There’s a reason families keep returning to Croft Farm Water Park year after year: it manages to feel like a proper holiday without the fuss of a big resort. Nestled near Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire, this 12-acre lake destination offers watersports, lodges with hot tubs, and a relaxed atmosphere that suits both thrill-seekers and those just wanting to unwind.
Google rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 1,200+ reviews) ·
Lake size: 12 acres ·
Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, England ·
Opening year: Estimated early 2000s ·
Accommodation units: Lodges with hot tubs
Quick snapshot
- Located near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire (Alan Rogers Travel camping directory)
- 12-acre private lake with RYA-accredited watersports centre (JCA Adventure activity provider)
- Life jackets provided free of charge (Croft Farm official FAQ)
- Exact opening date for the 2026 season
- Full grocery selection at the on-site shop
- Day visitor pricing – varies by season and activity
- Camping season: 1 March to 31 October
- Group stays: April to July, 2–4 nights
- Café open Fri–Sun in low season, daily otherwise
- Check official website for 2026 opening dates
- Book watersports and lodging early for peak season
- Plan for cashless payments – no on-site cash point
Here’s how the key details stack up for planning your visit.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire |
| Lake size | 12 acres |
| Accommodation type | Lodges with hot tubs |
| Dogs allowed | Yes, in designated areas |
| Life jackets | Provided free |
| WiFi | Available on-site |
Is Croft Farm open to the public?
Yes – Croft Farm Water Park welcomes day visitors and lodging guests throughout its operating season. The camping and touring season runs from 1 March to 31 October, according to Alan Rogers Travel camping directory. Specific opening times for facilities vary by season and facility; the official website and on-site app provide current hours per Croft Farm official FAQ.
Opening hours and seasons
- Camping season: 1 March – 31 October.
- Watersports centre café/bar: open daily during high season; Friday–Sunday in low season.
- Barrier key deposit £5.
The implication: if you’re planning a day trip outside summer, check ahead – the café and some facilities may operate on reduced hours.
Booking policies
Advance booking is recommended for watersports and accommodation, especially during school holidays. Group bookings (schools, families, corporate) can accommodate up to 180 people with stays of 2–4 nights from April to July per JCA Adventure activity provider.
Why this matters: If you arrive without a reservation for watersports in peak season, you may find the lake’s activity slots full.
This place trades high-season spontaneity for peace of mind — book ahead or risk missing out on the water.
Are life jackets provided at Croft Farm?
Yes, life jackets are provided free of charge for all water activity participants, according to Croft Farm official FAQ. They are available in sizes for children and adults. Guests are also welcome to bring their own approved life jackets.
Life jacket availability
- Free to use – included with watersports participation.
- Available at the watersports centre.
- Sizes cover both children and adults.
JCA Adventure activity provider notes that the on-site RYA School uses a 12-acre chest-deep lake, so buoyancy aids are standard for all on-water activities.
Size range and safety
The park provides a range of sizes, and staff ensure a proper fit. Bringing your own is allowed as long as it meets safety standards. No lifeguard is explicitly mentioned in official materials, but the RYA school operates under strict safety protocols.
The catch: while life jackets are free, you may still want to arrive early to guarantee availability in busy periods.
For families with young children, the free life jacket policy removes one of the biggest hidden costs of a watersports day out – a real budget win.
Can you take dogs to Croft Farm?
Dogs are welcome in designated outdoor areas and certain lodges, but they are not permitted in the water or on the beach area. According to Alan Rogers Travel camping directory, glamping pods allow pets. There may be a fee for bringing a dog to accommodation – check at booking.
Dog policy on-site
- Allowed in outdoor spaces (paths, grassy areas) but must be kept on a lead.
- Not allowed on the beach or in the lake.
- Dog waste bins provided.
Dog-friendly accommodations
Alan Rogers Travel states that glamping pods with 4 beds (1 double, 2 bunks) accept pets, except allergy pods. Lodges with hot tubs may also allow dogs – confirm directly with the park.
The trade-off: you can bring your furry friend to the grounds, but they can’t join you on the water or at the beach. If a paddling dog is part of your plan, this may not be the spot.
What activities does Croft Farm offer?
The park centres on its 12-acre private lake, which hosts a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accredited school. Watersports include kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing. On land, there’s an adventure playground, sports fields, a games room, and a marquee for events.
Watersports
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Sailing (RYA courses available)
- Windsurfing
- River Avon access for more experienced paddlers
On-land activities
- Adventure playground
- Sports fields (football, rounders)
- Games room
- Fishing on the river (separate permit may apply)
Group packages
JCA Adventure activity provider offers group stays for schools and organisations, with up to 180 participants. Packages include 2–4 nights midweek or weekends, April to July, with activities led by qualified instructors.
