Cosmeston Lakes Country Park
Vale of Glamorgan
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park lies on the coast road between Penarth and Sully, a former limestone quarry flooded to create the twin East and West Lakes now at its centre, with signed areas around them where a dog can run off lead. The park covers more than 100 hectares of woodland, meadow and wetland and became a Local Nature Reserve in 2013, with part of the site also designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. A well-surfaced circular route of around 3.5km follows gravel paths and boardwalks around both lakes, passing bird hides, wildflower meadows and Sully Brook, with the reconstructed Cosmeston Medieval Village, staffed by costumed guides, standing within the grounds. The ground is flat throughout, a legacy of the old quarry floor, so there is barely any climbing on the route.
This is a dog friendly park with moderate off-lead potential: dogs must be kept on a lead in the car park and around the East Lake, but elsewhere signed areas allow dogs to run free under control. There is no livestock to worry about, and the woodland and meadow paths give plenty of scent and shade for a dog on a warm day, though swimming in the lakes themselves is not permitted for anyone. The wide, flat paths and boardwalks make this an easy walk for older or less mobile dogs. Parking is available at the visitor centre, which also has a cafe, and Penarth and Sully are both a short drive away with further dog-friendly options.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 3.5 km (2.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr
- Walk Type
- Lake, Park
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- None
- Facilities
- Cafe at the visitor centre, toilets, adventure playground.
- Parking
- Free car park at the Cosmeston Lakes visitor centre, off Lavernock Road.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in Vale of GlamorganFrequently Asked Questions
Is Cosmeston Lakes Country Park dog friendly?
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park is a welcoming spot for dogs, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The park's 100-plus hectares of woodland, meadow and wetland give dogs plenty to explore, and the flat, wide paths are well suited to dogs of all ages and abilities. There's no livestock on site, and parking, toilets and a visitor centre café are all on hand to make your visit comfortable.
Can dogs be off lead at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park?
Yes, dogs can run off lead in signed areas throughout much of the park, though they must be kept on a lead in the car park and around the East Lake. The woodland and meadow paths give dogs good freedom to roam and sniff, so off-lead potential is moderate overall. Just be aware that swimming in the lakes is not permitted for dogs or people.
What should I know before visiting Cosmeston Lakes Country Park with my dog?
The main circular route is around 3.5km on gravel paths and boardwalks, with virtually no elevation gain thanks to the old quarry floor — great news for older or less mobile dogs. Keep leads on in the car park and around the East Lake, and note that lake swimming isn't allowed. Parking is free at the visitor centre off Lavernock Road, and the on-site café means you can refuel after your walk.
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Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock Road, Lower Penarth, Penarth CF64 5UY
51.4179, -3.1912
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