How to Beat the Weather in Swindon This Summer.

Here in the UK, we’re notorious for the unreliability of the weather. But even the most optimistic of us have probably written off this summer as one of the worst in living memory. This followed a wet period of 18 months leading up to March of this year. Since then, we’ve had much of the same. 

This has meant that many outdoor events have been ruined – and it’s even hard to plan for a family barbecue or even a walk in the lovely Wiltshire countryside. 

But never fear. Summer in Swindon can still be salvaged – as long as you stick to these six mainly indoor options. 

STEAM. The Museum of the Great Western Railway 

An absolute must for trainspotters and railway fans everywhere. STEAM celebrates the huge achievements and significance of the Great Western Railway, as well as the works of the legendary Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Once the most advanced in the world, no wonder it earned the alternative name of “God’s Wonderful Railway”. 

The museum is housed in a restored building in the heart of the Swindon Works. Visit and you’ll find locos and rolling stock along with around 400,000 other artefacts. Especially for summer, there are also a number of Bridge Builder Events where you can come and try to emulate the achievements of IKB himself. 

REME Museum, Chippenham 

On the other hand, you might like to learn more about some of the unsung heroes of the British army of the 20th and 21st centuries. The REME museum celebrates the history of the Royal Mechanical and Electrical Engineers. First established in the dark days of World War II the purpose of the division has always been to keep the army’s equipment fighting fit. 

As well as having many examples of the vehicles used by the army on land, sea and air, the museum also tells the stories of the men and women involved in their maintenance. 

This summer there are also numerous D-Day-themed events to celebrate the 80th anniversary of this major turning point in the war. 

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet 

If you’re planning to visit STEAM then why not also allow yourself a little time for some retail therapy too? Housed in the same Grade II listed complex is the MacArthur Glen Designer Outlet. It’s the perfect place to pick up designer brands including Ted Baker, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and many more at more than 90 stores. Best of all, there are discounts of up to 60%. 

If all that shopping works up an appetite you can also dine in style at places like Pizza Express, Five Guys and Wagamama – all in one of Europe’s largest covered designer outlets. 

Croft Sports Centre 

Just because you’re stuck indoors it doesn’t mean that you also have to be inactive. Swindon’s Croft Sports Centre has all the sorts of activities that anyone could want. There are squash and badminton courts if you fancy trying your hand at racket sports. 

A fully-equipped gym offers the option of personal training sessions. There’s also a full schedule of classes including Pilates, yoga and general fitness. So this could be the summer when you really start to get into shape. 

Merkur 

In 2021 Bridge Street in Swindon saw the opening of a new slots casino from the Merkur Group, based in Milton Keynes. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength and it could be the ideal place to shelter from the rain as you try your luck on the array of slots games, and maybe even to win a little cash. 

On the other hand, you could try out some of the leading online casino sites in the UK from the comfort of your own home as a way to get away from the rain. Search around and you’ll be able to find some very generous welcome bonuses for new players. You’ll also have the choice of playing more than just slots games with most sites also offering roulette, blackjack and more. 

Cineworld Swindon 

There are two Cineworld branches in Swindon, and where better to while away a rainy summer afternoon? This is the season when many blockbuster movies are released and to really get the most from them you need to catch them on the big screen.  

There’s going to be something for everyone ranging from Despicable Me 4 to the latest from the Marvel universe in Deadpool & Wolverine. Sci-fi and horror fans will also be delighted to hear that the latest in the Alien franchise is on its way with Romulus directed by Fede Alavarez. 

So don’t despair as the rain falls and the temperature hovers way below the seasonal average. There are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself in Swindon this summer. And maybe the sun will be putting in a late appearance after all!