Attractions and Places To See around Stratton St. Margaret - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Stratton St. Margaret include a blend of historical landmarks, natural green spaces, and accessible trails. While integrated into Swindon, the area retains notable sites such as ancient churches and mid-19th-century architecture. Natural features like Stratton Wood and Stanton Park offer diverse environments, including woodlands, meadows, and watercourses. The region also benefits from proximity to broader Swindon attractions, providing a variety of outdoor and cultural experiences.
Best attractions and places to see around Stratton…
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow
Highlight • Historical Site
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Chiseldon and Marlborough Railway Path
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Despite to the gravel makeup, the surface is so smooth that it's a pleasure to ride even a 23mm tire sized road bike.
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NCN Route 45: South Cerney to Cricklade
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Chiseldon and Marlborough Railway Path
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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St John the Baptist Church, Inglesham
Highlight • Religious Site
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Tips from the Community
Saint JOHN BAPTIST, to whom this church is dedicated, is a person on the threshold of the Old and New Testaments (just like the Holy Family with Mary and Joseph). His parents are Zacharias and Elizabeth. After the announcement of the Incarnation of God through them, the Mother of God visits her relative Elizabeth, who will give birth to a son in old age, namely John the Baptist. He is half a year older than Jesus and is considered his forerunner/pioneer. He lives in the desert, preaches repentance from sins to the Jewish population and baptizes them in the Jordan. Jesus also comes there to be baptized, and is filled with the Holy Spirit who descends upon him from heaven. The memorial day of Saint John Baptist in the calendar of saints is June 24th, exactly half a year before 'Christmas Eve'.
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Open all day and night. A very intriguing place. I sat for around half an hour one morning, had some breakfast and moved on. didn't see anybody else. found it very peaceful. unbelievable just how old it actually is.
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Interesting rock formations - didn't feel the need to get naked though
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Wayland's Smithy is an atmospheric historic site about a mile's walk along the Ridgeway from the Uffington White Horse. A Neolithic chambered long barrow, it was once believed to have been the home of Wayland, the Saxon god of metal working. Human remains found on the site indicate that 14 people were interred in an earlier burial structure between 3590 and 3550 BC. Between 3460 and 3400 BC a second far larger barrow was constructed on top. It is the ruins of this that can be explored by visitors to the site today.
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Wayland's Smithy is an atmospheric historic site about a mile's walk along the Ridgeway from the Uffington White Horse. A Neolithic chambered long barrow, it was once believed to have been the home of Wayland, the Saxon god of metal working. Human remains found on the site indicate that 14 people were interred in an earlier burial structure between 3590 and 3550 BC. Between 3460 and 3400 BC a second far larger barrow was constructed on top. It is the ruins of this that can be explored by visitors to the site today. Fantastic spot, full of atmospheric history. A must visit place if you are on the ridgeway.
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Good going in the dry, not bad in the wet, experienced this track the day before storm Eunice hit in March 2022, wet and winder but surface we fantastic. Part of an old disused railway that is slowly being brought back into use, some sections of the cycle path were closed due to works being carried out on restoring the old line so be aware if you plan to use this route. https://swindon-cricklade-railway.org
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Easily manageable on any bike (when dry). There's a few rougher patches, but on the whole it's no worse than many roads and a lot less stressful than the main road that runs alongside it.
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This mixed use path, part of Sustrans NCN Route 482, follows the disused Chiseldon & Marlborough Railway. The path is almost entirely well-maintained gravel and mostly flat, with some sharp ups and downs at entry/exit points. When dry, it can be easily ridden on a road or city bike (some skills required), but if muddy and wet a Gravel bike or MTB is recommended. Traction is overall very good, but be careful on bends with loose gravel. On a nice, sunny day this is a great trail away from traffic which will put a smile on your face! Always be courteous to other path users, giving ample room to pedestrians and other cyclists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in and around Stratton St. Margaret?
Stratton St. Margaret offers several historical points of interest. You can visit the Grade I listed Church of St. Margaret, which dates back to the late 13th century and features an older Norman doorway. Another significant historical site is Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow, a Neolithic chambered long barrow managed by English Heritage, once believed to be the home of the Saxon god of metalworking. Further afield, Barbury Castle, an Iron Age hill fort, provides panoramic views and ancient earthworks.
