This beautiful country park on the edge of Swindon boasts an idyllic lakeside setting, a children’s playground, summer splash pool, canoeing, all year café and ample space for joggers and dog walkers. Perfect for an enjoyable family day out.
A Nature Reserve and a Site of Specific Scientific Interest means that Coate Water is bursting with interesting bird and wildlife species and offers both fishing and birdwatching.
The nature reserve is a quiet haven for wildlife. Deer and fox can be regularly seen in the wildflower meadows. A large heronry has become established which can be viewed from the bird hides. Permits are available in advance from the Activity Centre.
There are several walks in and around the park, many of which are level and surfaced, making them suitable for wheelchair users. The most popular route is around the lake. This is 1.75 miles (2.8km) long and takes about 45 minutes at a gentle pace.
In the wetter areas of the woodland, you will find willow and ash with oak and birch on drier ground. These large mature trees provide an attractive backdrop to the lake and a home to many woodland birds.
The lake habitats are a valuable nesting site for waterfowl, reed bunting and warblers in the spring and summer. The lakes also provide an important habitat for dragonflies and damselflies, along with a wide range of fish such as carp, bream and pike.
Coate Water is an extremely popular site for anglers with a wide range of day tickets and season tickets available. A 24-hour season permit enables the holder to camp overnight and fish whilst on site throughout the fishing season.
There are pitch & putt and crazy golf facilities but opening hours do vary. Please check the Swindon Borough Council website for details. Tickets for the bird hides can also be purchased at the pitch & putt hut.
The park is also home to the Coate Water Miniature website which is open every Sunday.
The Sun Inn is a large and family friendly pub right next to the entrance to the park.
Dogs are allowed in the country park, but restrictions apply to the nature reserve, children's play area, splash park, and golf course.
By car, Coate Water is a couple of minutes from junction 15 of the M4. The Coate Water Ranger Centre and Information Point is situated in the car park.
Contact
Coate Water Park
Marlborough Rd
Swindon
SN3 6AA
Tel: 01793 490150
Email: swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk
Ticket Prices
Admission to the park is free. Car park charges are £1 for 2 hours, £2 for 24 hours or £30 for a season ticket.
Opening Times
The park is open all year round, 24 hours per day.