Cotswold Country Park and Beach: Your Guide to the Perfect Day
Let’s be honest. When you think of the Cotswolds, you think of rolling green hills, honey-coloured stone houses and old-fashioned village pubs. A stretch of sandy beach with turquoise water is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. That’s why Cotswold Country Park and Beach is a delightful surprise. Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswold Water Park, it’s a little slice of coastal magic, miles from the nearest beach.
I first visited on a scorching summer bank holiday weekend when the temptation to drive to the actual sea was too much. But with reports of traffic jams on the south coast, we decided to give this inland alternative a try. I admit, I was sceptical. A beach in a ditch? Could it really be that good? As we passed through the entrance and the view of Lake 32 opened up before us — a vast expanse of sparkling blue water surrounded by golden sand — my doubts were dispelled. The kids, of course, needed no convincing. They were already kicking off their shoes and running towards the water, their shouts of joy answering my question before I even asked it.
This place is more than just a novelty; it’s a brilliantly designed, activity-packed day out that’s for everyone, from thrill-seeking teenagers to toddlers building their first sandcastle.
What exactly is Cotswold Country Park and Beach?
Before we get into the details, let’s clear up a common point of confusion. Cotswold Water Park is a huge area covering 40 square miles, made up of over 150 lakes created from old sand quarries. It’s a huge adventure playground spread across the Gloucestershire and Wiltshire countryside.
The Cotswold Country Park and Beach is a distinctive site within this large water park. It’s centred around Lake 32 and is the flagship location for family fun. Its standout feature is the inland, freshwater beach that’s carefully crafted with sand and safe, designated swimming areas. It’s not a natural coastal beach, but the effect is incredibly convincing and just as delicious.
The park has been managed with a focus on nature, conservation and family activities. So, while you’re having fun, you’re also in a place that’s home to all sorts of wildlife, from waterfowl on the lake to butterflies in the wildflower meadows. It’s this combination of high-energy fun and peaceful natural beauty that makes it so special.
How to get there and essential visitor information
Here are the practical things you need to know to plan your trip without a hitch.
Location:
The park is located at Spine Road, South Cerney, Gloucestershire, GL7 5FP. It is ideally located, just a few minutes from the A419, making it easily accessible from the M4 and M5 motorways. It is approximately a 10-minute drive from Cirencester, 20 minutes from Swindon, and 30 minutes from Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Opening times:
The park is open every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm or until dusk, whichever is earlier. However, these times can vary with the seasons, and the beach itself has its own specific operating hours, particularly for swimming. It is absolutely essential that you check the official website before your visit, as opening times for activities can vary, and the park sometimes closes for private events.
Entry prices:
Here is a breakdown of costs. Remember, booking online during busy periods is almost always cheaper and guarantees entry.
Admission Prices:
Here’s a breakdown of the costs. Remember, booking online in advance is almost always cheaper and guarantees entry during busy periods.
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Standard Entry (Online): Around £6 – £8 per person (ages 4+).
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Standard Entry (On the Gate): Can be £1 – £2 more expensive.
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Under 4s: Free entry.
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Parking: This is a separate cost and is currently around £4 for the whole day. You pay this at the machine on your way out.
It’s important to note that your entry fee gets you access to the park, the beach, the playgrounds, and the trails. Activities like watersports and bike hire cost extra.
Activity Overview at Cotswold Country Park and Beach
| Activity | Suitable For | Cost (Approx.) | Booking Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Access & Swimming | All ages | Included in entry | No |
| Adventure Playground | Children of all ages | Included in entry | No |
| Paddleboarding (SUP) | Ages 8+ (and adults) | £15-£20 per hour | Yes, recommended |
| Wakeboarding | Teens and adults | £20-£30 per session | Yes, essential |
| Open Water Swimming | Competent Swimmers | Included in entry | No, but check lanes |
| Bike Hire | All ages | £10-£15 per hour | No, on a first-come basis |
| Lakeside Camping | Families, groups | £20-£30 per pitch | Yes, essential |
At-a-Glance Practical Information
| Information | Details | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Address | Spine Road, South Cerney, GL7 5FP | Easy access from A419 |
| Standard Opening | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Always check website first |
| Standard Entry (Online) | £6 – £8 per person (4+) | Cheaper than on the gate |
| Parking Fee | £4 for the day | Paid on exit via machine |
| Best Time to Visit | Weekdays, outside school holidays | Less crowded |
| Dog Policy | Not on main beach (peak season) | Allowed on surrounding paths |
Splash and Play: Water Sports and Beach Fun
This is the main event. The reason most people come. And it doesn’t disappoint.
