ACTIVITIES AT COATE WATER
 
This is the 'unofficial' site about Coate Water Country Park! This site was created as a means to share information, memories and thoughts about one of the best places to be in Swindon.
     

Public Boating at Coate Water was discontinued a few years ago but many clubs, shools, and colleges still make full use of the lake for pleasure, practice and racing (see EVENTS page). The lake is also regularly used by model boat enthusiasts (permission required from Rangers).
 
   
Pitch and Putt at Coate Water is an ever popular activity for all the family. Open throughout the year many regular faces can be seen enjoying this facility, there is even a small mini golf course too.
 

Events at Coate

       
     
     

The Model Railway at Coate Water is an very popular summer and weekend family attraction. Run and maintained by volunteer steam enthusiasts, it provides an extremely good value for money ride through a delightfully laid out track. A variety of trains are used and rides are given on Sundays most weekends throughout the year. During the summer school holidays there are also rides on Tuesdays. If you are lucky you may even spot the special occasional appearance of the 'fat controller' and Thomas!

  
                 
Activities at Coate
 
Photos from Coate
     
You can find out more information about the trains at Coate Water or the North Wilts Model Engineer society from their website.    
  Photo from North Wilts Model Engineer society  
Memory Lane YOUR Memories    
Photo from North Wilts Model Engineer society    
                                     

For those interested in Fishing, Coate Water provides and idyllic setting for all anglers. There is a closed season at the lake and day tickets or season tickets are required. There are clear areas where no fishing is allowed and there are a few simple rules in keeping with the fact that this is a public, country park. Full details can be obtained from the Rangers at the Activities Centre (01793) 490150 (cottage in the main the car park), online, or at the Pitch & Putt kiosk. Alternatively, for season tickets, call (01793) 464731

Although Coate Water is known to have reasonably good fish stock, it is also reputed that you will need to be a patient and particularly skilled angler to be successful! Non-the-less, there are many very experienced, seasoned anglers that regularly fish the lake and several large fish have been caught this year including in September 2004 a 43lb Common Carp!
         
                     
               
   
 
   
                                               
                                   

Without a doubt, 'feeding the ducks' at Coate Water is probably the most favourite of activities for many visitors to the park! Old and young alike simply cannot resist the simple pleasure of tossing a few crusts or seed to the ever hungry inhabitants of the lake. The cafe even sells bags of specially mixed grain, pellets and seeds (only 50p per bag) where all of the profits are donated to the South West Swan Sanctuary who look after the sick and injured wild birds and small animals of the park.

     
                     
  Whilst children are thrilled to be so close to wild birds, older people too cannot help but benefit from spending a few moments relaxing in the tranquil and beautiful setting of the park. 'Feeding the birds' is indeed Coate Water's very own natural 'therapy' for helping people to escape the hustle and bustle of todays stressful living!      
             
         
                       
One of the more well known geese from the park, George, become a local 'celebrity' amongst regular visitors to the park and there is now a beautifully illustrated childrens story book all about him!  
                       
Cycling is only permitted on the clearly signposted route from Marlborough Road to Broome Manor Lane (Western side of the park) and more recently the route has been extended to link into the newer cycle route to Chiseldon. Of course, with a cafe that is open throughout the year (reduced hours during the winter) Coate Water can provide a welcome place to rest a while to enjoy the park and take refreshment! A full range of cycles for all the family are also available for hire from the Ranger Service.
     
Walking is of course enjoyed by many, from the gentle leisurely stroll to the more serious marathons or sponsored runs or walks that have a route within or 'passing through' Coate Water. There are also organised orienteering activities (more information from the park Ranger Service) and a number of signposted routes for the more adventurous including to Hodson, Chiseldon and Barbury Castle. For those with children's pushchairs or wheelchairs, the main route around the lake is surfaced. There is also a facility for those with limitied mobility to use one of Coate's own special forms of individual transport to get around on (more information from the park Ranger Service)!            
One activity no longer practiced at Coate Water is depicted in this wonderful picture sent to us by Bob Timms, who took the picture as locals enjoyed a particularly cold spell causing the lake to freeze over........ 'Health and Safety' today would have a fit!!!    
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Coate Water is situated on Marlborough Road Swindon. From the M4 take exit 15 and follow the signs for Swindon town centre along the A419 then A4259 until you see the sign for Coate Water Country Park. Location Map for Coate Water can be found HERE
            
                 
                                       

 

 

 

 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COATE WATER: You may like to browse these 'official' or other informative sites;

Swindon Web on Coate

Swindon Council website re Coate Water

Coate Water Sailing Trust

Bristol Carp Bait Supplies (online ordering)

Fishing at Coate Water

Orienteering at Coate

North Wilts Model Engineering Society - based at Coate Water

Millenium Trail - Wildlife walk including Coate Water

 

          

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