Swindon is a charming and vibrant town located in the Wiltshire district of England and home to an exciting mix of cultural venues and leisure spots. With plenty of places to explore and activities to enjoy, Swindon is the perfect destination for a romantic first date.
1. Parks and places for a walk on a first date
If you’re looking for a romantic stroll with your date, Swindon has plenty of green spaces for you to explore. Why not take a meander around the serene Lydiard Park and Walled Garden, a landscape garden with 1,800 acres of parkland, lakes and water features. Alternatively, Coate Water Country Park is a great spot for a romantic aquatic stroll, or for a storybook setting, visit Stanley Park, a Grade II listed park with a delightful boating lake, gardens and cafe.
2. Places for a coffee date in Swindon
For a casual coffee date, there are numerous cafes in Swindon to explore. The quaint Town Gardens Cafe, located in the Old Town, is the perfect spot to grab a hot drink and cake, while the White Horse cafe serves up a selection of delicious breakfasts and lunches in a relaxed atmosphere. If you’re looking for something a little different, the Lock and Load Cafe is unique – it’s a cafe by day and an independent music venue by night, so you may even be able to show off your singing skills to impress your date.
3. Galleries, museums and exhibitions to visit on a date
Swindon has several museums and galleries for you to explore with your date. The Steam Museum takes you on a journey through the history of the great steam railway, while the Museum of Computing will bring out your technological side. The Stroudwater Textile Trust showcases the region’s textile heritage, and the Swindon Museum & Art Gallery is a stunning Grade II listed building with an array of art and local history collections.
4. Live music and entertainment to invite your date to in Swindon
If music is more your thing, Swindon has plenty of venues to choose from to show off your singing skills. The Beehive Centre has an amazing line-up of live music and comedy nights, while the Victoria Inn frequently hosts lively gigs and folk nights. The Brunel Centre is also an exciting venue to enjoy some live music – it boasts an eclectic line-up of bands and DJs on its permanent rotation.
5. Pubs, bars or restaurants for a first date drink or food
Swindon’s pubs, bars and restaurants offer a range of date night options. The Fox & Hounds is a traditional country pub with a selection of real ales, local ciders and tasty pub food, while the Yarrow House Hotel provides a classic British menu in a modern setting. If you’re looking for something a little different, the Steam Town Brew Co is an independent microbrewery with a great selection of craft beers, and the Longs Arms serves up a range of cocktails, wines and ales in a stylish pub.
6. Other date ideas to try in Swindon
Swindon also has plenty of alternative date ideas to choose from. Why not try your hand at indoor bouldering at the Rockstar Climbing Centre, or show off your skills at Tenpin Swindon – it has over 20 lanes, plenty of great music and a delicious food menu. For a different kind of challenge, you can visit the Gateway Escape Rooms and work together to solve a range of mysteries, or take a romantic trip on the historic Swindon & Cricklade Railway.
