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FAQs
Where to Watch Sport in Wiltshire FAQs
Where can I watch live sport in Wiltshire?
Wiltshire has a wide range of pubs, bars, and hotel venues showing live sport, including football, rugby, cricket, F1, tennis, and major international tournaments. Popular locations include Swindon, Chippenham, Salisbury, and Cirencester, with many venues showing Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime fixtures.
Do pubs in Wiltshire show all sports?
Yes. Most sports pubs and bars in Wiltshire show a mix of live sport rather than specialising in one type. You can typically watch football, rugby, boxing, horse racing, golf, tennis, and major global events all in the same venue.
Do I need to book to watch live sport in Wiltshire pubs?
For regular matches, walk-ins are usually fine. However, for major events like the World Cup, Champions League final, Six Nations, or Super Bowl, it is strongly recommended to book in advance as venues can fill up quickly.
Which towns in Wiltshire are best for watching live sport?
Some of the best areas include Swindon, Salisbury, Chippenham, and Cirencester.
What channels do sports bars in Wiltshire show?
Most venues show major sports broadcasters including Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Amazon Prime Video fixtures, and terrestrial channels for major tournaments such as the World Cup, Euros, and Olympics.
Are there quiet sports bars in Wiltshire?
Yes. While many venues are lively and busy on match days, some hotel bars and lounge-style venues offer a more relaxed environment where you can watch sport without a rowdy pub atmosphere.
Can I watch international tournaments like the World Cup or Six Nations in Wiltshire pubs?
Yes. Most sports pubs and bars across Wiltshire show major international tournaments including the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euros, Six Nations rugby, and the Super Bowl, often with sound on and large screens.
What time do sports pubs in Wiltshire open?
Opening times vary by venue, but many open from lunchtime (around 11am–12pm) and stay open until late evening. Some venues also open early for breakfast or morning kick-offs during international tournaments.
Are sports pubs in Wiltshire family friendly?
Many venues are family friendly during daytime and early fixtures, especially hotel bars and relaxed pubs. However, evening kick-offs may be more adult-focused depending on the venue.
Do sports bars in Wiltshire show multiple games at once?
Yes. Many larger venues use multiple screens to show different matches at the same time, especially during busy periods like Champions League nights or tournament group stages.
Do I need to pay to watch sport in pubs in Wiltshire?
No entry fee is usually required. You only pay for food and drinks, although some venues may require reservations or minimum spend during high-demand events.
Sports Pubs in Chippenham
The Pheasant Chippenham
A lively pub, carvery, and dedicated sports bar in Chippenham, The Pheasant is a popular destination for live sport, offering multiple screens, great food, and a busy match-day atmosphere.
- Multiple screens showing live sport across Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Amazon Prime & terrestrial channels
- Dedicated sports bar area with lively atmosphere
- Full pub food menu including carvery, burgers, and bar bites
- Interactive darts available for added entertainment
- Walk-ins welcome with seating near screens recommended
Best for:
- Football match days
- Rugby, F1, cricket, and all major live sport
- Group viewing with food and drinks
Atmosphere: A busy, energetic sports pub with a strong match-day crowd, combining traditional carvery dining with a modern sports bar setup ideal for watching live fixtures with friends.
Contact: 01249 444083
Location: Bath Road, Chippenham SN14 0AE, United Kingdom
Sports Pubs in Cirencester
Kings Head Hotel
A central Cirencester hotel bar showing live sport, including England’s Six Nations matches, in a relaxed and welcoming setting ideal for an easy-going match-day experience.
- Live Six Nations rugby shown in the bar
- Relaxed, comfortable viewing atmosphere
- Central Market Place location in Cirencester
- Ideal for settling in with drinks and food during big matches
- Historic hotel setting with modern bar service
Best for:
- Six Nations rugby afternoons
- Relaxed group viewing
- Casual match-day drinks in town centre surroundings
Atmosphere: A laid-back and welcoming venue where guests can enjoy live rugby in comfort, making it well suited to longer match-day sessions and social viewing.
Contact: 01285 700900
Location: 24 Market Place, Cirencester, GL7 2NR
Sports Pubs in Salisbury
The Bridge Tap Salisbury
A central Salisbury sports bar from Social Pub & Kitchen, The Bridge Tap is a lively match-day venue showing live sport across multiple screens, with a high-energy atmosphere, food, cocktails, and dedicated sports screenings for major fixtures.
- Multiple HD screens showing live sport (football, rugby, F1, boxing & more)
- Sky Sports, TNT Sports and major sporting events covered
- Large open-plan sports bar with energetic match-day atmosphere
- Food menu including pizzas, wings, burgers and sharers
- Cocktails, craft beers and match-day drink offers available
- Group bookings and bottomless brunch options
Best for:
- Premier League and Champions League nights
- Rugby, boxing and major live sporting events
- Group match-day experiences in Salisbury
Atmosphere: A busy, high-energy sports bar in the heart of Salisbury, known for its lively crowds, loud match-day atmosphere, and wall-to-wall coverage of live sport across big screens.
Contact: 01722 321024
Location: 12–14 Fisherton Street, Salisbury, SP2 7RG
Sports pubs in Swindon
The Village Hotel Swindon
A sports-friendly hotel venue in Swindon located just off the M4 at Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, known for showing live football and major sporting events on big screens in a lively fan-focused atmosphere.
- Multiple big screens showing live sport
- Pub & Grill serving classic pub food, burgers, and drinks
- Popular match-day “fan zone” style atmosphere
- On-site gym, pool, and spa facilities
- Easy access from the M4 (Shaw Ridge Leisure Park location)
Best for:
- Football match days
- Group viewing with a lively crowd
- Pre- or post-match drinks and food
Atmosphere: A busy, fan-focused venue that attracts supporters on big match days, combining a sports bar experience with hotel leisure facilities for a more relaxed and family-friendly all-in-one visit.
