Manor Cottages

Your Guide to the Cotswold Country Park and Beach

With water parks, beaches and crazy golf, there’s fun for the whole family at the Cotswold Country Park and Beach. Make the most of your visit and start planning the perfect weekend in the Cotswolds with your loved ones. 

The Cotswold Country Park is fantastic if you want to keep the kids entertained. Leave them to explore the giant inflatable assault course as you sit back in the sun enjoying a cool, refreshing drink from the Beach Shack.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the Cotswolds Water Park and Beach…


Cotswold Country Park, Lake and Beach

Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Cirencester, GL7 6DF

If you are looking for a fun-filled day in the Cotswolds, the Country Park and Beach is a fantastic choice.

Located on the River Thames, the Cirencester family park has something for everyone. Pack your sun cream, take a picnic and get ready for a day on the water with the whole family at the Cotswold Country Park lake and beach.

The adventure park is full of exciting activities to choose from. Whether you want to bask in the British sun or tumble off the AquaVenture assault course, the Cotswold beach is a unique day out for the family.


Other Parts of the Cotswolds Water Park

If you want to keep away from AquaVenture and Cotswold Beach, the Cotswold Water Park consists of over 180 lakes.

Many of the lakes are nature reserves and allow you to see some of Cotswold’s local animals. The Cleveland Lakes contain the largest reedbed. That is perfect for birds, dragonflies and the elusive Water Vole.

Around the park, you can head out walking, cycling, fishing and birdwatching. Plus, if you are making a day of it, you can find beautiful picnic spots around Cotswold Water Park. It is a unique spot for anyone visiting the Cotswolds.


Cotswold Waterpark Beach

The Cotswolds Country Park is the UK’s only natural inland beach. If you are visiting with the family, the beach is one of the best places to keep everyone entertained.

There are two pleasant sandy beaches that cater to children of all ages. Located on the South Lake, the family beach is the larger of the two, where you can lay back and watch your kids building sandcastles.

If the little ones are a bit smaller, stick to the kid’s beach. Here you are close to the toilets, play zone and small paddling area. Plus, you are close to the ice cream parlour to enjoy on a relaxing summer’s day.

Along the edge of the water are a number of bookable barbeques. Bring some food for everyone to enjoy and serve up some freshly cooked barbeque favourites.


AquaVenture Cotswold Waterpark

While the South Lake is a fantastic experience for the whole family, the North Lake is home to the AquaVenture Cotswolds Water Park. Here you are greeted with a giant inflatable obstacle course.

The fun-filled assault course can be booked in one-hour time slots and is a great way to tire the kids out. There are over 40 pieces of inflatable equipment and several challenges, including climbing to the top of the tower.

The inflatable course is one of the most popular attractions at the Cotswold Park & beach. With fun for the whole family, it is a great way to bond with your children. Just be warned, you will get wet.

You will need to book tickets for AquaVenture separately and follow the online guidelines to ensure you can participate. Adults must accompany children under 15 and participants must be able to swim fifty meters unaided.


Walking at the Cotswold Country Park

While families and youngsters tend to flock towards the Country Park & Beach, there are over 40km2 to explore. Walking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself and see as much of the local countryside as you can.

The walks are well maintained and take you on a journey around the many lakes and woodlands. Take your dogs and find tranquillity away from the busier beach.

Two of our favourite walks are the Cotswold Canals Towpath and the Thames Path. These are in the Eastern part of the water park and take you through some of the quiet towns and villages in the area.

As you walk along the paths, keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife. You can spot bats, voles, otters and butterflies, as well as many stunning wildflowers local to the area.

The hikes are perfect for walkers of all abilities and are great to explore the Cotswolds Water Park. Whether you want to head out for the day or an hour, the walks are a fantastic way to see the local area. Take a packed lunch and head off around the green countryside and almost endless supply of freshwater lakes.


Facilities at the Country Park

At the Cotswolds Country Park, there is a whole range of facilities to make your trip easier.

As well as many family-friendly activities, the Cotswold Country Park has BBQ’s, cafes, restaurants, grocery stores and accessible toilets. You will never be too far away from convenient amenities to keep your visit running smoothly.

Many of the paths around the North and South Lake are wheelchair friendly making it the perfect stop for everyone. If you want to know more about which parts of the site are accessible by wheelchair, please contact the park directly.

Located near the park entrance, you will see the information centre as you arrive at Cotswold Water Park Beach. Here the staff can give you all the information you need to know about the parks and the local area.


Relax in style at the Cotswolds Country Park and Beach. Take a walk, fire up the barbie or challenge your children on the assault course. Whatever you choose, you are in for a day of fun-filled activities for the whole family at the Cotswold park & beach.

Start planning your trip to the Cotswolds, today.


Image Credits – Vieve Forward – (CC BY-SA 2.0)