The new Wiltshire-themed attraction has opened at the Basset Down venue, just a few minutes from Junction 16 of the M4, and is aimed at attracting families while introducing more people to the game of golf.
The latest addition is part of the site’s ongoing transformation from a former dairy farm into one of the largest leisure complexes in the Swindon area.
Owner Juliette Nutland said the decision to build the course was driven by changing leisure habits, with more families looking for activities they can enjoy together.
“We were thinking about what else we could add,” she said. “People are looking for experiences. Parents are keen to get their children outdoors rather than sitting in front of a screen, and we wanted something that fitted with everything else we already do.”
Instead of following the pirate or dinosaur themes commonly found at adventure golf attractions, the family decided to create something that reflected the local area.
“I said strictly no dinosaurs and no pirates,” she said. “We’ve gone for a Wiltshire landscape themed course which fits really nicely with our surroundings.”
The attraction has been developed in partnership with Sonder Sports and represents an investment of around £400,000 over the next 15 years.
Basset Down’s story began as a working dairy farm before Juliette and her husband, William, made the decision in 2005 to sell their herd and diversify into sports and leisure as farming became increasingly challenging.
The couple opened a nine-hole golf course and driving range, laying the foundations for what has steadily grown into a multi-activity destination.
Over the years the complex has expanded to include a Toptracer-powered driving range, padel courts, footgolf, disc golf, a restaurant, event spaces and conference facilities, with the new adventure golf course becoming the latest attraction on the site.
Significant investment has continued in recent years, including the development of a restaurant and events venue capable of hosting weddings, conferences and community events, helping to broaden the site’s appeal beyond golfers.
Juliette said creating an inclusive venue has always been central to the family’s vision.
“We still get asked after all these years whether people can come here if they’re not playing golf,” she said. “The answer is very clearly yes.”
She said around 65 per cent of customers using the restaurant have no connection with golf, demonstrating how the venue has developed into a destination in its own right.
“We’ve always wanted to be open and inclusive. There are some wonderful members’ golf clubs around here, but that’s not who we are. We want people to feel welcome whether they’re playing golf, attending a business meeting, playing disc golf with friends, or just coming for lunch.”
The expansion is not stopping with adventure golf. The complex has also recently opened five additional golf holes, becoming Wiltshire’s first 12-hole golf course and offering golfers an alternative to a traditional full round.
Juliette believes the shorter format is better suited to modern lifestyles, allowing players to complete a round in around two hours.
“People are time hungry,” she said. “A lot of people still want to play golf but don’t necessarily have four hours available. This gives them another option.”
The latest investment reflects the changing face of many rural businesses, which are increasingly diversifying to create destinations that combine hospitality, sport and family entertainment.
With adventure golf now open, Basset Down hopes the attraction will encourage new visitors through its doors while introducing a new generation to golf in a more relaxed and accessible setting.
The adventure golf course is open at Basset Down Complex, Hay Lane, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN4 9QW, just a few minutes from Junction 16 of the M4. More information is available at www.basset-down.com.
