A WEST Swindon author has highlighted cheap or free activities on offer in the town for families struggling financially.

Angela Atkinson regularly blogs about Swindon, coving all sorts of aspects of the town.

She is also the author of Secret Swindon and Swindon in 50 Buildings, a book that was published a few weeks ago.

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Angela shared three family days out with the Adver – none of which will break the bank.

The first one is the Museum of Computing on Theatre Square.

She said: “For the adults it’s an ‘oh, I remember having one of those’ sort of place.

“For kids it’s a lesson on what computing was like before we all had a computer in our pockets.

Angela also recommends Swindon Museum and Art Gallery as a venue that ‘offers a lot for families’.

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She said: “There’s the regular exhibition and the infamous gharial (fish-eating crocodile). Aside from that they offer regular trails around the museum where children look for small pictures that they match against a sheet.

“During school holidays there are lots of low-cost craft workshops.”

The museum and art gallery is free to enter.

Angela also encouraged families to visit the Richard Jefferies Museum and its gardens.

She said: “The museum and gardens are free to enter. The garden is a delightful place featuring elements from Jefferies’ book Bevis. Chickens roam free and the kids can stomp about.

“On summer Sundays there are cream teas with lovely home-made scones and often free music in the garden.”

She added: “There’s plenty to do in Swindon – in particular if you use your imagination.

“Aside from all of this there’s also, of course, Lydiard House and Park, STEAM museum, the hooter express, and the play area at the Desiger Outlet.”