Wiltshire

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/golf-course-basset-down-wiltshire.jpg" alt="Discgolf course at Basset Down in Wiltshire" class="wp-image-40912" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/golf-course-basset-down-wiltshire.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/golf-course-basset-down-wiltshire-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/golf-course-basset-down-wiltshire-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/golf-course-basset-down-wiltshire-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



If you’re craving some fresh air and quality time with the kids (with excellent food at the finish line), <a href="https://www.basset-down.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basset Down Complex</a> is very a handy one to have on your radar. Set just outside Swindon, this family-run spot rolls footgolf, disc golf, a driving range and a restaurant into one crowd-pleaser of a day out.



Golf may be the lynchpin here, but not always in the traditional sense. While there&#8217;s a pristine 9-hole course, Basset Down does things a little differently, with plenty of options that don’t require a perfect swing, or even a golf club in fact.



Once a dairy farm, this stunning spot just south of Swindon was reimagined more than 20 years ago. Today it’s a thriving, still family-run business, with disc golf, footgolf and a driving range packed with clever gizmos, designed to appeal to everyone, from younger children to teens and adult players.



Outdoor recreation may have been going strong here for two decades, but the restaurant was such a hit it had a serious glow-up five years ago, expanding into today’s stylish glass-and-cladding incarnation. There are three event spaces too, used for everything from corporate events to weddings and birthday parties for both kids and adults.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-views-1000x667.jpg" alt="Restaurant at Basset Down complex" class="wp-image-40908" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-views-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-views-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-views-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-views.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Determined to make the most of a sunny morning, I felt very smug as I rolled into the car park early, with two kids in tow. But others had clearly got the memo too, because the place already had a lively feel, with families arriving, golfers heading out and a corporate ‘do’ quietly setting up in one of the event spaces.



The restaurant was humming as well, with friends catching up over coffee, golfers tucking into pre-round bacon sandwiches and remote workers tapping away on laptops with a flat white to hand. We couldn’t help but notice the tempting line-up of cakes on the bar, which felt like excellent motivation to get outdoors and earn a slice.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-venue-1000x667.jpg" alt="Basset Down Complex in Wiltshire" class="wp-image-40907" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-venue-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-venue-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-venue-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-venue.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The outside area is beautifully manicured, while the glass-fronted restaurant has views over the greens and a pretty pond (look out for the resident swan, who was taking a leisurely paddle during our visit). Inside, it’s all elegant glass lighting, mirrors, a mix of booths and tables, and a generous lounge area with ginormous squishy sofas. This feels like much more than just a golf stop, and it’s all remarkably tranquil, despite being just minutes from the motorway. There’s also a sun-drenched terrace, which must make for a lovely spot to while away a sunny afternoon, Aperol in hand.



Location-wise, Basset Down is a bit of a winner. You’re less than five minutes from the M4 and a hop from Swindon, yet it feels properly rural, with an amazing sense of space. Worth knowing: it also shares the car park with <a href="https://padel4all.com/basset-down/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Padel4All</a>, so racquet-mad families can easily add a game into the mix.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disc-golf-and-footgolf">DISC GOLF AND FOOTGOLF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-near-Swindon-footgolf-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Basset-Down-Complex-near-Swindon-footgolf" class="wp-image-41290" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-near-Swindon-footgolf-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-near-Swindon-footgolf-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-near-Swindon-footgolf-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-near-Swindon-footgolf-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



If you haven’t heard of disc golf, it’s having a bit of a moment. New courses are popping up all over the world, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a brilliant way to blow away the cobwebs and spend time outdoors with family or friends, and crucially, it’s a great leveller if you’ve got kids of different ages.



The idea is simple. You throw frisbee-like discs towards fixed baskets, progressing around the course as you go. Like traditional golf, the aim is to complete the course in the fewest throws. Here at Basset Down you can also try footgolf, which follows a similar format, except you’re kicking a football into oversized cups set into the ground. Again, fewest kicks wins.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-discgolf.jpg" alt="Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-discgolf" class="wp-image-41275" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-discgolf.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-discgolf-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-discgolf-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-discgolf-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Basset Down Complex has a more challenging 18-hole disc and footgolf course, but with my nine and 13-year-old along for the ride, we opted for the nine-hole ‘crazy’ version. Wiltshire themed, it includes fun obstacles, like giant white horses and a wooden chute that you can (or in my case can’t) fire the ball down. It takes around 45 minutes to complete, while the full course clocks in at closer to 90. Top tip: Whichever course you choose, tap up the disc golf experts at reception before you start, they’re full of helpful advice on throwing techniques and tactics.



Our early shots were distinctly wobbly, skimming into the scrub or sailing wildly off course. But as time went on, we definitely improved (well, the kids did). I strongly suspect my teen has been honing his frisbee skills somewhere along the line, because he had some impressive moves up his sleeve.



