The Defence Technology Show – Travel & Information
Venue
STEAM is located in the Rodbourne area of Swindon. Walking to STEAM from the Swindon Railway Station, Town Centre or Bus Station is likely to take 10 – 20 minutes, depending on your pace.
The Museum shares the historic Churchward site with McArthurGlen Swindon Designer Outlet, Heelis (National Trust HQ), English Heritage, Historic England and the National Monuments and Records Centre.
STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway
Fire Fly Avenue (off Kemble Drive)
Swindon
SN2 2EY
By Road
From the M4, take junction 16. For all directions, follow the brown tourist signs for ‘Designer Outlet’ or the ‘M’ for museum signs (towards the town centre and Rodbourne).
Please see car parking for more information..
By Rail
London Paddington to Bristol line. Turn right outside the Railway Station and follow the pedestrian path until you come to the GWR tunnel (on the right) which is signposted to STEAM. Your route will pass English Heritage and residential apartments, soon leading to STEAM.
For train times and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.gwr.com
By Bus
Regular bus services provided by Swindon Bus Company and Stagecoach West run from Swindon Town Centre. There are many bus stops within a short walk of STEAM.
From Swindon Town Centre, bus numbers 1, 1A, 5, 10, 19, 22, 53, 54 and 55 stop close to STEAM – ask the bus driver for the Designer Outlet.
Taxis are available from Swindon Railway and Bus Stations.
Parking
The main and closest car parking for STEAM is located at the Swindon Designer Outlet North and West Car Parks, which are just five minutes’ walk from the Museum.
If you are using a Sat Nav, please enter ‘Kemble Drive’ for the North car park or ‘Penzance Drive’ for the West car park.
Please note the bus lane next to the West car park should NOT be used. Cameras are in use and Swindon Borough Council will issue fines.
You can get FREE PARKING with a Defence Technology Show registration pass.
The North and West Designer Outlet Car Parks work by number plate recognition. When you’ve checked in for the Defence Technology Show, you will be directed to a tablet where you will need to put your registration plate details into the tablet, which will validate your parking, allowing you to get out for free.