When I first heard about the Cotswold Water Park, I assumed it was an adventure oasis filled with daredevil flumes, slides and splash zones. My first assumption couldn’t have been more wrong… While the Cotswold Water Park is most definitely an oasis – it’s actually a natural playground made up of over 50km of paths and bridleways. Set on the border of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, it spans 40 square miles with over 140 lakes formed as a result of limestone gravel extraction.
Cotswold Water Park Accommodation
Many of the lakes have now been restored – and the park offers a wide range of activities to suit everyone from watersports to walking trails, and bird watching to cycling. Meanwhile, there are several accommodation options from the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel which looks out over the water as well as self-catering properties and camping sites, and food choices such as picnic areas, country pubs and bistros.
It’s also a significant area for wildlife, and the environmental charity, the Cotswold Water Park Trust – made up of staff and volunteers – is working with local communities and organisations to create a sustainable future for the park.
Cotswold Water Park Beach
Armed with a cycling map and advice as to which route we should take – we headed off and followed the trail towards the Cotswolds Country Park and Beach. The beach – the largest inland beach in the UK – was heaving, while the bouncy castles, crazy golf course and adventure playgrounds were full of families enjoying themselves. Much to our surprise, Monkey didn’t ask us to stop – he was much more preoccupied with beating mummy and daddy on the bikes!
As we began to steadily move away from this busy hub, it didn’t take long until we were by ourselves. After we decided to head away from the River Thames and take a trail directly into the Park proper, we began seeing much more ‘wild’ terrain.
Cotswold Cycle Routes
Most of the paths were pretty clear, however, there were some parts that were very overgrown with stinging nettles. The poor guys got their legs stung as they were wearing shorts – and in one section I got stuck in a huge mud puddle. Cue lots of laughter from everyone but me – it was lucky my trainer wasn’t left behind…
The scenery was rugged, with plenty of wild grass and flowers. As we continued along the trail, we began passing several working quarries. Monkey enjoyed watching all the large construction vehicles going about their business. We eventually hit the small village of South Cerney – and it was felt a little strange to suddenly be riding along a busy road when just moments ago we were on the peaceful trail.
After some deliberation, we decided to carry on along the Old Railway Line route towards Cricklade.
The Old Railway Line was mostly under the canopy of trees. It was fun riding this stretch of the trail as the path was much wider and flatter, and we could all pick up more speed!
We did have to cross over a couple of main roads – but before we knew it, we had arrived in Cricklade – a small town which was founded in the 9th century by the Anglo-Saxons.
It was well past lunchtime and we were all ravenous. After a good rest, a pint and a hearty meal at The White Hart pub, we got back on our saddles to make our way back towards the hire shop.
We went back on ourselves for a short distance before veering off on a different route. This time we were able to cycle adjacent to a large lake, where we got to watch some water skiers in action and look at some of the water-side accommodation that is so popular with tourists.
At this point, Monkey had fallen asleep from all the excitement. And we were all getting a little saddle sore. Choosing to take the quickest route back, we ended up cycling the last stretch on the main road – a little hair-raising to say the least, but we all returned safe and sound.
In total, we cycled for around five hours and covered around 15 miles. Not bad going considering we just wanted to have a little bike ride! And, even though we were pretty exhausted, we had so much fun exploring.
I would definitely recommend hiring bikes if you want to cover a good distance across the Cotswold Water Park. But if you don’t want to be as strenuous, you can always go for a stroll and enjoy a pint by the waterside. Just as fun and not so taxing on the behind…
*Go to the Cotswold Water Park website for more information on events, activities and accommodation
Looks such a fun family day out. We stayed at this place – 12 years ago now – just before our son was born, loved it and the views and accommodation were just gorgeous. Needless to say we went for the non strenuous activities but would definitely go back and try out that cycle route.
I think it would be lovely to stay there, I was jealous of all those lovely waterfront properties
Gorgeous – I had heard of it but didn’t know much more about it. Getting out on bikes is something I remember from childhood holidays so looking forward to my daughter being a bit older and doing some more ourselves. (Three-year-old in trailer is a bit much for my leg muscles especially if there are hills!)
Ha ha, yes I always stick Monkey with daddy, he’s turning into a little lump!
My children would be very happy if the water park decided to add some flumes! We’ve been a couple of times but only walking/going out on a boat – will have to check out the cycle routes next time!
