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Cosmeston Lakes At The Vale
The UK’s most exciting Aqua Park featuring the largest collection of bespoke big impact water obstacles!
Launch friends and family into orbit with our bespoke Blast Bags!
A crowd favourite! One of the biggest slides on the park standing tall at 3.5m!
A test of strength straight from the school playground!
A true test of speed, agility, and balance! Bounce across the lilypads to make it to the other side unscathed!
Planning your trip?
What to know before you go:
How do I Book?
All bookings can be made online in advance via the website, click book a splash and follow the instructions. (note tickets go on sale in April, only gift cards are available online until then)
If there appears to be nothing available on the day you want to book, it is because all sessions are taken/the park is closed on this date.
Please remember before booking that all ticket sales are final. All bookings must be made online in advance to avoid disappointment.
Once you have booked, you must ensure that you and/or your party have completed their waiver online before arriving. Simply follow the instructions sent in the confirmation email. If you do not complete the waiver online and have to complete one at the Ticket Office, there will be a £5 administration charge.
What are the ages, parental supervision, swimming ability and admissions criteria?
Swimming Ability
It is a requirement than you can swim 25m unaided and you should be confident in the water as are likely to go underwater. You have to be able to pull yourself up out of the water, and it can be tiring.
Height Restriction
There is a minimum height of 1.20m permitted on the Aqua Park.
There is no weight restriction.
Age: Rutland and Lakeside: Open to children aged 6 +
Age: Cosmeston Lakes: Open to children aged 8 +
Parental Supervision Rutland and Lakeside: Open to children aged 6 and 7 years old can attend any session provided that an adult or guardian of 18+ is supervising them on the Aqua Park at all times, on a 1 adult to 3 children ratio.
Children aged 8 to 15 years old inclusive must have either an over 18 adult/guardian supervising and observing from the shore, or on the Aqua Park with them for the duration of the session.
16 years old and over can attend any session without supervision.
Parental Supervision Cosmeston Lakes: Children aged 8 to 15 years old inclusive must have either an over 18 adult/guardian supervising and observing from the shore, or on the Aqua Park with them for the duration of the session.
16 years old and over can attend any session without supervision.
What time should I get there?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your session starts, this will allow you to check-in and change.
We ask that just your group leader checks the group in. You only need your confirmation email – please help us reduce our waste as there is no need to print anything.
Please note it is your responsibility to arrive on time, please get travel information and plan your visit with any local events or bank holidays in mind. If in doubt, allow extra time!
If for any reason, you miss your session. We will not refund you but will try our best to accommodate you on another session. However, we cannot guarantee there is availability.
What do I wear or bring with me?
Arrive in your swimwear 30 minutes before your session start time.
We recommend preparing for a day out at the beach!
Recommended packing list:
- A beach Towel or a changing robe.
- A change of clothes.
- A small padlock for our lockers (like gym/leisure centre lockers)
- flip flops/sliders/Crocs or old trainers you don’t mind getting wet to walk around the site in to protect your feet.
- A water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Suncream.
- Hand sanitiser.
- Picnic blankets and or camping chairs if you’re spectating.
- Note, personal wetsuit use is not permitted at Cosmeston Lakes.
Wetsuits: Do I have to wear a wetsuit?
Do I have to wear a wetsuit?
Wearing a wetsuit is highly recommended, they provide UV protection from the sun and a low risk of friction burns.
Alternatively, you can wear suitable swimwear or gym shorts/leggings to protect you on slides and cover your shoulders with a t-shirt or rash vest.
We may ask that they are required when the water temp or weather is cooler.
Cost? When you book, and pay for your ticket, wetsuit hire is NOT included. There is no price reduction. You can purchase one online before your visit. Wetsuit hire can be pre-booked online – if you choose not to wear it on the day no refund is given. Wetsuit hire costs more on the day.
You are welcome to bring your own wetsuit if you are attending Rutland Water and Thurrock Lakeside only.
Personal wetsuits and wetsuit boots/ wetshoes use is not permitted at Cosmeston Lakes.
If using an Aqua Park wetsuit, you must wear swimwear underneath for hygiene reasons.
Sizes? We have Adult and Youth size wetsuits from age 6 to XXXXL adults.
Only wetsuit boots or barefoot are permitted on the park. If you choose to go barefoot on the park, we recommend wearing shoes / flip flops on the shore before and after your session that you do not mind getting wet.
Waivers?
Waivers must be completed by all attendees, or their parent/guardian if they are under 18, before arriving on site.
Any waivers completed at the Ticket Office will be charged a £5 administration charge.
The link to this is found in your order confirmation or website menu.
Where is Cosmeston Lakes Aqua Park?
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock road, Penarth, CF64 5UY
You need to arrive at the Aqua Park at least 30 minutes before your session start time, so please plan your journey.
Where do I park for Cosmeston Lakes Aqua Park?
Cosmeston Lakes Aqua Park, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock road, Penarth, CF64 5UY
You need to arrive at the Aqua Park at least 30 minutes before your session start time, so please plan your journey.
Please note The Aqua Park is a temporary attraction and we have no permanent facilities. The Aqua Park containers ticket office is situated on a grassy bank and the ground is quite sandy and uneven ground.
Charges for parking apply daily between 9am – 10pm (prices are correct as of 1/4/2025)
|
Vehicle Type |
Duration |
Tariff |
|
Cars |
Up to 1 hour |
£1 |
|
Up to 2 hours |
£2 |
|
|
Up to 4 hours |
£4 |
|
|
All Day |
£5 |
|
|
Bus / Coach |
All Day |
£30 |
Please note: Disabled spaces are available.
