Aqua Park Cardiff

Outdoor Inflatable Water Park

Aqua Park Cardiff is a seasonal, outdoor inflatable water park designed for thrill-seekers and families alike. The Aqua Park has relocated to Cosmeston Lakes Country Park in Penarth, just a short distance from Cardiff city centre. This move was prompted by previous water quality concerns at Cardiff Bay, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable environment for visitors.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, this floating adventure playground features over 50 giant obstacles, including trampolines, slides, and climbing walls, offering a unique experience on the water.

Seasonal Availability

The park operates during the summer months, providing an exhilarating experience for individuals aged 6 and above who meet the minimum height requirement of 1.2 meters.

Aqua Park Cardiff Location & Directions

Lakes Country Park, Aqua Park Cardiff, Cosmeston, Lavernock Rd, Penarth CF64 5UY

🗺️ Directions to Aqua Park Cardiff

Aqua Park Cardiff Official Website & Contact Information

https://aquaparkgroup.co.uk/

General enquiries

Phone: Not publicly listed; please refer to the official website for contact options.

Email: cardiff@aquaparkgroup.co.uk

Main Attractions

Aqua Park Cardiff is home to an extensive floating obstacle course made up of over 50 inflatable features. These are anchored securely in the tranquil waters of Cosmeston Lakes, providing a vibrant and active experience in a picturesque outdoor setting. The key attraction is the massive inflatable playground that stretches across a large portion of the lake, promising plenty of thrills, laughter, and splashes.

Some of the standout features include:

• Monkey bars suspended above the water
• Giant trampolines for bouncing before plunging into the lake
• Slides and ramps for high-speed drops
• Aqua climbing walls to test your grip and courage
• The “blast bag” jump pad – where one person launches another into the air and into the water

This inflatable water park is both physically challenging and endlessly entertaining. It suits a variety of ages and fitness levels, as long as the participant can swim and meets the minimum height requirement.

Special Rides

While there are no traditional rides in the sense of rollercoasters, Aqua Park Cardiff’s special feature lies in its interactive zones. These include:

• The Tornado Tower – an inflatable spiral climb
• Jump stations with high and low diving points
• Balance beams and seesaw-style floats that test agility
• Obstacle race lanes for competitive play

Participants often return multiple times to master sections they fell from on their first attempts, adding a playful challenge element.

Kids & Family Areas

Although there is no segregated toddler zone, the park is family-friendly with features that suit older children (6+). Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult if under 8 years old, and supervision is encouraged for ages up to 12. The atmosphere is playful, with enough space for families to enjoy together.

There are no shallow pool zones, but lifeguards are always on duty, and life jackets are mandatory. The rules are strictly enforced to ensure that family groups can safely enjoy the park together.

Relaxation Areas

As Aqua Park Cardiff is situated within Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, visitors can enjoy a peaceful picnic in the surrounding green areas before or after their session. While the floating park itself is energetic and high-octane, the lakeside surroundings offer tranquil rest areas with benches, open grass, and shaded spots under trees.

Visitors often bring picnic rugs and make a day of it, especially during weekends and summer holidays. Although there are no spa-style relaxation amenities, the natural setting provides a refreshing contrast to the activity on the water.

Unique Features

Natural lake setting: Unlike many water parks that are built in artificial pools, Aqua Park Cardiff floats in a real lake, giving it a more immersive, outdoorsy appeal.

Sustainable approach: The park uses eco-conscious anchoring systems and works closely with local councils to ensure that wildlife and water quality are protected.

Team-building appeal: Popular with stag and hen parties, school groups, and corporate outings, the park offers a dynamic group experience. Special sessions can be booked for private events.

Baby Changing Facilities

There are portable changing facilities available near the park entrance, typically located close to the check-in and wetsuit collection areas. These are basic but functional. Since Aqua Park Cardiff is set within Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, additional changing rooms and public toilets with baby change tables can be found nearby, maintained by the local council.

