Discover the Top 5 Abandoned Places in Swindon: explore eerie, historic locations perfect for urbex enthusiasts and lovers of mystery.
Swindon, known for its railway heritage and industrial past, also hosts several abandoned places that reveal a quieter, forgotten side of the town. From disused factories to ghostly hospitals and iconic railway structures, these sites offer a fascinating look into Swindon’s history. Here are 5 of the most captivating abandoned places in Swindon for urban explorers and history lovers.
1. The Mechanics’ Institute
Once a grand social and educational center for railway workers, the Swindon Mechanics' Institute opened in 1855. It offered a library, theatre, and social spaces for workers and their families. Since closing in the 1980s, the building has fallen into severe disrepair, with crumbling walls, broken windows, and overgrown grounds. Despite its decaying state, the institute remains an iconic site that speaks to Swindon’s rich railway heritage.
2. GWR Railway Works (Derelict Sections)
The Great Western Railway (GWR) Works was once one of the largest railway workshops in the world, servicing locomotives and producing railway components. While some sections have been preserved or repurposed, others lie abandoned, with rusting equipment, empty workshops, and graffiti-covered walls. These decayed parts of the railway works offer a haunting look at Swindon’s industrial past, capturing the town’s historical significance in the railway industry.
3. Milton Road Health Hydro
Built in the late 1800s as a health spa and hydrotherapy center, Milton Road Health Hydro was once a luxurious destination for locals seeking rejuvenation. Though parts of the building are still in use, many areas have been left abandoned, with empty pools, old saunas, and decaying spa rooms. The Health Hydro’s abandoned sections evoke a sense of faded elegance and serve as a reminder of Swindon’s early health and leisure history.
4. The Old College Site, Euclid Street
Formerly part of the Swindon College, this site on Euclid Street was abandoned after the college relocated. Now overgrown and decaying, the classrooms, lecture halls, and administrative buildings stand empty, with broken windows and graffiti adding to the eerie atmosphere. The abandoned campus holds a unique charm for those interested in urban decay and educational history.
5. Swindon Power Station (Abandoned Infrastructure)
The old Swindon Power Station supplied electricity to the GWR Works and nearby areas until it was decommissioned in the mid-20th century. While much of the site has been cleared, some derelict structures remain, including sections of the old cooling towers and control rooms. The site’s remaining infrastructure offers a haunting glimpse into the industrial history that powered Swindon’s growth.
