About the Area

This wonderful lakeland region is made up of 180 different lakes and covers over 40 square miles of beautiful Cotswold countryside. The Cotswold Water Park area is just south of Cirencester and offers visitors so much to see and do including the start of the River Thames.

Activities & Nature

There is a wide range of activities and watersports around many of the lakes including Aquaventure, inflatable rides, waterskiing, wakeboarding, cycle hire, archery, driving experiences, excellent fishing, open water swimming, and even a sandy beach resort. In addition there are numerous country parks, picnic areas, wildlife and nature reserves with bird hides and wildlife watching opportunities. There are many mapped well marked walking and cycle trails to explore.

Pretty Villages, Stately Homes & Market Towns

The Cotswold Water Park area offers more than just waterfun with many wonderful places to head out to eat and drink including many popular local pubs, cafes, tea shops and restaurants. The Cotswolds region and beyond offers a great deal of places to visit and explore. These include many old, unspoilt pretty villages, historic market towns, gardens, stately homes and some superb walks.

There are so many great things to see and do, eat and drink and places to visit in the Cotswold Water Park region and surrounding area! Here are a few of our favourites…

Activities & Watersports

Cotswold Canoe Hire - Lechlade River Thames

Local Area Activities Include:

Watersports – Sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle-boarding, etc.
Swimming, Aquaventure, boat hire, pedalos, beach & more – Cotswold Country Park & Beach
Water-skiing, wake boarding & inflatable rides
Cycling – many well marked cycle paths & trails – bike hire available locally
Walking – great network of footpaths & nature trails
Fishing – large choice of specialist carp & coarse fishing lakes for all abilities
The Thames Path including the Head of the Thames
Boat trips on the Thames from Lechlade
Wildlife & nature reserves and various Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Birdwatching – wonderful wetland wildfowl habitats & well marked bird hides for viewing
Local activities include paintball, off road buggy driving, clay pigeon shooting, archery & golf
Great choice of country pubs, local cafes, restaurants & takeaways throughout the Cotswold Water Park area
Market towns, pretty Cotswold villages including Bibury, Lechlade & Cirencester nearby
Easy access to the beautiful Cotswold region
For more information regarding area see the Cotswold Water Park Trust website

Great Places to Eat & Drink

Lodge at Lake 12 - South Cerney Outdoors

Pizzeria 720 - Freshly Cooked Pizza Takeaway

The Brasserie at Cotswold Water Park Hotel

Here’s a culinary tour of some of the best places to eat and drink in the Cotswold Water Park:

Waterside Kitchen & Bar: International Flavors by the Lake

Step inside the Waterside Kitchen & Bar in Cirencester for a vibrant dining experience. Their diverse menu boasts flavors from around the world, served alongside lovely lake views.

The Lakeside Brasserie: On-Site Convenience & Lake Views

Just a short stroll from your lodge, you’ll find the Lakeside Brasserie. Enjoy delicious meals with a side of stunning lake views. Perfect for casual lunches, lively dinners, or sunset drinks by the water.

The Old Boathouse: Lakeside Dining with a Touch of Tradition

Located at the De Vere Hotel, The Old Boathouse offers classic meals in a beautiful setting. From light lunches to special-occasion dinners, this is a popular spot for soaking up the lakeside atmosphere.

The Eliot Arms: A Cosy Cotswold Pub

Tuck into traditional pub fare with a charming Cotswold twist at The Eliot Arms in the nearby village of South Cerney. This welcoming pub with its cosy atmosphere is perfect for a post-walk pint or a relaxed Sunday roast.

The Gateway Cafe: Relaxed and Family-Friendly

At the Cotswold Water Park Gateway Centre, you’ll find the Gateway Cafe, a great option for casual meals, coffee, and cake. Enjoy the outdoor seating or grab snacks to fuel your lakeside adventures.

This is just a small taste of the fantastic eateries awaiting you around the Cotswolds Water Park. Explore local villages, pubs, and cafes – culinary exploration is part of the Cotswold experience!