Heritage Open Days 2025!

Join us to celebrate Heritage Open Days 2025 on Saturday 13th September in Swindon’s historic Railway Village!

With a range of FREE activities you’re set to discover and learn about the Village’s past, present and future. All told through our heritage buildings and dedicated volunteers. Witness the sights of local community life and how it’s changed as time has gone on.

The Cricketers’

View the progress of restoration work at The Cricketers’ Arms, a Grade II listed building being brought back into community use. Built in 1846, The Cricketers’ originally operated as a pub and flats from 1859 until its closure in 2015. Join us between 10 AM and 4 PM for display showcasing information about the history of the building and the restoration project currently in progress.

Location: The Cricketers’, 14 Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BN | You can view the location on Google Maps here.

The Bakers’

Open between 10 AM and 4 PM, The Bakers’ Café will be serving cake and refreshments in return for a small donation. Formerly a Bakery, then converted to the Bakers Arms Pub, the building was restored by Swindon Heritage Preservation and now operates as a cosy community space. We will also be opening our Archive Room within The Bakers’ where you will be able to view some highlights of our unique archive collection.

Location: The Bakers’, 16 Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BN | You can view the location on Google Maps here.

The Railway Village Museum

Join us at The Railway Village Museum to step back in time at the cottage to discover Victorian traditions. Witness the sights, sounds and smells of local community life, and learn how a Great Western Railway worker would have lived with their family living in Swindon c1901. The Museum will be open between 10 AM and 4 PM, with knowledgeable volunteers who will guide you through each room of the Railway Cottage.

Please Note: Wheelchair ramps are available, with the ground floor of the Museum being accessible for wheelchairs. However due to tight corridors and narrow doorways some wheelchairs may not be able to enter the corridor. This is also why we ask that pushchairs are not brought inside. The stairs are steep so please take extra care. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us before the event via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk

Location: The Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Rd, Swindon SN1 5BJ | You can view the location on Google Maps here.

Railway Village Guided Heritage Walk

Explore Swindon’s Railway Village with our guided walks starting at 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM, starting from The Bakers’. Explore the architectural and social history of GWR Park, the Carriage Works, the Water Tower, the Health Hydro and more! Please pre-book, using the form below, to secure your spot on the tour.

The route is mostly flat and you will be guided by one of our dedicated volunteers.

Starting Location: The Bakers’, 16 Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BN | You can view the location on Google Maps here

Central Community Centre

Throughout the day between 10 Am and 4 PM the Central Community Centre will be open for a range of children’s activities and a tombola. Plus it will be a chance to view our collection of local artist’s paintings around the hall showing the Village’s past!  The Central Community Centre was originally built in 1862 as an Armoury to serve the XI Wiltshire Volunteer Rifle Corps, before being converted into the GWR Medical Fund Hospital in 1871.

Starting Location: Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BG | You can view the location on Google Maps here

Useful Information

Transport and Parking

The Railway Village is easily accessible by train and bus, with the Central Bus Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village, but we recommend Bristol Street Car Park for its proximity to the Village.

On-site Facilities

• Refreshments will be available for a donation from The Bakers’.
• Fully accessible toilets are available at The Bakers’, Central Community Centre & The Cricketers’.  There are no toilets available at the Museum.
• Accessible access varies across our buildings. The Cricketers’ & The Railway Village Museum have partial wheelchair access to the ground floor only. The Bakers’ & Central Community Centre both have full wheelchair access. If you have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility please contact us before the event via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
• Disabled parking is available on-site, at the Central Community Centre (SN1 5BG).
• Due to tight corridors and narrow doorways at both The Cricketers’ & The Railway Village Museum, we ask that pushchairs are not brought inside these buildings.

Price

All tours and entry are completely FREE, with refreshments available for a donation at The Bakers’. If you would like to support Swindon Heritage Preservation in conserving the precious stories and places that tell Swindon’s story, you can find ways to support us here.