Families looking to escape the summer heat are being encouraged to head indoors and discover a packed programme of activities at Swindon Borough Council’s three museums.
STEAM Museum, Lydiard House Museum and Museum & Art Swindon (MAS) are all offering a variety of drop-in sessions, workshops and interactive experiences throughout August, alongside exhibitions celebrating the borough’s rich heritage.
One of the most popular promotions also returns this summer, with Kids for a Quid giving children aged three to 15 entry for just £1 when accompanied by a full-paying adult. The offer runs at STEAM from 23 July until 31 August and at Lydiard House Museum from 5 to 30 August.
At STEAM, visitors will have the rare opportunity to experience the museum’s reconstructed Second World War air raid shelter on 12 and 26 August. Usually reserved for school visits, the immersive experience features an authentic air raid siren, wartime artefacts and sound effects recreating life during the Blitz. Suitable for children aged seven and over, admission costs £3 in addition to the museum entry fee.
The museum will also host Inside the Works on 5 and 19 August, where families can handle railway artefacts, dress as Great Western Railway workers and discover what life was like inside Swindon’s famous railway works. The activity is included with normal admission.
At Museum & Art Swindon, free arts and crafts sessions will take place every Wednesday and Saturday between 25 July and 26 August, alongside a programme of special workshops.
Creative youngsters can make fairy houses from clay during Clay Day sessions on 28 July and 18 August, while an affordable portrait workshop on 11 August will introduce participants to different artistic techniques and materials.
Visitors can also follow the free Sharing Stories Trail, created as part of the National Year of Reading, exploring how people have shared stories and ideas throughout history before collecting a special Story Sticker.
History lovers can head to Lydiard House Museum, which opens Wednesday to Sunday throughout August, where a brand-new Mystery at the Museum family trail invites visitors to solve clues while exploring the historic house.
A series of mindful art workshops will also be held every Thursday, with activities including Japanese-inspired hapa zome leaf printing, clay coaster making, colourful suncatcher designs and woven artwork using natural materials.
Those looking to make the most of the warmer weather can also enjoy a packed programme of outdoor events at Lydiard Park, including Romeo and Juliet and The Jungle Book outdoor theatre performances, The Great British Food Festival, Mad4Animals, the annual Lydiard Garden Party, and a summer paint-and-sip evening at Lydiard Park Hotel.
Councillor Matt Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, said: “There are so many amazing activities across all of our museums this summer and it’s set to be a fun-filled month.
“From exploring the history of Swindon at Museum & Art Swindon, to learning about Swindon’s experience in the war and its relationship with the railway at STEAM, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“We know parents are always looking for things to do with the little ones so, if they’d like a break from the sun and hot weather, a visit to one of our museums could be the perfect chance to cool down and have some fun.”
With affordable admission, hands-on activities and exhibitions spanning art, local history and Swindon’s railway heritage, the borough’s museums are offering families plenty of reasons to stay curious—and stay cool—throughout the summer holidays.
