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Heritage Open Days 2024: Railway Village Festival
September 7 @ 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Emlyn Square is at the heart of Swindon’s historic Railway Village; It’s set to come alive with exclusive tours, exhibitions, talks, family games and activities – FREE fun for the whole family to enjoy.
You can access all buildings surrounding Swindon’s iconic Mechanics’ Institution in Emlyn Square: The Central Community Centre; The Gluepot, Bakers and The Cricketers – each offering FREE activities such as family games, exhibitions, tours, talks and so much more!
Visit the old GWR Medical Fund Hospital (Central Community Centre) where there will be a variety of local heritage organisations exploring this year’s theme of Routes, Networks & Connections. Through exhibitions of research and photographs, discover how ordinary people and their big ideas connect us to Swindon’s history.
Crawl around the 3 pubs in the square, and see how the Cricketers Arms is being restored by Swindon Heritage Preservation. Grab a slice of Jullie’s famous homemade cake with a hot cup of tea, while delving into the history of the Bakers Arms in this cosy Cafe. Why not end the day with a cold drink at the GluePot?
Step back in time at the Railway Village Museum to discover Victorian Tradition in the Railway worker family home set in c.1901. Pick up a place on one of the many guided tours of Swindon Railway Village and Works Area, led by local experts. We have free guided walking tours taking place at 11:30am and 13:30pm.
Book your Walking Tours Here
Wait, there is more!
We have coordinated with local partners who are offering a range of additional events across the area. Visit the extraordinary Carriageworks and see how it is being used today by Create Studios, RAU: CHI, Workshed, iCAST and many others.
Be sure to browse all local event listings and plan your day to avoid missing out!