Swindon Heritage Preservation

'My Extraordinary Life' by Jack Hayward
2026-02-19 19:30 - 20:30 UTC | The Bakers’, 16 Emlyn Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BN, United Kingdom
Jack Hayward is a 92 year old former railway office worker, historian and long time resident of Swindon’s Railway Village (since 1968). As a prominent local historian, he researches and speaks on Swindon’s industrial heritage and the town’s working class history.
“Being born in the 1930s, my extraordinary life crosses the threshold between the Industrial and the Technological ages, which is where we are now. It expands from my traumatic childhood through the second world war and into the world of Steam Locomotion to dieselisation at Swindon Works.”
Why not join us February 19th 2026 at 7:30 PM at the Bakers’ Café?
Cost
Swindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry
Guests – £5.00 Entry
Membership
Becoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Bakers’ Café is at 16 Emlyn Square (SN1 5BN) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here.
It 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. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.

Festive Winter Wreath Workshop
2025-12-06 10:30 - 15:00 | Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG, Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BG, United Kingdom
Festive Winter Wreath Workshop
Get into the festive spirit and create a beautiful, handcrafted winter wreath to welcome the season! The Swindon Heritage Preservation Trust invites you to a special Festive Winter Wreath Workshop at the Central Community Centre in Emlyn Square.
Using high-quality, natural materials like fresh evergreen leaves and other beautiful decorations, you’ll have everything you need to design a unique and personal wreath for your home.

Workshop Details
We’re hosting two workshops on Saturday, December 6th, each lasting up to two hours:

Morning workshop: 10:30 AM
Afternoon workshop: 1:00 PM

The cost is £35 per wreath, which includes all standard materials and you’ll also receive a voucher for a drink and biscuits. Please book additional guests separately as space may be limited.
Optional extras like lights and hooks will be available for purchase on the day.
Getting Here
The workshop is at the Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, SN1 5BG. We encourage you to use public transport. You can also find parking at the Bristol Street Car Park.

Ready to get creative? Let us know if you have any questions or are interested in booking your spot.

Victorian Christmas in the Railway Cottage Museum
2025-11-29 10:30 - 13:00 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom
✨ Experience a Traditional Swindon Christmas Past!
Step back in time this festive season and immerse your family in the timeless charm of a Victorian Christmas in the historic Railway Cottage Museum in Swindon! Discover the origins of your favourite festive traditions in the lovingly decorated setting of a 19th-century railway worker’s home. This is a must-attend Swindon Christmas event for all ages.
🎅 Meet Father Christmas & Receive a Keepsake!
The highlight for every child is your chance to meet the man in red!

Meet Father Christmas (Ticket Holders Only!): Secure your spot to step into our charmingly decorated cottage. Children can share their Christmas wishes with Father Christmas.
A Special Gift Included: Every ticket holder who visits Father Christmas will receive a Christmas gift as a keepsake from their journey back in time!

The cottage will be open to visit from 10:30 until 13:00 but booking a specific 7 minute time slot to meet Father Christmas is essential. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Accompanying adults are free.

'Let's Go Shopping' by John Stooke
2025-11-20 19:30 - 20:30 | Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG, Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BG, United Kingdom
Well known local historian and author John Stooke is fascinated by the way that retailing has changed in the last 20 years compared to what a little change there was between 1880 and 1990. Throughout these years, food, drink, clothing, homeware, and hardware were delivered to the general public via small, often independent businesses, what Americans might now call now “Mom and Pop Stores” or alternatively via the slow emergence of Department Stores, collecting together many specialties under one roof.
Today Regent Street and especially Bridge Street are mere pale shadows of the bustling commercial thoroughfares that characterised Central Swindon for so much of the 20th century
In this talk, we will explore some of the founding fathers of Swindon retail, who in most cases, are just distant memories. Including Levi Lapper Morse, Cyril Gray, William Gilbert, Montague Burton, William McIlroy, Phillip Hawe Mason, James Lott and Johnny Kane.
“Let’s Go Shopping” with John Stooke, is an illustrated history of those Swindon shops we have loved and lost, small businesses that made our Town Centre what it was. Why not join us November 20th 2025 at 7:30 PM at the Central Community Centre.
Cost
Swindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry
Guests – £5.00 Entry
Membership
Becoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Central Community Centre is in Emlyn Square (SN1 5BP) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here.
It 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. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.

