The 185 acre estate of Stanton Park is one of Swindon's most popular recreational areas, enjoying many visitors throughout the year. It was purchased by Swindon Borough Council in 1996 with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund and officially opened to the public in 2000.

A former manor house on the site was mentioned in the Doomsday Book as 'the Manor of Stantone'. The current manor house, of the Neo-Elizabethan Cotswold type, became a private hotel in 1995. Although no longer visible above ground, there is evidence of a Roman Villa at Stanton Park from c200AD, and the Swindon to Highworth Railway, which originally ran along the western side of the park, is another relic from a bygone age which has long since gone.

The predominant feature of the park is the central lake and accompanying small ponds. A good variety of birds and other wildlife can be found inhabiting these throughout the year. Swans, Coots, Moorhens and Mallards are year-round residents; in the Summer months Reed Warblers can be heard singing around the periphery; wintertime can bring in Water Rails. The Summer can also bring with it Cuckoo and Spotted Flycatcher, as well more common birds such as Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat. More unusual tenants have included a small population of Wood Ducks, a White-cheeked Pintail and a Terrapin, which enjoys sunning itself at the ponds. Frogs, toads and newts are in abundance at the ponds also, and Dragon and Damselflies are a common sight on warm summer days.

Made up of mainly native species such as Ash, Oak and Hazel, the Great Wood has been in existence for over 400 years and is home to a diverse selection of wildlife. Three species of woodpecker, including the nationally scarce Lesser Spotted, have been recorded, as have rarities such as Firecrest and Osprey. Funghi proliterates in the woodland, with over 500 species recorded, and mammals, including Badger, Roe Deer and several bat species, are a regular feature as well. Just along from the ponds is an impressive Redwood tree, with a bird feeding station nearby, which can attract Marsh, Great, Blue and Coal Tits and Nuthatch.

The main entrance, which leads to the spacious parking area, if just off the minor road that runs from the A361 to Stanton Fitzwarren. There are many footpaths going in and around the estate, all of which are in good order.