The County Ground blends rich footballing history with a traditional English matchday experience.
Home to Swindon Town since 1896, this ground has seen promotions, cup runs, and Premier League football. Its old-school charm and intimate atmosphere make it a favourite for supporters across the leagues. For fans interested in the heritage of the game, the County Ground offers a glimpse into a proud Football League institution still deeply rooted in its community. Whether it’s your first visit or one of many, there’s always something evocative about matchday in Wiltshire.
County Ground Stats
Opened in 1896, the County Ground is home to Swindon Town. With a current capacity of 15,728, it’s one of the more historic stadiums in the lower leagues. Situated close to Swindon town centre, the ground is easily accessible and retains a traditional feel with its classic stands and tight pitch. Over the years, it has hosted top-flight football, international fixtures, and iconic cup ties — all within its familiar, red-brick exterior. A symbol of old-school English football, the County Ground is a stadium that continues to mean everything to the Robins faithful.
- Capacity: 15,728
- Address: County Road, Swindon SN1 2ED, UK
- Year Opened: 1896
- Home Team(s): Swindon Town
- Record Attendance: 32,000 – Swindon Town vs Arsenal, FA Cup, 15 January 1972
- Owner: Swindon Borough Council
- First Fixture: Swindon Town vs Reading, 1896
Did You Know?
The County Ground was the first stadium in the Football League to install floodlights, back in 1951.
County Ground Design and Architecture
The County Ground is a traditional four-stand stadium that has retained much of its original charm. The most iconic structure is the Arkell’s Stand, a covered seated section that runs along one side of the pitch and houses both hospitality and the club offices. Opposite sits the Don Rogers Stand, named after the Swindon legend, which offers an excellent view and hosts much of the vocal support. Behind the goals are the Stratton Bank — a largely uncovered stand — and the Town End, home to the most passionate Robins fans.
Despite various modernisations over the years, the ground maintains an old-school aesthetic. Red steelwork and compact stands give it an unmistakably English feel. Unlike modern bowl stadiums, the County Ground’s separate stands each carry their own history and quirks. While there have been discussions about future redevelopment, particularly on the Stratton Bank side, the ground continues to offer a nostalgic and authentic football experience in its current form.
County Ground Seating Plan
Credit: Swindon Town
The County Ground is laid out in a traditional four-stand format, each with its own character and supporter demographic. The Arkell’s Stand runs along the east side of the pitch and is the oldest part of the stadium. It houses the club’s main facilities including hospitality boxes, changing rooms, and the press area. Seating here offers good views and is popular with long-time season ticket holders.
Opposite the Arkell’s is the Don Rogers Stand, a more modern construction with a cantilever roof offering unobstructed sightlines. This is the largest stand at the ground and is home to a large portion of home fans. Behind the northern goal is the Stratton Bank, a unique feature in the EFL due to being mostly uncovered. Once a terrace, it now contains seating and is sometimes used for away fans when demand is high, although it is not always open.
The Town End is Swindon’s traditional home end and typically the loudest section. This covered stand is a magnet for atmosphere and flags, and it’s where the most passionate Robins fans congregate. Despite its age and limited capacity, the seating layout at the County Ground provides a close-up, authentic football experience from every angle.
County Ground Tickets & Pricing
Swindon Town offers one of the more affordable matchday experiences in the EFL, with a pricing structure designed to encourage local support. Adult tickets typically range from £21 to £25 depending on the stand and the opposition, with discounts available for over-65s, students, and under-21s. Junior tickets can be as low as £8, with under-11s admitted for just £1 in selected areas as part of community-focused initiatives. The Town End and Stratton Bank usually provide the cheapest options, while the Arkell’s and Don Rogers Stands are priced slightly higher due to better views and facilities.
The County Ground has a long-standing tradition of being accessible to local families, and ticket bundles or group packages are often made available throughout the season. Accessibility is also prioritised, with wheelchair spaces and carer tickets provided at no extra cost. For higher-profile matches — such as derby games or cup ties — prices may rise by a few pounds, but remain reasonable when compared to many clubs in the same division. Season ticket holders benefit from reserved seating, priority booking for away and cup fixtures, and discounts in the club shop, ensuring loyal fans are rewarded for their commitment year-round.
How to Get County Ground Tickets
Supporters can purchase tickets for Swindon Town fixtures via the club’s official website, over the phone, or in person at the County Ground ticket office. The online system is user-friendly, with e-tickets available for download or mobile scanning. The club also operates a loyalty scheme that rewards frequent purchases with priority access to high-demand games, such as local derbies or key cup ties.
Prices generally range from £21 to £25 for adults, depending on the stand, with concessions and juniors receiving generous reductions. For fans looking to attend multiple games, flexi-ticket bundles are available, offering better value over the course of a season without the full commitment of a season ticket. On matchdays, tickets are usually available at the ground, but fans are encouraged to buy in advance to avoid queues and ensure the best seat selection. For families, the club designates family-friendly sections, particularly in the Don Rogers Stand, with tailored offers throughout the campaign.
