I lived in Swindon for about 2 years up until May this year so have a fair knowledge of the place. Anybody travelling down will enjoy the place and might even be pleasantly surprised.
Travel - Driving down myself on the Friday and it is pretty straight forward down the M6 onto the M5 and then off at junction 11a for Cirencester and London. Don't come off the A419 at the North Swindon exit (that'll take you right through all the suburbs) come off instead at the Dorcan/South Marston exit. Follow signs for Dorcan and then the County Ground is signposted from Queens Drive (dual carriage way). You do get to go through the Magic Roundabouts which are quite fun - if you don't understand them then just treat it as one big roundabout and stick to going slowly round the outside. You need to head up the third exit that should be signposted and lined with over-hanging trees. Parking at the ground isn't that cheap but plenty of space, entrance at the County Pub. Alternatives are a lay-by on Queens Drive, a multi-story in the town centre or risking it on Tescos nearby. The side streets nearby are residents' parking but have a look for the few spaces that have longer waiting times.
The train station is right in the town centre and makes for easy walking to a nearby Wetherspoons or Walkabout. The ground is about 10 minutes down the road and is signposted from the station I think - basically turn left out of the station, get to the traffic lights and turn right, turn left on Manchester Road and then right on County Road, ground is there.
Food and Drink - there's pub at the ground but not sure on food and likelihood of grief. Best for food is either The Sun which you will see if you turn left rather than right on Queens Drive after you come into Swindon. Others are The Grove on Drove Road which is the road that goes up the hill from the Magic Roundabouts. If you go up that hill you'll find Wood Street that has bars, one club and several restaurants on it. Pizza Express up there as well. The other pub which is the normal away pub is The Merlin, again on Drove Road but closer to the ground - cheap beer and food (although there were rumours that they found rat droppings in the kitchen a few years ago, but if you've had a few it won't effect you).
If anyone is staying the weekend then there's Lydiard Park in West Swindon - country house and grounds, STEAM railway museum, Outlet shopping centre and then there's the Cotswolds on the way back North.
Anyway, look forward to seeing plenty of Dale fans down in Swindon. If you do get stuck on the Magic Roundabout then just remember that nobody else has a clue what to do either. |  |
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