Summer Sport
Don't even think of sitting on your backside watching Euro 2008
The bright sunshine, the green fields, the long summer nights.... watching football on the telly!
Except Steve McLaren and the boys messed it up, didn't they? And there will be no Euro 2008 fun for us (unless you're French, of course).
But let's not dwell on footie.
May, June, July (and the first part of August) are all about golf, tennis, cricket.... and then the Olympics! All sports you can watch on the TV this summer - and then try here in Swindon!
Golf in Swindon
There are loads of places to play in Swindon; from crazy golf at Coate Water to taking on a real course at places like Wrag Barn and Broome Manor.
Our guide lists them all - and even includes some playing tips and hints from local PGA professional Chris Game.
Tennis anyone?
We love a good game of tennis here at SwindonWeb. It's just a pity it happens to be indoors most of the year.
But not in summer!
Expect to see us in a short skirt and plimsols at a court near you. And in true Wimbledon style, we'll be finishing off every match with a bowl of strawberries and cream.
Now that's got to be worth a try.
Europe's biggest water park
And with the temperatures rising nicely, the opportunity to have some fun on the water at Cotswold Water Park (and in it) is surely too good to miss.
Swallows and Amazons
Sailing isn't a rich man's sport, you know. Have a go yourself at tacking and jibbing at the Bowmoor Sailing Club just outside Lechlade.
Rowing
Yes. That's right. Rowing.
Steven Redgrave and all that. And why not?
Surely guys, there's no better chat up line at Longs Bar: "I'm doing a spot of rowing tomorrow at Cotswold Water Park". Unless, of course, you're a Mr Puny-verse who isn't kidding anyone.
New rowing facilities and club now open.
Waterskiing
A poser's sport if ever there was one - until you fall in flat on your face and come to the surface gargling like a baby.
We've tried it - and can definitely vouch that it's... absolutely brilliant fun!
Just watch the vid if you don't believe it.
Wakeboarding
This is one of those sports that looks easier than it looks - and probably the most addictive thing we've tried out.
No video exists because we were completely cr*p at it. And we did it when it was freezing in October.
But don't let our desperate efforts to make it 20 yards put you off. If there's one thing this summer you must try, this is it.
On the beach
Forget St Tropez and the Maldives (if you can). Swindon may be land locked but we do a have a blue flag beach just down the road.
Just the place to escape the embarrassment of messing up the wakeboarding a few hundred yards away.
Cricket in Swindon
What more quintessentially British than the sound of willow on leather?
Just ask that of Swindon cricket star Jon Lewis who could prefer to be in India earning a sizeable sum playing 20-20.
We do like watching it ourselves. Especially at the County Ground from the Grade II listed pavilion.
Bowling
Bowls? No. Never.
But think again.
Bowling (and we're not talking the ten-pin variety here (see 'Rainy Days') is more fun than you think - and an incredibly good game for socialising so they say.
Horseriding
At Wickstead Farm in Highworth they welcome anyone who fancies giving it a go in the saddle. And after a few lessons, who knows?
A hack in the countryside, perhaps, or a roll in the hay?
Sounds like summer fun to us.
Bikeriding
Choose between a casual trip around around the countryside near Swindon - or a full-on mountain biking expedition up White Horse Hill.
Here in the office, we prefer the SwindonWeb tandem. Coming soon to SwindonWebTV!
On the slopes
Only joking! The nearest to winter sports we have in Swindon is ice-skating. Good for when it rains, though.
Swindon St. George
One for the men.... and the ladies.
Big strapping lads giving their all at Supermarine on those super-hard pitches. It's the new Swindon St. George's first season this summer, and although it may not be Super League we think they deserve all the support they can get.
Swindon Half-Marathon
The summer is the perfect time to get in training for the now annual race, which takes place this year on 12 October 2008.
Go on! It's all for a good cause!
Festival of Sport
We'll be there photographing and videoing everyone busting a gut in the name of the corporate sporting endeavour. And pleasing the boss.
And if you're in Swindon that weekend, then we emplore you to give them a cheer.
And for the truly brave... For those who fancy spending their spare time doing something slightly more daring.
Zorbing in Swindon
Yes. It's here!
The chance to try the truly out-of-control experience of Zorbing - or bowling down Liddington Hill in a big plastic ball.
Now, does that sound like fun or what?!!
And if that's all too much....
And the lure of the Greece v Romania and Euro2008 is just too great, at least watch the TV on a big screen with a glass of the finest in your hand.
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