This is a beautiful little hidden lake and park. It will soon be opened up with more facilities and…read morecurrently now has a car park. I hope this does not affect it's tranquility and charm. The Grebes are wonderful to observe.

Mouldon Hill Country Park is still being developed, so at the moment, not a lot of people know…read moreabout it. It is a hidden gem in Swindon. Just off the busy Thamesdown Drive, it is like being out in the country. There is a lake there if you like fishing, or you can just stroll about and walk the dog. The only downside at the moment is that if you drive there, there is nowhere to park the car, so you have to park in a nearby housing estate and walk from there. It will be interesting to have a look at the reviews again in a few years time and see how much has changed.

The castle is lovely and grounds are absolutely stunning. Although the structure and landscaping…read moreare lovely, our tour guide felt the need to weave her strong political views into most topics. Examples would be regarding a pitcher/jug that is displayed in one of the glass cases. She said the pitcher "should not be here" and if she had her way "it would be returned" because it was "stolen from a masque." She also said when referring to Dr. Edward Jenner being the first to develop a successful vaccination for small pox that "it really is a question if he were the first." She said he barely beat Africa and Turkey in this world altering vaccine. To which doctors to whom was she referring to in Africa or Turkey? She made a comment of, " My grandfather always said, 'Whatever horrible acts done have been done have been done by the English first.' and I firmly believe this." She was also railing against the decisions of the monarchs before the addition of the parliament. Then she went on to say she wished she could get rid of the current government. A guide should concentrate on the facts and remove biases. It is quite distracting and unnecessary.

What can you say about one of the oldest inhabited castles in the world which is still owned by the…read moresame family from 900 years ago. You have to go. Its where Edward II was murdered with a red hot poker up his fundament .

Queens park is a small park between the town centre and old walcot. Its a lovely place to go in the…read moresummer to sit and relax. There is a lake with seating around it and a pond with fountains. They also have a shop where you can buy refreshments in the summer and they have seating outside the shop so you can sit and enjoy the view.

Queens Park is fairly close to the town centre of Swindon. It is a pleasant place to spend a sunny…read moreafternoon. I remember going there years ago and it has not changed that much. There are flower beds, a lake and grass to sit on. It is ideal if you work nearby and want somewhere in the summer to sit and eat your lunch. (and you can feed any left over bread to the ducks)

Lovely place for a walk, but my favourite is when the Mela is in town. Transforms the gardens, and…read morebrings everyone together!

The Town Gardens still feel a little Victorian in the layout, with formal flowerbeds and a gorgeous…read morerose garden. There is also a small kiosk for those who didn't have the foresight to bring a picnic, and a bandstand nearby to sit if it is raining. There's also an aviary and pond, but I never found it particularly interesting, I can't even remember if there are actually any birds there. Close by is The Bowl which opened in 1936. It is now a site for regular summer concerts. (When I was a kid we used to play 'sardines' here... it was ace.)

I've been visiting California Country Park since I was a small child, and I still find it as…read morebreathtaking as I ever did. The forest is enchanting, with ferns and moss clearings, the nature trails are incredible, winding through the hidden bogs and woodland, and the lake is beautiful, teeming with fish and birds. Bring the children to feed the swans, meet the baby ducklings and play in the log themed playground, complete with zip line and a paddling pool in the summer. Have a cup of coffee, slice of cake or ice cream at Jackson's Cafe, and wander the park, breathing in the fresh air of true nature. It is one of my favourite places in the world, I hope you enjoy it just as much.

Streamleaze road park is great for the little ones ,some swings ,a slide , rope climb etc all…read moreenclosed and gated

Alice Holt is an amazing and large place for long walks, adventure play park for the kids, Go-Ape,…read morecycle hire and large lake and cafe area...great to go on a sunny day! Lots of different walks can be taken with a Stick Man walk for the little ones! Play park is great and can be difficult getting the younger members of the family out! There are picnic benches along the way, with some great view points too...as its large you don't feel on top of everyone on a busy day...although parking can take a while, so be aware!

A forest owned by the Forestry Commission I had to add a positive review for this place becuase…read morethey were the last place in Farnham to have Christmas trees when I left it too late. It is a lovely day out with paths and walks to suit all ages and abilities - including wheelchair friendly. It also has a cafe and plentiful parking. There are climbing frames for kids in addition to the Go Ape centre within the forest which is for big kids (death slides, assult courses etc). A good picnic location as well as a place to get Christmas trees.

Walk, Walk and more walking to enjoy this very spacious gardens in which has some terracotta army…read morehidden in the grounds. The House is very historical with some very large gardens and has some Peto water gardens that a lot of people are there taking photos of the views. Its very peaceful and nice to to visit. DB

Just off Marlborough Road - a country park with lakes. Lots of wildlife and lots of 'Ranger'…read morecourses take place here. Also Swindon Sailing Club meet here. A good place to walk - the walk around the lake is approx. 2 miles. Small cafe serving hot drinks and ice creams. A very small railway operates at weekends - good for the children - about 50p a ride. Swings and slides. Plenty of ducks to feed on the lake. Fishing. Crazy golf and pitch and putt - 18 holes.

Coate water is a great place to go for a family walk with the dog. It has a huge lake in the middle…read morewith a nature walk all the way around, which takes about a hour to get around. They also have a big golf course for the more serious golfer and a crazy golf course for some fun! There is also a paddling pool that is open in the summer months and a hut that sells chips/burgers/sweets and drinks! Every sunday during the summer there is also a little ride on train that goes round a little track for the kids! In August each year they do a night called 'Lanterns on the Lake' where people can come and make a lantern with a tea light and then they are all released onto the lake which is such a pretty view! - A must see!

Lovely park with beautiful flowers in a quaint little town. We had a fun girls day walking around…read moreexploring. Very clean, safe and beautiful. Restaurants nearby. Dog friendly.

This is a lovely little garden to wander around. The flowers are well kept and it reminds you of…read morewalking around a stately home gardens. Obvious really well looked after by some dedicated gardeners. The plants themselves are really varied and demonstrate loads of natural colours. Have a look at the pictures I took to see more!