Father's Day 2012
A dozen top ideas to treat the old chap on 17 June
Yes, it’s that time of year again where we thank the old boy for all his help over the years!
Teaching us to drive, putting his hand in his pocket every five minutes and stopping mum from killing us after we get our messy hands all over her clean carpet – let’s face it, he’s been a man of patience!
So, with Father’s Day on Sunday 17 June, if you haven't thought of a way of treating your dad, let SwindonWeb offer a dozen top ideas for a little bit of inspiration. With the clock ticking and the words 'fully booked' looming large, make sure you get in there quickly and book up for a nice family lunch. Come on, treat pops for once!
1. A gift for the family man
Cast & Present in the craft village at Studley Grange can take a finger, hand, foot or paw print, a child's artwork or loved ones signature to create a keyring or keepsake made from solid silver, stone or ceramic. ‘Love You, Dad xxx’
2. ‘For the dapper Dad’
Golf bag cufflinks from Deacon’s Jewellers – stirling silver with torpedo fittings no less! means he’ll look anything but par for the course when he wears these!
We also really like these Chapelle cufflinks currently on offer at the Swindon Designer Outlet.
Best of all, we like the price - from under £20!
Also at the Designer Outlet, Thornton's have some great chocolate-based gift ideas if you're struggling to think of something!
Or the latest in golf fashion?
And if he looks the part, he’s got to play it as well! So while you’re at it, why not buy him a lesson as well to go with it?
3. Live Music
It's pretty likely that you have slightly different music tastes to your dad, but don't let that stop you from buying him tickets to see his favourite band - or the closest thing to them!
To celebrate the release of the brand new official Pink Floyd ‘Best Of’ album A Foot In the Door, top tribute Brit Floyd will be performing all of Pink Floyd’s best work, in its entirety - track by track - at the Wyvern on 03 July.
4. Sweets
And with 200 different sweets on offer at the specialist sweet shop Sweets Galore in the Brunel Shopping Centre, you’ll be sure to bag a bargain!
5. Men In Black
Men In Black III sounds like a top choice to us, starring Tommy Lee Jones & Will Smith.
6. Motor Man?
Top Gear Live 2012
All dad's are petrol-heads, right?
So there's no reason he wouldn't enjoy seeing Clarkson, May & Hammond (don't forget The Stig) tearing up the stage at the NEC in some high-power, testosterone-fuelled supercars this coming October.
The exhibition is a chance to delve into the weird world of Top Gear, where you can sit in Jeremy’s chair, pretend you’re James doing the News or even amend the Cool Wall like Richard!
Barnes Coaches in Swindon are laying on coaches to the event, including tickets.
Motocross at Foxhills
Full throttle!
7. Full steam ahead!
Trains? Swindon? Never!
If he likes railways, then a trip down to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway and STEAM are in order on Father's Day.
Wine & Dine on the Moonraker
On Sunday 17 June he can enjoy a meal with a nice glass of wine on the famous Moonraker engine at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway.
STEAM Museum
Always a good option comes Father's Day, and a real surprise if you've never been there before.
Plenty to see & do, and great for dad's, even if they've never heard of the GWR.
8. Social Bike Ride
Go on, get him out on two wheels for a laugh!
This year Father's Day falls during Bike Week, so it's the ideal opportunity to get out there and enjoy an afternoon of cycling.
So drag Dad out of bed on Sunday for a leisurely bike ride around the South East corner of Swindon. Using mainly cycle paths, this is a 2 hour ride starting from Coate water and taking in Nythe and the surrounding area.
A walk in the park
If you're out and about in West Swindon on Father's Day, why not stop off at Lydiard Park for a FREE summer tree walk?
Lydiard Park warden Mark Eborn will lead the walk through the wooded areas of the Swindon Borough Council-owned historic park between 10.30am and 12.30pm.
During the walk he will point out the species of trees to be found in the park as well as giving information on the history of the woodlands and how they are being actively managed.
9. Was he a computer geek?
Now we're not talking Pac Man, Pong or Defender at the local arcade (well, yeah, OK we are!), but handheld consoles such as the Game Boy or the 1976 Auto Race.
In a new exhibition, the Museum of Computing in Swindon looks at the 35 year history of this device.
Go on, release the inner child in him!
10. Or is he green-fingered?
This weekend there's two big Open Garden events in Swindon that any green-fingered Dad would love.
Highworth
The Highworth Gardens Open Weekend is a chance to see some of the lovingly-tended private gardens in the town, and maybe get some ideas for your own!
In three of the gardens there's even the chance to enjoy an afternoon tea.
West Swindon
It's been happening for 10 years now, and the annual West Swindon open gardens show is back in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer over the weekend of 16 & 17 June.
The event includes gardens from all over West Swindon including Shaw, Nine Elms and many more
11. Sporty Dad
Chances are your dad's probably a sports fan, too, and there's no bigger football tournament at this time of year than the Euros.
Seeing as it's Father's Day, why not let him go down to the pub (without having to ask mum) and enjoy a pint whilst watching the games.
Check out our full guide of the best places to catch the Euros 2012 in Swindon via the link below.
12. Or perhaps he just wants the perfect night in front of the telly?...
Well, some dad’s think a beer, a pizza and an action movie is some sort of sofa heaven. And who are we to argue?
If you trundle from the lounge to fridge everytime he wants a cold one, we reckon he’ll be saying thanks for weeks!
Great value DVDs
We especially like the That's Entertainment store in the Brunel Centre.
With offers like 3 DVDs for a fiver, you're bound to buy one that Dad likes.
And if that hasn’t given you any ideas….
At the very least!...
Get the family together, give him a big hug and a kiss and take him out for a big, slap-up Sunday Lunch.
The best way to your dad’s heart is through his stomach – and he’ll love you for it.
To all the Dad's in Swindon, have a great Father's Day!
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