Draycote Water
Draycote Water
4
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
Draycote Water is an ideal place for a family day out in Warwickshire. Whether you are planning a gentle walk, some cycling or spotting some wildlife, there is lots to do at this great site. If you are bringing the whole family, the Country Park offers plenty of space for games and picnics as well as a fantastic children's play area. There is also a sailing club and trout fishery for those looking for an activity to get involved with and the recently refurbished visitor centre is now open. Gates open 7.00am - 8.00PM everyday, apart from Christmas Day. The cafe is open 10.00am - 6.00pm (8am-6pm on weekends). Please note dogs are not permitted around the reservoir however they are welcome in the Country Park. BBQs are not allowed in any area of the site.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Miranda F1 contributionA walk and breakfastLove the walk around draycote, it has stunning views. Stopped for breakfast however we found it quite disappointing, more variety is needed and portions not big enough. You're cakes etc are amazing thoughVisited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 25 May 2024
- Harvey4455Coventry, United Kingdom232 contributionsA great destination for walkers, runners and cyclistsWhat a find. I’d always imagined this reservoir to be rather plain and uninteresting but it was anything but! There is a five mile paved walkway around the entire reservoir, suitable for walkers, runners and cyclists. A good all weather surface. Much of the walk is through woodland so it’s not all open either (see photos). The visitor centre does food/coffees etc. The coffee was fine but nothing special. Dogs appear to be allowed but the rules were rather confusing so I should check before you travel. There is lots of parking, currently £3 for two hours and £5 all day. However, if you think that’s a bit steep there are paths around the reservoir that take you off to some of the surrounding villages. My guess is that if you were happy to walk further you could park there for free and walk to the reservoir instead.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 August 2024
- clair621 contributionDraycote Reservoir - a beautiful place for everyone to enjoyI visited Draycote with some friends this week and had a lovely relaxed lunch in the restaurant. The staff and rangers are so friendly there. The Halloween trail is just amazing for children to mooch around -obviously a great deal of work and effort has been put into this. Sweets as a prize for completing too. The lovely 5 mile flat walk is beautiful especially on a lovely autumnal day. Lovely place to visit and enjoy the water and wildlife..Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We're so glad that you had fun on the Halloween Trail, we hope to see you again soon.Written 4 November 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 1 November 2024
- Carl HSoutham, United Kingdom20 contributionsParking is expensive.Food in restaurant a bit pricey for average food. Could do with opening earlier. Parking makes it extra pricey. Lake is a very nice place to walk around. And as dogs are not allowed. You don’t have to watch out for dog poo everywhere. Which is good.Thanks for leaving a review. We're glad you had a good visit and hope to see you again soon.Written 9 January 2025This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
632 reviews
Excellent
293
Very good
205
Average
64
Poor
20
Terrible
51
Smffy
Rugby, UK66 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Draycote Water is a good place to take a bracing walk, run or cycle ride particularly on a windy day. It’s quite easy going on tarmac all the way around.
We parked up in a lay-by opposite the petrol station in Dunchurch and followed the National Cycle Route 41 under the M45 to join the footpath around the lake. The advantage of joining the footpath here is that whether you turn right or left it’s about equidistant from the cafe where we had tea and scones, which are a good size, baked daily and delicious. A good range of quality food and drink is available throughout the day, with specials on Mother’s Day, Christmas time etc. We then continued around the lake and back to our car. Altogether, it’s about 6 miles. For a shorter walk you can use the on site car park (£2 for 2 hours or 4 per day, I think).
Dogs are not allowed because it’s a public water supply reservoir and Severn Trent Water cannot take the risk of contamination.
We parked up in a lay-by opposite the petrol station in Dunchurch and followed the National Cycle Route 41 under the M45 to join the footpath around the lake. The advantage of joining the footpath here is that whether you turn right or left it’s about equidistant from the cafe where we had tea and scones, which are a good size, baked daily and delicious. A good range of quality food and drink is available throughout the day, with specials on Mother’s Day, Christmas time etc. We then continued around the lake and back to our car. Altogether, it’s about 6 miles. For a shorter walk you can use the on site car park (£2 for 2 hours or 4 per day, I think).
Dogs are not allowed because it’s a public water supply reservoir and Severn Trent Water cannot take the risk of contamination.
Written 9 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
301lisa33
Coventry, UK2,010 contributions
Jan 2020
This reservoir has a hard surfaced path circumnavigating it. It makes for a pleasant, quite gentle, 5 mile walk. It is largely flat but there are some slightly steeper sections. There are long vista over the neighbouring countryside. The visitors centre contains toilets and a very nice cafe/restaurant. There is no entry fee but parking is charged
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulB
2 contributions
Sept 2021 • Family
Visited Draycote this site a couple of times in the last two weeks and things seem to have improved dunce I last reviewed. The site seems well kept and there is a new memorial garden near the bird hides. Parking is easy but expensive for a short visit, good value for a half or full day so make a day if as we did and take a picnic. The children’s play area is now fully open but the refreshment kiosk was not, which was a shame.
