By Gill Harris
Probably the most popular sport in Wiltshire is football, with many dedicated fans cheering on Swindon Town FC from the stands at the County Ground, just off the world-famous Magic Roundabout in Swindon. Dating back to 1879, when they started life as Swindon AFC, this League One club has a loyal fanbase and games attract a good family atmosphere.
Popular sporting events
The next major sport in Wiltshire has to be speedway, with the Swindon team – nicknamed the Robins – competing in the SGB Premiership. But the Robins will miss the 2021 season after plans for the construction of the long-awaited new stadium on the Abbey site took a step forward. Work is due to last throughout the summer 2021.
A different form of racing is available at Castle Combe Circuit, near the picturesque village of the same name. Here you will find car and motorbike racing and can even have a go yourself with a range of driving and passenger experiences on offer.
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- Castle Combe Circuit
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- Cyclists on the Chute Causeway, East Wiltshire
If it’s the open road you’re looking for, why not jump in the saddle and explore the county’s many cycling routes through stunning countryside? The circular Wiltshire Cycleway will take you on a 160km tour, although routes can be shortened via cross country shortcuts. The cycleway is split into 16 sections and full details can be found on Wiltshire Council’s website where you can download detailed maps. Popular routes include the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath and the 28-mile Avon Valley Explorer, which takes you from the Vale of White Horse past Stonehenge to Salisbury.
If it’s the open road you’re looking for, why not jump in the saddle and explore the county’s many cycling routes through stunning countryside?
Spoilt for choice
For horse lovers, there’s the Barbury International Horse Trials. Held over four days in July on the stunning Marlborough Downs, the event brings together some of the best riders and horses in the world for dressage, show jumping and cross country.
Golf fans will be spoilt for choice as there are simply too many golf courses in the county to mention. Whichever corner of Wiltshire you are exploring, you won’t be far from somewhere to tee off. The four-star Cumberwell Park, near Bradford on Avon, is the area’s only 36-hole course, while Kingsdown Golf Club, near Corsham, is the county’s oldest club. For fun with the children, check out the crazy golf course at Coate Water Country Park in Swindon.
Why not take to the water and try a new sport?
For water sports, head to the Cotswold Water Park on the Wiltshire/Gloucestershire border, where you can do anything from kayaking to water skiing and sailing to snorkelling.
If you prefer to stay bankside, opportunities for fishing include coarse fishing on one of the county’s many lakes or fly fishing in its rivers. There are also plenty of popular spots along the Kennet & Avon Canal. Contact local angling clubs or the Tourist Information Centre for tips on where to go.
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