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🏖️Cotswold Country Park and Beach
Cotswold Country Park and Beach is a family-friendly destination in Gloucestershire, offering a unique inland beach experience set within 40 acres of parkland. The main attraction is a large sandy beach alongside a lake, perfect for swimming, paddling, and building sandcastles. Children can enjoy a giant inflatable aqua park, pedalos, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also adventure play areas, a mini golf course, and a treetop adventure course for older kids. On land, visitors can explore nature trails, feed the ducks, and relax on the picnic lawns.
Facilities include a café serving hot and cold food, ice cream kiosk, and ample free parking. The park is pushchair and wheelchair friendly with accessible paths. Lifeguards are on duty during beach season (May-September). The site is popular for family days out, and pre-booking is recommended for peak times. Ages: suitable for toddlers to teenagers, with activities for all ages.
Travel tips
Pre-book during peak times
Pre-booking is recommended for peak times to avoid disappointment and queues, especially during school holidays.
Lifeguards on duty May-September
Lifeguards are present during beach season (May-September), so plan water activities like swimming and paddling for these months.
Bring sun protection
Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing as there's limited natural shade on the beach area.
Pushchair-friendly paths throughout
The park is pushchair and wheelchair friendly with accessible paths, making it easy to navigate with younger children.
Bring spare clothes and towels
Pack extra clothes and towels for swimming and the inflatable aqua park, plus nappies and wipes for younger children.
Water activities require supervision
All water activities (swimming, paddling, pedalos, kayaking, paddleboarding) require close adult supervision, especially for younger children.
Free parking available
Ample free parking is available, which is great for families with lots of gear to unload.
Café and ice cream kiosk on-site
There's a café serving hot and cold food plus an ice cream kiosk, though bringing a picnic may offer better value and variety.
Plan time for multiple activities
With a beach, aqua park, adventure play areas, mini golf, and treetop course, allow at least half a day to try several attractions.
Treetop adventure for older children
The treetop adventure course is better suited to older kids rather than toddlers; check age requirements when booking.
Picnic lawns available
Dedicated picnic lawns provide a good spot for families to bring their own food and enjoy a relaxed meal outdoors.
Bring waterproof bags
Use waterproof bags or cases to protect phones, keys, and valuables while enjoying water activities and beach time.
40 acres to explore
The park covers 40 acres, so wear comfortable shoes and consider the walking distance if pushing a buggy for the full day.
Activities suit ages 1-16
With activities ranging from toddler-friendly areas to teenage attractions, the park caters to mixed-age families well.
Check weather for beach visits
As an outdoor park, check the forecast before visiting; windy days can affect water activities and beach comfort.
Nature trails and duck feeding
The nature trails and duck-feeding areas are gentle options perfect for toddlers or when children need quieter time.
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Nearby places
Cirencester Park
0.4 miCirencester Park is a historic 150-acre parkland in the heart of the Cotswolds, offering a peaceful escape for families. Highlights include a large children's playground, wide open lawns for picnics and games, the beautiful Walled Garden, and a herbaceous border. Families can also enjoy walking or cycling along the long avenues of beech trees and spotting deer in the park. Facilities include a café, public toilets, and ample parking. The park hosts seasonal events like the Cirencester Park Polo Club and outdoor theatre. It's free to enter and open daily from dawn to dusk, making it a fantastic budget-friendly day out for all ages. - Playground suitable for toddlers and older children - Dog-friendly (on leads near play areas) - Pushchair-friendly paths - Bike hire available nearby
Cirencester Park
0.4 miCirencester Park is a historic 150-acre parkland in the heart of the Cotswolds, offering a peaceful escape for families. Highlights include a large children's playground, wide open lawns for picnics and games, the beautiful Walled Garden, and a herbaceous border. Families can also enjoy walking or cycling along the long avenues of beech trees and spotting deer in the park. Facilities include a café, public toilets, and ample parking. The park hosts seasonal events like the Cirencester Park Polo Club and outdoor theatre. It's free to enter and open daily from dawn to dusk, making it a fantastic budget-friendly day out for all ages. - Playground suitable for toddlers and older children - Dog-friendly (on leads near play areas) - Pushchair-friendly paths - Bike hire available nearby
Cotswold Country Park and Beach
3.8 miThe Cotswold Country Park and Beach is the main family-friendly hub within the larger Cotswold Water Park, offering a sandy beach on a 100-acre lake. Families can enjoy swimming (lifeguarded in summer), splash around on paddleboards or kayaks, and explore nature trails through wildflower meadows and woodlands. There are two well-equipped playgrounds (for toddlers up to older kids), a cycle trail with bike hire, and challenge courses. Facilities include a cafe with child-friendly menu, picnic areas, and clean washrooms with baby-changing. - Highlights: sandy beach, water sports, adventure play, wildlife spotting (kingfishers, dragonflies). - Best for ages 2–14; toddlers enjoy the paddling area and smaller play frame, older kids love kayaking and the high ropes course. - Parking is pay-and-display (approx £5–8 per day), so the total family cost is moderate. - Most activities are outdoors, so sunny days are best, but the cafe and nature centre offer some cover on drizzly days.