The Best Pubs in Swindon
Nestled on the M4 corridor between London and Bristol, Swindon is Wiltshire’s largest town, and its pub scene is as varied as its history. From historic coaching inns and beautifully restored farmhouses to modern community hubs and lively spots opposite the railway station, you’ll find everything from real ales and wood fired pizza to Himalayan specialities and bottomless brunch. Many pubs offer waterside or dog friendly gardens, live music, and big screen sports, making the town a proper destination for any kind of gathering. Come raise a glass and discover the best pubs in Swindon.


1. The Hop Inn
8 Devizes Rd, Swindon SN1 4BH, UK
Tucked away in the heart of Old Town, The Hop Inn is a proper pub that feels like a never-ending beer festival, boasting an ever-changing lineup of 18 cask and keg beers plus around 60 rotating ales, ciders, and lagers daily. Their knowledgeable team is always ready to guide you through the selection, and the Hop Nosh kitchen serves up tasty food to soak it all up. With live music, comedy nights, quizzes, a dog-friendly policy, and a sunny outdoor garden, it’s a brilliant spot for groups or a relaxed solo pint. Grab a Hop Loyalty Card to earn a free drink and enter a monthly prize draw—this place is pure pub perfection.
Photo by Stephen Craven — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. The Harvey
18 The, Town Square, Swindon SN5 7DL, UK
Head to The Harvey for a fantastic, budget friendly pub where the food is delicious and the portions are huge. With a full lineup of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus a beer garden and multiple screens showing all the top sporting action, it’s the perfect spot to gather your group for a match or a hearty meal. The friendly team keeps everything running smoothly, and with tempting deals like Happy Hour and Curry Club, every visit feels like a win.
Photo by Des Blenkinsopp — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. Manor Farm
Haydon Wick, Swindon SN25 1JE, UK
Nestled in a beautifully restored old farmhouse, Manor Farm is the kind of pub where traditional charm meets modern comfort. Whether you're grabbing a perfectly poured pint, sharing a bottle of wine, or sipping a cocktail in the lovely beer garden, every visit feels like a treat. With live music, a menu packed with everything from hearty grills to lighter bites, and a warm welcome for both groups and four legged friends, it’s the ideal spot to gather for great food and good times.


4. The Runner
Wootton Bassett Rd, Swindon SN1 4NQ, UK
Step into The Runner, a welcoming local gem where you can enjoy a cold beer, a fine wine, or a creative cocktail in the sunny waterside garden. This family friendly spot is a true crowd pleaser, offering everything from classic pub grub to an authentic Himalayan speciality menu that keeps guests coming back for more. With live music, a spacious function suite for your next big celebration, and a policy that warmly welcomes your four legged friends, it’s the perfect place to gather a group and settle in for a fantastic time.
Photo by Wayland Smith — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


5. The Queens Tap
74 Station Rd, Swindon SN1 1DG, UK
Right opposite the railway station, The Queens Tap has been a beloved local fixture since 1841, blending historic charm with a lively, welcoming buzz. This epic town centre pub is your ultimate destination for live sport on huge HD screens, a cracking selection of world lagers, ciders, gins, and cocktails, plus delicious meals made with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re catching a rugby match, enjoying live music on the weekend, or just soaking up the good times with your dog by your side in the outdoor seating area, it’s a proper local gem where everyone feels right at home.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. The White Hart, Wroughton
High St, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9JX, UK
The White Hart in Wroughton is a beautifully refurbished 19th century gastropub where hand stretched wood fired pizza meets expertly mixed cocktails and world class local brews from Deya Brewing Company. Settle into the cosy interior with a crisp lager or a rich ale, then enjoy live music in the dog friendly outdoor seating area. With a welcoming bar, modern kitchen, and comfortable hotel rooms, it's the perfect spot for groups to gather over great food and drinks in the Wiltshire countryside.
Photo by Wayland Smith — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


7. Woodlands Edge
Midwinter Cl, Peatmoor, Swindon SN5 5EZ, UK
For a cracking night out that won’t break the bank, Woodlands Edge is the place to be. With a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and every major sporting event on big screens, there’s always something happening. The staff are incredibly welcoming, the food is hot and delicious, and the dog-friendly outdoor seating makes it a brilliant choice for groups.


8. The Merlin
Drove Rd, Swindon SN1 3AF, UK
At the heart of the community, The Merlin is a cracking spot for catching all the top sporting action on screens throughout the pub, from footy to F1. Whether you're grabbing a perfectly poured pint, a glass of wine, or a cocktail, the friendly team keeps everything running smoothly while you enjoy the covered beer garden or a game of darts. With a great menu of reasonably priced pub grub and a warm welcome for both groups and four-legged friends, it’s an easy choice for a relaxed lunch or a lively match day.
Photo by Steve Daniels — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


9. The Tawny Owl
Taw Hill North, Swindon SN25 1WP, UK
Sitting proudly at the heart of the Taw Hill community, The Tawny Owl is a modern pub that truly delivers on every front, from its brilliant selection of real ales, wines, and cocktails to its live music and big screen sports action. The team here goes above and beyond, making it a fantastic spot for groups, families, and their four legged friends, with a brand new children’s play area and a welcoming outdoor seating area adding to the appeal. Whether you’re booking the function room for a celebration or simply popping in for excellent home cooked food served all day, this pub offers a warm, lively atmosphere that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Photo by Robert Eva — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


10. Goddard Arms Swindon
1 High St, Swindon SN1 3EG, UK
This historic coaching inn in the heart of Old Town is a brilliant all rounder, serving up everything from cask ales and craft beers to an extensive gin selection and a full cocktail menu. With a beer garden, HD screens for every major sporting event, and a warm welcome for dogs, it’s a fantastic spot to gather your group for a Sunday roast, a bottomless brunch, or a lively match day. The food is delicious and affordable, the rooms are comfortable for an overnight stay, and the friendly team makes every visit feel like a proper local pub experience.
Photo by Steve Daniels — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




