Draycote Water is managed by Severn Trent Water and is located near to the villages of Thurlaston, Dunchurch, Kites Hardwick, and the hamlet of Draycote.
The reservoir was built to meet the ever increasing demand for water from south and east Warwickshire. The construction started on the reservoir in 1967 and was completed in 1969. It opened in 1970. A sequence of photographic records are available.
Its primary use is to supply residents and organisations in Rugby and Coventry. Water is released back into local rivers and reservoirs at times of low flow.
Draycote is a 'pumped storage reservoir' which means that it has no natural feed; it's filled with water pumped from the River Leam and the local reservoirs at Stanford and Brownsover at different times of the year.
The reservoir covers 630 acres (240 ha) and the distance around the perimeter is 5 miles .
The maximum depth is 70ft and its capacity is estimated at 5 billion gallons.
Dogs are not permitted within the reserve.
**Updated Opening Hours** - 2024
Site open everyday, apart from Christmas Day!
February - October:
10.00am - 5.00pm
November - January:
10.00am - 4.00pm
Draycote Water site has a number of amenities:
• The Visitor Hub has a café and shop, operated by the New Leaf Catering Partnership Ltd.
• Water sports,
• Fishing,
• Nature trails and bird hides,
• Parking facilities,
• A large childrens’ play area is available with a large selection of equipment;
• Draycote Sailing Club.