Autumn Walks
The best places to enjoy a leafy stroll in Swindon - with places to eat & drink nearby
Apart from a slight chill in the air, can there possibly be a more beautiful season than autumn?
The changing of the colours around us, the light and the chance to enjoy a leafy stroll all combine to make it a really special time of year.
Ideal for getting out there and enjoying the Swindon countryside at its best.
Here's our guide to the delights of Stanton Park, The Lawn, Lydiard Park, Coate Water and Queens Park - the
top 8 places we think you must visit in the next month incl. places to enjoy a drink or bite to eat during or after your walk.
1. Stanton Park
Swindon's haven for wildlife, with a number of walks around the great lake and woodlands.
|
|
The Stanton House Hotel on the edge of the park and overlooking the lake serves food and drink from 10am to 10pm.
|
2. The Lawn
Popular park in Old Town with ornamental trees and lakes. The former home of the Goddard family, remains of the manor house can still be seen.
> The Lawn - more info
 |
In the heart of Old Town, you're only a two minute walk from Wood Street with cafes, bars and pubs.
|
3. Lydiard Park
Now fully restored to its former splendour, Lydiard park in West Swindon is open all year round with miles of pathways open to walkers, joggers, cyclists and wheelchair users. Includes a purpose-built children's play area with climbing, sliding and swinging.
4. Coate Water
Voted Swindon's favourite place where people have enjoyed walking around the lake and woods since the 1800s. The inspiration for Swindon poet Richard Jefferies, whose museum is adjacent.
> Coate Water - more info
|
|
Outdoor cafe on-site with the Sun Inn pub at Coate near the main entrance ideal for a stop-off & Sunday Lunch.
> Sun Inn - more info. |
5. Queen's Park
Town centre park with lake and meandering pathways. Rose garden being restored. Park closes half an hour before sunset.
|
|
On-site cafe normally open when the weather's good. Failing that, it's not far to walk in to the town centre or Old Town.
Fratellos nearby are open all-day Sunday.
> Fratellos - more info. |
6. Town Gardens
Not the biggest of parks, but a gem none-the-less. This time of year it's especially worth visiting to see trees and shrubs changing with the seasons.
|
|
Outdoor cafe on site (see pic.). Plus, again, not far to walk to Old Town's pubs and cafes.
|
7. Moulden Hill
You'll find this beautiful open space with a number of paths and walkways around a lake in north Swindon.
8. Cotswold Country Park
It's always nice to combine a short drive in the country with a beautiful walk, so why not enjoy a lakeside stroll admiring the forna - and cable skiing fun - at the Cotswold Country Park just down the A419.
|
|
The Gateway cafe is open throughout the year, plus they serve a very nice Sunday Lunch at The Old Boathouse pub. Both with lake views.
|
9. Clouts Wood, Wroughton
Always popular with dog walkers, you'll find Clouts Wood on the hill heading out of Wroughton towards Devizes just before the former airbase. Stunning scenery when the sun sets.
|
|
The Fox & Hounds in Wroughton is just yards away from the entrance and open for very good food & drink - and Sunday Lunch served until 7pm!
|
