Things to Do in Wiltshire for Students
Whether you’re studying in Swindon, Salisbury, Chippenham, Trowbridge or elsewhere in Wiltshire, you don’t need a big budget to make the most of your time here.
There are places to explore with friends, activities that don’t revolve around drinking and plenty of ideas for when your parents come to visit.
From a free afternoon outdoors to a meal after class, here’s your guide to student life beyond the classroom.
At a glance
- For a free day out: Explore a park, take a countryside walk or visit a free museum.
- For a catch-up with friends: Try a café, browse the shops or plan a picnic.
- For a night without drinking: Book an activity, see a show or catch a film.
- For a visit from your parents: Show them your local area, then head out for a meal or a Wiltshire day trip.
- For saving money: Check student offers before you book, and factor travel into the cost of your plans.
Free things to do in Wiltshire for students
When your student budget is looking a little stretched, start outdoors. In Swindon, Coate Water and Lydiard Park are easy choices for a walk, a picnic or a break from studying. If you fancy discovering more of Wiltshire, get a group together for a countryside walk or explore a town you haven’t visited yet.
For an indoor option, Museum & Art Swindon offers free entry. You can also spend an afternoon at the library when you want a change from your usual study space. Our guide to free things to do in Wiltshire has more ideas for days out that won’t cost you an entry fee.
Student tip: A free activity can still involve travel costs, so look for things close to where you study when you’re planning a day on a tight budget.
Non-drinking activities to do with friends
Not every student social needs to start at the pub. If you want to do something together, try an escape room, bowling, a cinema trip or a live show. Check what’s on at venues near you and look out for quieter performances, weekday tickets or student offers where available.
For something more relaxed, make a café date of it, browse the shops or organise a games night. A walk followed by coffee works just as well when you want to catch up without making a big plan.
If you’re new to the area, trying one new activity or place each month is an easy way to get to know Wiltshire with your friends.
Where to go when your parents visit
When your parents ask to see where you’ve been spending your time, start with your local favourites. Show them around your town, stop at a café you like and choose somewhere for lunch or dinner. It makes the visit feel personal without needing to fill every hour.
If they’re staying longer, Wiltshire has plenty of options for a day out. You could explore Salisbury, take a walk around Avebury’s prehistoric landscape or plan a countryside trip followed by a meal. Much of the Avebury landscape can be visited for free, though parking may cost extra.
Want a simple plan? Pick one place to explore, one place to eat and time for a proper catch-up. Our Things to Do in Wiltshire guide is a good place to find more ideas.
Places to eat on a student budget
Eating out doesn’t have to mean spending your whole week’s budget. Look for student dining offers, lunch menus and midweek deals before deciding where to go. A pizza after class, brunch with friends or a meal when your parents visit can all feel like a treat when you find the right offer.
Browse our student dining guide for ideas, and check the venue’s current terms before ordering.
Get to know somewhere new
One of the best things about studying in Wiltshire is having more than one town to explore. Spend an afternoon in Salisbury, discover Chippenham or Trowbridge, or make a day of Swindon’s shops, parks and places to eat. You can keep it casual: choose a café, have a wander and see what you find.
If you rely on public transport, check your route and ticket options before you set off. Swindon’s Bus Company lists current fares and tickets online, so you can compare the cost of a trip while making your plans.
Make the most of student life in Wiltshire
The best student plans aren’t always the expensive ones. Keep a list of places you want to try, say yes to the occasional day out in a new town and check what’s happening locally when you have a free weekend.
For more ways to eat, explore and save, head to our ultimate guide for students in Wiltshire.
FAQs: Things to Do in Wiltshire for Students
What are the best free things to do in Wiltshire for students?
You can explore parks and walking routes, meet friends for a picnic or visit a free museum. In Swindon, Coate Water, Lydiard Park and Museum & Art Swindon are good places to start. Browse our free things to do in Wiltshire guide for more ideas.
What can students do in Wiltshire without drinking?
Try an escape room, go bowling, see a film or show, or plan a games night with friends. For a cheaper catch-up, take a walk, explore a new town or find a café you haven’t tried before.
Where should I take my parents when they visit Wiltshire?
Show them around the town where you study, then choose a café or restaurant for a catch-up. If you have more time, plan a walk at Avebury or a day exploring Salisbury or Swindon. Most of the Avebury prehistoric landscape is free to visit, although parking may cost extra.
What can students do in Wiltshire on a rainy day?
Visit a museum or library, catch a film, book an escape room or settle into a café with friends. Check admission prices and student discounts before you go, as these vary by venue.
How can I save money on student days out in Wiltshire?
Start with free activities, look for student tickets and weekday offers, and check travel costs before booking. If you’re going out with friends, choosing somewhere you can all reach easily can make the whole day more affordable.
Do I need a car to explore Wiltshire as a student?
No. You can find plenty to do in the town where you study and use buses or trains for trips further afield. Check routes, return journeys and ticket options before setting off, especially for evening plans.