Annual General Meeting 2025
2025-11-08 12:00 - 13:30 | Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG, Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BG, United Kingdom
You are warmly invited to our Annual General Meeting on Saturday 8th November 2025 at 12 PM at the Central Community Centre (Emlyn Square, SN1 5BG).
We look forward to seeing you at this special AGM marking our organisation’s 30th anniversary. As well as the more formal agenda (below), we’ll share recent updates, future plans, and highlights of our achievements over the years.
The Bakers Café (16 Emlyn Square, SN1 5BN) will open for refreshments prior to the meeting from 10:30 AM, with a chance to view artwork from local artists (including a Ken White kindly on loan from John Stooke).
The main meeting will be in the Central Community Centre at 12 PM, which includes a talk by Dr Rod Hebden, director of the Festival of Tomorrow and CEO and Programme Director of the Swindon Culture Collective.
All followed by light refreshments and a chance to catch up. Please RSVP using the form below.
If you need any further information, or would like to notify us of any questions in advance, please do get in touch via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
AGENDA
Item:

Welcome and Apologies
Minutes of the previous AGM 9th November 2024
To receive the Annual Report and Accounts for the Year ending 31st May 2025 for:

The New Mechanics’ Institution Preservation Trust
Mechanics’ Institution Trust Enterprises Limited
MIT Cricketers Enterprise Ltd

To receive the Chairman’s Report
Memorandum & Articles
Any other business
Q&A

Close of formal meeting
Silent Auction
Looking for a unique gift or a treat for yourself? Our AGM Silent Auction is now live, and every bid helps us preserve what matters most to our community. From paintings to garden gear, there’s something for everyone. Find out more here!

'The History Of Tarot' by Michael Gray
2025-10-30 19:30 - 20:30 | Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG, Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BG, United Kingdom
The History Of Tarot by Michael Gray – For centuries Tarot cards have been used for fortune telling believed to manifest secret knowledge handed down from ancient times. For some they are dark magic to be avoided and for others a psychological system for self awareness and personal development.
In this talk Michael Gray will provide an overview of The History Of Tarot showing how a reading is made and a look at some of the historical card designs that have contributed to the Tarot myth.
Following a review of the Journey of the Hero through the lens of the cards, there will be time for questions and personal readings afterwards.
Cost
Swindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry
Guests – £5.00 Entry
Membership
Becoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Central Community Centre is in Emlyn Square (SN1 5BP) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here.
It 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. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.

Halloween Spider Hunt
2025-10-29 16:30 - 18:00 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom
Spooktacular Halloween Spider Hunt at Railway Village Museum
Join Swindon Heritage Preservation this October half term for a wickedly fun Halloween event in Swindon! Bring your little monsters to the historic Railway Village Museum for our thrilling Spooktacular Halloween Spider Hunt.
The Museum, a preserved Victorian Great Western Railway worker’s cottage, is decked out in all things spooky. Explore the rooms and gardens as you follow the trail to find all the hidden (and not-so-creepy) spiders! It’s the perfect dose of historical charm and family fun in Swindon this Halloween season.
This exciting activity is designed for children of all ages. To make the day even sweeter, every child ticket holder will receive a special Halloween goodie bag filled with treats and surprises!
Don’t miss out on this popular kids activity during the school break. Book your tickets now for a memorable, spooky-but-safe adventure at the Railway Village Museum!

Railway Village Museum Tour (22nd October)
2025-10-22 15:00 - 2025-10-29 15:30 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom
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.
What are the details?
This approximately 30 minute tour will be hosted from 3pm by a knowledgeable volunteer who will guide you through each room of the Railway Cottage.
Visiting the Railway Village Museum is free of charge. However, as we rely heavily on donations and the generous support of our volunteers to remain open, any contribution is greatly appreciated.
We are running a series of Tours throughout the year so if you can’t make this one, view our other events here.
Important Information

Booking is essential, the Museum tour will only go ahead if there are bookings.
No food or drink is allowed inside the Museum.
There are no toilet facilities at the Museum, but there are toilets available at the nearby supporting site: The Bakers’.

Accessibility
Wheelchair ramps are available for the Museum, with the ground floor 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 when going upstairs. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us before the event via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
Transport and Parking
The Railway Village Museum is at 34 Faringdon Road (SN1 5BJ) in Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here.
It 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 it’s proximity to the Museum.

