Coate Water country park situated close to Junction 15 of the M4 was originally constructed to provide a feed to the Wilts and Berks Canal. Since that time, it has been used for a variety of purposes providing a great resource for the people of the town and surrounding areas.
The site is now used for boating and fishing as well as forming part of a regionally important nature and wildlife reserve.
The diving stand shown in the picture on the left is a remnant of the 1930's to 1950's when Coate hosted numerous diving competitions and championships.
The reservoir was used to act as a feeder for the canal although it is so large it has always been a recreational site in its own right.
Read about the use of Coate Water in the 19th Century
Visit an external web site dealing with Coate Water today