1 Swindon and Cricklade Railway is worth a visit at any time of year, but sunny summer days are ideal for experiencing all the much-loved heritage railway, based at Blunsdon, has to offer. This summer’s programme includes a series of services hauled by both steam and vintage diesel locomotives, as well as various special events. Full details can be found on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway website, swindon-cricklade-railway.org

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2 This list includes plenty of hectic activities, but sometimes the best thing for curing school holiday boredom is simply to take children somewhere wild, beautiful and safe where they can run and play to their hearts’ content. Barbury Castle, the readily-accessible Iron Age hill fort near Wroughton, fits the bill nicely. As an added benefit, there is usually a refreshing breeze on even the hottest and most humid days.

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3 Roves Farm at Sevenhampton - rovesfarm.co.uk – is a family favourite year after year. Activities range from meeting and learning about the animals to going on activity walks, and from den-building to burning off spare energy in the adventure playground. In the not-unknown event of the weather suddenly changing, there are plenty of indoor activities.

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4 Jolly Roger Adventure - jollyrogerplay.com – in Greenbridge Road is the biggest and perhaps best-known play centre in Swindon, and is a popular party venue as well as a perennial day trip destination. The emphasis is on safety as well as adventure and exploration, and young visitors can take their time experiencing climbing frames, slides, chutes and a ball pool. Staff are trained to ensure the safety of all who come along. There is a café with menus for adults and children.

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5 Our modern birds are descended from dinosaurs, as Birdland Park and Jurassic Journey Bourton-on-the-Water is happy to explain in a fun and interactive way. In addition to enjoying seeing countless bird species from all over the world, visitors can experience a nature trail with a difference. Carefully chosen plants are the habitat for life-size models of 30 different dinosaurs.

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6 Cotswold Wildlife Park at Burford - www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk - is home to birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, all of which are kept in habitats designed to mimic their native ones as accurately as possible. The reptile collection is one of the largest and most diverse in the country. A particular favourite among visitors of all ages, is the Giraffe Walkway, which allows humans to see eye-to-eye with the beautiful and graceful animals. Further information can be found at www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk

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7 Of all the exciting visitor attractions in and around Swindon, Steam is one of the most well-known and popular. Opened in 2000, the museum of the Great Western Railway is home to a permanent collection and an ongoing programme of special exhibitions devoted to various aspects of our railway heritage. From July 22 until September 1, a Kids for a Quid deal allows any visitor aged 3-15 discounted entry when accompanied by an adult who pays the full ticket price. Steam’s website is www.steam-museum.org.uk

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8 Lotmead Farm at Wanborough - www.lotmead.co.uk - welcomes families to come and pick their own fruit and vegetables. Crop availability varies according to the season, but the list includes strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants, blackberries and vegetables including potatoes, carrots and beans. There is a picnic area and a children’s play area.

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9 Jungle Parc Swindon - jungleparc.co.uk/Lydiard-Park,-Swindon - can be found at Lydiard Park. Its Adventurer Course has more than 50 activities suitable for children aged three and above, and there is another course, Xplorer, which is suitable for older children - aged 10 and above.

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10 Butterfly World at Studley Grange Craft Village allows people not just to see butterflies from all over the world but to walk among them. There is a zoo area whose residents include meerkats, otters, a raccoon and a giant tortoise, and a reptile house. Other Studley Grange attractions include a farm park, a large indoor adventure play area and plenty of craft shops - and in some of these, visitors are welcome to try their hand at making their own items.

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