Cotswold Water Park 2026: Tickets, Hours & Family Prices

Cotswold Water Park family planner • 2026

Plan the Right Tickets, Beach Day, AquaVenture & Stay

Cotswold Water Park searches can mean photos, hotels, lodges, retreats, AquaVenture, the beach, or the wider Cotswold Lakes area near Cirencester.

This guide separates the paid beach attraction from the wider UK lake district, so you can check tickets, hours, family prices, parking, accommodation and activity rules before booking.

Photos Hotel Lodges Tickets Beach AquaVenture Cirencester
Beach + Familycheck tickets first

Fast Answer: Cotswold Water Park Tickets, Hours and Family Prices

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Best family ticket

For most families, car admission is the key ticket because it covers up to 5 persons.

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Car price tiers

Official Gift Aid car admission is £10 low, £15 mid and £20 high season.

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Paid beach postcode

Use Cotswold Country Park & Beach, Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Cirencester GL7 6DF.

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Phone

Official contact: 01285 868096, listed Mon-Sun 9:00am-5:00pm.

Important: admission gets you into the park. AquaVenture, boats, SUPs, kayaks, mini golf, BBQ hire and cabanas may need separate booking and payment.

Cotswold Water Park vs Cotswold Country Park & Beach

This is the main booking mistake. The wider lake area and the paid beach attraction are not the same thing.

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Cotswold Lakes / Cotswold Water Park UK

Best for maps, photos, hotels, lodges, retreats, walking, cycling, wildlife, accommodation and exploring the wider UK lake district.

Official context: Cotswold Lakes is the newer name for the wider Cotswold Water Park area, with 180+ lakes across 42 square miles.

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Cotswold Country Park & Beach

Best for tickets, beach admission, swimming lagoon, AquaVenture inflatable course, food, play areas, SUPs, kayaks, BBQ hire and family facilities.

Use this for paid tickets: Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Cirencester GL7 6DF.

Map tip: do not type only “Cotswold Water Park” into maps if you want the paid beach. Use “Cotswold Country Park & Beach” or GL7 6DF.

Cotswold Water Park Photos: What to Check Before You Book

Photos matter here because “Cotswold Water Park” can show very different places: beach, lake hotels, lodges, nature reserves, paddle sports or AquaVenture.

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Beach photos

Check recent beach photos if your family wants sand, paddling, swimming and food nearby.

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AquaVenture photos

Look for the inflatable course, water depth, entry points and whether your children look confident enough.

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Lodge and retreat photos

For stays, check whether the accommodation is truly lakeside, near activities, dog-friendly, or more remote.

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Map photos

Use map screenshots to understand distance between hotel, lodge, beach, car park and activity provider.

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Family photos

Recent family photos show shade, queues, picnic space, toilet distance and how busy sunny days feel.

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Weather photos

Lake days look different in wind or rain. Check recent seasonal photos before booking a full activity day.

2026 Ticket Prices: Low, Mid and High Season

Official admission is priced by season band and arrival type. Always check the live calendar before paying.

Admission typeLow season Gift AidMid season Gift AidHigh season Gift AidBest for
Pedestrian / cyclist£3.50£4.50£5.50Local visitors, cyclists, drop-off visitors.
Motorbike up to 2 persons£5£8£9Two-person motorbike visits.
Car up to 5 persons£10£15£20Most families and small groups.
MPV 6-8 persons£15£20£25Larger family groups.
Minibus£30£40£50Groups; bookable via office/gate.
Coach£140£175£200Large groups; bookable via office.
Gift Aid note: official prices show Gift Aid and non-Gift Aid rates. Use the official admission page if you do not want to make the Gift Aid donation.

Family Price Examples: What Will You Actually Pay?

Family situationLikely ticketAdmission rangeCheck before booking
2 adults + 2 children in one carCar up to 5 persons£10 / £15 / £20 by seasonActivities, food, weather and sold-out dates.
2 adults + 3 children in one carCar up to 5 persons£10 / £15 / £20 by seasonBest value if everyone fits in one car.
6-8 people in one MPVMPV 6-8 persons£15 / £20 / £25 by seasonDo not book car admission if your vehicle/group fits MPV rules.
Local family dropped offPedestrian/cyclist tickets£3.50 / £4.50 / £5.50 per person by seasonThere is no external parking nearby for pedestrian-ticket visitors.
Repeat local familyAdmission Season Pass£120 per vehiclePass still requires pre-booking and does not guarantee entry on fully booked days.

