Coate Water Park
Coate Water Park is a country park 5 kilometres south-east of central Swindon, near junction 15 of the M4.
With lake walks, wildlife areas and outdoor activities, it is a place to spend time outdoors throughout the year.
Contact and location
The Coate Water ranger centre and information point is situated in the car park.
The park is open all year, 24 hours a day.
- Address: Marlborough Road, Coate, Swindon SN3 6AA
- Telephone: 07824 550463
- Email: swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk
Facilities and access
Facilities at the park include:
- ranger centre and information point
- car parking
- café
- toilets, including an all-access disabled toilet facility
- Toilets are open 24 hours a day
- The Changing Places facility is open from 7.30am to 4.30pm
- See the Changing Places website for more information
- Splash Park
- play area
- nature reserve
- angling
- bird hides
- golf
- barbecue hire
- wheelchair access
- miniature railway
Park rules
Please note, some activities are only allowed in certain parts of the park.
- Horses can only use designated cycle routes
- Cycling is only allowed on designated cycle routes. You must get off and walk your cycle in all other areas of the park.
- Dogs are allowed in the country park, but not in the nature reserve, children's play area, Splash Park or golf courses during the open season
- Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles are not allowed anywhere on site
Barbecue hire
Bring your own barbecue
You can bring your own barbecue free of charge, but only in the designated barbecue areas.
- Disposable barbecues are banned at Coate Water Park
- All barbecues must be raised off the ground
- You must take your barbecue away after use
Hire one of our barbecues
If you hire one of our barbecues, you must pay a cash deposit.
We will not refund your deposit if you cancel within seven days of the booking date, or if the area is not clean and tidy after use.
We will only hold deposits for one month after the booking date. You must collect your deposit within that time.
- Corporate groups or weddings: £210, with a £90 deposit
- Family and community groups: £70, with a £30 deposit
To book a barbecue:
- Telephone: 01793 490150
- Email: swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk
Nature reserve
You can get permits in advance from the ranger centre.
Walks
There are several walks in and around the park. Many are level and surfaced, which makes them suitable for wheelchair users.
The most popular route goes around the lake. It is 1.75 miles (2.8 kilometres) and takes about 45 minutes at a gentle pace.
There are also longer routes to Hodson, Chiseldon and Barbury Castle.
Woodland
In wetter parts of the woodland, you will find willow and ash. Oak and birch grow on drier ground.
These large mature trees provide an attractive backdrop to the lake and a home for many woodland birds.
Lake habitats
The lake is a valuable nesting site for waterfowl, reed bunting and warblers in spring and summer.
It also provides an important habitat for dragonflies and damselflies, along with fish including carp, bream and pike.