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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 those interested in participating in sporting and leisure activities,
the brand new ‘state of the art’ Spiceball Leisure Centre
is the place to be in Banbury. With 2 Swimming Pools, a 150 station
fitness facility, Dance Studios, Sports Hall and Health Suite there
is something for all the family - for further details contact 01295
257522. In addition Banbury also boasts a fantastic outdoor 50m
swimming pool at Woodgreen Leisure Centre which is open during the
summer season - for more information contact 01295 262742.
Tennis courts and field sport pitches, including Cricket at Banbury
Sports Ground in Horton View, local football pitches, synthetic
sports pitches at Banbury School and North Oxfordshire Academy,
all 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, Horton View Sports Ground
and the Chestnut Bowling Club as well as an indoor bowling green
in the Woodgreen Leisure Centre.
The introduction of the ‘Superbowl’, now known as Lakeside
Superbowl, is a big boost for the leisure activities of Banbury,
welcoming people of all ages. The 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.
Bodicote Park has been developed into a multi-fitness centre now
known as Bannatyne’s. The site is still home to Banbury Bulls
Rugby Club and Bannatyne’s now offers a range of amenities
such as swimming, gym, aerobics etc
Many local sports clubs are active in the town and details of these
and the use of local sports facilities are available from the Town
Council. Booking for the use of football pitches and local parks
should be made with Banbury Town Council Tel: 01295 250340.
The opportunity to enjoy the countryside is provided through the
nature and layout of Spiceball Park and the adjacent Grimsbury Reservoir
(where you can also sail) 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 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 252050.
St Mary’s Church, in the Horsefair is venue for the LiveArts
programme of events. As well as an active church it is the largest
arts venue in the area; concerts and visual arts exhibitions are
held throughout the year. For further information visit www.livearts-at-stmarys.co.uk
The Odeon Cinema, situated in Horsefair, can be contacted on Tel:
0871 2244 007 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 753752
Banbury Tourist Information Centre has information on what to see
and do in Banbury and the surrounding area, tickets for local events
and attractions (some discounted) and a wide selection of local
produce and gifts. Call into Banbury TIC. Tel: 01295 753752 or www.visitnorthoxfordshire.com
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