Travel
Travelling to the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom
By Road: Shrivenham is 7 miles to the northeast of Swindon, the nearest town, which lies just north of Junction 15 of the M4 motorway
From the East, West or South
Head towards Junction 15 of the M4 which is just south of Swindon and due north of Marlborough on the A346.
From the North and Northeast
Head towards Oxford to join the A420 to Swindon from the A34 and follow A420 past Faringdon.
From Oxford
Take to A420 to Swindon. At a roundabout 4 miles after Faringdon, follow signs to left for ‘The Defence Academy’. Turn left at the next small roundabout, signed ‘Defence Academy’ into the main entrance.
From M4 Junction 15
Take the A419 towards Cirencester for approx 3 miles, then take the A420 towards Oxford. Follow signs to Oxford, past Sainsburys Supermarket on your right after a series of roundabouts. After a further 4 miles of open road, disregarding signs to Shrivenham village, turn right at a roundabout signed ‘The Defence Academy’. Turn left at the next small roundabout, signed ‘Defence Academy’ into the main entrance.
Sat Nav Postcode SN6 8TQ
Hire Car: There are representatives of all the main hire companies at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Drive west, down the M4 motorway and then use the attached map. The journey takes 1½ to 2 hrs from Heathrow or 2 to 2½ hrs from Gatwick. This is the most flexible way to travel
Taxi: A taxi can meet you at the airport and return you to it, if wished, if you send details of your arrival and departure flights on the attached taxi request form. The approximate cost of each journey is £110 from Gatwick and £85 from Heathrow, Brian's Hire but if you share, the cost can be divided. This is the easiest way to travel.
Train/Bus from Heathrow Airport: Buses from Heathrow travel to Reading Railway Station. Trains run approximately every half-hour from Reading to Swindon. Taxis are available from Swindon Railway Station to the Academy which is 10km. This is cheap but takes the most time.
It is now also possible to catch the Heathrow Express train to Paddington station (which takes approximately 15 minutes). Once at Paddington you may catch the First Great Western train direct to Swindon station. For further rail details please visit National Rail.
Bus from Heathrow Airport: Buses run from Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station direct to Swindon. The journey takes approximately 1½ hours. For the most up-to-date information on timings and costs, please visit National Express. A taxi is then required to travel the 10km to the Academy.
Trains from Central London: Fast trains leave Paddington Station about twice per hour: the journey to Swindon takes approximately 50 minutes. You then need to take a taxi from Swindon station to the Academy. For further rail details please visit National Rail.
Having entered the Main Gate, drive to the barrier and show your ‘Entry Pass’ to the policeman on duty. Follow the route to and signs for Symposia at Shrivenham.Your personal pass, with name badge, will be issued at registration.
