1 THE Oasis Leisure Centre was extensively refurbished earlier this year, adding to the appeal of a visitor attraction which has been a favourite since it opened more than 40 years ago. The new flume tower and slides at the main pool were an instant hit, although people of all ages who prefer their swimming a little more sedate are also catered for. The refurbishment included new showers, new filters and a new boiler. Visit www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/swindon/oasis-leisure-centre-swindon
2 If the jewel in the Oasis Leisure Centre’s crown is its pool, the Link Centre’s is the large competition-standard ice rink which is every bit as much a family favourite. The centre has plenty of other attractions including a well-equipped gym, fitness sessions to suit people at every stage of their fitness journey and a popular trampoline park. The centre is also home to West Swindon Library, a hub of community activities such as a popular chess club. The Link Centre website is www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/swindon/the-link-centre
3 Summer the alpaca is one of the more recent arrivals at Studley Grange, the craft village and farm park in Hay Lane, Wroughton which is perhaps best known as the home of Butterfly World. Visitors can see and learn about an array of creatures from familiar farm animals to more exotic ones such as wallabies, reptiles and - a firm favourite - meerkats. Studley Grange also has a soft play area where children can let off steam safely. Details can be found at www.studleygrange.co.uk
4 Laserquest Swindon - www.lqswindon.co.uk - offers all the joys of blasting away at family and friends with futuristic weaponry. Combatants are issued with light-emitting weapons and vests with sensors to record hits. The arena at the Shaw Ridge venue has a variety of terrain to cater for everybody, whether they favour a full-on assault or stealth. There is also a soft play area for younger visitors. Then website has details of various special packages.
5 When it comes to children’s adventure centres, Jolly Roger Adventure in Greenbridge Road tends to be the one most people can readily name. Established many years ago, it is easily one of the largest places of its kind in the region, and some of the children who were among its first visitors now bring their own children to experience the soft play area. Features are carefully designed to combine fun and learning in a safe environment, and there is a cafe from which parents can watch the fun in comfort. The Jolly Roger Adventure website is jollyrogerplay.com
6 American-style tenpin bowling has been popular in Swindon since it came to Britain and prompted a nationwide craze well over half a century ago. Tenpin Swindon - www.tenpin.co.uk/our-locations/swindon - is based at Shaw Ridge in West Swindon, and has a an array of deals catering for everybody from regular bowlers to people organising special events.
7 Still Swindon’s only indoor skate park, ATB Shop Skate Warehouse and Skate Park - www.atbshop.co.uk - opened in 2012 and is popular among both skaters and scooter users. Lessons are available and expert staff can advise about equipment and safety. The park’s shop caters for skaters, scooter users, snowboarders wake boarders and lovers of other adventure sports.
8 Attractions at the Jungle Kingdom soft play centre on the Groundwell Industrial Estate - www.junglekingdom.co.uk - include a three-level jungle play frame with a variety of slides, spinners and even a large spider’s web. There is a separate toddler and the emphasis throughout is on excitement and safety.
9 Swindon Karting Arena - karting-swindon.co.uk - is based in Hangar C2 at Wroughton airfield. The enormous space houses a 530m tarmac surface, which is long enough for those with the skill and courage to achieve all the speed they could hope for. Deals are available for drivers ranging from complete novices to experienced competitors.
10 Roves Farm at Sevenhampton is a popular family visitor attraction throughout the year, with both indoor and outdoor features enabling people to learn about - and in many cases feed and interact with - animals and take part in a range of nature trails and adventures. Visit rovesfarm.co.uk
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