Frequently Asked Questions
© David Hall
Where is the beach?
Located within Cotswold Country Park and Beach 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 full details of opening times and prices, go to www.cotswoldcountrypark.com
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 150 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 area has plenty of lovely public footpaths and bridle paths 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.
Dogs are not allowed near the beach area and playgrounds in Cotswold Country Park, but there is a designated dog swimming area there. For more details go to www.cotswoldcountrypark.com
Can I do open water swimming on any of the lakes?
There is open water swimming available on two of the lakes, but 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.
Open water swimming is available at:
Waterland Outdoor Pursuits, Lake 32 www.ukwatersports.co.uk
South Cerney Outdoor Centre, Lake 12 www.southcerneyoutdoor.co.uk
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:
Waterside Cafe, Lake Pochard, Spine Road, near South Cerney
Tackle Den, Lake 11, Spine Road, South Cerney
Fisherman's Rest (SCAC), Broadway Lane, South Cerney
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 local Post Offices such as South Cerney and Ashton Keynes.
Is there an entrance charge?
There are plenty of places to park for free in the area from where you can access footpaths, cyclepaths, bird hides, picnic spots, river walks and lake views.
The only places where there is an 'entrance' charge is Cotswold Country Park and Beach which is a facillity managed by the Watermark, and which offers swimming, toilets, cafe, beach, playgrounds etc.
For details of the opening times and admission charges go to www.cotswoldcountrypark.co.uk
Riverside Park in Lechlade (run by the CWP Trust) does operate a seasonal parking charge, a maximum charge of £2 a car during peak season.
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. The best place to try is the Hoburne Cotswold which has pitches for touring caravans, and tents. They also have cabins and static caravans for hire and for sale. There are numerous leisure facilities on site.
Take a look at the Camping & Caravan page for more details.
Where can I sail my own kayak/boat?
Some of the lakes have the facility for launching your own boats / kayaks, but you will need to check with them first.
Try Waterland Outdoor Pursuits on Lake 32 www.ukwatersports.co.uk, Tel.01285 861202.
How can I get more information?
If you still need to have your question answered, then please email info@waterpark.org or call 01793 752413 during normal office hours.
