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As Banbury has grown so have the opportunities to participate in a wide range of sporting and cultural leisure activities.

For the sports minded the facilities provided at Spiceball Park Sports Centre (Tel: 01295 257522) (dry and wet), tennis courts and field sport pitches at Banbury Sports Ground in Horton View, local football pitches. Synthetic sports pitches at Banbury School and Drayton School, provide excellent opportunities for sport, training and keep fit activities.

Bowling is a popular Banbury sport and there are bowling clubs centred at bowling greens in People’s Park, Banbury Sports ground and the Chestnut Bowling Club as well as an indoor bowling green in the Woodgreen Leisure Centre.

The introduction of the new ‘Superbowl’, now known as Lakeside Superbowl, is a big boost for the leisure activities of Banbury, welcoming people of all ages. The new Ten Pin bowling alley with 20 lanes has brought many people into the town, from not only the surrounding areas but from much further afield.
The retail shopping store Matalan is also within the same site.

Cricket facilities are provided at Banbury Sports Ground and at a new Sports Ground in Hanwell Fields and through local club facilities.

The former Banbury Rugby Club, Bodicote Park, has been developed into a multi- fitness centre now known as Bannatyne’s. Rugby can still be played there but Bannatyne’s now offers a range of amenities such as swimming, gym, aerobics etc as well as additional
football pitches.

Many local sports clubs are active in the town and details regarding these and the use of sports facilities identified above are available from the Town Council.

Booking for the use of football pitches and local parks should be made with Banbury Town Council, Town Hall, Bridge Street, Banbury. Tel: 01295 250340

The opportunity to enjoy the countryside is provided through the nature and layout of Spiceball Park and the adjacent Grimsbury Reservoir and Nature Reserve. From the reservoir the more active can follow the Banbury Fringe Walk, which meanders through beautiful countryside on the outskirts of Banbury for 10 miles.

People’s Park, hidden behind the façade of buildings in Horsefair, provides a refreshing green oasis in an urban setting. Each year the Town Mayor hosts a community event (Town Mayor’s Sunday) in the Park - this event often brings the people of Banbury together to enjoy afternoons in the sunshine.

The Mill Arts Centre in Spiceball Park provides enjoyment for many through the productions of both professional and amateur performing and visual arts productions plus many other musical and creative activities, particularly for young people. Tel: 01295 279002

Productions by amateur societies such as the Banbury Cross Players and the Youth Drama Group from the local Oxford and Cherwell College are events much appreciated in the town.

The Odeon Cinema, situated in Horsefair, can be contacted on Tel: 0870 505 0007 for all film listings.

For those who pursue their leisure through reading, the town has a selection of bookshops and lending libraries in Marlborough Road and Neithrop:
Tel: 01295 262282 (Marlborough Road)
Tel: 01295 264815 (Neithrop)

Banbury Museum on Canalside attracts local people and tourists alike. Easily reached from the Castle Quay Shopping Centre, the modern building won a design award from the Royal Institute of British Architects. The dramatic glass bridge links the Museum to the historic Tooleys Boatyard, with its ‘listed’ dry dock where canal boats have been built since 1778. The Museum also provides a well-equipped conference room and a canalside restaurant. The Museum has a display relating to Banbury’s historical association with the Civil War as well as exhibitions of other local industries, such as weaving and brewing. Touring exhibitions of a more general interest are also a feature.
Tel: 01295 259855

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden. Photography copyright Rosy Burke Design Associates.