Coate Water is a country park situated 5 km to the southeast of central Swindon, England, near junction 15 of the M4. It takes its name from its main feature, a reservoir originally built to provide water for the Wilts & Berks Canal.
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Richard Jefferies Museum
4.6
(71)
Coate Water can only be described as a work in progress. It's painfully underdeveloped and fails to use it's enormous potential, considering it's the biggest park in Swindon and has a massive lake. It should be a major tourist attraction on a par with the Cotswold Water Park, but it has absolutely no boats or water activity of any kind??? No sailing, no canoes, no windsurfing, not even any pedalos, sigh.
It's also an absolute disgrace that the water play area has been closed since before COVID I believe. It does not take 5 years to renovate a simple splash area. There is no excuse for this.
They did at least rebuild the main children's play park which looks nice and is an improvement.
The other major failure is the lack of a decent cafe facility. The current tiny hole in the wall cafe has to run from what looks like a dilapidated old toilet block. Don't get me wrong, somehow they manage to knock out a really excellent standard of food including beautiful cheesy chips, amazing crispy bacon rolls and fabulous ice cream. I don't know how they do it given the tiny space they have.
There are just 2 outside tables for the hundreds of visitors to sit at. Why have the council not provided a decent food facility with indoor seating?
The miniature train is nice but only runs on Sundays which is a shame. Again more funding would help here. If only Swindon was one of the fastest growing population centres in the South West they might spend some money on it. Oh hang...
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It was the best day of the bank holiday weekend, so we came here to walk our dog. Got free parking out the front on the road, there are some areas of free parking outside. I think having to pay for parking is a rip off! As for all my life of living in Swindon, you never had to pay!
There are paths all around the lake, some muddy after all this rain, so prepare to take some boots or walking boots if it has rained recently.
Lots of wildlife to see on your walk.
The rear path leads out to the M4 motorway, then on to Chisledon, if you want to walk further or to ride your bike.
There is a new play park by the car park now. An 18 hole pitch and putt golf course, but it looked pretty neglected!!
There is a cafe shop here, but always has very long queues🤦♂️ There is also a toilet block.
It is very good for disabled access, and parking is separate to the normal car park. This area makes it easier to access the main path that will take you around the lake. Though at the rear of the lake to the left side, there is a fair slope. Or there is another route around it, but I have not used this...
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A beautiful lake to walk around a Coate Water Country Park. Taking in fresh country air whilst enjoying breath taking scenery. The lake is a beautiful site welcoming all. Joggers, pushchairs, dog walkers, fishing and also cyclists.
With a trail going around the lake to take your stroll, you will find plenty of seating to just be still and take a breath taking it all in. What better way to reconnect with nature but most importantly yourself. A true stress relief to be still amongst the water and the trees.
All types of birds can be spotted here through all seasons. Come rain or shine the Country Park will give you a welcome escape from a fast paced life. To allow you to press pause or connect with others.
Enjoy mini golf, the Coate Water cafe, a splash Park through summer, miniature railway ride, bird watching, Enjoy picnics, walking groups and lots more...
There is a small charge for the car park but if it becomes a firm favourite to visit, I would recommend buying a years pass for parking. You can even link it to Lydiard Park should you wish. Then visit both sites as many times...
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