The days are longer, the fun is warmer and the air is full of the smell of fresh flowers.

Spring is arriving early and despite there being plenty of rain there is also plenty more sunshine on its way.

With a bellyful of Easter chocolate eggs, the spring can be a really motivating time to have a fresh start.

It can also be a good time to see friends outdoors, and try a new activity.

Swindon is full of green spaces, and being surrounded by the Wiltshire countryside with the Ridgeway national trail nearby there are lots of opportunities to get outdoors.

Being the largest town in the county there is also a huge variety of different activities to try.

So if you do not like one of the ones from the list below, there are five more for you to try.

Included are activities for most abilities, from walking to mountain biking, and a range of costs starting from totally free-of charge.

Walking

Walk and talk

Sundays, 10:30 am, various locations, free

Technically this group is aimed at improving mental health by stimulating talking through walking, but it is also a really social way to get moving. 

The group meets every week for a country walk in and around Swindon, with a focus on encouraging people to talk while enjoying the outdoors.

They cite evidence that walking improves mental health and mood, with 90% of respondents to a survey by charity Mind saying they fet their self-esteem increase after a country walk.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1160603697927171

For more dedicated walkers, you could explore the Highworth and Swindon Walking Club https://highworthswindonwalking.com/

Running

parkrun

Saturdays, 9am, Lydiard Park, free.

Swindon has its very own version of the fitness phenomenon, Parkrun, which takes place in Lydiard Park every Saturday at 9 am.

The 5 kilometre run is open to people of all abilities, with many choosing to walk the route. You can sign-up to be timed, but this is not a requirement.

Afterwards, runners can get a coffee at the Forest Cafe for a natter.

https://www.parkrun.org.uk/lydiard/

Yoga

Parkyoga

Sundays, 9:30am, Queens Park, free (starts May 5)

Like Parkrun, this is a free weekend event in the park, but with yoga instead of running.

It takes place in Queens Park, near to the town centre, which it describes as a ‘peaceful’ location.

It is taught by an instructor, Dee, with over 30 years of experience, having taught at various gyms.

This has not started yet, beginning in a month, but is one to keep in your diary.

https://parkyoga.co/swindon/

Dance

Swindon Dance

Various times and locations, £8 adult, £5.60 concessions.

A great place to learn a variety of dances is Swindon Dance, which offers classes including ballet, jazz, contemporary and tap.

Level one classes are suitable for beginners and happen throughout the week depending on the class.

Skating

There are more options than your average town for skating in Swindon, thanks to its international sized ice rink.

Coffee skate

Mondays & Fridays, 11am, Link Centre, £10.

The coffee skate is a relaxed hour of skating with a cup of coffee afterwards. The lessons take the form of a lesson with a friendly instructor

All abilities are welcome, but skating aids are not available for this class.

Swindon Skate Social

Mondays, 7pm, St Joseph's College, £5

Every Monday, a group of roller skaters and rollerbladers meet at St Joseph’s College to have a relaxed social skate. 

It is 18+ and all abilities are welcome. Your own skates are required.

Mountain Biking

Swindon Mountain Bike's mid-week rides

Wednesdays, 7pm, various locations, free.

Swindon is a great place for mountain biking and every Wednesday the Swindon Mountain Biking club meet for a ride.

Rides are led by a different person on different weeks, but usually will involve riding about 15-20 miles in two hours.

Rides often end with a trip to the pub.

http://www.mbswindon.co.uk/events/

Watersports

Coate Water plays host to a variety of water sport opportunities.

These include kayaking, rowing, canoeing and sailing, with various different clubs making use of the water.

With the weather getting warmer, this could be a great time to cool off on the water and relax on the gently bobbing lake.