How to Pay
Payments for parking can be made via coins, pay by phone, via text, via smartphone or contactless/chip and pin.
Season tickets are available to regular visitors to our country parks.
- £40 for 6 months
- £60 for 12 months
Country park season tickets can be used in both Cosmeston and Porthkerry country parks. To apply for a season ticket, please contact: 01446 700111
What’s the water quality like at Cosmeston Lakes?
Your safety is our top priority. The Aqua Park only opens when water quality meets recognised safety standards and conditions are safe for activities to take place.
During the spring of 2025, a professional scuba diving team has surveyed the lakebed where the Aqua Park is located, in conjunction with a bathymetric depth survey, to confirm that there are no objects under the surface and that the water depth is suitable (3m – 12m).
Our water samples are tested and analysed by Public Heath Wales at their UKAS-accredited laboratory.
We take two samples at the same time and from the same location on the Aqua Park, which are tested side by side. This helps us identify any potential sampling or laboratory errors, as the two results should be very close to each other.
For transparency, the graphs shown on our website display the average of the two results.
Our closure policy is precautionary and always based on the worst result.
We have been taking samples twice a week during the 2025 bathing season to ensure water quality remains safe. Two key indicators are tested:
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- E. coli
- Intestinal Enterococci
These bacteria occur naturally in the gut of humans and animals. Most strains are harmless, but high levels can indicate pollution and may pose a risk if swallowed.
We follow guidance given directly to us by Swim England, who have stated that there should be no swimming when results are above the levels below. These are the same fail levels as World Aquatics and The Aqua Park Association, following national and international governing bodies
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- 1,000 CFU/100ml for E. coli
- 400 CFU/100ml for Intestinal Enterococci
Aqua Park Sessions may only resume once subsequent testing has shown results are below these thresholds.We also adopt many of the principles of the World Aquatics testing regime, alongside the requirements of our own industry body, the Aqua Park Association, which accredits Aqua Parks across the UK. These same standard levels are applied across the country to a wide range of open water recreational activities, from Aqua Parks to open water swimming and even designated inland bathing waters.
The graphs show bacteria levels over time, measured in colony-forming units (CFU) per 100ml.
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- The red line shows the Fail threshold.
Beneath the red is considered Good Quality - The green line shows the Excellent threshold. All our results from the 2025 bathing season are published here. To date, the water has consistently met the standards required for safe bathing.
- The red line shows the Fail threshold.
What about the wildlife at Cosmeston Lakes?
A detailed ecological assessment, undertaken by local firm Acer Ecology, has confirmed that the seasonal Aqua Park at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park will have no significant negative impact on local birdlife or water vole populations.
The Aqua Park will be situated away from sensitive bird nesting areas, further reducing any potential for disruption. The eastern lake, already supports a range of recreational activities such as paddleboarding, sailing, dog walking and scuba diving.
The study shows that bird species in the area are already well adapted to this level of human activity. Many common bird species show high tolerance to disturbance and are unlikely to be affected by the seasonal operation of the inflatable water park, which are temporary structures.
Extensive surveys and habitat assessments on water voles where carried out, which found that the area proposed for the Aqua Park has limited suitability for water voles. The park will be located on open shoreline lacking the vegetation that water voles rely on, and no signs of burrows or active vole presence were found in that specific zone. As such, the risk of harming water vole populations is considered negligible.
The parks SSSI status is there because of one species of rare underwater plant, starry stonewart, which is only found in the western lake, the eastern lake is formally designated as suitable for recreational activity. The seasonal nature of the attraction, combined with safeguards, that the Aqua Park can operate safely and responsibly whilst maintaining the park’s wildlife conservation goals.
Become a seasonaire
Two free admissions a week between June – September to all 3 of our Aqua Parks locations
20% Seasonaires discount at the Aqua Shack
Exclusive access to VIP offers
Planning a group activity?
Schools
Step out of the classroom and into the water. Outdoor learning is a great way to help children grow their natural curiosity!
Birthday Parties
Experience something full of spills and thrills, perfect for an unforgettable childrens birthday party!
Hen or Stag
Our activities are perfect for those who want to splash out with something a bit different! From taking a refreshing dip to cure a big hangover, to leaping off The Summit or sending flips from the Tornado Tower, by channeling your inner child you can guarantee the ultimate send-off for the bride or groom to be! So before they start their next big adventure, come and try ours!
Corporate
Step out of the office and into the water. Outdoor learning is a great way to build bonds with your team and let off some steam!
Sports Teams
Regardless to the sport you play we think slipping, sliding, splashing and sharing laugh-out loud-moments is a unique was to bring your team together! From the Liecester Tigers, Cardiff Rugby and Peterborough United, we’ve hosted them all!
Youth Groups
Come and splash out with your youth group! Getting a wetsuit on and jumping in the water is great for helping young adults improve self-confidence!
Happy Customers
Over 10,000 customer reviews
We would definitely recommend and will be returning for my daughter’s Birthday when we’ve stopped aching. Thank you to all staff members.
Amanda – Cardiff
We went on probably the hottest ever day of the year… the kids had an absolute blast “Best afternoon of their life” was one comment!! that’s from a 14-year-old…
Jason – Cardiff
The most amazing afternoon of fun for the Dollar Hockey Tour here today. Your staff were fantastic!!
Sophie – Sports Team Coach
GIVE THE GIFT OF ADVENTURE
Great for anyone who wants a challenge and a super-soaking day out!
Safety first
Our mission is to provide a 5 star experience that is fun and challenging for all our customers in an environment in which they feel safe and respected. We are always looking for ways to lead the Aqua Park industry by improving safety standards, investing in our people and improving visitor experience.
Our accreditations
