What is the Magic Roundabout?
The Magic Roundabout is a well-known Swindon junction near the County Ground. It opened in September 1972. Its layout has five mini-roundabouts arranged around a sixth, central roundabout, which gives the junction its distinctive look.
The local authority's original name was County Islands Roundabout; the Magic Roundabout name became the one people used. It is a real piece of road design, not a theme-park attraction, despite the name.
How does the Swindon roundabout work?
The outer ring and the central circle carry traffic in different directions, with the smaller roundabouts connecting the roads between them. The result is a junction with several possible paths rather than one simple circle. That is why a map can look more complicated than the drive feels once you are following the signs.
If you are driving, follow the signs, lane markings and give-way lines at each point. Choose your route and lane in good time, and do not make a sudden move to follow a shortcut. This guide is an overview, not a substitute for road signs or current navigation advice.
Planning a visit or journey
The junction is an active road, not a place to stop for photographs. For a current delay or closure, check the live travel sources linked below before setting off. If you are researching Swindon's other roundabouts, remember that this page covers the Magic Roundabout specifically, not every junction in town.