Parents are advised to plan ahead, as the inflatable park itself does not have baby-specific restrooms or private changing pods.

Bottle-Warming Stations

There are no formal bottle-warming stations provided by the Aqua Park Cardiff facilities. However, parents often bring insulated flasks or ask for hot water from nearby food vendors in the parklands surrounding the lake. Bringing your own equipment is highly recommended.

Baby Pools

Aqua Park Cardiff does not offer any shallow baby pools or splash zones for under-6s. The entire attraction is a deep-water inflatable obstacle course, requiring a minimum age of 6 and a minimum height of 1.2 metres. As such, the attraction is not suitable for babies or toddlers to participate in directly.

Families visiting with infants will find the experience more suitable as spectators or if one parent stays lakeside while others take part in the water activities.

Minimum Age Restrictions

• Minimum age to participate: 6 years old
• Minimum height requirement: 1.2 metres
• Children aged 6–7 must be accompanied by an adult (1:1 ratio)
• Ages 8–12 must have an adult either on the course or watching from the shore
• All participants must be able to swim at least 25 metres unaided

Due to these safety measures, Aqua Park Cardiff is not considered a baby-friendly activity zone, but its surrounding location at Cosmeston Lakes offers a pleasant spot for families with younger children to enjoy the outdoors while others take part in the water-based fun.

Entry Fees

Aqua Park Cardiff operates on a per-session basis, with each session lasting 50 minutes. As of the 2024 season:

• Standard tickets are priced at £20 per person.
• Wetsuit hire is available for an additional £5, although guests are welcome to bring their own.
• Life jackets are provided and included in the ticket price (mandatory for all participants).

There is no spectator fee, meaning family and friends who do not wish to participate may watch from the lakeside area free of charge.

Discounts & Offers

The Aqua Park Group offers several seasonal promotions and discounts, particularly for:

• Group bookings (typically 10 or more participants)
• School trips, sports teams, and corporate events
• Season passes for frequent visitors, which provide flexible booking and savings across multiple locations
• Occasional early bird and social media promotions are available. Following Aqua Park Cardiff’s social channels or subscribing to their newsletter is a good way to stay informed about limited-time offers.

There are currently no concessions for students, NHS workers, or residents, but this may vary annually.

Aqua Park Cardiff Tickets Booking

All tickets for Aqua Park Cardiff must be booked online in advance via the official website.

On-site bookings are not available, and sessions often sell out during peak summer weekends and school holidays. You can:

• Choose your session time and number of participants
• Add wetsuit hire during checkout
• Receive a confirmation email and digital waiver to complete before arrival

Every participant (or their legal guardian) must sign a waiver before attending.

Refund/Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations can be made up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Within 48 hours, no refunds or transfers are issued unless the park itself cancels the session (for example, due to weather or safety concerns).
• If Aqua Park Cardiff cancels a session, you will be contacted via email or SMS with the option to rebook or receive a full refund.
• In case of bad weather, the park remains open unless lightning or extreme wind poses a safety risk. Wet conditions alone do not result in cancellation.
• It’s important to note that if you choose to hire a wetsuit and decide not to wear it on the day, no refund is given.

Daily Schedule

For the 2025 season, the park is scheduled to open on Saturday, 5th July 2025, with online bookings available from Monday, 2nd June 2025. During the peak summer months, sessions are available daily, with each session lasting 50 minutes. The park’s opening hours are generally from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but it’s advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule and to book sessions in advance.

Seasonal Changes

The park’s operating season aligns with the warmer months, capitalising on the summer weather to provide an enjoyable experience. As the season progresses, daylight hours and weather conditions may influence the daily schedule. It’s important to note that the park may adjust its hours or close on certain days due to unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions. Therefore, it’s recommended to verify the schedule close to your planned visit.

