Coates village lies about 3 miles  west of Cirencester, on the edge of the Bathhurst Estate and close to the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) which, between them, own much of the land in and around the village. Coates might be small, population around 600, but it has a fascinating history and there is plenty going on.

This is intended as a guide for both residents and visitors. If you are a newcomer to the village or just passing through, we hope your stay is a happy one.

The parish church of St Matthews (now part of the Thameshead Benefice) dates back to the 13th century and sits on the outskirts of the village.

The village boasts a thriving village hall.  Built originally in around 1905 as a Reading Room its informal role as village hall only began in 1918 at the end of World War I and gaining official status as a village hall in 1948. The hall has been exposed to a range of extensions since its original days. The hall offers a variety of regular events and can be booked for private functions.

There is no pub in the centre of Coates but the village club, with bar, provides a welcoming environment for social gatherings on Friday and Saturday evenings.

There is a well equipped, maintained playground with swings, slides and climbing equipment.

Coates is home to the source of the river Thames and the start of the 184 mile long Thames Path (a National Trail) which meanders through Kemble, Ewen, Ashton Keynes and Cricklade before heading east to Lechlade, onwards through Oxford and completes its journey at the Thames Barrier near Woolwich, London. To reach the source of the river: from the village hall follow Trewsbury Road towards the A433, after about 0.5 mile take the signed footpath (that crosses the road) to the right and when this ends follow the Wysis way footpath to the left. Many local walks are readily accessible from Coates.

The Thames and Severn Canal passes through Coates, originally forming part of a waterway that linking the rivers Severn and Thames.

Coates is also home to the Watershed RDA  (Riding for the Disabled Association) who with horses and ponies provide therapy and fun to people with disabilities.

Local Towns

• Cirencester – just about everything you might need
• Stroud – good for the many light industry units along the A46 and A417, and now there is a cinema
• Cheltenham – good for shopping
• Swindon – sports facilities and cinemas