We also gave the restaurant another try in the visitor centre for a snack, but this experience has not improved.
The food that we had was average, a dry scone which tasted like yesterday’s with jam and cream served by an abrupt lady who seemed as thorough she would rather be elsewhere. The stairs entrance to the restaurant still look as though they are in need of a good clean as do the windows on the balcony. ( I notice they are advertising for a cleaner so maybe this is getting sorted ) The take away area looked better so we decided to give it a try on our second visit but unfortunately it was closed at just after 5:00 although it’s advertised as 6:00.
All in all Draycote site is a good place to visit but I suggest take your own food including drinks as the visitor centre catering is very disappointing.
We also gave the restaurant another try in the visitor centre for a snack, but this experience has not improved.
The food that we had was average, a dry scone which tasted like yesterday’s with jam and cream served by an abrupt lady who seemed as thorough she would rather be elsewhere. The stairs entrance to the restaurant still look as though they are in need of a good clean as do the windows on the balcony. ( I notice they are advertising for a cleaner so maybe this is getting sorted ) The take away area looked better so we decided to give it a try on our second visit but unfortunately it was closed at just after 5:00 although it’s advertised as 6:00.
All in all Draycote site is a good place to visit but I suggest take your own food including drinks as the visitor centre catering is very disappointing.
Written 10 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
I am very sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your visit to the Waterside Restaurant for Afternoon Tea.
All of our sandwiches and cakes are made fresh and I apologise if these were not to the standard we would expect.
With our freshly baked scones and selection of cakes it is very unfortunate that we were not able to rectify your issues on the day as we are always happy to offer a replacement or a refund.
As we were not able to discuss this with you during your visit please do not hesitate to contact us on 01788 815274.
Thanks
Written 13 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dean S
214 contributions
Feb 2021
What a lovely morning out. Although it was busy it was still an excellent experience.
Beautiful scenery. Well maintained grounds.
I have one criticism and it is not directed to Draycote.
My criticism is directed toward idiot members of the public.
Despite it being very busy there were several complete idiots who rode bicycles at speeds that were frankly reckless. “All the gear... no idea”.
Someone is going to be seriously injured if these lunatics are not stopped.
Unlike some people for whom laws and rules don’t apply to them we did pay for parking because it’s the right and proper thing to do.
Those who choose not to do so don’t deserve nice surroundings as they are the sort that want something for nothing. If you can’t afford a coffee from the snack bar stay at home. Some of you are happy to unlawfully avoid paying for a car park but moan about the cost of a coffee.
......people!!!!
Beautiful scenery. Well maintained grounds.
I have one criticism and it is not directed to Draycote.
My criticism is directed toward idiot members of the public.
Despite it being very busy there were several complete idiots who rode bicycles at speeds that were frankly reckless. “All the gear... no idea”.
Someone is going to be seriously injured if these lunatics are not stopped.
Unlike some people for whom laws and rules don’t apply to them we did pay for parking because it’s the right and proper thing to do.
Those who choose not to do so don’t deserve nice surroundings as they are the sort that want something for nothing. If you can’t afford a coffee from the snack bar stay at home. Some of you are happy to unlawfully avoid paying for a car park but moan about the cost of a coffee.
......people!!!!
Written 28 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI Dean S
Thank you for taking the time to write a review, we're happy you love Draycote.
Really sorry to hear about your experience with the fast bikes, we do have several signs around and will speak to cyclists if we see them. I have passed the comments to the site team to review further.
Really glad to hear that you support the site, we also have memberships that offer excellent value, have a look on our website for further info.
Thanks again
Written 2 March 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue1951
Northampton, UK155 contributions
Sept 2020
Encouraged by other reviews, a friend and I visited Draycote Water as a change from our local usual daily walk. We took a leisurely walk around the reservoir on the wide footpath/road rather than the woodland path to ensure we could remain socially distanced at all times. We arrived back at the restaurant just after midday and had an excellent meal - the mushroom, Stilton and spinach tart was especially good. Tables were well spaced, staff were wearing masks/visors and were particularly pleasant and helpful. A very enjoyable trip.
Written 4 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee R
3 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
No Dogs Allowed around the walk, not good after paying £5 to park
Terrible to drive 30 Miles to visit , pay extortionate parking fee, only to see signs banning dogs. When you enter the reservoir entrance. You can go in a small area grassed off but dog owners were expecting to walk around the reservoir which is not remotely possible
You need to rethink your policy or come clean and have a big sign on all parking meters advising dogs are not allowed except in a small area
Keep them on a lead is acceptable , ensuring owners clean up any mess no problem. Banning them terrible behaviour and for no valid reason
Terrible to drive 30 Miles to visit , pay extortionate parking fee, only to see signs banning dogs. When you enter the reservoir entrance. You can go in a small area grassed off but dog owners were expecting to walk around the reservoir which is not remotely possible
You need to rethink your policy or come clean and have a big sign on all parking meters advising dogs are not allowed except in a small area
Keep them on a lead is acceptable , ensuring owners clean up any mess no problem. Banning them terrible behaviour and for no valid reason
Written 30 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
I am really sorry you didn’t enjoy your visit with us.
