Cosmeston Lakes Country Park
Explore over 200 acres of woodland, meadows and wetland habitats in this popular country park in Penarth.
Cosmeston Lakes has a number of accessible gravel paths and wooden boardwalks taking you around and between the two large lakes which form the centrepiece of the park. Around the lakes are bird hides where you can look out for mute swans, mallards, herons, egrets and diving birds such as the great crested grebe. The reedbeds around the lake also support a great deal of wildlife - look out for dragonflies and the rare Bittern.
Other walking paths take you through the peaceful woodland with oak, ash, elm, hawthorn and blackthorn trees. Look out for birdlife that includes woodpecker, tree creeper, nuthatch, tits and buzzards.
The wildflower meadows are also beautiful with the Sully Brook running through and a wide variety of plantlife including cowslips, primrose and birdsfoot trefoil, bee orchid, pyramidal orchid, butterfly orchid and the pink willow herb. Look out for rabbits and foxes in this area of the park.
Also in the park is a reconstructed 14th century medieval village where costumed guides show you around the period furnished buildings.
Cosmeston Lakes is located just a few miles from Cardiff and Barry, near to the coast at Penarth.
Postcode
CF64 5UY - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsCosmeston Lakes Country Park Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The park includes a decent on site cafe selling a good range of meals and snacks. If you'd like to bring your own food then there are a few BBQ units and some picnic tables too.
Dog Walking
The park is a great place to walk your dog so you're bound to bump into other owners on your visit. There are handy signs in the park which tell you where they can be off lead too.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To continue your walking in the area you could head to try the circular Dinas Powys Walk which explores the area around the nearby village. It will take you through the local woods to the pretty Cadoxton River. The river is one of the shortest in Wales and includes weirs and a salmon leap.
The Penarth Walk starts from the nearby town and visits the park. It will take you along the coast to Lavernock Point where there are fine views over the Bristol Channel.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
The visitor centre at Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, seen through the trees on a sunny afternoon. The centre provides information about the lakes and nearby medieval village, and also has a cafe.
Woodland trail in the park.
Corner of east lake. A culvert discharges into the lake at this point.
Farmland adjacent to Cosmeston Lakes. The view is to the north-east of Barry and Pencoetre Woods across Cog Moor.