The pattern: Croft Farm is not a theme-park style waterpark with slides – it’s a natural lake for active watersports. If you’re after adrenaline slides, look elsewhere. If you want to learn to sail in a calm setting, it’s ideal.
Bottom line for activity seekers: You get a safe, RYA-backed learning environment on a shallow lake. Thrill-seekers will find the pace too gentle; beginners and families will love it.
What time is check in at Croft Farm?
For accommodation guests, check-in is typically from 4:00 PM, and check-out by 10:00 AM, according to Croft Farm official FAQ. Those arriving after hours should contact reception in advance. Early check-in or late check-out may be available on request.
Check-in and check-out times
- Check-in: 4:00 PM
- Check-out: 10:00 AM
- Barrier key deposit £5 (refundable)
Late arrival procedure
If you’ll arrive after reception closes, the park can arrange a late arrival pack with key and map. Contact them by phone before your trip.
What this means: the 4 PM check-in is standard for UK holiday parks, but it leaves little time for watersports on arrival day. Plan your first afternoon as a relaxed explore, not a full activity day.
Upsides
- Free life jackets for all ages
- Dog-friendly accommodations
- RYA-accredited watersports tuition
- On-site café, shop, and takeaway
- Free WiFi (though reported as slow)
- Group packages for schools and families
Downsides
- No on-site cash point – card/contactless only
- Check-in at 4 PM leaves little time for activities on arrival day
- Day visitor pricing not clearly published for all seasons
- WiFi can be slow
- Dogs not allowed on beach or in lake
- Limited opening season (March–October)
Confirmed facts
- Croft Farm Water Park is located in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire (Alan Rogers Travel).
- The park has a 12-acre private lake (JCA Adventure).
- Life jackets are provided free of charge (Croft Farm official FAQ).
- Dogs are allowed in some areas and lodges.
- Check-in is from 4:00 PM.
- Camping season: 1 March to 31 October.
What’s unclear
- Exact opening date for the 2026 season.
- Whether the on-site shop has a full grocery selection.
- Specific pricing for day visitors – varies by season and activity.
- Glamping pod prices are reported as “from £50/night” but may vary by season and length of stay.
“The lodge was spotless, the hot tub was warm and ready, and the kids spent hours on the lake. Exactly what we needed for a short break.”
– Verified visitor review on TripAdvisor (2024)
“Croft Farm Water Park is the ultimate escape to adventure – whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time paddler.”
– Croft Farm Water Park official website description
Editor’s note: These two perspectives – one from a family guest, one from the park itself – capture the dual identity of Croft Farm: a place that markets itself as an adventure hub but, in practice, delivers a calm, family-friendly escape. The real value lies in that balance.
The question for most visitors is not whether Croft Farm delivers watersports – it does – but whether the relaxed pace suits your expectations. For families with young children who want a safe, shallow lake and free life jackets, it’s a strong bet. For adults seeking high-intensity action or a late-night social scene, the park’s 10 AM check-out and quiet evening atmosphere may feel limiting. For families in Gloucestershire and the wider South West, the choice is clear: book Croft Farm for a low-stress water-based break, or choose a larger commercial waterpark if you need more thrills and a later schedule.
croftfarmwaterpark.com, croftfarmwaterpark.com, wheretogowithkids.co.uk, hk.trip.com, tripadvisor.com
For those seeking a more luxurious water-based escape, De Vere Cotswold Water Park offers a spa and lakeside accommodation just a short drive from Tewkesbury.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to enter Croft Farm Water Park?
Day visitor pricing is not consistently published across all seasons. Check the official website or call +44 1684 772321 for current rates. Watersports activities and accommodation carry separate charges.
Do I need to book water activities in advance?
Yes – advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during school holidays and weekends. Equipment and instruction slots fill up.
Are there changing rooms and showers?
Yes – the watersports centre has changing facilities and showers. The camping area also has heated showers and washbasins.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Day visitors can bring picnics; the on-site café and takeaway also serve food. For lodging guests, each unit has self-catering facilities.
Is Croft Farm Water Park suitable for young children?
Yes – the lake is chest-deep (approx. 1.2 m), and life jackets are provided for all ages. The adventure playground and shallow water entry make it family-friendly.
What is the cancellation policy for lodging?
Cancellation terms vary by booking platform (direct, Hoseasons, etc.). Check your booking confirmation for specifics. Direct bookings through the park may have different terms.
Is there parking on site?
Yes – free parking is available for day visitors and accommodation guests. A barrier key deposit of £5 is required.
Are group discounts available?
Yes – group packages for schools, families, and corporate events are offered through JCA Adventure activity provider for groups up to 180, with activity programmes and accommodation.
Jack Henry Morgan Howard is the Founding Editor and a staff writer at DailyBrief UK, covering UK news, politics and business. He works to the newsroom's sourcing and fact-checking standards under Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Whitcombe, so that every briefing is concise, accurate and clearly attributed.