Car Parks
Car Parks in the Cotswold Lakes
Cotswold Lakes Trust operates several car parks around the Cotswold Lakes, making it easy for the public to access lake views, countryside walks, and picnic sites. There is a modest charge for parking in these car parks, with the revenue contributing towards the management of the sites and the Cotswold Lake Trust’s wider charitable work. Charges start at as little as £1.20.
All Cotswold Lakes Trust car parks have cashless parking – contactless payments or a Pay by Phone option. You can speed up the process of the Pay by Phone option by downloading the RingGo app before you visit, and you have the option of paying later (at any time before midnight on the day of your visit) by using the app or website when you get back home.
If you are a regular visitor to the Cotswold Lakes, please consider becoming a member of Cotswold Lakes Trust. A single membership costs £24 per year and car parking is free.
*Please note that all Cotswold Lakes Trust car parks have height restrictors (2.1m) to help prevent fly-tipping.
Neigh Bridge Country Park
Location: At the western edge of Somerford Keynes village.
This country park and car park is open all year round with plenty of parking and is ideal for accessing the Thames Path National Trail. Neigh Bridge is also a great place to start some beautiful circular walks which will give you an insight into the true landscape of the Cotswold Lakes. Check out the Walking page to download free self-guided walks.
Riverside Park, Lechlade
Location: On the opposite side of the river to the town’s marina. From Lechlade, head over the Ha’penny Bridge along the A361.
Situated at the head of the navigable Thames, on the edge of the beautiful Cotswold town of Lechlade. Spread out across four large fields, with substantial river frontage, Riverside Park offers loads of green grass for running about, ball games, plus it’s a great spot for picnics and just relaxing. It is also on the route of the Thames Path National Trail, which links to some delightful circular walks.
Lakeside Car Park
Location: Along Station Road at the eastern edge of South Cerney Village.
There are plenty of parking spaces with lovely views across the lake, plus designated disabled parking bays, and picnic places. Many species of waterbirds enjoy loafing on the lake here, but please don’t feed these truly wild birds as human food can decompose in the water and upset the natural chemistry which makes the lake so important.
Waterhay Car Park
Location: Along the Ashton Keynes to Cricklade Road, next to the bridge across the River Thames.
There’s a reason why this car park is called Waterhay – the area is very susceptible to flooding during the winter months. However, most of the year this makes a very accessible and peaceful car park and picnic spot, with footpaths through to Ashton Keynes, Clayhill Meadow, and a long circular route around Cleveland Lakes, including its bird hides. It is also possible to pick up a section of the Thames Path National Trail from the car park and walk through to North Meadow National Nature Reserve and the delightful Saxon town of Cricklade.
Clayhill Meadow
Location: Spine Road (B4696) between South Cerney and North End crossroads near Ashton Keynes.
A small car park on the Spine Road offers a surprise in the summer months with its delightful wildflower meadow and picnic area. A network of footpaths can be accessed from Clayhill Meadow, both north towards South Cerney and south towards Ashton Keynes or Cleveland Lakes.
Bridge Car Park
Location: Spine Road (B4696), south of South Cerney next to the Old Railway Line.
Known locally as the ‘arches’, this 19th century bridge carried the old Spine Road over the railway between Cricklade and Cirencester. Whilst the council-owned bridge is showing significant signs of decay, the car park behind remains in use. This is an excellent location from which to start cycle rides down the old railway track towards Cricklade, or around the lakes to Ashton Keynes. Alternatively you can walk or cycle up towards South Cerney and bearing right follow the old canal path down towards The Gateway.
Other Car Parks
There are a small number of additional rural car parks in the Cotswold Lakes which the Cotswold Lakes Trust does not operate:
The Gateway
Location: Just off A419 Swindon to Cirencester route; the first turning left from the main Spine Road (B4696).
The Gateway is a collection of venues with electric car charging, café, wood-fired pizzeria, outdoor bar, dog grooming and outdoor clothing shop. From here you can access the Cotswold Lakes Visitor Centre for information on local activities, accommodation, eating out. Pick up a free Leisure Map or purchase walking, cycling and nature reserve.
Car parking is free and there are toilets inside the Gateway Cafe.
Upper Up Playing Field
Location: At the western edge of South Cerney village.
The car park at Upper Up Playing Field in South Cerney is well situated for those wishing to make the walk to Shorncote Reedbeds Nature Reserve to the west, or for spending some time exploring the village and its amenities.
Fairford
Location: On the north side of the town centre.
Fairford Town Council operates a free car park which is well located for visitors to the town centre shops and the regular market. There are number of walks to be had in the area, many of which follow sections of the River Coln where you may be lucky enough to see our rare Water Voles.