Cotswolds beach named among UK’s best despite being inland

Cotswold Country Park and Beach near Cirencester is listed by The Sun as one of the country’s top beach-style destinations.

The site is part of the wider Cotswold Water Park, a series of former gravel pits that have been redeveloped over several decades into lakes used for leisure, wildlife and conservation.

It is often described as the UK’s largest inland beach, with a freshwater lake bordered by sandy bays and shallow paddling areas.

READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson signs exclusive major deal with supermarket giant

The beach in the Cotswolds. (Image: Cotswold Country Park and Beach)

The park offers a range of watersports, including designated open-water swimming areas, kayak hire and stand-up paddleboarding.

AquaVenture, a large inflatable obstacle course on the lake, features climbing walls, slides and balance challenges aimed at older children, teenagers and adults.

Sessions on AquaVenture are typically run in timed slots and are supervised.

For visitors seeking a quieter visit, the park has sunbathing areas and clearly marked picnic spots.

READ MORE: Cotswolds Distillery crowned best in England after three awards won

Food and drink are available from on-site outlets, including a Beach Shack and an Ice Cream Hut.

Families can book BBQ grill areas, allowing groups to cook and eat on site.

The park also includes a pirate-themed nine-hole mini golf course as an additional activity away from the water.

Cotswold Country Park and Beach is located a short distance from the market town of Cirencester, often referred to as the “Capital of the Cotswolds”.

In The Sun’s round-up, it was listed alongside other inland waterside locations such as Rutland Water and Loch Morlich.