Matchday Atmosphere and Fan Experience
The County Ground delivers a classic English football atmosphere, with the Town End generating most of the noise thanks to a core of vocal Swindon Town fans who bring flags, drums, and organised chants. The acoustics under the low roof help amplify sound, making it an intimidating experience for visiting teams when the crowd is in full voice. The Don Rogers Stand also contributes to the atmosphere, particularly during high-stakes fixtures or when local rivals like Oxford United visit.
How to Get to County Ground
The County Ground is located just northeast of Swindon town centre and is easily accessible by car, rail, and local bus services. It’s approximately a 15-minute walk from Swindon Railway Station, which sits on the mainline between London Paddington and Bristol. For those arriving by road, the stadium is well signposted from the A419 and M4 (Junction 15), with various parking options in the surrounding area. Matchday parking is available on site for a small fee, though spaces are limited and often fill up early.
How to Access The County Ground for Home Fans
Home supporters can access the County Ground through several dedicated turnstiles depending on the stand. The Town End, traditionally the home end, is entered via the western side of the ground off Shrivenham Road. Fans seated in the Don Rogers Stand use entrances along the southern side, while the Arkell’s Stand is accessed from County Road.
There are stewards and signage in place to direct supporters to the appropriate gates. Parking for home fans is available at the stadium for a small fee, and nearby council-run car parks provide alternative options within a short walking distance. Turnstiles generally open 90 minutes before kick-off, and security checks are in place. The club also operates a family section with a more relaxed atmosphere in the Don Rogers Stand, ideal for those attending with children.
How to Get to The County Ground for Away Fans
Away supporters are typically housed in the Arkell’s Stand, occupying the eastern corner nearest the Stratton Bank. Entrance for away fans is via dedicated turnstiles off County Road, clearly marked and stewarded on matchdays. Coaches usually drop off directly outside the away section, and there is limited street parking nearby — though fans are advised to use town centre car parks or arrive by train where possible.
Swindon Railway Station is around 15 minutes on foot, following signposts towards the stadium along Manchester Road and County Road. Food kiosks and toilet facilities are located within the away section, and although compact, the stand offers good views and a close-to-the-action experience typical of older English grounds.
Hotels Near The County Ground
Swindon has a range of hotels within walking distance of the County Ground, offering convenient options for supporters staying overnight before or after a matchday in Wiltshire.
Leonardo Hotel Swindon
This modern city-centre hotel is around a 10-minute walk from the stadium. It offers comfortable rooms, a bar and restaurant, and easy access to both the train station and local amenities.
Address: Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 2NG
Website: Leonardo Hotel Swindon
Tel: +44 1793 445600
Travelodge Swindon Central
A budget-friendly option less than 15 minutes on foot from the County Ground. Travelodge Swindon Central offers basic but reliable accommodation with nearby restaurants and shops, ideal for matchday stays.
Address: Princes Way, Swindon SN1 2SF
Website: Travelodge Swindon Central
Tel: +44 871 984 6485
Holiday Inn Express Swindon City Centre
Located near the train station and just a 10-minute walk from the ground, this hotel offers modern rooms with breakfast included. It’s a convenient base for away fans arriving by rail.
Address: Bridge Street, Swindon SN1 1BT
Website: Holiday Inn Express Swindon
Tel: +44 1793 602000
Pubs, Bars Near The County Ground
There are several pubs within walking distance of the County Ground that welcome both home and away supporters on matchdays, offering a mix of pre-match atmosphere and local character.
The County Ground Bar
Located inside the stadium complex, this is the official matchday bar for home fans. It’s spacious, serves standard draughts and snacks, and often shows early kick-offs on big screens.
Address: County Road, Swindon SN1 2ED
Website: Swindon Town Official Site
Tel: +44 1793 524524
The Tap and Barrel
Just a five-minute walk from the stadium, this welcoming pub is popular with both sets of fans. It offers a wide selection of ales, matchday food, and a lively atmosphere.
Address: Manchester Road, Swindon SN1 1EX
Website: Tap and Barrel (Facebook)
Tel: +44 1793 436659
The Merlin
A Greene King pub around ten minutes’ walk from the ground, The Merlin serves pub classics and a full range of beers. It has screens for early games and outdoor seating.
Address: Drove Road, Swindon SN1 3AF
Website: The Merlin
Tel: +44 1793 520272
Updates on The County Ground
Swindon Town has long discussed plans to redevelop or upgrade the County Ground, and in 2023, a major step was taken when the club’s supporters’ trust completed a joint purchase of the stadium with the club itself. This landmark move means fans now co-own the ground with Swindon Town FC, providing a platform for long-term redevelopment that places community interests at the centre.
While no full redevelopment has begun, preliminary proposals include modernising the Stratton Bank, improving fan facilities throughout the ground, and eventually increasing capacity. The club has also prioritised improving matchday accessibility and plans to future-proof the County Ground for continued EFL football. With the stadium’s core structures showing their age, this fan-led ownership model offers hope that the next phase of the County Ground’s life will honour its heritage while upgrading its infrastructure. For now, supporters can look forward to gradual but meaningful improvements that reflect their voice and investment in the club’s future.