I think they should definitly add some flumes 🙂 The cycle routes are so extensive, you could spend a whole weekend exploring
Really pretty -looks so much fun!
It was fab
love the scenery and I guess bike is the way to go! Great for a workout too!
Definitely the best way to cover the most ground!
When I read the title water park in Cotswold I was shivering a the though of water slides into the cold water, but instead it sounds like a delightful fun filled park by the waters edge – a lovely day out.
Gosh it would be cold wouldn’t it?
I’ve often looked at the Cotswold Water Park but more for accommodation. Good to know a little bit more about the area. Glad you found a pub half way round!
The pub was a definite necessity 🙂
Looks stunning – love the waterside chalets. Hope your bum wasn’t too sore after 5 hours spent cycling!
It was a little bit 🙂 But then made up for it by eating a massive dinner!
That looks like such an enjoyable day away from crowds of people! I’m starting to look for more vacations like that. I’m over the mass tourism of big cities #MondayEscapes
It was very peaceful!
This is so pretty! What a lovely way to spend the day. We’ve just got our oldest two confident on bikes and I would love to do this with them. #MondayEscapes
It’s good fun getting on a saddle!
It’s such a great way to explore. I can’t wait for Monkey to be able to ride his own one! Soon fingers crossed!
Wow, well done that’s quite some distance! I would love to do this with my family and this looks the perfect place to give it a go – fairly flat and safe. Feeling inspired! #mondayescapes x
We were knackered though! Evening wine went straight to my head 🙂 x
Can’t believe I still haven’t made it to the Cotswold’s – good inspiring read for when I next make it back to the UK
You’d love it, such a lovely place to stay and explore
I think I would have made the same mistake as you with the name – I would have been armed and ready with my goggles! It looks like a great place for a bike ride. And I’d love to stay in one of those gorgeous lake side houses. How idyllic #MondayEscapes
Ha ha! That made me laugh… you riding around with swimming goggles on 🙂
Fabulous! You know I must have driven past this place a lot – it’s on the route to my sister’s house. Never stopped in there though. Also good to know the Thames Path loops nearby. One day we will reach that bit on our National Trail challenge! Looks like a fun and active day out. Lovely pics. 🙂
Kate! You’re going to have stop now and get on a bike 🙂
When I first read the title, I was also thinking of water slides and splash zones! A water-themed park in the Cotswold?? Lol…but it’s not. Thanks for sharing with us, Ting, we now know that water amusement parks will definitely NOT get a space in the beautiful Cotswold green landscape 🙂 #MondayEscapes
Ha ha! Monkey was a bit upset I think there were no slides!
It looks like such a peaceful and tranquil place, I would love to stay in those beautiful water chalets they looks so pretty x
Don’t they look lovely? Reminds me of something out of Norway, not leafy Gloucestershire! x
I really can’t get over how tall he is now. Looks like a lovely day out, but when I read the title I thought the same as you! #mondayescapes
It’s his fourth birthday this weekend! EEEK! x
That looks a great place and it’s lovely to explore by bike 🙂 Love the pinkness of those houses too! Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes
Yes, you’d love to cycle around here. Plenty of pubs enroute too 🙂
Reading “water park”, the first image that came to my mind was the same as yours 🙂 Seems a cool place for riding a bike! Thanks for sharing
Ha ha! We all did. ‘Where are slides?’ asked Monkey! 🙂
I’ve been to the Cotswolds several times but only heard about the water park recently. After reading your post we’ll definitely have to head here next time-it looks fab, just the sort of place we love exploring! #mondayescapes
Definitely. This is right up your street!
One thing I love about blogs is that you learn about places you might never have heard of otherwise. What a beautiful place, and the bike ride sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing. #MondayEscapes
Pleasure. It’s a stunning stretch of landscape. Lovely that the local community work together to maintain it.
When I read water park I immediately thought of flumes and rides too. This looks like a lovely place to visit, not sure we would manage 5 hours like you though! Think we’d up for the short walk and pub option 😉 #MondayEscapes
*opt* not up!
Ha ha, next time, I will be doing that for sure 🙂
This looks like a beautiful area for biking. I don’t like riding my bike on main roads either, but it looks like the ride was beautiful for the most part!
It was. Biking on the main road was pretty scary!