Choose Your Lake 32 Activity Before You Drive to the Water
Lake 32 is an outdoor activity lake near Cirencester. It is not a flume-style waterpark. Visit for open-water swimming, own-craft paddling, lessons and organised activities.
The most useful rule is simple: choose the activity first, book it, then travel. PAYG visitors cannot simply arrive and expect a swim or paddle slot.
Lake 32 Cotswold Water Park: Quick Answer
Lake 32 Outdoor Centre is at Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Cirencester, GL7 6DF.
It is best for open-water swimming and paddling rather than slides or inflatable waterpark attractions.
Current PAYG prices include £8 for open-water swimming, £15 for a swimming induction and own-craft launch from £10.
Book before travelling. The operator requires PAYG swim and craft visitors to pre-book because parking is limited.
What Can You Do at Lake 32?
Open-Water Swimming
Choose marked courses according to conditions and water temperature.
Swimming Induction
A supported introduction for people who can already swim but are new to open water.
Own-Craft Launch
SUPs, kayaks and canoes are accepted under the current equipment and safety rules.
Paddleboard Lessons
The activity programme includes paddleboard tuition for different experience levels.
Canoe & Kayak Lessons
Book the relevant course rather than arriving for casual equipment hire.
Group Activities
Private groups can enquire about raft building, paddling, archery, sailing and other activities.
Lake 32 Prices to Check First
Prices depend on the activity. These are the clearest current PAYG options published by the operator.
PAYG Swimming
Book your own slot. Tow floats are mandatory.
Swimming Induction
Includes an introduction, supported dip and post-swim hot drink.
Own-Craft Launch
Each craft and participant must be correctly booked.
Book Lake 32 in the Right Order
Choose
Swim, induction, own craft or another activity?
Check rules
Read the age, equipment and safety conditions.
Book online
PAYG swim and craft sessions open up to seven days ahead.
Pack
Bring the required equipment, dry clothes and booking confirmation.
Arrive
Do not arrive more than 15 minutes before the session.
Open-Water Swimming at Lake 32
The lake uses marked swim courses. Available distances change with conditions and water temperature.
| Course | How it is marked | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| 50 m | Round white buoys | Short option and useful when visibility restricts longer courses. |
| 100 m | Red triangular buoys | One of the standard marked courses. |
| 200 m | Yellow triangular buoys | Can remain available when fog closes longer loops. |
| 400 m | Blue triangular buoys | Removed in winter when the water falls below the stated threshold. |
| 750 m | Red HUUB buoys | Removed when water temperature falls below 12°C. |
Bringing Your Own SUP, Kayak or Canoe
Lake 32 allows PAYG own-craft launch. The current starting price is £10 and the booked slot lasts up to two hours.
Bring your craft
SUPs, kayaks and canoes are accepted. Inflatable craft may be inspected before launch.
Wear buoyancy aids
Each paddler needs a suitable buoyancy aid while on the water.
Book every user
The operator requires the craft and each person using the lake to be correctly included in the booking.
Lake 32 Rules for Children and Teenagers
Junior rules depend on whether the child is swimming or paddling.
Open-Water Swimming
- Minimum age is 12.
- The operator requires the stated ASA Open Water Award Level 1.
- A bright swim hat is required.
- A tow float is required.
- Junior swimmers cannot swim below 15°C.
- Under-18s must remain supervised onsite.
Own-Craft Paddling
- Children under 8 paddle free.
- Under-8s must share a craft with someone over 18.
- Ages 9–14 need adult supervision on the water.
- Ages 15–18 need adult supervision from land or water.
Lake 32 Opening Hours
The operator publishes different hours through the year.
| Period | Published hours |
|---|---|
| April, Monday–Wednesday | 08:00–16:00 |
| April, Thursday–Friday | 07:00–16:00 |
| April weekends | 08:00–16:00 |
| May–August, Monday–Friday | 07:00–19:00 |
| May–August weekends | 08:00–16:00 |
| September, Monday–Friday | 07:00–16:00 |
| September weekends | 08:00–16:00 |
| October–March | 08:00–16:00 daily |
Parking, Arrival and Changing
Parking
Main-site parking is limited. An overflow grass field may be used at busy times.
Accessible Spaces
The operator reserves four main-site spaces for disabled visitors.
