The Sanctuary

Bed and Breakfast in Ogbourne St.George, Marlborough, Wiltshire

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Four-star accomodation at The Sanctuary

Local activities and sports

This part of Wiltshire is famous for the downland and forest enjoyed by people of all sporting persuasions.

Downs view in January 2010

Activities of all kinds...

Walking: The Ridgeway National Trail starts nearby. Section one runs from Overton Hill to Ogbourne St.George, section two continues to Sparsholt Firs. You can get help  with organising your route from Discovery Travel , Macs Adventure or Explore Britain.

There are many well-known walking routes nearby including one from Barbury Castle to the village

Runners like it here; some of Britain's top runners live and train locally. Marlborough Running Club organises the annual Ridgeway Relay which passes through the village.

Cyclists use the old railway path as a fast and save off-road route. Sustrans has improved the path lately to make it a better cycle path, as part of National Route 45. The area provides excellent training routes for cyclists and triathletes, whether you're leisurely or competitive, like the friendly people in the Marlborough and District Triathlon Club.

Fishing: the Kennet river has some of the finest trout fishing in England.

Golf: For the keen golfer who enjoys a challenging course, Ogbourne Downs Golf Club is just a few hundred yards away, close enough to walk to. We have two sets of golf clubs available if you forget to bring your own. If you want to learn to play, try the golf summer school at Marlborough College.

Cricket: The village did have a cricket club, but we can't find any links to a website for it.

Rugby: The local rugby team is in Marlborough.

Horse riding: There are many stables in the area and some riding schools.

Flying: The downs are excellent for hang-gliding and paragliding. We have two microlight flying schools nearby. The closest is GS Aviation with their airstrip at Clench Common (c.15 minutes by car). Just past Avebury is the Wiltshire Microlight Centre.

A microlight aircraft is probably the best way to view the crop circles that frequently appear in this part of the world during the spring and summer each year. Find the latest news on this year's circles at Circle Connector. Or learn how to make your own.

crop circle

A crop circle near Uffington White Horse in 2005