Coate Water Park
Coate Water bird hides
To get a better view of resident and migrant birds at Coate Water, you can use one of our hides.
We have two hides in the country park, both in the area designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
Daily hire
You can hire a bird hide for the day for a small fee.
Collect your key from the warden team between 8.00am and 4.00pm, seven days a week.
Call the wardens on 07824 550463 before you visit to arrange payment and key collection.
You can only pay in cash.
Daily hire prices
- Standard: £4
- Junior: £2
- Concession: £2
Season permits
You can apply for unlimited access to the hides for a season. The season runs from April to April.
Download the Coate bird hide application form (PDF). You can also collect a copy from the warden team on site.
You need to pay a £5 key deposit and provide two passport-sized photographs with your application.
The warden team can issue permits between 8.00am and 4.00pm, seven days a week.
Call the wardens on 07824 550463 before you visit to arrange your permit.
You can pay by cash or cheque made payable to "Swindon Borough Council".
Season permit prices
- Standard: £20
- Junior: £10
- Concession: £10
- Key deposit: £5
Using the hides
Children and young people under 18 must be with a responsible adult.
The hides are for quiet observation, so be mindful of other people using them.
Concession rates
Concession rates apply if you are:
- of state pension age, or aged 66 or over
- receiving income support or disability allowance
- a full-time adult student
Please note: you must show proof of your support allowance or student placement, and photo ID, when you buy your ticket or permit. If you do not, the discount will not be applied.
This can be a paper letter or document, or an email on your phone. The name on the proof must match the name on your photo ID.