Working with a number of individuals and bodies to champion conservation and create a great family-friendly attraction, the Cotswold Water Park near Cirencester invites all generations to share the beauty of this awe-inspiring area. Featuring around 180 lakes set within 42sqm, the opportunities for discovery and play are endless, from paddling-boarding to birdwatching to cycling. 

To help you find your bearings upon arrival, head over to the site’s Gateway Information Centre, located in a green oak barn on Spine Road, South Cerney. Providing lots of information, maps and insider tips, not to mention beautiful lakeside views, you can learn all about the area and the best routes for you. For convenience, the Gateway Centre is open throughout the week from 9am to 5pm and has easy access from the main road, as well as lots of free parking.

Hosted by various providers and operators, there all sorts of activities you can get involved in at the Cotswold Water Park. The adjoining Cotswold Country Park and Beach has even further choice for family-friendly fun.  Water-lovers will be able to have a go at windsurfing, sailing, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, kayaking and more. Meanwhile those preferring to stay on dry land can choose from archery, golf, horse-riding, rally driving, aerial challenges and so on. 

That said, should you prefer to take things at your own pace, there are lots of different trails, paths and routes weaving their way across the park. With something for all abilities and ages, the park’s circular walks range in distance from 1 mile to over 11 miles.  Making them easy to follow, most of the routes are clearly signposted and well-managed. However, if you are walking in winter, please remember to wear good walking boots as the paths can get muddy and slippery.

If you have a wheelchair or mobility scooter, you can make good use of the park’s bridle paths and cycle routes. Some of the park’s best walks are outlined here. Another time, put some time aside to enjoy the park’s more peaceful side and birdwatch in one of the hides. A refuge for birds and wildlife, you can see nightingales and hobbies in spring, little ringed plover, oystercatcher and lapwing in summer and vast numbers of migratory species in autumn and winter.

Dotted around the park are a number of amenities that can be used by visitors. There is a good choice of pubs in the Cotswold Water Park and surrounding area and there are many cafés too, so there is always somewhere to dine in or take-out. If you would like to bring your own food with you, you can also take advantage of a plethora of great picnic spots all over the site. As the park is so large, there are a number of car parks available, some of which ask for a small fee. 

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Gateway Information Centre, Spine Road, South Cerney GL7 5TL | www.waterpark.org | 01793 752413