In the heart of a busy and thriving town the National Trust, known the world over for its work in saving and conserving old buildings and wild places, is also proving that a brighter future is possible, practical and affordable.

On the site of a Victorian engineering foundry the Trust has created new, environmentally friendly architecture. It is both cutting edge in its design and it beautifully complements the surviving buildings of the Swindon Railway Works with their distinctive facades by Brunel and Gooch.

Called Heelis, this striking and bold new building is named after one of Britain's best loved authors and one of the Trusts most famous benefactors. It is in fact the married name of Beatrix Potter.

Appropriate to our aims and philosophies, Heelis is an environmentally friendly, sustainable building which provides an excellent working environment, is affordable and which makes a worthwhile and appropriate contribution to the area.

Come and see us

Heelis is an innovative and exciting piece of architecture in an interesting part of Swindon. There is lots to see and do in the area and we would be delighted to welcome you to the central office of the National Trust. You can enjoy one of the fascinating public tours which take place every Friday (the tours are free but please book by calling 01793 817400).

© National Trust

The café, open seven days a week, serves a wide variety of dishes often using local produce and provides a refined and tranquil atmosphere in which to enjoy a cup of coffee and a cake or a hot meal. In the summer you can dine 'al fresco' on the Colonnade surrounded by silver birch, lavender and alliums.

The shop is also open seven days a week and provides a fantastic selection of books and gifts - everything from picnic kits to perfume; insect guides to ghost stories and all up to the usual high standards of the National Trust.

As part of your day out to Swindon you could indulge yourself in a spot of retail therapy in the designer outlet village next door or visit STEAM - the museum of the Great Western Railway, both of which are on the same site as Heelis. If you visit us on a Sunday you could stock up on fresh local produce at the weekly farmers market.

Swindon town centre is an easy walk away, as is the railway station. Other National Trust properties nearby include Avebury, Buscot Park and Lacock Abbey.