Whatever the season, Coate Water offers the visitor a great day out, whether you want to relax or participate in more energetic activities. With energy to burn you could try your hand at the pitch and putt or one of the orienteering courses. If you just want to relax, there are areas to fish, bird watch, play, picnic, barbecue, and even tranquil places to unwind on busy days. If you want to venture further afield there are a number of walks to local villages, and a longer seven-mile (11km) walk to Barbury Castle.

Coate Water Country Park has a 56-acre reservoir built in the 1820s as a headwater tank for the Wiltshire and Berkshire Canal. In the 1970s a smaller lake was created as a flood storage lagoon, which was made Wiltshire’s first Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in 1976. Most of the site and all the water have been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), in order to protect the wildlife and wildflower meadows.

Coate Water Ranger Centre and Information Point is found in the Coate Water car park (please see map below - How to find Coate Water ). It was originally built in the 1820’s and was used as accommodation for the water bailiff.

Within the Ranger Centre you will find the following: -

• An exhibition room with a permanent display on Coate Water and its history dating back to the 1800’s.
• An education room providing a venue for ‘Watch’. This is a junior club run by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. For further information on ‘Watch’ please call (01793) 490150.
• The Education Room also provides facilities for Ranger events, such as art and craft sessions.
• Visitor information is available from the Centre including information on the Ranger Events, Great Western Community Forest sites and walks, Westonbirt, Cycle Maps and other outdoor attractions in the area.
• You can also register for your Swindon Card at the Centre.
• Qualified First Aiders and First Aid Equipment

To contact the Ranger Centre and Information Point please contact (01793) 490150

Park Facilities:

• Ranger centre and information point
• Café
• Toilets
• Paddling pool
• Play area
• Cycle hire
• Nature reserve
• Events programme
• Bird hides
• Pitch and putt
• Mini golf
• Coarse fishing
• Barbecue hire
• Education service
• Easirider
• Wheelchair access
• Orienteering (subject to seasonal change)

The Nature Reserve

Here is a quiet haven for wildlife. Deer and foxes can regularly be 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.

Green Flag Award

Coate Water Country Park has won a prestigious national award for the second year running, having been judged as a welcoming, safe and well- maintained park with strong community involvement.

The Green Flag Award is given by the Civic Trust, a charity which encourages and works for urban renaissance. The Green Flag is recognised as the national benchmark for quality parks and open spaces.

The Green Flag itself is now flying from the top of the Coate Water diving board.

Access

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 out of the park 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.

How to Find Coate Water Country Park

Map showing Location

Coate Water Country Park is situated on the south-east side of Swindon.

By Car

From the M4 Junction 15, turn left at the first large roundabout onto the A4257 (follow the signposts to Swindon town centre). Follow the Coate Water's entrance is situated and clearly signposted on the next major roundabout, very shortly after the Sun Inn.

By Bus

From Swindon town centre, there are several services that stop directly outside the entrance to the park. These include:

• Numbers 10, 12, 13, 14 and 21 - Monday to Saturday, daytime
• Numbers 12, 13, 14 - Monday to Saturday, evenings

Please click on the link below to download a pdf of Coate Water

Coate Water map

If you would like to become involved in helping to preserve this site and other habitats within Swindon please click onto the following link.

Volunteer Rangers

For information on 'Nature for All' events organised by the Rangers either click on the following link or contact us at the address below

Rangers Events

Further Information/Contact

PDF version - Coate Water Activities

For further information please contact us:

Ranger Team
Coate Water County Park
Marlborough Road
Swindon
SN3 6AA

Ranger Office Tel: 01793 490150

Swindon Borough Ranger Team, caring for your parks and open spaces