A dog-friendly beer garden sets the tone at The Sun Inn, a straightforward pub hotel in Coate, Swindon, close to Coate Water Country Park.
About The Sun Inn
A dog-friendly beer garden is one of the first things people mention about The Sun Inn, a pub hotel in Coate on the edge of Swindon. It's a simple, welcoming set-up that suits the traditional character of the place, with rooms kept clean and comfortable and finished with en-suite bathrooms. Free on-site parking makes it an easy stop whether you're passing through or staying longer.
The restaurant serves generous portions and a solid range of vegan options, backed up by kids' meals and a bar for a quieter drink. Breakfast is included, and facilities extend to free WiFi, drinks available in the room, meeting rooms and business services for those combining a stay with work. That said, food preparation has occasionally been inconsistent, so it's worth going in with reasonable expectations even if the menu itself is broad.
Staff are generally described as accommodating, and the overall value is a recurring point in its favour. Coate Water Country Park is close by for walks, and the surrounding area has further pubs, bars and restaurants within easy reach, making The Sun Inn a practical base for exploring Swindon and its outskirts.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
I’ve been coming to The Sun Inn for years, but since the new landlord and team took over it’s gone from indifferent to outstanding. The pub feels fresh, welcoming, and full of positive energy while keeping its traditional charm. The welcome is warm and genuine, the Arkell’s ales are perfectly kept, and the food has stepped up massively, delicious, great value, and clearly cooked with care. The whole team are friendly, attentive, and clearly proud of what they’re doing. With its fantastic garden, family and dog-friendly atmosphere, and unbeatable location by Coate Water, this pub truly feels loved again. If you haven’t visited since the new management arrived, you really should easily one of the best pubs in the area. Highly recommended!
3 months ago · via Google
Big thankyou to the staff who welcomed us for breakfast on Royal Ascot Thursday. Two coach loads of people, the service was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble, everything ran smooth. They even had throwaway plastic aprons so people didn't spill food down their dresses or shirts/suits. Breakfast was superb and filling. Thankyou to all at The Sun Inn.
a month ago · via Google
Lovely location for everyone to meet at mid points. Great garden and equipment for the children to play and so close to coate. Richard took over days before our party of 32, from 83 years to 3 weeks old turned up for a birthday party. Richard is so welcoming and Liberty and Lucy ensured we all ate together, with extra gravy and kept everyone happy. Lovely relaxed venue with good proper fresh cooled food. Will be coming back, as mother in law says so! Praise indeed.
3 months ago · via Google
Great times at the Sun Inn. I am local so have never stayed overnight. But I make a regular visit for lunch with my friend at least once a week. The staff are always really welcoming and friendly. The food is really good and tasty at competitive prices. Today our server was Lucy. Lovely lady who fits in so well to the overall atmosphere and the happy place that it is. Well done team!
2 months ago · via Google
Guests consistently praise this pub for its generous portions and excellent vegan options, alongside clean and comfortable rooms. The accommodating staff and great value are frequently mentioned, as is the lovely and dog-friendly beer garden.
Some reviews mention the food can be poorly prepared.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Marlborough Road, Coate, Swindon, SN3 6AA Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Coate, Swindon
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Swindon