Park & Wildlife : Attractions of Swindon
Park & Wildlife : Attractions of Swindon
Barbury Castle Country Park
Wroughton
Nr Swindon
Tel: 01793 845346
This iron Age hillfort on the Ridgeway National Trail was the site of a battle where Cynric defeated the Britons in 556 AD. The Park offers 150 acres of unspoilt countryside with spectacular views across the Marlborough Downs and Swindon. Good starting point for walking and cycling on the Ridgeway. Also popular for picnics and kite-flying.
Follow brown signs from Wroughton (A4361) or from A345 Swindon/Marlborough road. Admission and car parking is free. Note: narrow road and very steep hill to site. Nearest bus services are to Wroughton and Chiseldon. Refreshhments available at warden’s bungalow. Camping and cycle hire also available.
Open 7:30am-dusk
Coate Water Country Park
Marlborough Road
Swindon
Tel: 01793 490150
The major feature of this country park is its 56 acre lake which was originally built as a reservoir for the Wilts & Berks Canal. in the summer day coarse fishing is available. There are signed walks, a children’s play area, paddling pool, pitch and putt, mini golf, a tree collection and cafe. Entrance off Coate roundabout in Marlborough Road. Close to J15 M4.
Cotswold Water Park
Keynes Country Park
Spratsgate Lane
Sharncote
Cirencester
GL7 6DF
Tel: 01285 861459
Fax: 01285 660186
Britain’s largest water park with 132 lakes, covering over 30 square miles. The outstanding countryside provides an ideal setting for relaxation and discovery for adults and children alike - perfect for a family day out, walkers, bird watchers, photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Water Park is a nationally recognised area for wildlife with three nature reserves and a whole host of bird life. The Country Parks have picnic and barbecue sites, plenty of parking and access to a network of footpaths, cycleways and bridleways.
Keynes Country Park has a bathing beach which is open daily between June and September.
Lydiard Park
Hook Street
Lydiard Tregoze
West Swindon
Tel: 01793 770401/771419
Lydiard Park is a delight to explore at any time of year. There are many paths and trails through the woods and by the lake, offering glimpses of the many animals & birds which make Lydiard their home.
Towering Lebanese cedars, avenues and carriage ways, an ice house and vistas of the house reveal St John’s grand designs at Lydiard Park. Rolling lawns and shady trees provide a great picnicking area in the summer, permission for barbecues can be obtained from the park rangers. in early spring the woodlands are carpeted with snowdrops.
Visitor amenities and a cafe are housed in the Visitor Centre where exhibitions and information are available. A woodland adventure playground offers bags of fun for children and barbecues are available for hire.
Lydiard Park is open every day till dusk. Parking and entry to the park is free.
There is an admission charge for entry to Lydiard House, the lovingly restored ancestral home of Viscounts Bolingbroke which boasts ornate plasterwork and original family furnishings alongside portraits of the St John family who lived there from Elizabethan time.
Lydiard House is open Mon-Sat 10am -5pm and Sun 2-5pm.
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Burford
OX18 4JW
Tel: 01993 823006
Fax: 01993 823807
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens is situated approximately 17 miles north east of Swindon. it is situated in 160 acres of parkland and gardens with a wide variety of animals from around the world, including rhinos, Asiatic lions, leopards and primates. The Gardens are a major feature of the Park. The Walled garden is highly acclaimed for the exotic planting including bananas, daturas, and cannas and within this area is the Tropical House and the ever popular meerkats in their unique ‘arid-scape’ landscape enclosure, penguins and a number of small mammals and tropical birds.
Throughout the Park you will find prairie style plantings, various herbaceous and mixed borders colour and imaginative containers with seasonal displays. Facilities include a cafeteria, picnic area, children’s farmyard, adventure playground and gift shops. Throughout the summer months there are regular Birds of prey flying demonstrations, animal’s encounters and occasional car rallies. Open daily throughout the year from 10am (except 25th December)
Stanton Park
Stanton Fitzwarren
Swindon
Tel: 01793 771419
The park was historically a mediaeval estate but today consists of 19th century landscaped parkland, a large lake and semi-natural woodland and is a haven for wildlife.
Admission is free and the park is open during daylight hours. Located just off the road to Stanton Fitzwarren, off the A361 Swindon/Highworth road.
Nightingale Wood
South Marston
Swindon
Tel: 01793 466324
Nightingale Wood near South Marston where 3,500 metres of new path now take visitors to every part of this very exciting new woodland, owned and managed by Forest Enterprise. Easy access from the car park to this beautiful new woodland, which now also boasts a brand new bird hide overlooking a meandering stream and wildlife areas. Here you can pause for a rest, watch the birds and put your feet up. New benches will be installed along the route of the paths in the very near future, adding extra comfort and facilities for your visit.
Riverside Park - Lechlade
Lechlade
Tel: 01793 771419 / 490150
Swindon’s most northern boundary, the gateway to the Cotswolds & the highest navigable point on the Thames. Riverside Park allows access onto the Thames Trail.
Opening Hours: open daily all year from dawn-dusk
Directions: J15 M4 & all major routes take the A361 towards Highworth then follow signs to Lechlade.
Entry: admission to the park is free, but parking charges apply
Amenities: parking, shops, toilets, pubs & cafes nearby, disabled access however in the winter months access is limited especially to wheelchairs.
Roves Farm Visitor Centre
Sevenhampton
Nr Highworth
Signed from A361
Swindon
SN6 7QG
Tel: 01793 763939
Roves Farm in Sevenhampton is a 400-acre working sheep, arable and conservation farm and is set in some beautiful countryside. Explore the world’s largest willow maze: 2.5km of hedgerow with its own Willenium Dome!
Tractor and trailer rides, goat racing at weekends and school holidays, bouncy castle and ball pond, toddlers’ play area, 7 nature walks, new 3D big bale tunnel maze, Granary Tea Rooms. Just 3 miles NE of Swindon, off A361.
Butterfly World
Studley
Swindon
SN4 9QT
Tel: 01793 852400
Beautiful butterflies from around the world with a bug house accompanying it. Butterfly World is one of the largest butterfly farms in Britain. Up to 1000 butterflies can be seen within the 600 sq m hot house. To fully demonstrate the tropical climate over 200 varieties of tropical plants can be enjoyed for their colours and beauty. The waterfalls, streams and fishponds throughout the centre complement the great atmosphere.
Butts Farm Rare Farm Animals
The Butts Farm
Cricklade Road
South Cerney
Cirencester
Tel: 01285 862205
A vast array of friendly farm animals at a working farm in traditional meadowland. Admission charges apply.
Opening Hours: Feb ½ term week daily 11am-4pm and March-Nov, Tue-Sun 11am-5pm
Directions: On A419 east of Cirencester towards Swindon. On A419 west of Swindon 3 miles from Cirencester beside the new bypass.
Amenities: Catering on site, Picnic area, Toilets, car and coach parking, group’s accepted, full disabled facilities, guide dogs accepted, educational visits, meeting room.