Being pretty landlocked, Birmingham isn’t exactly blessed with sandy beaches. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t still be able to enjoy them on a regular basis. Luckily we don’t have to drive to the coast to enjoy the sand between our toes. Because Cotswold Country Park & Beach offers a sandy beach nowhere near the sea!
Located less than a two hours drive from Birmingham, Cotswold Country Park & Beach is the UK’s largest inland sandy beach. Its sandy shores actually surround freshwater lakes and is the perfect day trip during the summer months. So pack those buckets and spades to build epic sand castles!
Cotswold Country Park & Beach is comprised of a Main Beach for some serious outdoor swimming, as well as a Paddling Lagoon which is great for playing and relaxing. Plus, for those with smaller toes, the Mini Children’s Beach Lagoon is also available. But the whole area is jam-packed with things to do.
Adventure playgrounds for the kids are situated right by the beach, with Mini Golf also available daily. There’s also an AquaVenture inflatable course for all ages, with the high-energy obstacle course offering the ultimate total wipe-out style experience. You can also rent out kayaks, paddleboards and swan pedalo boats to explore these gorgeous lakes.
If that all sounds a bit… exhausting, however. Don’t worry. No one will judge you if you just want to throw down a towel and sunbathe with a good book all day. Just make sure to pack a picnic, buy burgers at the Beach Shack, or hire a BBQ to grill up your own food all day long. Now you can’t do that in a coastal town!
Park Admission costs upwards of £3.50 per person, giving you access to both main beaches and adventure playgrounds. Other activities cost extra, however. During peak season, Cotswold Country Park & Beach is open from 10am to 6pm. From September 4 to October 1, however, it will only remain open from 10am to 5pm. To learn more about we recommend heading here.
Find Cotswold Country Park & Beach at Spratsgate Ln, Shorncote, Cirencester GL7 6DF.