Cotswold Country Park And Beach

What Cotswold Country Park And Beach does

Cotswold Country Park and Beach is a privately operated leisure visitor attraction located in Shorncote near Cirencester in the Cotswolds, England, self-described as home to the UK's largest inland beach. The site is owned by the Cotswold Lakes Trust (a registered charity, formerly the Cotswold Water Park Trust) and has been operated under a long-term management contract by Planning Solutions Limited since the operator's founding in 1995. Planning Solutions traces its lineage to the Rank Group's leisure division and also manages other UK attractions including Conkers Discovery Centre, Kent Life, and Springfield's Adventure Land.

The core product is paid park admission providing access to a beach, lifeguarded swimming lagoon, playgrounds, walking trails, food and drink outlets, and lake-side facilities. This is layered with a portfolio of charged on-site activities: the AquaVenture inflatable aqua park course on North Lake, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, boat hires (Swan Pedalos, electric Mini Port boats, row boats, paddle boats), a 9-hole Pirate Cove Mini Golf course, 4-person pedal karts, an outdoor climbing wall launching in 2026, and BBQ hire areas. Premium offerings include a £600 VIP Floating Cabana launching in 2026 and an annual Season Pass at £120 per vehicle. Group packages serve schools (minimum 20 guests), corporate events (AquaVenture exclusive hire for up to 175 people), and birthday parties with a 30-person lakeside marquee option.

The business operates a direct-to-consumer model through an online ticketing platform (FuseMetrix), supplemented by on-site gate sales when capacity allows, and group bookings via email. Pricing follows a three-tier seasonal structure (Low, Mid, High) with vehicle-class differentiation and an optional Gift Aid donation to the Cotswold Lakes Trust. Marketing runs through organic Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram channels plus an email newsletter. The park is seasonal (closed during winter) and serves only the UK domestic market, with five referral partnerships to nearby accommodation providers supporting longer-stay visitors.

Name

Cotswold Country Park And Beach

Legal name

Planning Solutions Limited

Website

https://cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cotswold Country Park and Beach is a privately operated inland beach and water-based leisure attraction near Cirencester, UK, serving families, school groups, corporate clients, and tourists with admission, water sports, and activities, managed by Planning Solutions Limited on behalf of the Cotswold Lakes Trust charity.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Visitor attraction and water-based leisure park

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Recreational Goods Rental (532284)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Park Concessions & Guest Services (Food, Retail, Lockers, Cabanas) (THAAABAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized) (THAAAGAF)

Keywords

• Visitor attraction
• Leisure park
• Water sports
• Beach recreation
• Family entertainment

Headquarters

HQ city

Cirencester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Park Admission Tickets: Entry fees for vehicles (cars, MPVs, minibuses, coaches) and pedestrians/cyclists. Pricing varies by season (Low, Mid, High) with optional Gift Aid donation component.
2. Activity Fees: Revenue from paid activities including AquaVenture (£16+ per person), boat hires, kayaks, SUPs, mini golf, pedal karts, and climbing wall. Activities require separate admission ticket.
3. VIP Cabana and BBQ Hire: Premium rental offerings including VIP Floating Cabana (£600 per cabana) and BBQ area hire (regular BBQs from £65, VIP BBQs from £100) with included car admission tickets.
4. Season Passes: Annual membership offering unlimited park admission for one vehicle and occupants. Priced at £120 per year.
5. Gift Vouchers: Pre-paid gift vouchers available in £10, £15, £25, £50 denominations plus AquaVenture-specific vouchers at £65 including admission and activity tickets.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Cotswold Country Park and Beach operates a day-visitor leisure attraction centred on the UK's largest inland beach and two lakes in Cirencester, UK. It sells park admission tickets and a portfolio of paid recreational activities including AquaVenture (inflatable aqua course), stand-up paddleboards and kayaks, boat hires, mini golf, pedal karts, climbing wall, and BBQ hire areas. The site also offers an annual season pass, gift vouchers, dog swim events, group/corporate event hire, and on-site food and drink outlets.