Do Not Use Fishing Parking
The operator warns visitors not to use the fishermen’s car park because parking fines can apply.
Changing Rooms
Heated male and female changing rooms, toilets and showers are available.
Café
Cafe 32 serves hot and cold food. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Keys & Valuables
The FAQ says visitors can secure belongings in the vehicle and leave keys with café staff for safekeeping.
What to Pack for Lake 32
- Booking confirmation
- Towel
- Warm dry clothes
- Flip-flops, sliders or water shoes
- Tow float for swimming
- Bright swim hat for under-18 swimmers
- Suitable buoyancy aid for paddling
- Paddle and required craft equipment
- Payment card
- Weather-appropriate layers
Weather Rules That Can Change Your Session
Lake 32 is an outdoor venue, so conditions affect safety and course availability.
Thunder
The water is cleared when thunder is heard. Activity does not resume until 30 minutes after the last clap.
Fog
Swim distances are progressively reduced when visibility makes longer buoys difficult to see.
Lake 32 Day-Trip Itinerary
This is a practical visitor plan rather than an official timetable.
Is Lake 32 the Right Cotswold Water Park Stop?
Choose Lake 32 when…
- You want genuine open-water swimming.
- You have your own SUP, canoe or kayak.
- You want a lesson or induction.
- You prefer an activity lake to a beach attraction.
Choose another venue when…
- You want a sandy family beach.
- You want an inflatable obstacle course.
- You expect flumes and waterpark rides.
- You want casual swimming without a booked activity.
For the ticketed inland-beach experience, use the Cotswold Country Park & Beach guide.
Lake 32 Address and Map
Lake 32 Outdoor Centre
Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Cirencester, GL7 6DF.
Common Lake 32 Mistakes
Turning up without booking
PAYG activity access is booking-led because parking is limited.
Expecting a conventional waterpark
Lake 32 is an outdoor swimming and watersports venue, not a slide park.
Forgetting safety equipment
Swimmers need tow floats. Paddlers need suitable buoyancy aids.
Parking in the wrong car park
Do not use the fishermen’s car park. Follow Lake 32 parking instructions.
Arriving far too early
The operator asks booked visitors not to arrive more than 15 minutes before the session.
Ignoring weather
Thunder, fog and cold water can shorten or stop activity.
Official Lake 32 Checks Before You Travel
Visitor FAQ
Use this for hours, parking, equipment, children, café and weather rules.
PAYG Swimming
Use this to check the current swim price, availability and booking conditions.
Lake 32 Cotswold Water Park FAQs
Where is Lake 32?
Lake 32 Outdoor Centre is on Spratsgate Lane, Shorncote, Cirencester, GL7 6DF.
Is Lake 32 a normal waterpark with slides?
No. It is an outdoor activity lake focused on open-water swimming, paddling, lessons and group activities.
How much is open-water swimming?
The current PAYG swim price is £8 for a one-hour booked slot.
How much is the open-water induction?
The current published price is £15.
How much does own-craft launch cost?
The current PAYG own-craft price starts from £10 for a session of up to two hours.
Do I need to book before visiting?
Yes. PAYG swimmers and craft users must book before arrival. The operator says this is necessary because parking is limited.
Is there parking?
Yes. Main-site parking is limited. Four spaces are reserved for disabled visitors and an overflow grass field may be used at busy times.
Are there changing rooms and showers?
Yes. Heated male and female changing rooms, toilets and showers are available.
Is there a café?
Yes. Cafe 32 serves hot and cold food, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Do swimmers need a tow float?
Yes. Tow floats are mandatory for PAYG swimmers.
Can children swim at Lake 32?
Junior swimmers must be at least 12 and meet the operator’s stated open-water qualification and equipment requirements. Under-18s must remain supervised onsite.
Can I bring my own paddleboard?
Yes. PAYG own-craft launch allows suitable SUPs, kayaks and canoes under the current rules.
Are inflatable kayaks and SUPs allowed?
Inflatable SUPs are permitted. Inflatable kayaks may be used after the operator carries out a safety inspection.
Can dogs visit Lake 32?
Yes. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead onsite. Extra rules apply if swimming with a dog.
What happens during thunder?
The operator clears the water when thunder is heard and keeps it closed until 30 minutes after the final clap.