Fequently Asked Questions

Where is the beach?

Located at Cotswold Country Park and Beach ( Lake 31 and 32) the famous inland bathing beach is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. Lifeguards are on duty at peak times, but children must be supervised at all times by an adult.

For information about opening times, prices and how to book, please see www.cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com

Please note that membership of Cotswold Lakes Trust does not include free access to Cotswold Country Park and Beach.

Where are the flumes and waterslides?

The Cotswold Water Park does not have waterslides – it describes an area of countryside of 40 square miles, with over 180 lakes. It was given the name Cotswold Water Park quite some time before these parks became so popular throughout Europe.

Can I bring my dog?

The whole area of the Cotswold Water Park has plenty of lovely public footpaths and bridlepaths where you can walk your dog; we just ask that you keep dogs out of the water and on a lead when near lake edges, to minimise disturbance to wildlife. Why not download some circular walks or pick up a Walks Guide at the Gateway Centre? Please note: Dogs are not allowed near the beach area and playgrounds in Cotswold Country Park and Beach.

Can I do open water swimming on any of the lakes?

There is open water swimming available at Waterland, Cotswold Country Park & Beach, Cotswold Water Park Hire and 4 Lakes. There is also a large inland paddling and bathing beach at Cotswold Country Park and Beach (seasonal opening times apply).
We do not advise anyone to swim in any of the lakes unless they are designated for swimming. Many of these lakes are very deep, some have strong currents, and there is discarded machinery at the bottom of others.

For further details see Swimming.

Where can I picnic?

You can picnic anywhere where there is public access (within reason) provided that that you follow the Countryside Code and take litter home with you. Waterhay and Lakeside car parks, Cleveland Lakes and Riverside Park all have benches. See Car Parks and Picnic Sites for more information.

Where can we have a BBQ?

Disposable BBQs are discouraged across the entire Cotswold Water Park due to the risk of ground fires and scorching.
The Cotswold Country Park & Beach has BBQ areas, including some for larger groups, which can be booked in advance.
BBQs are permitted at Riverside Park if they are off the ground but can not be placed on picnic tables.

Is there an entrance charge?

As the Cotswold Water Park is an area, not a park, there are plenty of places to park from where you can access footpaths, cyclepaths, bird hides, picnic spots, river walks and lake views. The only places where there is an ‘admission’ charge is Cotswold Country Park and Beach, which has a bathing beach, toilets, cafe, boat hire, playgrounds etc.
All the car parks* run by Cotswold Lakes Trust operate a parking charge, although it is free for Cotswold Lakes Trust members.

*Bridge, Clayhill, Lakeside, Neigh Bridge, Waterhay, and Riverside Park in Lechlade

Where can I go jet skiing?

A few years ago there was a lake providing jetskiing within the Cotswold Water Park and it is still possible to track down old references to this on the internet. However, there is now no jetskiing on any of the lakes within the Cotswold Water Park.

This may change in the future so keep a look out!

Where can I go camping?

The demand for camping sites in the Cotswold Water Park is very high during the summer season and during school holidays. Take a look at the Camping & Caravan page for more details.

Where can I get a day ticket for fishing?

It is possible to obtain a day ticket for fishing from various sites around the area, for example: Tackle Den. Some of the angling clubs offer day tickets as well. Don’t forget you will need to have a rod licence as well – these can be obtained from the local Post Office in South Cerney.

Where can I sail my own kayak / paddle board?

Some of the lakes have the facility for launching your own paddleboards/ kayaks, but you will need to check with them first. Try Lake 32 Outdoor Centre www.lake32.co.uk Tel.01285 861202, South Cerney Outdoor www.southcerneyoutdoor.co.uk Tel.01285 860388, CWP Hire 01285 860086 www.cwphire.com or 4 Lakes SUP and Kayaking www.4lakes.co.uk 07572 113220.

Powerboats: you will need to contact the Waterski clubs to see if this is possible: Cirencester Waterski Club or Cotswold Waterski Club

How can I get more information?

If you still have questions, then please see the relevant sections of this website.

During March to October, Cotswold Lakes Trust and Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers work at the Visitor Centre during weekends and school holidays, so if you are nearby why not call in to see if they can help? Outside of those times, there is an Information Point at Ashton Keynes Community Shop open 7 days a week where you can pick up a free Leisure Map or purchase guides.