Swindon

Swindon is the largest settlement in Wiltshire, but is techncally a town in that it has no cathedral. It is situated in the very north of the county.

Swindon was mentioned in the Domesday book as Suindune which could be from the Saxon for Swine hill or Pig Hill. However it is not until the expansion fo the Great Western railway that Swindon became a large town. Its ideal location between London and Bristol led to Isambard Kingdom Brunel building his main railaway works there where engines were built and serviced. At one time three quaters of Swindon's workere worked for the railway, such was its importance. With changing technologies, most of these have now closed and one building has been converted into a Museum of the Great Western Railway, also known as Steam as pictured above right. The site also has a new shopping centre next to it, that is in keeping with it.

Although most of central Swindon is quite modern there are a few older more interesting buildings around. There are also a number of hotels to cater for the railway enthusiasts who visit the Steam museum as they travel to Swindon from all corners of the world.

Swindon Hotels
Car Hire Swindon