Product overview

Cotswold Country Park and Beach is a leisure visitor attraction offering a portfolio of paid activities and facilities centered around South and North Lakes. The core offering is park admission providing beach, swimming, playgrounds, and dining access, supplemented by charged activities including AquaVenture (inflatable water course), SUPs & Kayaks, Boat Hire (Swan Pedalos, Electric Mini Ports, Row Boats, Paddle Boats), Pirate Cove Mini Golf, Pedal Karts, and BBQ Hire. The park also offers a Season Pass subscription for unlimited annual access, Gift Vouchers in set denominations, VIP Floating Cabana experiences, seasonal Dog Swim events, and group/event hire options including AquaVenture exclusive hire and Lakeside Marquee. Food & Drink outlets including The Beach Shack, Dragonfly Café, Roma's Pizzeria, and Ice Cream Hut complement the visitor experience. The site is operated by Planning Solutions Limited on behalf of Cotswold Lakes Trust.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Park Admission Day entry tickets providing access to the beach, swimming area, playgrounds, lake walks, food outlets, shop and activity areas. Available in Gift Aid and non-Gift Aid options across Low, Mid and High seasons, with vehicle categories ranging from pedestrian/cyclist to coach.
• AquaVenture Inflatable aqua park course on North Lake featuring obstacles, slides and climbing elements. Includes 10-minute safety briefing and 50-minute session, with optional wetsuit hire. Priced from GBP 16 per person.
• Beach and Swimming Lagoon The UK's largest inland beach with designated swimming areas, lifeguard supervision and access to South Lake for open water swimming and beach activities, included within park admission.
• SUPs and Kayaks Stand-up paddleboards, single kayaks and double kayaks for exploring South Lake. 30-minute sessions include buoyancy aids; from GBP 12 per person for SUPs and single kayaks, GBP 24 for double kayaks.
• Boat Hire Watercraft rentals including Swan Pedalo boats, Electric Mini Port boats, Row Boats and Paddle Boats for lake exploration. Sessions range from 20-30 minutes; priced from GBP 5 per person to GBP 12 per boat.
• Pirate Cove Mini Golf 9-hole mini golf course with 40-minute sessions at GBP 5 per person, offering adult and children's clubs.
• Pedal Karts 4-person pedal karts for park exploration with 40-minute sessions at GBP 16 per kart. Front child seats up to 30kg, rear adult seats up to 100kg; under-16s must ride with an adult.
• Climbing Wall Outdoor climbing wall attraction announced as coming soon for 2026. Participants must be aged 6+ with minimum height 1.1m and weight 18-113kg.
• BBQ Hire Outdoor BBQ areas along South Lake with picnic benches. Six standard BBQs (from GBP 65) and two VIP BBQs with pergola and food prep station (from GBP 100); both include car admission tickets and charcoal.
• VIP Floating Cabana Private floating cabana on North Lake priced at GBP 600 per cabana, including open-close access, two park admissions with lakeside parking, three SUPs, a private swimming area, a dedicated private lifeguard and access to AquaVenture sessions. Maximum 8 people.
• Admission Season Pass Annual vehicle pass offering unlimited park access during the open season. Priced at GBP 120 per vehicle per year, with two registration numbers per household permitted.
• Gift Vouchers Pre-paid gift vouchers in GBP 10, 15, 25 and 50 denominations, valid for one year and redeemable online for admission and activities. An AquaVenture voucher package at GBP 65 includes one car admission, four AquaVenture tickets and four wetsuit hires.
• Dog Swims Seasonal dog swimming events held on Saturday afternoons throughout the open season, allowing dogs to run and swim in the lake at GBP 7 per dog with no park admission required.
• Food and Drink Outlets On-site dining including The Beach Shack (hot/cold food with alcoholic beverages), Dragonfly Cafe (sandwiches, paninis, ice cream), Roma's Pizzeria and an Ice Cream Hut.
• Group Bookings and Events Tailored event packages for school groups, corporate events and birthday parties, including AquaVenture exclusive hire for up to 175 people and Lakeside Marquee hire seating up to 30 people. External groups have a minimum of 20 guests and book via the dedicated bookings email.