Opening Hours, Season and Fully Booked Days

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2026 operating season

The official admission page lists 2026 operating season information by month from March to September.

Hours vary

Public access, activity sessions, food outlets and event setup can vary by date, season and weather.

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Fully booked means full

The FAQ says if the website says fully booked, no additional entry or pay-on-the-gate tickets are available.

Closing-time warning: the official admission page says guests remaining beyond posted closing times may be subject to a £100 release fee.

Cotswold Water Park Hotel, Lodges and Retreats

Accommodation searches are usually for the wider Cotswold Lakes area, not the paid beach gate. Book your stay and day tickets separately unless a provider clearly includes an activity package.

Search intentWhat it usually meansBest booking check
Cotswold Water Park hotelLakeside hotel stay, spa break or family hotel near the lakes.Check distance to Cotswold Country Park & Beach and whether admission is included.
Cotswold Water Park lodgesSelf-catering lakeside cottages, wooden chalets, holiday homes or lodge parks.Check bedrooms, kitchen, parking, dog rules, lake access and nearest activity provider.
Cotswold Water Park retreatQuiet lakeside stay, wellness break, hot tub cottage, glamping or luxury self-catering.Check whether you want relaxation or paid family activities nearby.
Cotswold Water Park CirencesterAccommodation or day-out planning near Cirencester, South Cerney, Shorncote and nearby lakes.Use exact postcode, not only the broad “Cotswold Water Park” map label.

Booking Steps: Avoid Wrong Tickets

Choose the correct destination.
Use Cotswold Country Park & Beach for paid beach, swimming lagoon and AquaVenture.
Pick your visit date.
Check whether your date is low, mid or high season before comparing prices.
Select the right admission type.
Choose pedestrian, motorbike, car, MPV, minibus or coach based on how you arrive.
Add activities only after admission.
AquaVenture, BBQ, boats, SUPs and kayaks may require separate booking.
Save your tickets.
Screenshot admission, activity tickets, waivers, booking reference and phone number before travelling.

Address, Phone, Parking and Map

NeedUse thisPractical tip
AddressCotswold Country Park & Beach, Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Cirencester GL7 6DFUse GL7 6DF for the paid beach, not a general Cotswold Water Park search.
Phone01285 868096Listed contact hours: Mon-Sun, 9:00am-5:00pm.
ParkingBook the correct vehicle admission.The FAQ says there is no external parking outside the park for pedestrian admission visitors.
Nearest town contextCirencester / Shorncote / South Cerney areaUseful for hotels, lodges, food stops and rainy-day backup plans.

AquaVenture, Inflatables and Activity Add-Ons

Admission does not automatically include every activity. Decide the must-do activity first so the family budget does not surprise you.

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AquaVenture inflatable

Separate ticket from admission. Minimum age is 6 years and over 110cm.

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Age 6-10 rule

Children aged 6-10 need an adult aged 18+ on AquaVenture. Official ratio is 3 children to 1 adult.

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Swimming ability

Participants must be able to swim 50m unaided and be confident in the water.

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Disclaimer

Complete the AquaVenture disclaimer online or on the day before the session.

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Arrive early

Check in 30 minutes before your session for check-in, changes, buoyancy aid and safety briefing.

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Wetsuits

If water temperature is below 15°C, wetsuits are mandatory. Hire may be available subject to availability.

Activity warning: if park admission is fully booked, you may not be allowed in to use AquaVenture tickets. Book admission and activity together.

Safety, Swimming and Weather Rules

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Swim in approved areas only

Swimming is restricted to the beach swimming area. Do not swim from other lake entry points.

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Storms can stop sessions

AquaVenture may run in rain but can stop for thunder, lightning or serious weather safety issues.

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Footwear rules

Trainers and hard-soled shoes are not allowed on AquaVenture; aqua socks may be permitted.

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Remove jewellery

All removable jewellery must be removed before entering AquaVenture.

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Dogs

Dogs must be on leads and are not allowed on the beach or in the water.

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No disposable BBQs

Disposable BBQs, fires and gas burners are prohibited. Hire official BBQ areas instead.

