Cotswold Country Park & Beach
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Cotswold Country Park & Beach

4.2
·2k reviews·Shorncote, United Kingdom

Experience the UK's largest inland beach with watersports, adventure playgrounds, and BBQ facilities for a perfect family day out.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
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Cotswold Country Park & Beach

Cotswold Country Park & Beach

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the crowds and heat

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the UK's largest inland beach with watersports, adventure playgrounds, and BBQ facilities for a perfect family day out.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"A beautiful hidden gem, kids had a fun time playing in the water and on the swan boats!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Book Parking Online

Secure your spot and often a better rate by booking car parking in advance online. :admission_tickets:

☀️ Pack for Sun Protection

Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water, especially on hot days. Natural shade is available but can be limited. :sunwithface:

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 2,081 reviews

Type

Water Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

UK's Largest Inland Beach

UK's Largest Inland Beach

Main Beach Area

Enjoy a sandy beach experience with designated swimming and paddling areas. Perfect for a classic beach day without the coastal journey.

Instagram
AquaVenture Inflatable Park

AquaVenture Inflatable Park

Lake

An epic inflatable obstacle course on the water, offering hours of fun for older kids and adults who can swim 20 meters.

InstagramReddit
Watersports & Boat Hire

Watersports & Boat Hire

Lake

Rent pedalos, kayaks, SUPs, or electric boats to explore the freshwater lakes and enjoy the scenic parkland.

InstagramReddit
Adventure Playgrounds

Adventure Playgrounds

Various locations

Multiple play areas cater to different age groups, ensuring younger children have plenty of space to climb, slide, and explore.

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Peak Times

To guarantee entry, especially on hot summer days or weekends, booking your car parking online in advance is highly recommended. This also often secures a better price than paying on the day. Reddit

Summer is Prime Time

This park truly shines during warm, sunny weather. While open year-round, the beach, water sports, and BBQ facilities are best enjoyed on hot summer days. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the crowds and heat
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter than weekends
Crowd
Medium
When
Hot summer weekends
Why
Peak beach weather
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Brilliant place to take the kids for a day out #cotswoldcountryparkandbeach #cotswolds #mustvisitplaces #vivalatiktok #waterassaultcourse #queenjubilee2022 #holiday
@syka900
113 likes • 16.1K views

🚗 Book Parking Online

Secure your spot and often a better rate by booking car parking in advance online. Reddit :admission_tickets:

☀️ Pack for Sun Protection

Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water, especially on hot days. Natural shade is available but can be limited. Reddit :sunwithface:

UK’s largest inland beach 🌊 We found everything you need for a full-on family day: 🛶 Boat, pedalo, SUP and kyack hire 🛝 Adventure play park 🔥 BBQ hire available 🚶‍♀️ Lakeside walk or bike ride 💦 AquaVenture inflatable water park (for bigger kids) 💰 £20 per car – covers the whole day! 📍Cotswold country park and beach, GL76DF Perfect for a hot summer day when you don’t want to trek all the way to th...
@adventureswithmywildone
3.7K likes • 510K views
Cotswold Country Park & Beach 🏖️ Living in The Midlands, beach days aren’t really possible but @cotswoldparkandbeach was the perfect beach day! You pay per car which is great value for money! There is plenty of space to take a picnic, grab an ice cream, explore the beach, play areas & walks. ☀️ You will also find AquaVenture, mini golf, boat & kayak hire! #cotswolds #thecotswolds #daysout #d...
sensory_fun_at_home
495 likes • 5K views

🧺 Picnic & BBQ Ready

Plenty of picnic benches and BBQ spots are available. Bring your own food or grab snacks from the cafe. Reddit 🍕

🩱 Swim Test for AquaPark

Kids need to pass a 20-meter swim test to use the AquaVenture inflatable park. Book sessions in advance! Reddit :swimmer:

UK’s largest inland beach 🌊 We found everything you need for a full-on family day: 🛶 Boat, pedalo, SUP and kyack hire 🛝 Adventure play park 🔥 BBQ hire available 🚶‍♀️ Lakeside walk or bike ride 💦 AquaVenture inflatable water park (for bigger kids) 💰 £20 per car – covers the whole day! 📍Cotswold country park and beach, GL76DF Perfect for a hot summer day when you don’t want to trek all the way to...
adventureswithmywildone
404 likes • 8.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Book Parking Online

Secure your spot and often a better rate by booking car parking in advance online. Reddit :admission_tickets:

☀️ Pack for Sun Protection

Bring hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water, especially on hot days. Natural shade is available but can be limited. Reddit :sunwithface:

🧺 Picnic & BBQ Ready

Plenty of picnic benches and BBQ spots are available. Bring your own food or grab snacks from the cafe. Reddit 🍕

🩱 Swim Test for AquaPark

Kids need to pass a 20-meter swim test to use the AquaVenture inflatable park. Book sessions in advance! Reddit :swimmer:

👟 Comfortable Footwear

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and beach, so wear comfortable shoes. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Cotswold Country Park & Beach as a fantastic family-friendly destination, particularly praised for its large inland beach and array of water activities. The value for money, especially with car parking fees, and the well-maintained facilities are frequently highlighted. While it can get very busy during peak summer periods, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.

