Guidance For Visitors
We are very pleased to welcome visitors at the gliding centre, but remember it is an active airfield, so safety is our top priority.
When at the airfield, you must follow instructions regarding safe areas, and how to move around on the site. If in doubt, ask before proceeding, any club member will be happy to advise you.
Children must be kept under close supervision, and dogs on a lead at all times, and they must not stray into the landing and take-off areas.
Do not approach or walk close to the propellers of powered aircraft, even when the aircraft engine is stationary – the pilot may not be able to see you, and engines can start unexpectedly.
Download familiarise yourself and anyone accompanying you with the Visitors Safety Information Brief before coming on site
Getting To The Airfield
If you type ‘Vale of the White Horse Gliding Centre’ into Google Maps we should pop straight up. The airfield entrance is easily identifiable as it has big blue signs and an orange windsock. Once you’re on the airfield, follow the access road – once it turns to grass, keep driving until you reach the car park, with the airfield main hanger and clubhouse a short way further down the airfield.
Download familiarise yourself and anyone accompanying you with the Visitors Safety Information Brief before coming on site
Take the A419 North signposted Cirencester. After 3.5 miles, turn off following signs for A420 Oxford for 2.5 miles. After passing under a railway bridge with a divided carriageway, less than one mile ahead turn right signposted Shrivenham. Soon after entering the 30mph zone, turn left signposted B4000 Highworth. This will take you out of Shrivenham and over the A420. Less than one mile further on, Sandhill Farm Airfield is on the left. Once you’re on the airfield, follow the access road – once it turns to grass, keep driving until you reach the car park, with the airfield main hanger and clubhouse a short way further down the airfield.
Download familiarise yourself and anyone accompanying you with the Visitors Safety Information Brief before coming on site
Leave the A420 at the first junction signposted Shrivenham (near the Defence College). Travel 2 miles through Watchfield and Shrivenham. On starting to leave Shrivenham take a right turn (hard to see) signposted B4000 Highworth. This will take you out of Shrivenham and over the A420. Less than one mile further on, Sandhill Farm Airfield is on the left. Once you’re on the airfield, follow the access road – once it turns to grass, keep driving until you reach the car park, with the airfield main hanger and clubhouse a short way further down the airfield.
Download familiarise yourself and anyone accompanying you with the Visitors Safety Information Brief before coming on site
Sandhill Farm Airfield near Swindon has an elevation of 350ft. The whole airfield is landable, with a well-maintained grass with runway orientated 04/22, which is 650m long.
Call Sandhill traffic Radio on 129.980 (share frequency)
We’re just 2.5nm east of Swindon and 6.5nm south east of RAF Fairford, so do be aware of aircraft operating in and out of there when you’re coming to visit us.
Circuits are flown at 800ft AGL to the north of the airfield.
PPR by radio is generally acceptable during normal operating hours for non-commercial, fixed wing GA arrivals but if you can give us a call on 07976 985 689 or 01793 783685 prior to departure that is preferred.
Try to join cross-wind or downwind, this helps keep traffic away from our nearest town – Shrivenham.
A donation of £10 to cover a Landing fee and free tea or coffee is welcomed!
Download the Sandhill Farm Airfield Information Brief for additional detailed information
Download familiarise yourself and anyone accompanying you with the Visitors Safety Information Brief before coming on site