Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village

+44 29 2070 1678

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock Rd, Penarth CF64 5UY United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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Quick Facts About Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village

Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village has several strengths that make it a popular destination for visitors. Firstly, it offers beautiful nature and scenic views. The park is situated around former quarries, providing a unique and picturesque environment to explore. There are level paths to walk around the main lake, but also off-the-beaten-track trails for those who are more adventurous.

The park is also known for its bird watching opportunities. Many visitors enjoy going for a walk by the lake and observing the various bird species that inhabit the area. The park's accessibility is another strength, as it has a car park for visitors and is easily reached by car. It is also dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along on their walks. New bathrooms have been built, and there is a play area for children.

Another strength of Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village is the availability of amenities. Visitors can find a tourist information center and a coffee shop with toilets at the car park. There are also picnic areas, tables, and benches scattered around the park, as well as designated BBQ areas for those who wish to have a meal outdoors. For hot drinks and snacks, a mobile coffee van serves visitors near the children's adventure play area on the other side of the main lake.

One unique feature of the park is the opportunity for swimming in the lakes. However, it is important to note that swimming is allowed only in certain areas due to factors such as depth, underwater currents, and obstructions. Nonetheless, the lakes provide ample opportunities for admiring wildlife, and there are information boards to educate visitors about the various species that can be seen.

In addition to the natural beauty of the park, another highlight is the reconstructed medieval village. Although it is not always open, the village hosts events and re-enactments during the summer, providing visitors with an immersive experience of medieval life.

However, there are also some weaknesses that should be considered. One comment mentioned that navigation can be difficult due to poor signage and a lack of information boards. Visitors have reported that it is challenging to navigate the trails and that the numbered red and white posts are not well-marked on the free map/guide provided. This can make it difficult for visitors to fully explore and enjoy all that the park has to offer.

Despite these weaknesses, Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village has overwhelmingly positive feedback and remains a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The strengths, such as its beautiful nature, bird watching opportunities, convenient amenities, and the medieval village, make it a worthwhile place to visit for a nice country walk and a chance to connect with nature.

Best TL Reviews

Always my favorite for a nice country walk by the lake. Lots of bird watching, lovely cafe on site and very accessible with a car park.

Dog friendly, new bathrooms had been built with a new play area.

There are also trails for the more experienced hiker which takes you through the fields.

Beautiful nature reserve from former quarry. Level paths to walk around main lake, but others to explore if you're happy to go off the beaten track.

Tourist information and coffee shop available with toilets at car park, which is pay & display.

Children's adventure play area a short walk away on other side of main lake, where a little mobile coffee van serves hot drinks and cakes/biscuits.

There are picnic areas, tables and benches scattered around and designated BBQ areas.

So swimming allowed in lakes due to depth, underwater currents and obstructions but lots of wildlife to admire and information boards to tell you what you can see.

There is also a reconstructed medieval village but not always open, but they do have events including re-enactments in the summer.

Dog friendly if kept on a lead.

First time here such a beautiful place.. Plenty of walks for your dog on and off the lead.. Plenty of picnic benches.. Coffee shop for snacks.. Toilets.. Pay to park but very reasonable.. Well worth a visit with your dog's and also if you have children there is a play area and medieval village.

Great free place for a day out, paths suitable to cycle and scoot on as well as lots of paths for off lead dog walking, all very well sign posted. Plenty of places for picnics and bbqs. As well as a lovely medical village to look around and a great play area for all ages as well as a good selection of places to get coffee and cake or food.

Lovely place to visit. Cafe on site. Plenty of parking. Good dog walking. Play park for children. Some of the walk is on boards over marshland with reeds either side. Disabled friendly. Charge for parking which is quite reasonable

Large carpark ( pay & display) toilets, cafe, lots benches & picnic areas, Medieval village (free entry) 2 large lakes, good level paths, lots of ducks & swans etc. Boardwalk through wetland area. Vast site with numerous trails suitable for walking & bikes. Poor signage. The downside. Very few information boards & signposts. Difficult too navigate the trails. Lots of numbered red & white posts that weren't on the free map/guide.

Great place for a dog walk. All routes are marked with different coloured paw prints to let you know whether dogs can be off-lead or not. Cheap parking with plenty of spaces.

Really enjoyed a short walk around the lake, it was a damp wintery showery day, so we only done a short walk around the nearest lake and also the medieval village which was so interesting. Car park only £1 for two hours, which was perfect. Definitely going back soon when the weather is warmer and dry. So much wildlife to see, take your binoculars. Didn't try the cafe, will do next time.