"Very cute little place 😍😁👍 great for kids! Good price to get in, per car around £10-20 per car with whoever in.
We had a nice day there, in July, while the kids were off...so was very busy! But still very nice to go visit. Maybe when it's quieter next time 👍"

Claire P

"What beautiful hidden gem 😍..... The trip to this place was so so so exciting and amazing. My kids really had a fun time. The beach area was so good for swimming and playing in 💦 the park area the beautiful swan boating connected to a small island in centre wow really awesome . Must visit place but don't forget only in summer super sunny hot days 😉 they also have a BBQ PLACE TOOO"

NABILA MUMTAZ

"We booked ahead by 4 days & caught a very hot day. There was plenty of natural shade off the beach area to stay cool in !
The water was cool but not cold & obviously busy as families splashed around. I counted 4 lifeguards !! Very vigilant and perhaps when it's very busy ball games in the water should be discouraged!! Everything was clean, the bins were emptied every hour & toilets looked like it was the beginning of the day...not the end! Well done cleaning teams! We loved our day & will bring our grandkids back soon."

trish morgan

What People Like

Large inland beach
Great value per car
Plenty of activities

What People Dislike

Can be very busy
Limited shade in some areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The park is located in the Cotswolds Water Park, easily accessible by car. The postcode is GL7 6DF. Parking is available on-site and booking online in advance is recommended, especially during peak season. InstagramReddit

Public transport options are limited. While buses may serve nearby villages, driving is the most convenient way to reach the park. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Parking is available on-site and is typically paid per car. Booking your parking slot online in advance is highly advised to guarantee entry and potentially get a better rate. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great option if you're local or staying nearby. There are lakeside walks and bike rides available within the park. Instagram

The park generally offers good accessibility with paved paths in many areas. However, specific accessibility details for all attractions should be confirmed directly with the park. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry is typically charged per car, with prices varying based on the season and whether you book online in advance. Expect around £10-£20 per car for a full day. InstagramReddit+1

It is highly recommended to book your car parking online in advance, especially for summer weekends and hot days, to guarantee entry and potentially save money. Reddit

Opening hours vary seasonally, with longer hours during the summer months. It's best to check the official website for the most current opening times before your visit. Reddit

Yes, the AquaVenture inflatable water park requires a separate booking for a specific time slot, usually a 1-hour session. Booking online in advance is essential. Reddit

Absolutely! Cotswold Country Park & Beach is very picnic-friendly, with many benches and BBQ spots available. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Activities include swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, boat hire (pedalos, electric boats), an inflatable water park (AquaVenture), adventure playgrounds, crazy golf, and lakeside walks. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, it boasts the UK's largest inland beach, offering sandy areas for playing and designated swimming zones. Instagram

There are designated swimming areas on the sandy beach, suitable for both paddling and swimming. Lifeguards are often present during busy periods. Reddit

Yes, there are several adventure playgrounds catering to different age groups, including a toddler-specific play area. InstagramReddit

Boat hire is available, including swan pedalos, electric boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there's a cafe and snack shack offering ice creams, drinks, and light meals. However, many visitors opt to bring their own picnics. Instagram

The park provides designated BBQ spots, making it a great option for a family cookout. You can bring your own BBQ or sometimes hire them. InstagramReddit

The cafe typically offers classic park fare like ice creams, hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. Instagram

Options may be limited at the cafe. Bringing your own picnic with a variety of choices is often the best approach for specific dietary needs. Reddit

Park cafes can be pricier than supermarkets. Bringing your own food and drinks is a budget-friendly option. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the sandy beach, the lake with boats, the AquaVenture park in action, and the surrounding parkland. The reflections on the water are particularly photogenic. Instagram

Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful soft light. Midday can be harsh but is great for capturing the vibrant activity. Instagram

Drone usage policies can vary. It's essential to check the park's official regulations regarding drone photography before flying. Instagram

A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both wide landscapes and action shots on the water. Waterproof cases are useful for water activities. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors' privacy and check for any specific park rules. Instagram

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