Modern Calligraphy Company- Beginners Pointed Nib Workshop
2025-10-18 10:00 - 12:30 | The Bakers’, 16 Emlyn Square, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BN, United Kingdom
This external event is hosted and organised by The Modern Calligraphy Company.
The Modern Calligraphy Company –Beginners Pointed Nib Workshop
Tutor: Sarah Hirst
The Bakers warmly welcomes back the Modern Calligraphy Company for another workshop!
Step into a calm, creative space and explore the magic of modern calligraphy—even if you’ve never held a dip pen before. This beginner-friendly workshop is designed to be a joyful, stress-free introduction to the beautiful world of hand lettering.
Over 2.5 relaxed and inspiring hours, you’ll learn the fundamentals—from smooth, flowing strokes to connecting letters and crafting meaningful words. We’ll guide you with hands-on demos, easy-to-follow steps, and plenty of one-on-one encouragement to help you build confidence and uncover your own signature style.
Since a little sparkle makes everything better, we’ll also explore metallic inks and colour blending. perfect for designing gorgeous greeting cards, invitations, or even frame-worthy artwork.
So, come as you are, leave with newfound skills, a spark of creativity, and maybe even your next masterpiece.
Additional Information
All the materials you need are provided.
There is parking for up to 10 cars on a first come basis. Alternatively, there are other pay and display car parks nearby, bus routes and we are a short walk from the train station. Brunel West Multi-Storey car park is 24 hours and £1 per hour evenings Monday-Friday and is pay-by-card.
Fully Accessible with Ramp
Accessible Toilets
Ticket booking: 18/10 Swindon: Beginners Pointed Nib Workshop 10-12.30 | ModernCalligraphyCo.
See all of our events here: Swindon Heritage Preservation events

'Swindon Works at War' by Jack Hayward
2025-10-16 19:30 - 20:30 | Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG, Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BG, United Kingdom
It is 80 years since the end of WW2, and 40 years since the closure of Swindon Railway Works.
The Works contribution as a war factory was colossal, its achievements little recognised.
With the two defining factors of WW1 and WW2 leaving their indelible marks in the minds of Swindon Railway workers, what was it like working during the Blackout?
What role did women play in Swindon Works, and why was it not a prime target for the German Luftwaffe’s heavy bombers?
Join us 7:30 PM Thursday 16th October at the Central Community Centre (SN1 5BP) for ‘Swindon Works at War’ by Jack Hayward.
Cost
Swindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry
Guests – £5.00 Entry
Membership
Becoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Central Community Centre is in Emlyn Square (SN1 5BP) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here.
It 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. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.

Railway Village Museum Tour (15th October)
2025-10-15 15:00 - 2025-10-22 15:30 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom

Railway Village Museum Tour (8th October)
2025-10-08 15:00 - 2025-10-15 15:30 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom

Railway Village Museum Tour (1st October)
2025-10-01 15:00 - 15:30 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom

Railway Village Museum Tour (24th September)
2025-09-24 15:00 - 15:30 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom
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.
What are the details?
This approximately 30 minute tour will be hosted from 3pm by a knowledgeable volunteer who will guide you through each room of the Railway Cottage.
Visiting the Railway Village Museum is free of charge. However, as we rely heavily on donations and the generous support of our volunteers to remain open, any contribution is greatly appreciated.
We are running a series of Tours throughout the season so if you can’t make this one, view our other events here.
Important Information

Booking is essential, the Museum tour will only go ahead if there are bookings.
No food or drink is allowed inside the Museum.
There are no toilet facilities at the Museum, but there are toilets available at the nearby supporting site: The Bakers’.

Accessibility
Wheelchair ramps are available for the Museum, with the ground floor 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 when going upstairs. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us before the event via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
Transport and Parking
The Railway Village Museum is at 34 Faringdon Road (SN1 5BJ) in Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here.
It 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 it’s proximity to the Museum.

Step Back in Time: Meet Mrs Smith in Her Victorian Cottage!
2025-09-20 - 2025-09-21 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom
Bring the whole family to the Railway Village Museum for an interactive tour with Mrs Smith, a busy housewife from 1901! Actress and history aficionado Louise Jordan brings history to life as she invites everyone into her cosy Victorian cottage.
Families will love this hands-on FREE experience as it brings Swindon history to life in a way that everyone can enjoy. Kids and adults alike get to step inside a real Victorian cottage, meet Mrs Smith, and see what life was like over 100 years ago. With chances to join in, like helping with the washing, it’s a great way to learn about Swindon’s past.
Performances are on both Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September 2025 at 12:30 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM.
Event Information:
Location: The Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Rd, Swindon SN1 5BJ | You can view the location on Google Maps here.
Please Note: Wheelchair ramps are available, with only 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
There are no toilets available at the Museum.

