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Places to visit in the beautiful Cotswolds
De Vere Cotswold Water Park sits in the heart of The Cotswolds and is the perfect base for exploring this vast and alluring piece of England. The Cotswolds runs through five counties and is made up of an intoxicating variety of sights and destinations: from lush, green countryside and rolling hills to dreamy villages and buzzing market towns.
The area is also home to some of the UK’s finest castles and palaces – as well as wildlife parks, museums and gardens guaranteed to delight grown-ups and little ones. Here are a few destinations we think you’ll love – all of which are easily accessible from De Vere Cotswold Water Park.
Read or download the complete companion guide to find out even more about the local area.
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Cotswold Distillery
Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of gin at this classic English distillery. Learn the secrets of how gins and whiskies are made and flavoured at one of their popular blending masterclasses. Take time out to peruse the vistor centre and gift shop and take refreshment at the charming café.
35 miles / 1 hour drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Lakeside Ski & Wake
Experience the thrill of watersports at this family-friendly destination. From wakeboarding and waterskiing to more gentle rides - it’s all here. All equipment, wetsuits and tuition are available and the on-site brasserie is an excellent place to eat and drink.
5-10 minutes’ walk from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Head 4 Heights
Test yourself with some challenging climbing and rope-based activites at this popular activity centre. Professional staff will ensure your day is exhilerating, educational and very, very safe. Suitable for grown-ups and children of all abilities.
13 miles / 25 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
The Cotswold Range
Projectile fun a-plenty at this fantastic family-friendly experience in an idyllic setting. Choose from shooting, archery or crossbows and engage your inner marksman - all under expert (and extremely safe) tuition from the friendly team. Pre-booking essential.
3.6 miles / 6 minutes from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
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Water Park kayak and canoe hire
Don’t just admire the lakes of the Cotswold Water Park - get on them and have a paddle around. Hiring a canoe or kayak is a blissful way of getting up-close and personal with this aquatic wonderland.
5 minutes’ walk from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Butts Farm
A chance to meet some rare breed farm animals at this wonderful family destination. Don’t forget to visit the excellent farm shop where you can stock up on some first-class produce to take home.
3 miles / 5 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Combat Splat
A great time is guaranteed for all at this long-established paintball event centre. The woodland combat zones are imaginatively designed, with excitement and surprise around every corner. Over 10s only.
Less than 1 mile / 10-15 minutes’ walk from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
South Cerney Outdoor Education Centre
Providing excellent facilities and resources for all abilities, by a 47-acre lake of crystal clear water and the River Churn. Promoting outdoor learning and low cost outdoor activities for young people.
3 miles / 7 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
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Cotswold Country Park & Beach
On the doorstep of the hotel, this man-made complex of lakes and beaches is a haven for water activities for all ages.
3.8 miles / 7 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Cotswold Sculpture Park
Marvel at traditional and contemporary sculptures and art installations as you potter around serene gardens. Be sure to take refreshments at the delightful Poppin Tearoom.
4.3 miles / 10 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Corinium Museum
This wonderful museum presents life 2,000 years ago through fascinating artefacts and exhibitions. Grab a souvenir and refreshments at the shop & café.
5.3 miles / 11 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Lydiard Park
A beautiful Palladian house, church and walled garden await you, all set in 260 acres of landscaped parkland. Excellent children’s play area, café and tea rooms.
10.7 miles / 20 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
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Painswick Rococo Garden
Delight your senses in this beautiful ornamental garden, impeccably maintained and nurtured since the 18th century. The restaurant is well worth a visit, serving fresh food grown in the garden itself.
21 miles / 27 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Marlborough
A town for which the word ‘quaint’ could have been invented. Marlborough has streets, lanes, nooks and crannies to explore – all of which are teeming with interesting shops and agreeable restaurants.
27.7 miles / 26 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
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STEAM - Museum of the GWR
This fascinating, nostalgic museum immerses you in the heydey of the Great Western Railway, with locomotives, exhibitions and memorabilia. Refreshment at the Platform One Café is just the ticket.
11.8 miles / 20 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Swindon Designer Outlet
This complex of Victorian railway buildings is now home to an impressive collection of big-name retail stores and eateries, all of which offer considerable discounts – all year round.
11.8 miles / 20 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Farmtastic Animal Farm
Say hello to all manner of birds and beasts at this wonderful family destination. There are talks, rides and animal petting and feeding opportunities to be had. Human food and drinks are also available.
12.9 miles / 21 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Coate Water Country Park
A really lovely place to go for families. Lakeside walks, boating, golf and a play area - all set to beautiful scenery. Take a picnic or barbecue and make a glorious day of it.
14.2 miles / 16 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
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Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
Meet some BIG beasts at this legendary Cotswold attraction. Giraffes, rhinos, lions, zebras and more – as well as reptiles, amphibians and exotic birds. Take time out from the excitement at one of the many gift shops and eateries.
16.5 miles / 32 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Badbury Hill
Stunning walking opportunities for all ages and abilities are abound at this Iron Age hill fort, which offers spectacular views across The Cotswolds and River Severn. A truly breath-taking experience.
17.3 miles / 26 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Coopers Hill
You know that place where grown men and women throw themselves down a really steep hill in pursuit of a bouncing wheel of cheese? This is that hill – and its gradient is surprisingly terrifying. Well worth the ascent (on a non-cheese rolling day) for the gorgeous views from the top.
19.2 miles / 24 minutes drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Pittville Park
The largest ornamental park in the area, Pittville Park offers lots to see and do for all ages. Visit the Grade I listed Pump Room, take in the wonderful views, or relax by the water. Lots of play areas for the kids, too.
20 miles / 31 minutes’ drive from De Vere Cotswold Water Park