Peak & Off-Peak Info

Peak times at Aqua Park Cardiff typically coincide with school holidays and weekends, when demand is highest. During these periods, sessions can fill up quickly, so early booking is essential to secure your preferred time slot. Off-peak times, such as weekdays outside of school holidays, may offer more availability and a less crowded experience. While ticket prices remain consistent, visiting during off-peak times can provide a more relaxed atmosphere.

Public Transport

Aqua Park Cardiff is now located at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, in Penarth, just a short distance from central Cardiff. The site is well-connected by public transport:

• Nearest train station: Penarth Station (approx. 2.5 miles away)
• Bus routes: Cardiff Bus service number 94 runs from Cardiff city centre to Sully, stopping near the park entrance at Cosmeston Lakes.
• Taxi or rideshare options (such as Uber or local taxi firms) are readily available from Cardiff city centre and typically take 15–20 minutes.

For those relying on public transport, it is advisable to plan your journey in advance, particularly on weekends or during major events in Cardiff.

Wheelchair & Accessibility

While the floating water park itself is not accessible to wheelchair users due to its design and physical requirements, the surrounding Cosmeston Lakes Country Park offers wheelchair-friendly paths, toilets, and visitor areas. Spectators and family members with mobility needs can enjoy the views and parkland surroundings, but participation on the inflatables is restricted to those who can move freely and meet the physical safety criteria.

The Aqua Park’s team is helpful and open to discussing any accessibility concerns ahead of time. You can contact them via email for specific needs.

Aqua Park Cardiff Parking

There is ample on-site parking at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, just a short walk from the Aqua Park check-in zone. Parking is pay and display, with clear signage. Rates are affordable, and spaces are generally available, although peak weekends may be busier.

Designated blue badge bays are available for disabled visitors, and the surface is level from the car park to the lakeside.

Car Charging Stations

At present, there are no dedicated electric vehicle charging stations directly within Cosmeston Lakes Country Park. However, several charging points are available in nearby Penarth and Cardiff Bay areas, and visitors driving EVs should plan to charge before or after their visit.

Shuttle Service

There is no official shuttle service provided by Aqua Park Cardiff or Cosmeston Lakes. However, during major summer events in Cardiff, some travel providers may operate temporary services. For now, visitors must make their own travel arrangements.

Group bookings (e.g., schools or clubs) sometimes arrange private coach transport, which can be accommodated in the coach bays at Cosmeston.

Bike Storage

Cycling to the park is a great option for local visitors. Cosmeston Lakes has several bike racks available near the visitor centre and car park. These are uncovered but secure, allowing you to lock your bike up before entering the park. The area is also connected to scenic local cycling routes, making it a pleasant ride.

Customer Ratings

Customer Reviews

Aqua Park Cardiff consistently receives positive reviews on TripAdvisor, typically earning a rating of 4.0 to 4.5 out of 5 stars. Visitors frequently comment on the park’s fun factor, the professionalism of staff, and the beautiful natural surroundings of Cosmeston Lakes.

On Google, the park maintains an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on a mix of family visits, group outings, and solo adventurers. Reviewers often praise the organisation, the cleanliness of wetsuits and gear, and the adrenaline-filled obstacle course.

“Absolutely loved it! The kids could not stop talking about it all week. We felt really safe, and the staff explained everything clearly.”

“So much fun – tougher than it looks! Bring your energy. Booking online was easy, and the wetsuit rental was well organised.”

“It was my daughter’s birthday treat. She is 10 and loved every minute. I waited on the lakeside with a coffee and had a lovely view.”

Safety & Cleanliness

The park takes cleanliness and safety very seriously, especially since its relocation from Cardiff Bay to Cosmeston Lakes in response to earlier water quality concerns. Measures include:

• Daily safety briefings
• Mandatory life jackets
• Strict session scheduling to avoid overcrowding
• On-site lifeguards stationed throughout the course
• Clean wetsuits and buoyancy aids, sanitised after each use

There are no reported incidents of poor hygiene or unsafe conditions since moving to the new site. The waters at Cosmeston Lakes are subject to regular testing, and the environment is considered suitable for recreational water activities.

