History

The ancient earthworks known as Barbury Castle are about five miles south of Swindon and the M4, on the northern edge of the Marlborough Downs. The site, which lies within the Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has been designated as a country park since 1971, is managed by the Swindon Services Ranger Team, part of Swindon Borough Council.

The principal focal points of the park are the Iron Age hill fort, covering about twelve acres, adjacent round barrows, Celtic field systems and 18th-19th Century flint workings. Here the West Saxons are said to have defeated the Britons at the Battle of Beran Byrig in AD 556; and centuries later the area was a favourite haunt of  Richard Jefferies, the 19th Century writer, who lived an hour’s walk away at Coate. The site is scheduled as an ancient monument.

Access

The park offers free public access for informal recreation in an impressive high downland setting. Its location provides the visitor with a convenient gateway to the neighbouring chalk downs, and an opportunity to venture into the unspoiled surrounding countryside, rich in history and archaeology. The country park attracts walkers, cyclists, horse riders and kite enthusiasts, along with those who simply want to picnic and relax, taking in the fine views.

How to Find Barbury Castle

Map showing the location

Barbury Castle Country Park lies south-west of Chiseldon. From M4 Junction 15, follow the A346 towards Marlborough until you see signs for 'Chiseldon'. Then follow the signs for 'Barbury Castle'.

Routes from the Park

Barbury Castle stands at the hub of a network of public rights of way consisting of footpaths, bridleways and byways. These include popular named routes like Smeathe’s Ridge, Gypsy Lane and the Old Ridgeway. Some favourite areas to visit include circular routes via Ogbourne St Andrew, Ogbourne St George, Fyfield Down, Rockley Down, Hackpen Hill, the Millennium Trail and the Coate to Barbury link. Many such routes may be followed with the help of the leaflets produced by the Ranger Team.

Caring for Your Countryside

Whether you remain within the park or go out on to public rights of way across private farmland, please ensure that you know and follow the Countryside Code:

• Keep to the appropriate public rights of way
• Guard against all risk of fire
• Use gates and stiles to cross hedges, fences and walls
• Leave livestock and machinery alone
• Take your litter home
• Protect wildlife
• Take special care on country roads

Further Information/Contact

Ranger Team
Coate Water Country Park
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6AA

Tel: 01793 490150

Swindon Borough Ranger Team, caring for your parks and open spaces

Barbury Castle is a Nature Reserve for more information please click on the link below

Barbury Castle Nature Reserve