Key Information
- Location
- Coate Water, Marlborough Road, Swindon SN3 6AA. Get directions
- Phone
- 07824 550463 (Ranger Centre)
- swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk
- Facilities
- Ranger centre, café, toilets, play area, splash park (summer), nature reserve, bird hides, angling, pitch & putt, crazy golf
Coate Water parking charges
Coate Water car park operates 24 hours. Charges apply; pay at machines or by phone (code 59281). Disabled parking bays available.
| Duration | Charge |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | £2.30 |
| 2–24 hours | £4.80 |
Source: Swindon Borough Council
Pay by phone
Use parking code 59281 when paying by phone. Ring and Pay or the council’s pay-by-phone service – see swindon.gov.uk – Pay for parking.
Coate Water BBQ hire
Coate Water has designated BBQ areas. Bring-your-own BBQs are free in designated areas only – they must be off the ground and disposed of after use. Disposable BBQs are not allowed. For large static BBQ hire:
| Option | Price |
|---|---|
| Large static BBQ + 1/3 horse field | £70 |
| Corporate groups or 100+ people | £210 |
| Bring your own (designated areas only) | Free |
Source: Swindon Borough Council
Book via swindonrangers@swindon.gov.uk or 01793 490150. Payment by cash or cheque (payable to Swindon Borough Council) on the day. See the Coate Water BBQ area map (PDF) for designated areas.
Pitch & putt and crazy golf
Coate Water has 18-hole pitch & putt and 18-hole crazy golf. Opening Thu–Tue 11am–6pm (Wed closed); winter closure applies. No booking needed – pay at the warden hut. Card payments only.
| Activity | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Crazy golf (putter & ball hire included) | £4 |
| Pitch and putt (club/putter & ball hire included) | £6 |
Source: Swindon Borough Council
Coate Water splash water park
The council runs a splash water park at Coate Water during summer. Check swindon.gov.uk for dates, times and booking – popular with families in the school holidays.
Things to do at Coate Water
- Walking and cycling – Paths around the lake (1.75 miles / 2.8 km, ~45 mins at a gentle pace) and through woodland. Many routes are level and surfaced for wheelchair users.
- Play area – For children
- Café – Refreshments at the Ranger Centre
- Nature reserve – Deer and fox in wildflower meadows; heronry viewable from bird hides. Permits from the Activity Centre.
- Angling – Fishing permitted; see council website for permits
- Jungle Parc – Treetop adventure courses (book separately) – see our family days out guide
- Richard Jefferies Museum – 17th-century cottage museum nearby, free entry – check opening times
Dogs at Coate Water
Dogs are allowed in the country park but not in the nature reserve, children’s play area, splash park, or golf course. Keep dogs under control and follow local bylaws.
Longer walks
For longer routes, the park connects to walks to Hodson, Chiseldon and Barbury Castle – check Swindon Travel Choices or local walking guides.
Check latest information
Parking charges, BBQ fees, splash park dates and opening times can change. Always verify before visiting.
View Coate Water on swindon.gov.ukOther Swindon parks
For more green spaces, see our guide to parks and green spaces in Swindon – including Peatmoor Lake, Lydiard Park and Stanton Park.
References & sources
- Coate Water Park – Swindon Borough Council (accessed February 2026)
- Coate Water parking – Swindon Borough Council (accessed February 2026)
Information correct as of February 2026. Parking charges, BBQ fees and facilities can change. Always check swindon.gov.uk before visiting.