to read about too – you’ll see where the original Goddard House stood (did you ever wonder where the ‘Goddard Arms’ pub name came from?) and walk through their gardens.
The Lawns is a stone’s throw from High Street, Old Town. Postcode: SN3 1EH
Walk Distance: 2miles
Coate Water
I don’t think we could have made this list without including the wonderful Coate Water! It’s a Swindon favourite with it’s large fishing lake, crazy golf, cafe, and of course the beautiful lakeside walk.
Perfect for feeding the ducks, geese and swans! The circular walk of the lake is just 1.7 miles, however, there are many other paths you can take to go further. Car Parking: £1 for 2 hours, £2 for 1 – 24 hours. Follow the postcode SN3 6AA.
Walk Distance: 2-3miles
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