Swindon is located in the county of Wiltshire, close to English villages and hamlets, and within easy reach of the picturesque Cotswolds. Swindon is a young and vibrant town with many recreational opportunities. It is large and vast, with very little crime. Swindon sits between the architectural splendor of the Old Town region and the green, rolling fields of the local countryside.
Swindon's many country parks include Coate Water in East Swindon, an old canal reservoir that has become a natural reserve. Also in West Swindon is Lydiard Park, with its large, open spaces and quiet, tree-covered walks. On a warm day, hundreds of people gather here to enjoy the centuries-old culture of country houses and surrounding grounds. Each year, the park's three-day jazz festival brings together fans of classical, blues, jazz and popular music.
Swindon is mostly residential, filled with modern estates. It has a high population of professionals due to the amount of corporations in the area, and the easy commute to Reading, Bristol and London. Neighborhoods with large areas of greenery are spread out around town. Swindon is still expanding and has been hailed by the national press as the most productive town in the United Kingdom.