How to Find Us

Map showing Location

To find the Town Gardens, follow the road sign from Bath Road and access to the Gardens is from Quarry Road or, alternatively, from Westlecot Road. Please note however, that roadside parking is severly limited and it is recommended that the public car park in Bath Road (access top of Eastcott Road), only 250 metres from the gardens, is used.

Introduction

In the whole of Swindon there can be few places that are as attractive or as well-loved as the Town Gardens in Old Town. This was recognised in October 2000 when the Town Gardens was placed on the 'Register of Parks and Gardens' as a Grade II site by English Heritage. Once experienced, the Town Gardens has an appeal which draws people back again and again to enjoy its atmosphere and superb setting.

Historical Development

Town Gardens were laid out on the site of the old Purbeck limestone quarries. They were formerly owned by the Goddard family, the local Lords of the Manor, whose family home was at the Lawns. The quality of the Purbeck stone quarried here gave Swindon an important industry for several hundred years prior to the arrival of the Great Western Railway.

The Council bought the quarry site and in May 1894 the Town Gardens were opened to the public with further developments carried out in 1902. The Gardens were carefully and artistically laid out making full use of the different levels left over from the quarrying. There were pleasant tree-lined walks and lawns bordered with masses of colourful flowers. There were also two Park-keepers lodges attached to the Gardens, which can still be seen at the Quarry Road and Westlecot Road entrances.

Flowers and Trees

The Rose Garden was added in 1928 on the site of an old maze. The many roses in the garden provide a varied mixture of colour and scent.

Today the Gardens still retain the feeling of their original Victorian splendour. Over six hectares have been laid out to create an environment where visitors can stroll and relax or, during the summer months, listen to a band concert.

The eye-catching feature of Town Gardens has to be the formal flower beds which are so popular with their colour and variety. Visitors to the Gardens in spring are rewarded with a cheerful display of bedding plants, bulbs and flowering cherries, a true sign that summer is just around the corner.

Several trees have been planted in the Gardens over the last century to commemorate a wide range of events including 'Declaration of Peace' in the Boer War in 1902. These trees, now mature, play an important part in creating the calm and relaxed atmosphere of the Town Gardens.

Features

The Bowl

Which opened in 1936 is one of only a handful built in this county and is an amazing architectural feature. The Bowl was restored in the 1990's and is now the venue for regular summer concerts.

The Refreshment Kiosk

Refreshment Kiosk - Built in 1914 as a trade stand for the Great Western Railway, the Cafe once travelled the country visiting large shows and exhibitions before being sold to the Council.

The Bandstand

The original feature of the Gardens, though it has been altered. Years ago it had a simple weather vane instead of the clock you now see.

In 1912 the Gardens were the venue for a benefit concert for the victims' families of the Titanic.

The Aviary and Pond

Built in 1994 as part of the Town Gardens Centenary Celebrations. It replaced an earlier aviary that had stood at the Gardens since 1928. The birds have always been a very popular attraction for local children. The pond, dating from 1894, was originally an oval shape with a small island and fountain in the middle. In the 1930's the pond was changed to the shape that is seen today.

Caring for your Parks and Green Spaces

Whilst visiting the Town Gardens please follow these simple rules:-

• Use litter bins to dispose of any rubbish
• Well-behaved dogs kept on a lead are welcome in the Gardens.
• Please clean up after your dog.
• Do not pick the flowers
• Use the Quarry Road play area for all ball games (not within the park)
• Respect the Park and its users.

More Information

The Head Ranger
Coate Water Country Park
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6AA

Telephone 01793 490150