when I worked in Swindon (Intel fwiw), HR told all the Americans “draw a circle 15 miles radius around Swindon station and live outside it”

I just remember driving to the station once and just hating that whole area - loads of concrete. My experience may not apply to the rest of the place though, I grant you.

Interesting. If it wasn't for the outlet mall I would put Swindon on par with Slough.