Stunning Cotswolds village with its own sandy beach and lagoon – miles from the English seaside
Plus, other places you can explore in the Cotswolds
AS IF the Cotswolds wasn't already one of the most idyllic destinations in the country, one village in the region also has a sprawling beach.
Quaint villages with old brick bridges crisscrossing rivers and streams are usually the images that come to mind when thinking of the Cotswolds.
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But near the village of Somerford Keynes in Cirencester is Cotswold Country Park and Beach, which even has its own beach and swimming lagoons.
The destination is loved for having lots of things to do, according to multiple Google reviews.
This includes a Main Beach Swimming destination and Paddling Lagoon.
The sandy beach is long-stretching and it is backed by grassy areas ideal for picnics.
Visitors can head here for a paddle or sunbathe, with views of families on pedalo swans on the open lake.
Conveniently, the Beach Shack is also nearby, serving light bites, and there is an Ice Cream Hunt just behind the beach too, for a cool treat on a hot day.
For those really wanting to get out on the water for a bit of active fun, visitors can hire kayaks or stand-up paddleboards for £10 per 30-minute session.
Mini boats, pedalo swans and rowing boats are all available for hire too, costing £10 per 30 minutes.
For families that prefer to stay on dry land, they can head to the mini golf which costs just £5 per play or for the same price, you could test out the climbing wall.
Visit the idyllic wine making centre of the Cotswolds
For younger visitors, there are two children's playparks to explore.
After the fun, you could enjoy a BBQ in the designated area as well.
Arguably the most exciting attraction at the park though, is AquaVenture - a giant inflatable course sat right on the water.
For anyone who wants to experience AquaVenture, there will be a 10-minute briefing before a 50-minute session.
Visitors can slip and slide about, or even catapult themselves off of a giant air bag.
Pooches don't have to be left out either, as they are allowed in the park - just not on the beach and in the water.
Though, the park does schedule regular doggy swim events.
One recent visitor said: "It was great to see so many children enjoying being in the water in a safe environment where parents can relax and keep an eye on them.
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"We managed a paddle and the water was pleasantly warm. We will definitely visit again as a family."
Each session costs £15 per person, and wetsuits and aqua socks are available for hire as well.
Admission varies depending on the time of year, but for high season pedestrians and cyclists can access the park from £5 per person and a car of up to five people costs from £18.18 - around £3.64 each.
Whilst in the area, you could also check out Cotswolds Lake Brew Co, which features quiz nights and an outdoor beer garden with wooden palettes tables and straw bales as benches.
Just steps away from the brewery is the Cotswolds Sculpture Park, which costs £10 to enter, and there are an array of different artworks to explore.
If you have a few grand spare, you could purchase one of the sculptures as well.
There are a lot of holiday homes in the area too, with many sitting at the edge of a lake.
What else can you do in the Cotswolds?
THE Cotswolds are full of amazing places to explore, here are some spots for inspiration.
Villages to explore: Beyond the popular Diddly Squat Farm, visitors can explore nearby villages like Churchill, Kingham, Charlbury and Chipping Norton, which has a theatre, lido and cinema.
Activities and Attractions: The Cotswolds offers a variety of activities, including hiking, visiting the Cotswold Motoring Museum, touring the Cotswold Distillery and relaxing at Cotswold Country Park and Beach. Unique local traditions include river football in Bourton-on-the-Water and cheese-rolling at Coopers Hill.
Dining and Drinking: The region is home to many pubs and restaurants, from traditional pubs like The Chequers at Churchill to Michelin-starred establishments. The Hook Norton Brewery, operating since 1849 offers tours and tastings.
Historical and Cultural Sites: History enthusiasts can visit the Great Rollright Stones, a Neolithic stone circle, while art lovers can attend crafting workshops at Larksworld.
Events: The Cotswolds host several major events, including The Big Feastival, Cheltenham Races, and festivals at Blenheim Palace.
The Cotswolds is not the only unlikely location to find a beach in the UK - another can be found in London, right next to a pub.
Plus, a popular English beach town has launched a new ride in time for summer.
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