Cotswold Lakes

About

Set in 42 square miles of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire countryside, this unique area of over 180 lakes known as the Cotswold Lakes has something for everyone – from watersports and land activities, fantastic and varied birdwatching, excellent angling, off road cycling, an inland beach, peaceful lakeside walks to beautiful Cotswold towns and villages waiting to be explored. You can come for a day visit, a short break or a family holiday.

The first stop for many visitors is the Visitor Centre, located on the Spine Road in the grounds of the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel. The Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week from 10am – 3pm during weekends and school holidays, with easy access from the main road, and plenty of free parking. From here you will be able to pick up a free Leisure Map and other guides which will tell you where you can do the various activities and how to get there.

There are many activities to choose from catering for all ages and abilities. With clear water and no tides to worry about, the lakes are perfect for trying a wide range of water sports for beginners and experts alike with friendly and experienced tutors available to help you. Choose from sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing and wakeboarding. The area also has an inland beach for family bathing and paddling.

If you prefer to stay on dry land, the area has miles of off road paths for walking and cycling or alternatively you could try archery, shooting, fishing, golf, paint balling, wildlife skills and even rally driving.

Wherever you go in the Cotswold Lakes, take your binoculars with you. The area has a huge variety of birds visiting and living in the area throughout the year. In summer, watch the aerial antics of hobbies as they hunt dragonflies, look for bats skimming the lake surface for flies at dusk and seek out the magical carpet of wildflowers in the ancient water meadows. On hot sunny days, walk through clouds of blue damselflies near the lake edges and keep a look out for nesting grebes. Ducks love the Water Park in the winter too, with thousands of water birds feeding on many of the larger lakes.

Much of the accommodation in the Cotswold Lakes is situated right next to the lakes. Choose from charming wooden chalets, New England style lodges, a family holiday park or four star hotel luxury. Whether you choose self-catering, full board or B&B, each of these places has its own unique character offering facilities such as indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, luxury spas, beauty treatments and fine dining. In the local area, you can discover traditional country pubs serving local beers and home cooked dishes, plus some great lakeside cafes and bistros.