With the arrival of glorious sunshine just in time for the extended bank holiday weekend, Cotswold Country Park and Beach is ready to welcome crowds eager for a memorable day out. As the UK’s largest inland beach, it offers a vibrant mix of sunbathing, sandcastle building, beach games, and barbecuing—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Cotswolds.
Reopened for the 2026 season on March 27, the park invites visitors to enjoy an array of activities in a beautiful natural setting. Whether you fancy wild swimming, paddling on the lake, a romantic pedalo ride, or competing in mini golf with family and friends, there’s something for everyone.
One of the park’s standout features is the AquaVenture inflatable aquapark, which has been completely revamped for 2026 with eight exciting new obstacles, adding to the 20 existing fun-filled challenges like bouncing pillows, rolling balls, bridges, and tunnels.
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The park boasts two distinct beaches—the Main Beach on the South Lake and the Children’s Beach Lagoon—along with an adventure playground and junior climbing walls right beside the beach. For those who want to explore the water, rowing boats, mini electric boats, and pedal karts are available to hire.
When hunger strikes, visitors can choose from three on-site dining options: the Beach Shack and Café, Roma’s Pizzeria, and the Ice Cream Hut, all conveniently located near the beach. The Beach Shack offers lakeside dining with a spacious covered area on the boardwalk. Guests are also welcome to bring their own picnics or rent a barbecue to enhance their outdoor feast.
Covering over 150 lakes, Cotswold Water Park offers a wealth of water-based activities, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and zorbing, ensuring endless fun for adventure seekers.
Admission requires advance booking via the Cotswold Country Park and Beach website, where day tickets and summer season passes can be purchased. Entry provides access to all beach areas, swimming zones, playgrounds, lake walks, catering outlets, and shops. Notably, at least 10% of every admission fee supports the Cotswold Lakes Trust charity, dedicated to conserving and enhancing the water park for wildlife and visitors alike.
Ticket prices start from approximately £3.50 for pedestrians and cyclists, with vehicle entry costing around £10 for up to five passengers. Prices vary depending on the season, so early booking is highly recommended to guarantee your spot.
For those seeking to extend their stay, nearby accommodation options include Corinium Cottage in central Cirencester, featuring a cozy courtyard and wood burner, and Hayloft Cottage, a charming converted stable that sleeps four and boasts a private courtyard.
Cotswold Country Park and Beach is located at Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Gloucestershire, GL7 6DF—ready to offer a perfect escape in the heart of the Cotswolds this bank holiday.