Contact: 01793 279 470
Location: Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, Whitehill Way, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 7DW
DoubleTree by Hilton Swindon
A modern hotel venue located just off Junction 16 of the M4, offering a relaxed and comfortable setting to watch live sport in Swindon away from traditional busy pubs.
- Multiple sports channels available
- Three TV screens in the 14Twelve Bar
- Calm, relaxed match-day atmosphere
- Ideal for families and small groups
- Convenient access from the M4 and surrounding areas
Best for:
- Casual live sport viewing
- Families and relaxed groups
- Watching big games in a quieter setting
Atmosphere: A comfortable and low-key venue compared to traditional sports pubs, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy live sport without a rowdy crowd.
Contact: 01793 881777
Location: Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon SN5 8UZ
The Leonardo Hotel
A centrally located Swindon hotel offering a comfortable and stylish setting to watch live sport, with multiple large TV screens showing a range of sports channels, ideal for group viewing in a relaxed environment.
- Multiple large TV screens showing live sports channels
- Comfortable, modern hotel bar setting
- Extensive bar menu with food and drinks available
- Ideal for groups watching sport together
- Central Swindon location on Fleming Way
Best for:
- Casual live sport viewing with friends
- Comfortable, relaxed match-day experience
- Evening football, rugby, and major sporting events
Atmosphere: A smart, plush hotel environment offering a more relaxed alternative to traditional sports pubs, suitable for groups who want comfort alongside live sport.
Contact: 01793 445600
Location: Fleming Way, Swindon SN1 2NG, United Kingdom
Rudi's Bar
A lively central Swindon sports bar open from early morning, showing live sport across multiple screens with full sound, making it a popular choice for football, rugby, and early kick-off matches.
- 6 HD screens showing live sport with sound on
- Open from 8:30am for early kick-offs and international fixtures
- Breakfast burgers and baps served during morning matches
- Central Swindon location at Regent Circus
- Strong match-day atmosphere across all major sporting events
Best for:
- Early morning football and international fixtures
- Weekend match days with friends
- All-day live sport viewing
Atmosphere: A busy, energetic sports bar with full sound and multiple screens, creating an immersive match-day experience from morning through to late evening.
Contact: 01793 523892
Location: 21 Regent Circus, Swindon SN1 1PR
The Merlin
A popular sports pub near Swindon’s County Ground, The Merlin is a fan-favourite venue for live sport, offering multiple screens, a wide drinks selection, and a lively pub atmosphere ideal for match days.
- 7 TV screens showing live sport
- BT Sport, Sky Sports & Amazon Prime available
- Wide selection of ales, wines, and lagers
- Full pub food menu from light bites to hearty meals
- Pool tables and dartboard for extra entertainment
Best for:
- Football match days
- Pre- or post-match drinks near the County Ground
- Group social viewing with entertainment
Atmosphere: A lively, traditional sports pub with a strong match-day crowd, offering a classic pub experience alongside live sport and casual entertainment.
Contact: 01793 431496
Location: Drove Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 3AF
Mackenzies
A relaxed café-bar in the heart of Old Town Swindon, Mackenzies offers a laid-back setting to watch live sport, combining a spacious open-plan layout with food, drinks, and a casual social atmosphere.
- 4 large screens showing live sport
- Covers major events including World Cup, Six Nations, Olympics, Tennis, and horse racing
- Freeview sports channels available
- Spacious open-plan layout with clear sightlines
- Premium draught beers and casual food options
Best for:
- Casual live sport viewing
- Group meet-ups in a relaxed setting
- All-day weekend sport watching
Atmosphere: A chilled and unfussy café-bar environment in Old Town, ideal for watching sport without the intensity of a traditional sports pub, with plenty of seating and a social, easy-going feel.
Contact: 01793 430111
Location: 16 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon SN1 4AB
Longs Bar
A popular Old Town Swindon bar known for its stylish, modern atmosphere and live sport screenings, making it a go-to venue for catching Premier League football and other major sporting events.
- Large HD screens showing live Premiership football and key fixtures
- Outdoor screen available on the smoking terrace
- Wide selection of ales, wines, and spirits
- Food and lunch-time snacks available
- Trendy Old Town setting with a lively bar atmosphere
Opening Hours:
- Monday–Wednesday: 12:00–23:00
- Thursday: 12:00–00:00
- Friday–Saturday: 12:00–01:00
- Sunday: 12:00–00:00
Best for:
- Premier League match days
- Social drinks with live sport
- Evening games in a lively Old Town venue
Atmosphere: A stylish and energetic bar that blends a modern nightlife feel with live sport viewing, attracting both regulars and match-day crowds.
Contact: 01793 534519
Location: 86–87 Victoria Road, Old Town, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 3BB
The Royal Oak
A relaxed and stylish Old Town venue showing live sport on BT Sport and Sky Sports, The Royal Oak offers a more refined setting for watching matches alongside premium food and drinks.
- Live sport shown on BT Sport and Sky Sports
- Relaxed, civilised viewing atmosphere
- Wide selection of gins and Champagne
- Freshly sourced oysters and seafood menu
- Premium Old Town dining and drinks experience
Best for:
- Relaxed football and rugby viewing
- Date nights or premium match-day drinks
- Small groups wanting a more refined sports setting
Atmosphere: A sophisticated and comfortable venue that blends live sport with high-quality dining and drinks, offering a more upscale alternative to traditional sports pubs.
Contact: 01793 977337
Location: 24 Devizes Road, Swindon, SN1 4BQ