Despite clubs across the country having struggled in recent years, Swindon still has a huge range of unique and highly-rated pubs for the perfect pint.

With the summer holidays and long summer nights now upon us, now seems like the perfect time to test them out.

So in honour of summer 2024, the Swindon Advertiser has put together the perfect pub crawl with some of Swindon's best pubs, according to reviews of TripAdvisor. 

Starting in Old Town and ending in the town centre, each pub varies in menu, price and experience, ranging from the can't-beat-it cheap stop-off points to the one-of-a-kind wacky bars.

The Hop

Starting off in Old Town, The Hop offers food and drinks and is rated number three on TripAdvisor's top 10 Swindon pubs.

The former sex shop-turned-pub offers beers, ciders, wines, and spirits from smaller vendors that are not stocked anywhere else in Swindon.

Along with its sibling The Little Hop, it won North Wiltshire's 'Pub of the Year' in 2014.

The Tuppenny

Located on the same road as The Hop, The Tuppeny is the perfect second stop for a drink and some live music while the night is still young.

Filled with games and regular music nights this quirky gem is about as warm and welcoming as pubs get.

Don't forget to check out the unique pub's toilets, made from old beer kegs.

Long's Bar

Long's Bar on Victoria Road, just a five minute walk from The Tuppeny, is rated eighth in Swindon's top 10 pubs and bars.

Known for having some of the best cocktails in Swindon, this is the perfect one to try during happy hour.

Old Town Laundry Bar

This Laundry Bar doesn't look much like a pub from the outside, but you have to trust us on this one.

The Old Town Laundry Bar, next to Long's Bar, is the most highly rated bar in all of Swindon.

Having only been open for a year, the retro-looking 'laundrette' hides behind it a swanky cocktail bar offering a one-of-a-kind drinking experience.

The Castle Inn

The Castle Inn is a bit of a turnaround from the laundrette and offers a much more traditional pub experience.

Although it doesn't feature in TripAdvisor's top 10, it makes for the perfect stop-off point when heading from Victoria Road into the town centre, and the pub comes recommended by the Adver reporters.

The Beehive

Said to have been frequented by XTC, The Beehive is one of Swindon's most popular staple pubs and has seen politicians and musicians walk through its doors.

Founded in the 1880s, The Beehive is housed in a uniquely shaped building and has an emphasis on supplying the town with great beer.

Boom Battle Bar

If you're looking for something to keep your pub crawl interesting, Boom Battle Bar is just the place for that.

Cheapskates can just grab one drink here and head on, but those wanting to make the most of the night can try their hand at crazy golf, darts or arcade games at this pitt stop.

Rudis

Sitting opposite the town's central library, Rudis offers something for everyone in the group - whether that's a pint of beer, a west-country cider or a 2-for-1 on cocktails.

The Wyvern Tavern

The Wyvern Tavern is rated fourth on the list of top 10 Swindon bars and in 2019 underwent a £200k renovation - although at this point in the pub crawl we'd be impressed if you remembered much about the decor of this place.

It offers pool tables, a dance floor, a DJ booth and VIP sections. 

The Drink Valley

The final stop on this Swindon pub crawl (if you make it this far) is The Drink Valley.

Located just down the road from The Wyvern Tavern, this pub is rated number six in the top 10 list for Swindon.