The history of the old town goes back as far as the days of Canute's father. Chosen by Brunel as the site of his Great Western Railway Engineering Works, Swindon became the largest industrial enterprise in Europe, an entire new town built in the 1840s, which has been revitalised for the new millennium. As a tribute to its railway heritage, the Museum of the Great Western Railway has been built.

Swindon is a great place for shopping. As well as having a wide range of shops in its pedestrian-orientated town centre, there is the Great Western Designer Outlet Village, which is home to many discounted designer label stores. For a more traditional feel, the old town is home to some unique shops, as well as to Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, which has a fine collection of British art.

Richard Jefferies, the enigmatic writer, was born at Coate Farm in Swindon. The farm is now home to a museum dedicated to him. Other famous people to have been born in the town include Diana Dors, Desmond Morris and Mark Lamarr.