Are there any good cycling routes or paths in the area?
Yes, the area is well-suited for cycling. A popular option is the Chiseldon and Marlborough Railway Path, a comfortable cycleway that connects Marlborough to Swindon. It's mostly flat with a well-maintained gravel surface, suitable for various bikes. Another excellent choice is NCN Route 45: South Cerney to Cricklade, which follows a leafy and level section of an old railway line, offering views of lakes.
Where can I find natural green spaces and parks for outdoor activities?
You'll find diverse natural environments at Stratton Wood and Stanton Park. Stratton Wood is known for wildflower meadows and various bird species, while Stanton Park offers 74 hectares of landscaped parkland with woodlands, meadows, a lake, and wildlife ponds. Both are excellent for walking and enjoying nature. Additionally, Claridges Park and Church's Park provide tranquil green spaces within Stratton St. Margaret.
What kind of wildlife can I spot in the region?
The natural areas around Stratton St. Margaret are rich in wildlife. In Stratton Wood, you might spot skylarks and woodpeckers. Stanton Park's lake is home to swans, and its ponds support amphibians. The River Cole and other local watercourses are habitats for otters, kingfishers, herons, and water voles. Church's Park is particularly noted for its population of Great Crested Newts, an internationally protected species.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities near Stratton St. Margaret?
Beyond the local parks, several family-friendly attractions are within a short drive. Lydiard Park in Swindon offers a historic estate with gardens, a lake, and trails. Coate Water Country Park is a nature reserve popular for walking and picnics. For a unique experience, the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway in Swindon showcases railway history and offers steam train rides. The nearby Cotswold Water Park also provides lakes and countryside for various water sports and outdoor activities.
Where can I go for an easy hike or walk around Stratton St. Margaret?
For easy walks, consider the trails around Stanton Lake. You can find routes like the "Stanton Lake loop from Swindon" (7.5 km) or the shorter "Stanton Lake loop from Stanton Fitzwarren" (4.1 km). Another easy option is "The Dockle Farmhouse loop from Swindon" (5.5 km). You can find more easy hiking routes on the Easy hikes around Stratton St. Margaret guide.
What are some longer or more challenging hiking routes available?
If you're looking for moderate challenges, the "Woodland Area – Route 45 Cycle Path loop from Swindon" is a 12.8 km hike. Another moderate option is the "Woodland Area – Early Morning Walk loop from Abbey Stadium" at 8.8 km. For a wider selection of trails, explore the Hiking around Stratton St. Margaret guide.
Are there any specific routes for mountain biking near Stratton St. Margaret?
Yes, there are mountain biking trails in the vicinity. Routes like the "Eliot Arms – Whitewater's Cycling Path loop from Abbey Stadium" (33.9 km) and "The Ridgeway Trail – Coate Water Country Park loop from Coate Water Country Park" (36.4 km) offer moderate challenges. You can discover more MTB trails in the MTB Trails around Stratton St. Margaret guide.
Can I find any ancient or architecturally significant churches in the area?
Beyond the main Church of St. Margaret, you can also find St Philip's Church in Upper Stratton, built as a chapel of ease. Further afield, St John the Baptist Church, Inglesham is a Grade I-listed church with Anglo-Saxon origins, largely unchanged since the medieval era and lovingly restored by William Morris.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Stratton St. Margaret?
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical depth and natural beauty. Sites like Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow are valued for their atmospheric historical significance. The cycleways, such as the Chiseldon and Marlborough Railway Path, are praised for their smooth surfaces and traffic-free enjoyment, making them suitable for various bikes and a pleasant experience on sunny days. The leafy and level paths, like those on NCN Route 45, are also popular for their scenic views.
Are there any local walks that highlight the history of Stratton St. Margaret?
Yes, a Historic Stratton circular walk is available that explores the green spaces and attractive buildings within the area. This walk includes points of interest such as the smallest chapel in Swindon and the former Dame School on Green Road, a 17th-century building, offering a glimpse into the local heritage.
Most popular routes around Stratton St. Margaret
Most popular attractions around Stratton St. Margaret
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