It’s a lovely spot to play, and you genuinely feel like you’re soaking up some proper country air while entertaining the kids. Buzzards were circling overhead (they decided our discs were too big to target) and there’s a lovely sense of calm watching the ‘proper’ golfers making their way steadily across their course. I’d also definitely recommend wearing a decent pair of trainers, especially if you’re playing in the morning when the grass might be dewy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-footgolf-Swindon-1000x667.jpg" alt="Basset-Down-Complex-footgolf-Swindon" class="wp-image-41285" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-footgolf-Swindon-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-footgolf-Swindon-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-footgolf-Swindon-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-footgolf-Swindon.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



One of the nicest touches is that the course is themed around Wiltshire landmarks, with fun facts dotted along the way. The kids, and I, loved discovering little snippets as we went. Did you know that Silbury Hill &#8211; the massive manmade mound near Avebury &#8211; is roughly the same height and volume as the Egyptian pyramids? Or that the Uffington White Horse is around 3,000 years old.



The disc golf course took us about 45 minutes and the kids enjoyed it so much we decided to tackle the same course again, this time playing footgolf. It turns out my football skills are seriously lacking, but with a bit of coaching from the children, I made my way round without totally disgracing myself. And while I won’t be doing keepie-uppies any time soon, I genuinely loved it. Nine holes felt like the perfect length with younger kids, but older teens and adults would definitely enjoy the added challenge of the full 18.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-driving-range">THE DRIVING RANGE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-driving-range.jpg" alt="Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-driving-range" class="wp-image-41276" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-driving-range.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-driving-range-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-driving-range-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-driving-range-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Of course, there’s golf here for purists too, with a nine-hole course that’s soon to become 12. It’s clearly a thriving club, but refreshingly relaxed in feel &#8211; no regulations about the height of your socks here. There’s also a 20-bay driving range packed with impressive mod cons. My brood were particularly fascinated by the way the balls automatically pop up from an underground cache, ready for you to tee off.



Each bay is fitted with Toptracer technology, which means you can track your shots on touchscreen monitors, and see the distance, speed and height. There are family-friendly games built in too. My youngest and I became completely hooked on GoFish, an interactive game that rewards each successful shot with a colourful tropical fish, until you’ve filled your own virtual aquarium. It’s also worth knowing that this summer, an Adventure Golf course will be opening on site.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-and-quaff">SCOFF AND QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-restaurant.jpg" alt="Dining restaurant at Basset Down complex near Swindon" class="wp-image-40906" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-restaurant.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-restaurant-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-restaurant-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/03/basset-down-wiltshire-restaurant-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



After all that exercise, and some fiercely competitive moments courtesy of the kids, we were more than ready to head inside for a bite to eat. The restaurant here is very much a destination in its own right and, by the time we sat down, pretty much every table was taken.



The menu here is wide-ranging, with an emphasis on Mediterranean-inspired small plates, steaks from the grill and crowd-pleasers like burgers and fish and chips, alongside a handful of more refined dishes and generously filled deli-style sandwiches. The weekly Friday night steak nights are a big draw too, as are the Sunday roasts, plus there&#8217;s a full kids&#8217; menu. Like the adult menu, it covers a broad range of breakfasts (think waffles, and a mini full English), plus staples like cheeseburgers and chicken goujons. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-milkshakes-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-milkshakes" class="wp-image-41291" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-milkshakes-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-milkshakes-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-milkshakes-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-milkshakes-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Once my kids had clocked the ‘freak shakes’, there was absolutely no turning back. Essentially these are gloriously over-the-top milkshakes, blended with the likes of Mars Bars or Maltesers, then crowned with squirty cream and drizzled with chocolate or toffee sauce. Sorry, Mr Dentist.



When it came to mains, the nine-year-old opted for a cheeseburger from the kids’ menu (£8.75), while the teen chose the Basset Down Club (£15), a generously stuffed ciabatta layered with chicken, crispy bacon, tarragon, paprika mayo and pickled red onions. Both arrived with a healthy portion of crispy fries, which vanished at impressive speed.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-food.jpg" alt="Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-food" class="wp-image-41277" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-food.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-food-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-food-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-food-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Torn between options, I settled on two small plates, a burrata and tomato salad (£9) alongside wild mushroom arancini (£9.50). The burrata was deliciously creamy, paired with Isle of Wight tomatoes, while the arancini were perfectly crisp on the outside, with a rich, earthy mushroom filling inside. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-arancini-1000x667.jpg" alt="Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-arancini" class="wp-image-41274" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-arancini-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-arancini-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-arancini-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2026/04/Basset-Down-Complex-Swindon-arancini.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Together, my dishes made a perfect combo, but don’t be fooled into thinking I was being virtuous. I followed them up with a large, and genuinely excellent, sticky toffee pudding (£9) smothered in lashings of hot caramel sauce.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



Good for: This place isn&#8217;t just for serious golfers, it&#8217;s ideal for anyone from younger kids to teens and adults (disc golf and foot golf suitable for ages four and up). We particularly liked the fact you can keep the kids entertained, up your step count, then all kick back with good food and excellent coffee. 



Not for: You&#8217;ll definitely get the most from disc golf and footgolf if you&#8217;re prepared to get stuck in. Anyone who isn&#8217;t up for it could happily while away hours in the restaurant. 



The damage: Footgolf and disc golf from £7.50 a head, driving range from £6, including balls. In the restaurant, small plates start at £6, mains from £18.50 and desserts hover around the £9 mark.

Muddy review: Basset Down Complex, Swindon

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