'200 Years of Britain’s Railways in 14 Journeys' by Sherin Aminossehe
2025-09-18 17:00 - 18:30 | Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG, Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BG, United Kingdom
The world’s first public railway, the Stockton & Darlington Railway, opened in the northeast of England in 1825 and marked the start of rail travel in Britain and across the world. Over the following two centuries the rail network expanded over the country and led to the construction of some of the most spectacular examples of British architecture and engineering.

Through a selection of 14 varied journeys, 200 Years of Britain’s Railways in 14 Journeys by Sherin Aminossehe takes the reader on a breathtaking illustrated tour of Britain’s rail network, taking in stations, bridges, viaducts and other architectural elements, but also the people and personalities associated with them.

Sherin Aminossehe has been drawing since she could hold a pencil and is now a trained architect working for the Ministry of Defence and will be giving an illustrated talk about the beautiful and engaging story of Britain’s railway history and architecture.

Cost
This event is completely FREE, starting at 5 PM Thursday 18th September. No booking required.
Sherin Aminossehe’s book ‘200 Years of Britain’s Railways in 14 Journeys’ will be available to purchase during the event.
Getting to Emlyn Square
Central Community Centre is in Emlyn Square (SN1 5BP) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here.
It is easily accessible by train and bus, with bus stops and Swindon Station just a short walk away. There are several car parks available around the Railway Village. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.

Heritage Open Days 2025!
2025-09-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Swindon Railway Village, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BG
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.

Railway Village Museum Tour (10th September)
2025-09-10 15:00 - 15:30 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom

Railway Village Museum Tour (3rd September)
2025-09-03 15:00 - 15:30 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom

Railway Village Museum Tour + Guided Heritage Walk (27th August)
2025-08-27 15:00 - 16:00 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom
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.
What are the details?
This approximately 30 minute tour will be hosted from 3pm by a knowledgeable volunteer who will guide you through each room of the Railway Cottage.
Visiting the Railway Village Museum is free of charge. However, as we rely heavily on donations and the generous support of our volunteers to remain open, any contribution is greatly appreciated.
We are running a series of Tours throughout the season so if you can’t make this one, view our other events here.
Railway Village Guided Heritage Walk
If you’d like to extend your visit, you can choose to follow your museum tour with a guided heritage walk of the Railway Village. Explore the architectural and social history of GWR Park, the Carriage Works, the Water Tower, the Health Hydro and more!
The route is mostly flat and you will be guided by one of our dedicated volunteers.
Important Information

Booking is essential. Both the Museum tour and Guided Heritage Walk will only go ahead if there are bookings.
The Railway Village Guided Heritage Walk may occasionally be cancelled due to weather conditions or staff/volunteer availability.
No food or drink is allowed inside the Museum.
There are no toilet facilities at the Museum, but there are toilets available at the nearby supporting site: The Bakers’.

Accessibility
Wheelchair ramps are available for the Museum, with the ground floor 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 when going upstairs. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us before the event via email: info@mechanics-trust.org.uk
Transport and Parking
The Railway Village Museum is at 34 Faringdon Road (SN1 5BJ) in Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here.
It 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 it’s proximity to the Museum.

Railway Village Museum Tour + Guided Heritage Walk (20th August)
2025-08-20 15:00 - 16:00 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom

Railway Village Museum Tour + Guided Heritage Walk (13th August)
2025-08-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom

Railway Village Museum Tour + Guided Heritage Walk (6th August)
2025-08-06 15:00 - 16:00 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom

Railway Village Museum Tour + Guided Heritage Walk (30th July)
2025-07-30 15:00 - 16:00 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom

