Most people planning Cotswold Lakes holidays have never actually heard of the Cotswold Lakes. They think of honey-coloured villages, country pubs, and long walks between dry-stone walls. They’re not wrong. But there’s another side to the Cotswolds that most visitors drive straight past, usually on the way to Bourton-on-the-Water.
Introducing the Cotswolds Lake: 180 lakes. 40 square miles of nature reserves, open water, and some of the most quietly beautiful landscapes in England. And yet, unless you know it’s there, you’d never find it. That’s what makes it special.
What Are the Cotswold Lakes?
The Cotswold Lakes sit in the southern tip of the Cotswolds, straddling the Wiltshire and Gloucestershire border near Cirencester. They were formed from gravel extraction over the last century, and what was once quarry land is now one of England’s largest inland water areas.
The result is extraordinary. Lake after lake, separated by nature reserves, walking paths, and quiet stretches of bankside. Herons. Kingfishers. Water so clear and flat that on a still morning it looks like glass. It’s the kind of place that makes Cotswold Lakes holidays genuinely different from anywhere else.
What to Do at the Cotswold Lakes
Wild Swimming
The Cotswold Lakes are one of the best places in England for wild swimming. The water is clean, open, and accessible, with designated swimming areas throughout the summer. Most properties in the Be.Here. collection have direct lake access, so you’re in the water before the rest of the world is awake. Early morning is the best time: mist on the surface, no one else around, and the kind of quiet that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Paddleboarding and Watersports
The lakes offer some of the best flat-water paddleboarding in the country. If you’re staying in one of our lakeside properties, most come with kayaks included. Staying on the water? You can also hire paddleboards directly through us. No faff, no driving to a hire centre. Just get out there.
Walking and Cycling
Over 130 miles of paths and trails run through the Cotswold Lakes, connecting the water with nearby villages and nature reserves. The Thames Path also passes through. Most properties in the Be.Here. collection are within walking distance of the water.
Pubs Worth Walking To
We have the best pubs in the Cotswolds within walking distance. Here’s some we love: The Wild Duck in Ewen. The Royal Oak in South Cerney. The Lakeside Brasserie, if you want something on the water. The Old George Inn. The Crown at Cerney Wick. All within easy reach, all worth it.
Where to Stay at the Cotswold Lakes?
Be.Here. manages a handpicked collection of lakeside lodges and waterside cottages that make Cotswold Lakes holidays worth booking direct. We’re local property managers, not a booking platform. We know every stay in our collection personally. Book directly with Be.Here. and you’ll save up to 15% on Airbnb or Booking.com.
Whether you’re after a long weekend on the water, a family week in a lakeside lodge, or a last-minute escape from the city, the Cotswold Lakes have something most Cotswolds destinations don’t – genuine space, open water, and the kind of stillness that takes about an hour to fully settle into.
Day Trips from the Cotswold Lakes
Within thirty minutes of the lakes, you have some of the most visited villages in England. Most guests plan to see one. Most end up doing all of them.
Bibury first – Arlington Row, the stream running underneath it, the trout farm at the edge of the village. Go early. Then Burford, where the high street falls toward the River Windrush in a long, unhurried slope. Good for lunch. Worth lingering over.
Head further north and Stow-on-the-Wold rewards walking slowly. Nearest to home, Cirencester is worth a morning: Roman history, a proper market, and a high street that still has a butcher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Cotswold Lakes?
Over 180 lakes across 40 square miles of the southern Cotswolds near Cirencester. Formerly known as the Cotswold Water Park, they are now one of England’s largest inland water areas – ideal for wild swimming, watersports, walking, and lakeside holidays.
Is wild swimming allowed at the Cotswold Lakes?
Yes. Designated swimming areas are open during summer. The water is monitored and clean, making it one of the best inland wild swimming locations in England.
How far are the Cotswold Lakes from London?
Approximately 90 miles, around 90 minutes by car via the M4 or A40. The nearest train station is Kemble, with regular services from Paddington.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Late spring through early autumn is peak season for Cotswold Lakes holidays, with watersports and swimming at their best. Spring and autumn offer quieter stays with some of the best light for walking.
Can I book directly?
Yes. Booking directly with Be.Here. saves you up to 15% versus third-party platforms, and you’ll have a local team on hand throughout your stay.
What villages are nearby?
Bibury, Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Cirencester are all within 30 minutes.
Book direct. Save up to 15%.
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Visit this link to view our properties On The Water.
Arlington Farmhouse
Arlington Farmhouse is made for time together, with room to be apart when you need it. Set on a quiet road in Bibury, this sprawling country estate sleeps up to ten guests and is built for groups who want to gather properly – without feeling on top of each other. Spend evenings by the fire, […]
Ascot Cottage
Ascot Cottage is a clean, comfortable base for four, sitting just outside Cirencester as part of the Yellowstone collection. Whether your plans revolve around a wedding weekend, time with friends or a few days of work with breathing space around it, it’s the kind of place that’s ready when you arrive and easy to settle […]
At Waters Edge
If you want a break that feels effortless, this is your space. Cook together, challenge the family to a game of pool, or settle into the hot tub on the decking with something cold and excellent company. There’s room, and time, for all of it. At Water’s Edge sleeps 8 across 4 bedrooms and sits […]
