Queens Park — Attraction in South Swindon Parish

Swindon Town is a big town, it's more of a City really, and it smells just as bad either way with the traffic pollution.

But Queen's Park, which is part of Swindon Borough Council, is a public park where you can largely escape this, as you can still hear some traffic in the distance.

Whether you are spending time there or just walking through instead of walking alongside traffic on the surrounding roads.

There are a number of stepping stone paths in amongst the trees that criss cross and intertwine. Large open green spaces or small paved or gravelled spaces for quiet reflection, there are a number of small gardened areas with plants and shrubs, and plenty of seating around the park.

There is the Mesothelioma Memorial Garden in memory of those who have been affected by the asbestos cancer, Swindon has a strong industrial heritage.

There is a medium and a large pond with low and high level viewing areas, most of them are wheelchair accessible, the only one that is not is the medium pond's lower level, unless you can get able bodied support which should not be too difficult as the steps are long and not at all steep.

There is a waterfall made up of interconnecting small ponds that connect the two ponds together, though it is very slow or even non-existent from what I have seen but this only adds to the effect of the areas serenity.

There is a fair amount of wildlife, including Grey Squirrels unfortunately, which may or may not contribute to the lack of songbirds; but seeing as this was in January it maybe a seasonal effect. There are ducks, moorhens, coots and swans, though not as much as I expected and a large abundance of Canadian Geese, unfortunately.

Do not feed the animals bread, as it is not that nutritious and it poisons the water and causes algae to grow, instead park friendly seeds can be purchased from the nearby Co-op, they just ask for a donation.

There are no dogs, ball games or cycling allowed through the park, cyclists are supposed to dismount and walk, but I have seen at least three people who have disobeyed this rule. Shame!

It goes without saying, barbecues and open fires are not allowed.

The park is tended too, but they can only do so much, as there are some irresponsible idiots who think it is fun to just throw their rubbish anywhere, even though their are plenty of bins and they are emptied. Unfortunately there were cans, bottles, cigarette ends and plastic dumped in some of the wooded areas and in the water, very disheartening considering it is a lovely area in amongst the...

This beautiful little park is incredibly deceptive. From the moment you enter, the carefully and cunningly park transports the visitor to a place that feels much larger, much more natural, and much, much further from urban environs than is true.

The trees that surround and border the park instantly cut away the sounds of the town, and allow you to hear the sounds of nature as if deep in a woodland filled with murmuring trees, insect hums, and birdsong.

The trees are equally cunningly used to break up many of the views, making the large pond filled with ducks and geese always have at least one edge obscured, and thus feel somewhat like a small lake. There are wide, leafy paths where it feels as if one is deep into a large woodland. The effect is amazing, not to mention truly awesome landscaping.

The park seems to have everything, something for all tastes, whether that's the quaint café, the picnicking area, a perfect spot to feed the multitude of water fowl, or the exceptional 'forest walks' that...

Beautiful Park, well tended & lots of money spent by Parish Council on maintenance. Usual anti social behaviour by cyclists, dog owners & proof of out of hours 'jumpers' over the new Durham Street gates on to the newly prepared flowed beds. THIS IS A REMEMBRANCE GARDEN & all bye laws, clearly stated on notices at each entrance totally ignored & unpoliced. Swindon's bit of paradise ruined because of ignorant, inconsiderate users. What a terrible shame. 6☆☆☆☆☆☆ for council workers effort but ruined because all rules are broken all day, every day & through the night. Why can't decent people & decent families be allowed to enjoy this little...