The stunning English pleasure lake with abandoned diving boards… where swimming is banned
Coate Water Country Park, in Swindon, features a diving platform that towers into the sky.
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Originally built in 1935, the structure now stands in the unused lake.
The park dates back to the 1820s, when it was first created as a feeder reservoir for the Wilts and Berks Canal.
However it didn't take long before members of the local community saw it as a potential leisure retreat where they could enjoy fishing, boating and ice skating in the winter.
In the 1930s, the Borough Council transformed the park, adding new facilities including an art-deco style swimming pool and the diving platform.
But by 1958, swimming at Coate Water was deemed unsafe due to health and safety concerns and the diving platform was abandoned.
Over the decades the landmark fell into disrepair and the steps were blocked off to deter vandals and thrill-seekers.
Then in 2013, the platform received a Grade II status as one of only four surviving interwar concrete diving platforms in the UK, and the only one in a lake.
Elsewhere in the park there is some opportunity for water play though, thanks to a large splash park.
It that has recently undergone a £475,000 upgrade and is expected to reopen on May 23, with a sign at the site stating "get your bathing suits ready".
The splash park has a sloped design to also accommodate wheelchair users.
It has interactive wet zones and a paddling pool.
A large car park is also located a short walk away, as well as Coate Water Cafe for refreshments.
A traditional pub - The Sun Inn - is close too, with casual dining, a beer garden and a kids' play area.
For those who fancy a walk, there is a path that goes around Coate Water, ideal for dog walking or enjoying the sun.
A range of wildlife, including rare birds, can be spotted at the 56-acre park and barbeques can be hired.
Also, a popular outdoor attraction to reopen on UK's largest lake – following shock closure last year.
Plus, with hiking, cycling, sightseeing, and more, Lake Windermere is the perfect staycation spot.
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