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)

The Link Centre has it all…read more Swimming Pool Sports Halls Outside 5 a side pitches Squach Courts Ice Rink Climing Wall Bar Cafe There's probably more than that - but I think you get the idea. My boys attended the Hi5 Kids club in the holidays and were very impressed - they were allowed to use most of the facilities - so it felt like a treat for them not a childcare solution! The ice rink is home to Swindon Wildcats ice hockey team. Another reason to visit!

I have only ever used the Link centre for its swimming pool, which is gala size (25m with 6 lanes)…read moreand is great for swimming training. The changing facilities have a lot to be desired, very small and cramped with not much locker space available. There is an amazing climbing wall available here to all those climbers out there. They also have squash courts and a large ice rink. This is more of a competitive sports centred leisure centre than a fun day out kind of place. If you want to train/exercise, this is the place to be.

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.)

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 .

Lydiard Park is a gorgeous old house surrounded by 18th-century parkland (around 260 acres)…read more Visitors are welcome to enjoy both the house and the surrounding land. Unlike other heritage sites it is open all year, and you are free to wander round at your leisure rather than being herded through. There is also a church, a walled garden, a children's play area, a cafe/visitor centre, and wonderfully climbable trees! I grew up in Swindon, and some of my fondest memories as a child are of spending the day at Lydiard Park. It's a great place for kids because it has an atmosphere of complete and utter freedom, the playground is amazing (as I remember), and there is so much to explore.

Beautiful surroundings, a great place for walk on the weekend. I have enjoyed many a walk with my…read moregirlfriend. Great place for the dogs to get a run around as well!

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!

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.

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

There are probably more lakes than some people realise - the main two are the busiest and have the…read moremost going on. There is a man made beach at one, which is very popular with families in the summer. Next to the beach is a little playground with slide, climbing etc. You can take the walks around the lakes and along the way (the lake with the beach) there is a sort of assault course type things for you to take part in. It has monkey bars, sit up station etc. Its good fun, especially for the children. They have a selection of watersports in the summer months, including pedalo's. You can hire a BBQ, which there are a fair few of dotted around the lakes. This is quite popular in summer and I think you can book one up. Dog friendly and they love swimming into the lakes! Cafe in summer, and shop open year round for ice creams, drinks etc. You do have to pay entry all year round now, which is a shame. If you are in the local area you can buy a year permit which we did and we definitely got full use out of.

Just a quick update, if you are thinking of launching your own boat on lake 32, its £15 for the…read moreday. Personally I think that is a bit pricey and decided to go to a river for free instead! But there you go, I guess for a full day out with a family not that bad.