Beach and Swimming:
The Ritila Beach is the heart of the park. It’s a large, well-maintained area with plenty of room to spread out your towel and set up camp for the day. The sand is clean and ideal for sandcastle engineering projects. The water entry is gradual and sandy underfoot, making it ideal for small children to safely splash and play in the water.
Swimming is done in clearly marked, designated zones, which are supervised by lifeguards during the main season. This is a great safety feature that gives parents a real sense of peace. The water is freshwater from a lake. It’s not chlorinated like a pool, so it can feel a little cooler and, well, more natural. It’s usually very clean, but like any natural body of water, it’s not crystal clear like the Caribbean. This doesn’t stop it from being incredibly refreshing on a hot day.
- Water Sports Centre:
For those looking for more action, the on-site water sports centre is a hub of excitement. This is where you can book a huge range of activities. They offer: - Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): A wonderfully relaxing way to explore the lake. Lessons are available for beginners.
- Open water swimming: For serious swimmers, there are designated lanes for proper, uninterrupted swimming.
- Windsurfing and sailing: Feel the wind in your hair as you learn to harness the power of the wind.
- Wakeboarding: This is a big thing here. They have a fantastic cable wakeboard system that pulls you around the lake, meaning you don’t need a boat. It’s exciting to watch, even if you don’t dare to do it yourself.
You can book these activities in advance on their website, which I highly recommend avoiding disappointment.
Beyond the water: adventures on land
What if there’s no water baby in your group? Or is the British weather doing what it does best? Don’t worry, there’s heaps to do.
Adventure Playground:
I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best playgrounds I’ve ever seen. It’s a vast, wooden wonderland of towers, tunnels, zip wires, and slides. It’s designed to challenge and excite children of all ages, and they can easily spend an hour or two here. It’s the perfect place to burn off any remaining energy before a car journey.
Walking and cycling trails:
The country park is set within a nature reserve, and has a network of flat, easy trails woven around various lakes. It’s a lovely place for a walk, with bird hides to spot birds. You can hire bikes from the park, including child seats and trailers, and explore on two wheels. It’s a great way to escape the busy beach area and find a moment of quiet.
Picnicking and eating:
You’re more than welcome to bring your own picnic, and there are plenty of benches and grassy areas to sit on. There’s also a beach café that serves all the essentials: hot and cold drinks, ice cream, burgers, chips and sandwiches. The food is standard family day out fare — perfectly good for filling hungry tummies but nothing gourmet. My advice? Pack a picnic to save money but definitely budget for an ice cream treat.
Where to stay: Camping and local accommodation
If one day isn’t enough, you can turn your visit into a mini break.
On-Site Camping:
The park has its own lakeside camping field. It’s a relatively basic set-up — it’s a field with porta-loos and showers, not a luxury holiday park. But what it lacks in facilities, it more than makes up for in location. Waking up steps from the beach and having the park to yourself in the morning is a pretty unique experience. It’s perfect for families who love a simple, back-to-nature camping trip.
Local accommodation:
The surrounding area is full of options. There are lovely hotels and B&Bs in the nearby town of Cirencester. There are also plenty of self-catering cottages in the surrounding Cotswold villages, which offer a more comfortable base from which to explore the wider area.
My honest opinion: The good, the bad, and the sandy
So, is Cotswold Country Park and Beach worth it? Based on my multiple visits, here’s my balanced take.
The good:
- Unique concept: It offers a beach experience without the long drive to the beach.
- Something for everyone: It’s brilliantly suited to all ages and interests, from relaxing on the sand to high-adrenaline sports.
- Great amenities: The playground is fantastic, the lifeguarded swimming area is a big plus, and the overall site is clean and well-managed.
- Beautiful setting: The lake is stunning, and the surrounding nature trails offer a peaceful escape.
Not so great (things to know):
- It can be busy: On a sunny weekend, it gets very crowded. Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach.
- Costs add up: Admission + parking + activities + food can make for an expensive day out for a family. Plan and book in advance to manage your budget.
- Weather dependent: This is obviously true for any UK beach trip, but your enjoyment is heavily tied to the weather. It’s not as much fun in the rain.
- Water: Don’t expect warm, crystal-clear seawater. This is a freshwater lake, which can be chilly and murky. It’s natural, but some may be disappointed.
My final verdict? Absolutely worth it. This is a uniquely fun and well-executed day out. Just go with realistic expectations: this is a busy, lively, family-focused park, not a remote, secluded cove.