Helpful Video Preview: See AquaVenture Before Booking

This video is useful if your family is considering AquaVenture. It helps show that the park is an outdoor lake, beach and inflatable activity day rather than a classic indoor slide waterpark.

Use the written official links above for current prices, opening hours, booking rules and safety details. No VideoObject schema is added because exact upload date and full schema metadata were not safely verified.

Open video on YouTube if it does not load

Food, Picnic, Toilets and What to Bring

NeedOfficial / practical detailWhat to do
Food on siteBeach Shack, Café and Ice Cream Hut serve food and drink at selected times of year.Check seasonal outlet availability before relying on it.
PicnicYou can bring your own food and drink for a picnic.Do not bring glass bottles or containers.
BBQDisposable BBQs, fires and gas burners are prohibited.Hire an official BBQ area if you want BBQ food.
ToiletsToilets are open during business hours; disabled toilet is located at the Main Entrance.Base younger children near toilets and food when possible.
AquaVenture arrivalCheck in 30 minutes before AquaVenture session.Arrive earlier for parking, toilets, changing and briefing.
Fast pack list: towels, swimwear, dry clothes, sun cream, water, picnic, no glass, water shoes if allowed, activity tickets, admission tickets, waiver proof and wet-bag.

Local Insider Tips That Save Time and Money

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Fill one car if possible

For up to 5 people, one car admission is often better value than separate pedestrian tickets plus drop-off complications.

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Book hot days early

Weekends, school holidays and sunny days can sell out. “Fully booked” means no gate tickets.

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Do not overbuy activities

Younger children may be happy with beach, playgrounds and food. Add AquaVenture only if rules and confidence fit.

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Use the right postcode

GL7 6DF for the paid beach. Use Cotswold Lakes map for wider walking, cycling, wildlife and accommodation exploring.

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Stay nearby, not randomly

For hotels, lodges or retreats, check the real drive/walk time to Cotswold Country Park & Beach before booking.

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Weather backup

Outdoor lake days feel different in wind or rain. Have mini golf, food stops or Cirencester backup plans ready.

FAQs: Cotswold Water Park 2026 Tickets, Hours and Family Prices

How much are Cotswold Water Park tickets in 2026?

For Cotswold Country Park & Beach, official Gift Aid admission starts from £3.50 for pedestrians/cyclists and from £10 for a car up to 5 persons in low season. Prices rise in mid and high season.

What is the best family ticket for Cotswold Water Park?

For many families, the car ticket is best value because it covers up to 5 persons. Larger groups of 6-8 people should check MPV pricing.

Where can I see Cotswold Water Park photos before booking?

Check official attraction pages, accommodation pages, recent map photos and video previews to confirm whether you are looking at the beach, AquaVenture, lodges, hotels or the wider Cotswold Lakes area.

Are there hotels and lodges at Cotswold Water Park?

Yes. The wider Cotswold Lakes area includes hotels, self-catering lodges, holiday homes, retreats, glamping and cottages, but these are separate from paid beach admission.

Is AquaVenture included in admission?

No. AquaVenture tickets do not include park admission. You need admission as well as AquaVenture tickets.

What is the AquaVenture inflatable age rule?

AquaVenture is for age 6+ and over 110cm. Children aged 6-10 need an adult aged 18+ on the course, with a 3 children to 1 adult ratio.

What postcode should I use for Cotswold Country Park & Beach?

Use GL7 6DF for Cotswold Country Park & Beach, Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Cirencester.

Can I pay at the gate if the website says fully booked?

No. The official FAQ says when the website shows fully booked, all available parking and admission slots have been allocated and no pay-on-the-gate tickets are available.

Can I bring my own paddleboard or kayak?

No. The official FAQ says visitors are unable to launch their own SUPs, kayaks or boats from the site.

Can I bring food or a BBQ?

You can bring your own picnic food and drink, but no glass bottles or containers. Disposable BBQs, fires and gas burners are prohibited; official BBQ areas can be hired.

Bottom Line: Match the Booking to the Real Search Intent

If your goal is the paid family beach, book Cotswold Country Park & Beach admission for GL7 6DF. For most families, the car ticket is the key price to compare because it covers up to 5 people.

If your search is for photos, hotel, lodges or retreat stays, use the wider Cotswold Lakes accommodation pages and then separately check whether you also need beach, AquaVenture, inflatable or activity tickets.

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