Food & Drink

Aqua Park Cardiff does not have an on-site restaurant, but being part of Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, there are several outdoor picnic areas and refreshment kiosks nearby, especially during peak season. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink, and many families choose to enjoy a lakeside picnic either before or after their water session.

During summer holidays and weekends, mobile food vendors or ice cream vans are occasionally on-site, offering drinks, snacks, and light meals.

Accommodation

There is no on-site accommodation at Aqua Park Cardiff. However, the nearby towns of Penarth and Cardiff Bay offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and family-friendly B&Bs. Notable nearby options include:

• Premier Inn Cardiff Bay
• Cefn Mably Hotel, Penarth
• Future Inn Cardiff Bay

These are all within a 10–20 minute drive and are suitable for families, couples, or school groups staying overnight.

Seating & Lounging Areas

There are no designated lounging decks or sunbathing areas within the Aqua Park zone itself. However, Cosmeston Lakes provides plenty of benches, grassy areas, and shaded woodland spots where visitors can relax. Seating is mostly informal, so bringing a blanket or folding chair is a good idea.

Changing & Locker Facilities

The park offers on-site changing areas, including basic cabins or temporary structures, located close to the check-in and wetsuit stations.

However, there are no personal lockers, so it is strongly advised to leave valuables at home or with a non-participating friend. Some visitors bring waterproof pouches for phones and car keys, but these are not officially endorsed by the park.

First Aid & Medical Assistance

The park has a dedicated first aid area, staffed by trained responders. Additionally, qualified lifeguards are stationed throughout the inflatable course and maintain full visual coverage during each session.

Any injuries or incidents are dealt with promptly, and the team has procedures in place for escalating medical attention if needed.

Toilets

There are public toilets available within the Cosmeston Lakes visitor centre, including accessible toilets and baby changing areas. These are a short walk from the Aqua Park check-in zone.

Water Fountains

There are no dedicated refillable water stations within the Aqua Park facilities, but Cosmeston Lakes visitor centre has drinking water taps. Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles.

Wi-Fi Availability

There is no Wi-Fi provided by Aqua Park Cardiff. Mobile signal coverage is generally good in the area, but guests should expect a low-tech, nature-focused experience.

Baby-Friendly Facilities

While the park does not offer water attractions for babies, the lakeside setting is suitable for family picnics and walks with infants. The availability of baby change facilities and open space makes it a manageable day out, as long as expectations are realistic.

Lost & Found Policy

Lost items are collected and stored at the check-in kiosk. If you realise something is missing after your visit, you can contact the park by email. Found items are kept for a limited time. The park does not accept responsibility for lost valuables.

Smoking Areas

Aqua Park Cardiff promotes a smoke-free environment on the floating course and immediate check-in areas. Smoking is discouraged within the grounds of Cosmeston Lakes, although there are no formally designated smoking zones. Smokers are asked to be considerate and to dispose of waste responsibly.

Dog-Friendly Policy

Dogs are not allowed on the inflatable course or in the water, but Cosmeston Lakes Country Park is dog-friendly. Many visitors bring their dogs on leads and enjoy the scenic walking trails around the lake. Be sure to bring water, waste bags, and avoid high-traffic picnic zones if your pet is easily excitable.

Take a closer look at what awaits you at Aqua Park Cardiff through our photo gallery below. From adrenaline-pumping jumps and giant inflatable slides to group adventures and scenic lakeside views, these images showcase the energy, fun, and unforgettable moments you can expect.

Whether you are planning your visit or just curious about the layout, facilities, and atmosphere, these photos offer a glimpse into one of the best inflatable water parks in Wales. Perfect for families, friends, or thrill-seekers looking for something exciting to do near Cardiff.