WITH temperatures rising and the sun shining, we bring you our list of things to do in Swindon on what promises to be the warmest weekend of the year so far...

1. Pay a visit to Ray’s Ice Cream in Old Town – the shop will be open until 6pm on Saturday to make the most of the sunshine

2. Take a picnic to Lydiard Park, or rent a BBQ – large BBQ serving up to 40 people £40 per session, or a small one serving up to 15 for £25.

3. Learn how to windsurf at South Cerney Outdoor. All equipment is provided to get you going on the water. Call 01285 860388.

4. If you’re feeling energetic, Swindon Parkrun takes place at 9am on Saturday morning at Lydiard Park.

5. Enjoy some live music in the Bandstand in Town Gardens. On Sunday, the Ukey D’Ukes will perform from 3pm.

6. If you want to learn to grow your own this summer, there’s a private allotments open morning on Saturday thanks to start-up company My Patch. Call 078088088088.

7. There’s plenty of tapas to try out in Old Town especially, and it tastes even better when the sun is shining. Head along to Los Gatos, El Toro or even Mackenzies.

8. Try out the Jungle Parc for kids, and the Xplorer Course for big kids and adults at Lydiard Park. The zip lines, rope bridges and cargo nets will keep you entertained for hours.

9. Enjoy a pint at the Old Town Beer Festival at Christ Church on Saturday, but only if you’ve already got your hands on a ticket as the event is sold out.

10. An open day with sports activities for the kids will be held at Wanborough Hoopers Field on Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

11. The six surviving Wiltshire white horses are just a short drive from Swindon and all of them provide some stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

12. Rather than driving to the coast, enjoy the beach at the Cotswold Country Park and Beach.

13. Make the most of the rare opportunity to swim outside in the heated outdoor pool at Next Generation, Kembrey Park.

14. Relax in the many beer gardens in and around the town, from the Blunsdon Arms and The Manor Farm in North Swindon, to the Spotted Cow in Coate, or the many village pubs in the surrounding area.

15. Take a drive out to the Rose and Crown at Ashbury for beer, bands and a BBQ during the pub’s two day beer festival.