Dogs are allowed in the country park but I am afraid they are not permitted around the reservoir.
This is for the safety of all our visitors and also we have a lot of wildlife including ground nesting birds so this is for their protection.
Written 11 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claire C
1 contribution
Oct 2021
Fabulous day out at Draycote water. I was looking for somewhere for a family get together and found Draycote water on the map. We were going to be a large group of 16, with children, a wheel chair user and someone with Celiac disease so I rang the restaurant to check that they cold cater for us. Right from the first phone call the staff were extremely helpful and accommodating, reserving us a table and reassuring me that it was a good place to meet. And it didnt disappoint. The table was ready for us, and menus brought straight to the table. We ordered at the counter and all the food came out together within 5 minutes of ordering which we were extremely impressed with given the wide range of meals selected (Sunday roasts to soup and sandwiches) The quality of the food was very good as well. After lunch we enjoyed a nice stroll along the bank of the reservoir looking at all the various different water birds. The path was nice and easy for pushing a wheel chair and the children enjoyed some time on the play area. Thankyou to all the staff for making it a great day out.
Written 24 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
We are really pleased you enjoyed your time at Draycote and we hope to see you again soon.
Thanks
Written 29 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jagoda G
1 contribution
Mar 2021 • Couples
Very disappointed after man came to be being very rude saying that people with dogs can’t walk around the water although I was already health way around the lake. More than 70% of people own a dog and I think it’s stupid to ban dogs from coming what are the owners supposed to do leave them in the house for hours? It’s a like and forest a nature everyone should have an access to it. Very very disappointed and won’t be coming back there! I’ll also tell my friends not to go there ever !
Written 22 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Truth
Bulkington, UK12 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
Have been a regular visitor to Draycote both from an angling and bird watching point for over 30 years.
Whilst the angling is great the reservoir is now spoilt by the way it has been turned into a play ground for children and families.
Draycote was unspoilt and peaceful where ypu could enjoy a day out in the country side appreciating all the wildlife and views. The place is now over run by families who think its ok to allow their ferrel children to run around shouting, screaming and dropping their litter every where bot to mention using the paths as a race track for their bikes with no thought for those that use the reservoir to appreciate the country side.
To not allow people to walk dogs a round the reservoir on a lead but allow numerous kids to run riot and destroy to peace and quiet is unfortunately the way this has gone but I suppose its all about making money now with the parking charges and cafe.
Whilst the angling is great the reservoir is now spoilt by the way it has been turned into a play ground for children and families.
Draycote was unspoilt and peaceful where ypu could enjoy a day out in the country side appreciating all the wildlife and views. The place is now over run by families who think its ok to allow their ferrel children to run around shouting, screaming and dropping their litter every where bot to mention using the paths as a race track for their bikes with no thought for those that use the reservoir to appreciate the country side.
To not allow people to walk dogs a round the reservoir on a lead but allow numerous kids to run riot and destroy to peace and quiet is unfortunately the way this has gone but I suppose its all about making money now with the parking charges and cafe.
Written 1 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom W
Coventry, UK28 contributions
Sept 2020
This is a great place to cycle off road and get a few circuits of the reservoir (5 mile circuit). Lots of people walking too, I would suggest great for this when walking trails become really muddy in the winter. Excellent facilities and visitor centre.
Written 19 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SevernTrent W
Coventry, United Kingdom
Hi Lynda,
No sorry, the country park is open and not fenced in.
Kind Regards,
The Ranger Team
Written 7 May 2024
Can you still exit the car park after it has closed? Are their gates that lock you in?
Written 9 September 2022
Hi there, I do not recall any gates in or out of the car park
Written 20 September 2022
Is the car parking permit interchangeable for 2 cars from same household?
Written 17 January 2021
Didn’t know there was a permit, but unless the registration number appears on it I would have thought you were OK.
Written 17 January 2021
I only walked it. Took around 2 hours at a fairly leisurely pace with a few stops to view scenery and wildlife. Probably not the place for fast cycling!
Written 15 October 2020
DayTrip59173872588
Coventry, United Kingdom
Was there today and a couple were walking there dog on the tarmac path right of the cafe toilets shop etc thought they are not allowed
Written 15 June 2020
As far as I am aware dogs are not permitted on the site because it’s a water supply reservoir. I think there is an exception for assistance dogs for disabled people. Severn Trent Water plc are responsible for its management and they usually have a representative on site, either in the car park, or the main building and you can bring it to their attention.
Written 16 June 2020
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