Meet Mrs Smith - Signal Festival
2025-07-26 11:00 - 13:00 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom
Meet Mrs Smith as she offers a tour of her Victorian Cottage at the Railway Village Museum.
Actor and history addict Louise Jordan guides you through her cottage in this exclusive tour. Discover life in Swindon for a 1901 family, from a housewife who shares her busy routine while her husband is at work and the children are at school.
Visitors are invited to converse with Mrs Smith throughout the performance, and may even get called upon to help with some of the washing!
Performances are on Saturday 26th July, at 11 AM and 12 PM.
Tickets £2 | Ages 11-25
Please buy your tickets on the Signal Festival website with the link below:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/signalfestival/1737405

Signal Festival 2025
2025-07-25 - 2025-08-02 | Wiltshire
Signal Festival 2025 is an external event that runs 25th July to 2nd August aimed at Swindon’s young people 11 to 25.
Create
Signal aims to build creativity in Swindon and give young people the necessary skills and resources. We want young artists and enthusiasts to feel like they can succeed artistically in their hometown and flourish creatively. Our programme is delivered by a wide range of professional artists, giving you a chance to try new art forms, discover your talents and develop your existing skills. Beginners and experienced all welcome!
Inspire
We firmly believe that any young person interested in art is just as capable of artistic achievement as anybody else. The exhibitions and showcases included in our program are made with the aim to inspire budding artists and individuals who want to pursue art as a future career. Careers events are purposely included to guide young people in the right direction towards their job goals in the arts industries. Our team of young producers hope that the creation of the festival will give others hope that they can do anything they put their mind to.
Celebrate
We want to be able to highlight and showcase all talent that Swindon has to offer, both professional and amateur; everyone deserves a platform in which they can show the public what they can do!
Find out more and see what’s on with the link below:
https://www.signalfestival.co.uk/

Railway Village Museum Tour + Guided Heritage Walk (23rd July)
2025-07-23 15:00 - 16:00 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom

Railway Village Museum Tour + Guided Heritage Walk (16th July)
2025-07-16 15:00 - 16:00 | Railway Village Museum, 34 Faringdon Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 5BJ, United Kingdom

St Benedict's Beer Festival at St Mark's, Swindon
2025-07-12 12:00 - 22:00 | Wiltshire
This external event is hosted at St Mark’s, Swindon.
🍻St Benedict’s Beer Festival – A Celebration of Craft Beer & Cider! 🍏
Join us for an unforgettable day at the very first St Benedict’s Beer Festival! Enjoy a selection of 10 beers and 8 ciders on tap, plus soft drinks for all tastes! Whether you’re a craft beer lover or a cider enthusiast, there’s something for everyone.
🎶 Live Music will keep the atmosphere lively and fun throughout the day!
Ticket Price: £12.00
Your ticket includes:
– Festival Glass🍺
– Festival Programme 📖
– Your First Drink Free! 🎉
After that, drinks are just £2 each (1/2 pint of beer, cider, or a soft drink), sold via tokens.
🍺 Attention CAMRA Members! Show your membership card and enjoy an extra free half pint!
Come for the drinks, stay for the fun – grab your tickets now and don’t miss out on the best beer festival of the year! 🍻
📅 Saturday 12th July 2025 12 noon to 10pm
📍 St Mark’s Church Hall & Grounds, Church Place, Swindon SN1 5EH
Find out more and buy your tickets with the link below:
https://ccccswindon.co.uk/events/63/details

'GWR Park: A focus for recreation and sport in Victorian and Edwardian times' by Mary Thornton
2025-07-10 19:30 - 20:30 | Central Community Centre, SN1 5BG, Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon, SN1 5BG, United Kingdom
GWR’s Railway Village, “New Swindon”, was barely half-built and the Works still modest in extent when land was earmarked for a “park” in 1844.
What does this tell us about the Company, its workers and their families, and prevailing Victorian values? And what were typical Victorian and Edwardian sporting and leisure activities anyway?
Mary Thornton has been a Swindon Heritage Preservation volunteer for many years and can’t help digging into the Railway Village’s past.
Cost
Swindon Heritage Preservation (SHP) Full Members – FREE Entry
Guests – £5.00 Entry
Membership
Becoming a SHP Full Member gives you full FREE access to our series of talks for Railway 200, along with many other benefits. Full Membership only costs £12 per year! You can learn more about Membership here (https://mechanics-trust.org.uk/membership/).
Getting to Emlyn Square
Central Community Centre is in Emlyn Square (SN1 5BP) at the heart of Swindon’s Railway Village. You can view the location on Google Maps here.
It 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. We recommend Bristol Street Car Park for it’s proximity to Emlyn Square.
