Town gardens

Town Gardens is a Victorian-style park in Old Town. South Swindon Parish Council manages the park, which has historic, cultural, and traditional landscape features.

Opening times

Town Gardens is open every day throughout the year. All gates are locked at dusk.

Opening and closing times change throughout the year. Check the Town Gardens opening and closing times (PDF)

Facilities and historic features

The Bowl

The Bowl opened in 1936. It is one of only a few built in the county and is a notable architectural feature.

The Bowl was restored in the 1990s. It now hosts regular concerts during the summer.

Refreshment kiosk

The refreshment kiosk was built in 1914 as a trade stand for the Great Western Railway.

It travelled around the country for large shows and exhibitions before being sold to the council.

The bandstand

The bandstand is an original feature of Town Gardens, although it has changed over the years. It once had a simple weather vane instead of its current clock.

In 1912, Town Gardens hosted a benefit concert for the families of people who died in the Titanic disaster.

Aviary and pond

The aviary was built in 1994 as part of the Town Gardens centenary celebrations. It replaced an earlier aviary that had stood in the gardens since 1928.

The birds have always been a popular attraction for local children.

The pond dates from 1894. It was originally oval, with a small island and fountain in the centre. In the 1930s, it was changed to its current shape.

Further information

For directions and contact details, see the Town Gardens directory.