Coate Water Park

Coate Water is a country park situated 5km to the southeast of central Swindon, near junction 15 of the M4. The Coate Water Ranger Centre and Information Point is situated in the car park. The park is open all year round, 24 hours per day.

How to find us

Tel: 07824 550463
Email: swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk

Park facilities

  • Ranger centre and information point
  • Car park 
  • Café 
  • Toilets 
  • Splash park
  • Play area
  • Nature reserve 
  • Angling
  • Bird Hides
  • Golf
  • Barbeque hire
  • Easirider (currently unavailable due to repair work)
  • Wheelchair access

Details of the parks miniature railway can also be found on the Coate Water Miniature Railway website.

Dogs are allowed in the country park however, they are not permitted in the nature reserve, children's play area, splash park, and golf course.

Barbeque hire

Costs for large static BBQ hire:

  • Large BBQ and 1/3 of the horse field - £70.00
  • Corporate groups or large groups of over 100 people - £210.00
  • Bring your own - Free of charge in designated BBQ areas only

View the BBQ map for designated areas.

Payment can be made with cash or cheque made payable to 'Swindon Borough Council' and can be paid on the day of the booking.

Bookings can be made at: swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk

Splash Park

The Splash Park at Coate Water is now closed for the winter.

It will re-open at the end of May 2025.

The nature reserve

A quiet haven for wildlife. Deer and fox can be seen regularly in the wildflower meadows. A large, established heronry can be viewed from the bird hides.

Permits are available in advance from the Activity Centre.

Walks

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. For longer walks there are routes to Hodson, Chiseldon and Barbury Castle.

The woodland

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.

Lake habitats

This is 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.

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