Swindon isn't the most obvious place to have a tourist information centre - after all, it's not on most people's top ten places for a vacation. That said, there are things to do and see here, and especially in the surrounding countryside (after all, the Cotswolds lie just to the north).
That being the case, it's a bit of a mystery why it's tucked away at one end of the town centre. It's a hike from the railway station (and away from the town's own main attractions in the form of the Designer Outlet and the Steam museum) at the end of a narrow side street; and it's not signposted anywhere else in the town centre as far as I could see (actually signposting generally is not Swindon's strong point: some public maps would be a useful addition).
When you fially find it, it's hardly inspiring: it looks a little sad, the fascia reminding me more of a converted charity shop than somewhere that said 'visit us!'. Inside, the decor and layout continue the slightly cheap theme: uninspiring racks of leaflets and maps, with very little colour, or pizzaz. (And I'm not one for excessive glitz or style over substance - this just seemed in need of an urgent makeover).
The saving grace was the nice lady behind the counter, who provided me with a free map of the centre and gave me directions, and a few free leaflets. Doubtless all the information you could want was there - it just needs a little more investment. read more