Cotswold Water Park Online Leisure Guide

Country Parks

Neigh Bridge

Located on the edge of Somerford Keynes village, this small country park provides a great place for dog walking, picnicking and angling. Facilities include a large car park, children's play equipment, seasonal toilets, and a secluded lakeside walk.
Location: Off B4696, just after sign post to Somerford Keynes, in direction of Oaksey.
Height restriction

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Clayhill Copse

A small car park on the Spine Road offers a surprise in the summer months with its delightful wild flower meadow, and picnic area. A network of footpaths can be accessed from Clayhill both north towards South Cerney and south towards Ashton Keynes.
Location: Off B4696, near Fridays Ham Lane turning to Ashton Keynes.
Height restriction

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Bridge Car Park

Known locally as the 'arches' this 19th century bridge took the old Spine Road over the railway between Cricklade and Cirencester. The bridge has been extensively restored and the area cleared by the ranger team making it a much nicer place for visitors. From the top it is possible to get one of the few high vantage points over the nearby lakes. This is an excellent location from which to start cycle rides down the old railway track towards Cricklade, or around the lakes to Ashton Keynes. Alternatively you can walk up towards South Cerney and bearing right follow the old canal path down towards the Gateway Centre.
Location: Off B4696 Spine Road, between Station Road and Broadway Lane.
Height restriction

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Lakeside Car Park

This large lakeside car park is in dire need of resurfacing, when funds allow, but it does provide a quick and easy stop to watch the windsurfers and kayaks on Lake 16.
Location: On edge of South Cerney village, on Station Road, opposite the Watermark Club.
Height restriction

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Gateway Centre Car Park

The largest of the free car parks around the Cotswold Water Park, this provides an excellent base from which to start your visit to the area. The Gateway Centre has information on all the local activities and attractions, plus leaflets on local accommodation and eating out. In addition, walks along the Thames and Severn Canal can take you to Cerney Wick, and even through to Cricklade. In the other direction, the path takes a pleasant route through to South Cerney village.
Please note these routes are not really suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
The now famous Coots Cafe can be found inside the Gateway Centre, serving freshly prepared hot drinks, cakes snacks and light meals - open 7 days a week from 9am - 5pm ( times may vary during the winter months).
Cotswold Outdoor shop, next to the Gateway centre sells everything for the outdoors, from camping equipment to walking gear.
Location: Just off A419 Swindon to Cirencester bypass, on B4696 Spine Road. First turning left on Spine Road
Height restriction: None

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Waterhay Car Park

On the road out of Ashton Keynes towards Cricklade, there is a reason why this car park is called Waterhay - the area is very susceptible to severe flooding during the winter months. However, most of the year this makes a very accessible car park, with footpaths through to Ashton Keynes, Clayhill car park, and a long circular route around the lakes, including two birdhides.
Location: From Ashton Keynes, take road to Cricklade and Waterhay car park is situated on first bend before bridge.
Height restriction: None

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Riverside Car Park, Lechlade

Set on the banks of the River Thames and managed by Swindon Borough Council, this is the only official free car park in the Eastern section of the Cotswold Water Park. With footpaths along the Thames, boat hire, tea shop and easy access into Lechlade town centre this makes an ideal base for exploring the town and river.
Location: On A417 from Lechlade to Swindon, just past traffic lights.
Height restriction