Although we may not be able to get abroad this year, that doesn’t mean our dreams of fun in the sun have to be cancelled.
There are plenty of things you can do to recreate your holiday, all you’ll need is yourself and some family members or friends to come along for the ride.
Whilst your home town may not always feel like a holiday haven, it’s time to put on those rose tinted sunglasses and get out there.
With an open mind recreating your longed-for break couldn’t be any simpler.
Here are some of the key elements you’ll need for a fabulous summer holiday in Swindon:
1.Go to the beach or lido
Every summer holiday starts and ends with visions of sunning yourself on a sandy beach somewhere exotic.
It’s time to pack your beach bag and slip into your favourite fashionable swimwear, don’t worry if it’s strappy - a benefit of holidaying in the UK is that you probably won’t get tan lines.
The closest beach to us is Bournemouth beach and takes just under an hour to get there.
If you’re looking for something a little closer to home and wanting to avoid any over crowded beaches, try the open air swimming pool at Cirencester.
Whilst the kids splash in the water don’t forget to pack the latest gossip magazine or a crime thriller for a bit of holiday reading.
2. Go sightseeing
The Iron Age fort, Barbury Castle - Image Wikimedia Commons Geotrekker72
No holiday is complete without dragging yourself on a little sightseeing tour and this summer holiday doesn’t have to be any different - in for a penny, in for a pound?
Barbury Castle overlooks Swindon and is the perfect location for flying a kite or having a picnic.
Don a pair of socks and sandals and you’ll really feel like a Brit abroad.
3. Sample some local delicacies
Lardy cake - courtesy of Marshalls Bakery
One of the most exciting parts of a summer break for any food lover is sampling some of the weird and wonderful local delicacies.
Pop in to Marshalls Bakery in Wooton Bassett for some traditional lardy cake.
Make sure you stop off at the butchers to get some proper Wiltshire ham and bacon. Wiltshire has been synonymous with pig farming since the saxon times and is still famous for it now.
4. Go on a bike ride
A fun activity for all the family, especially if it ends with a picnic or pub lunch.
A benefit of holidaying at home means that if you have your own bikes you won’t need to hire one.
If you don’t own any bikes, fear not - Mitchell Cycles bike hire is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
5. Get competitive with a round of mini golf
It’s time to get competitive and let the holiday feud begin, who will be mini-golf champion?
The Golfing Hole mini golf on Mead Way is open daily and the price for an adult is £7.50.
6. Book a slot at the Costwold Water Park
There’s nothing funnier than watching your friend or loved one fall off the back of a banana boat or off the edge of an inflatable.
To recreate one of the most memorable parts of a holiday you can get wet and wild at The Cotswold Water Park.
Although there are no banana boats in sight, you are able to hire kayaks and paddle boards for the day.
7. Go souvenir shopping and pick up a postcard
Although we may not have hair braids and henna tattoos everyday in the town centre, we do have a few lovely gift shops.
Support your local businesses and pick up a magnet of Swindon to display in pride of place on the fridge to remind you of your favourite holiday forever more.
Whilst you’re out don’t forget to get a postcard to send to Gran!
8. Sample some of the finest Meditteranean food Swindon has to offer.
Spaghetti vongole at Da Vinci's.
However, if you were going to visit somewhere in the mesmerizing med then why not book a table at one of the wonderful Meditteranean restaurants in Swindon, including the Da Vinci Restaurant.
With classic cuisine such as pizza, pasta and fresh fish on offer it will feel as if you had hopped on that plane after all.
9. Have cocktails at sundown
Lots of people’s favourite part of their trip involves picking out one of your special holiday outfits, having some Lays (Walkers in the UK) and heading out to a beach side cocktail bar.
Although we may not have seafront lounges, we do have some wonderful bars in our town such as 1101, The Bank and Rudis.
Why not get your holiday crew together and head out for some sunset drinks this summer.
10. Holiday romance
Finally, no holiday is complete without a holiday romance, so if you're single be sure to spend some time on your favourite dating apps.
If we’ve missed anything off the list, comment below:
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