Swindon Town – County Ground

county-ground-swindon

The County Ground is an all-seater stadium, with a capacity of 15, 728. It is the home ground of Swindon Town FC.

At one end is the Stratton Bank Stand, a former terrace with rows of seats bolted on to it. This area is uncovered and has a clock above it, along with a small electronic scoreboard.

Opposite is the small, covered Town End, with several supporting pillars across its front. An unusual feature is that the supporting legs of one of the floodlight pylons are actually in one side of the stand, with some seats behind them. The sides are larger, two-tiered, covered stands.

The newer of these is the attractive Don Rogers Stand, while on the other side is the older Arkells Stand, which has windshields on both sides and a few supporting pillars.

How to get to the County Ground

By Roadmotorway

The County Ground is located in County Road, Swindon SN1 2ED.

Drivers arriving from the East and West should follow the M4 to junction 15, turning left onto the Marlborough Road (A4259). At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto Queen’s Drive. The next set of roundabouts is known as the “Magic Roundabout,” consisting of a traffic island surrounded by 5 mini-roundabouts. Take the 3rd exit onto County Road and the first right for the ground.

From the Midlands, take the M40 to junction 9, then the A43, A34 and the A420 into Swindon. At Drake’s Roundabout turn onto Queen’s Drive. At the Magic Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto County Road and the first right for the stadium. The ground is well signposted in and around Swindon town centre.

By Rail

Swindon train station is about a 15-minute walk from the County Ground. On exiting the station, cross the road and follow the road between the Great Western and Queen’s Tap pubs.

Closest Train station to County Ground

At the end of the road, turn left into Manchester Road and follow it to its end. Turn right and the junction and the stadium is about 300 yards on the left. Click here to check the current train timetables

By Air

The nearest airport is Bristol, at a distance of 42½ miles. The “Bristol International Flyer” express coach service provides regular services to Bristol Temple Meads station, which in turn offers regular rail connections to Swindon. Click here to check the current flight times

Taxis

There are several taxi companies in Swindon that can take you to and from the County Ground. You can always prebook a private hire taxi, or hail a black cab on any highway.

Calling all Swindon Taxi Companies – Why not advertise your company here?.

Where to Park?

Most visiting fans recommend parking at the County Cricket ground.

Both home and away fans are welcome to park at Swindon Cricket Club, but is limited in wet weather as can only use the hard standing area.

Turn into County Road off the Magic Roundabout (see above), passing the County Hotel on the right.

Where to park for County Ground

Follow signs for “Football Parking” from just before the mini-roundabout.

Alternatively, there is limited parking available at the ground and some on-street parking for early arrivals.

Away Friendly Pubs near the County Ground

Only home fans are allowed in the pavilion at Swindon Cricket Club.

It is encouraged for away fans to park up early and wander over to Bar 71 which is part of the STFC Arkells Stand (Bar 71 entrance is next to the away fans’ ticket entrance) and only 100 metres away from the Cricket Club parking.

The Merlin, on Drove Road, has also received favourable reports, welcoming away fans and having numerous TV screens showing Sky Sports. This pub can be reached by taking the 1st exit from the infamous Magic Roundabout.

Away friendly pubs near County Ground

For early arrivals, Swindon town centre is a 15-minute walk away and offers several away friendly pubs. Otherwise, alcohol is available at the ground, in the Arkells Stand, but not the Stratton Bank End.

Hotels near the County Ground

Jurys Inn Swindon, Fleming Road, Swindon SN1 2NG has an excellent location, close to all local attractions and just a few hundred yards from the County Ground. All rooms are air-conditioned and have flat-screen TVs with Freeview channels.

The Swindon Marriott Hotel, Pipers Way, Swindon SN3 1SH is located on the edge of Swindon’s historic Old Town, surrounded by woodlands, but within 1½ miles of the County Ground. It offers all the amenities expected from a 4-star hotel and is easily accessible from the M4.

What have other Away Fans said about their trip?

Most away fans have found Swindon to be a relaxed, friendly day out and some have remarked that the sizeable Police presence seems excessive. The view of play from the Arkells Stand are reported as “fine,” though the view from the rear of this stand is impaired by a supporting pillar. The range and quality of food on offer, served from a small kiosk at the rear of the stand, is good.

What do fans think of County Ground

However, several visitors note that care should be taken in returning to the seating areas, as the heavy doors open outwards. Fans of better-supported teams have been almost universally unimpressed by the open Stratton Bank End, which has been described as “grim” in cold or wet weather.

County Ground FAQ’s

Which is the away end at County Ground?

Away fans visiting the County Ground are located in the Arkell’s Stand.

What is County Ground away end capacity?

Up to 1,200 fans can be accommodated in the away end at County Ground.

James Dooley avatar