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Cotswold Lakes TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCotswold Country Park and Beach is operated by Planning Solutions Limited on behalf of the Cotswold Lakes Trust (formerly Cotswold Water Park Trust), a registered charity dedicated to conservation and enhancement of the Cotswold Water Park. The Trust owns the site and receives charitable donations through Gift Aid admissions.
• Cotswold Lakes CampingminorOthersRecommended nearby campsite located 2 minutes drive or 20 minute walk from the park. Accommodates visitors seeking extended stays in the area.
• De Vere Cotswold Water Park HotelminorOthersRecommended hotel accommodation 5-10 minute drive from park, offering lakeside venue for visitors seeking nearby lodging.
• Hoburne Cotswold Holiday ParkminorOthersRecommended holiday park in Gloucestershire near Cotswold Water Park for visitors seeking accommodation options.
• Stay Cotswold Holiday CottagesminorOthersRecommended local cottage and property accommodation provider around the Cotswolds area.
• Orion HolidaysminorOthersRecommended accommodation provider offering over 60 lakeside cottages across nine locations in Cotswold Lakes with watersports, hot tubs and spa access.
• TicketPlanminorOthersThird-party refund protection service offered during checkout for £1.50 to protect against unexpected cancellations.
• Planning Solutions LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerManagement company operating the park on behalf of Cotswold Lakes Trust. Established in 1995, traces history to Rank Group. Also manages Conkers Discovery Centre, Kent Life, and Springfield's Adventure Land under similar arrangements.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Center Parcs UK: Operates multiple UK forest holiday villages with extensive indoor water parks (subtropical swimming paradises) and outdoor activity programmes. A broader incumbent in the UK inland water/leisure market targeting families with multi-day stays.
• LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Large UK family theme park with water ride attractions. A broader incumbent competing for the same UK family day-trip and short-break discretionary spend, with annual passes and tiered admission pricing.

Direct peers

• Coral Reef Waterworld: Water world in Bracknell offering wave pool, flumes, and water activities. Comparable UK indoor waterpark with day-admission + activity pricing model aimed at families.
• Sandcastle Waterpark: Indoor water park in Blackpool with slides, wave pool, and water activities for families. Directly comparable as a UK water-based leisure attraction with admission + activity model serving similar family day-trip audiences.
• Splashdown Quaywest: Outdoor water park in Devon with flumes and water slides. Comparable as an outdoor UK water park charging per activity on a single coastal site with seasonal trading.
• Conkers Discovery Centre: Family outdoor discovery attraction in the National Forest also managed by Planning Solutions Limited. Direct operational peer with similar model (admission + activities on a single site) and shared management team.
• WaterWorld Stoke-on-Trent: Indoor water park in the Midlands featuring water slides, wave machines, and family rides. Closely comparable product (water-based paid activities) and customer segment (UK family day visitors).
• Kent Life: Heritage farm attraction in Kent also operated by Planning Solutions Limited. Same operator, similar single-site family day-visitor model with admission pricing and seasonal events.

Regional players

• Camel Creek Adventure Park: Cornwall-based family theme park with rides, animal attractions, and water play. Comparable single-site UK regional day-attraction model with seasonal trading and group bookings, though serving a different UK region.

Emerging players

• The Wave Bristol: Inland surfing and water-sports destination near Bristol, with artificial wave lake and lake-based activities. Comparable in concept (inland water-based leisure) with overlapping water-sports equipment rental and activity pricing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/countryparkandbeach
• Instagraminstagram.com/cotswoldcountryparkandbeach
• TikToktiktok.com/@cotswoldcountrypark
• Xx.com/parkandbeach

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cotswold Country Park And Beach