I’m a big fan of short getaways – there’s something truly refreshing about spending just 24 hours away, especially near water. Recently, I explored the South West further and visited De Vere Cotswold Water Park in South Cerney. It’s one of two De Vere locations I’ve visited; the other is near Bristol at Tortworth Court.
Having not spent much time in the Cotswolds, I was excited to explore this serene spot about an hour’s drive from my home in East Bristol. The journey was smooth, which was a blessing with a toddler in tow.
Our plan was to kick off with some kayaking at Lake 86 via Cotswold Water Park Hire, a highly rated service (4.7 on Google). Unfortunately, we couldn’t find the rental – turns out I’d misremembered the name. This little mix-up just means we’re definitely coming back.
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Instead, we checked into our room right at 3pm and took the time to relax and catch up. We stayed in a spacious two-bedroom apartment, featuring a large living area and a compact yet well-equipped kitchen. Each bedroom had its own bathroom and balcony, adding to the comfort.
The best part was the stunning lake view from our balcony. We spent hours relaxing there, sipping white wine on a warm summer afternoon.
The resort itself is bigger than expected, with over 300 rooms and various self-catering apartments. On site, there are two restaurants—the Brasserie and The Old Boathouse—and the venue is clearly a popular wedding location, as we glimpsed several celebrations during our stay.
As dinner approached, we stopped by the playground near the apartment to let the kids burn off some energy, hoping for a calmer meal. Not sure how successful that was, but the facilities were a huge plus.
Dinner at The Old Boathouse was a delight. We chose to eat on the terrace overlooking the lake. I had a double burger with pancetta, mozzarella, and tomato relish, served with chips, while my friend enjoyed pan-seared sea bass with vegetables. Both meals were satisfying—the sea bass light and fresh, perfect for summer, and my burger juicy and filling.
The restaurant catered warmly to kids; my toddler and my friend’s nine-year-old both enjoyed cheese and tomato pizzas with chips. Watching my son excitedly devour his meal (and a healthy helping of ice cream for dessert) was a joy.
That night, we enjoyed a comfortable sleep despite the warm weather; the beds were clearly top quality.
Breakfast the next morning didn’t disappoint either. I love a good buffet, particulary the granola, though I couldn’t resist a sausage sandwich too. My son loved the variety, making a buffet the perfect choice for families.
We then headed to the pool at 9:30am, finding it peaceful with only one other family present. About an hour of splashing later, a few more guests arrived. The pool is part of the spa complex, which also includes a sauna and steam room, though I didn’t get a chance to use these, busy with childcare duties.
However, I did indulge in a spa treatment before leaving: a 50-minute relaxing face and body session costing £90. The Sweetlana therapist delivered an excellent combination of back exfoliation, massage, and a personalized facial, leaving my skin glowing. This treatment was an unexpected highlight and reminded me how hit-or-miss spa experiences can be.
De Vere Cotswold Water Park boasts more than 3,400 reviews on Google with a 4.2 rating, and it’s easy to see why. Close to Bristol, it offers a perfect blend of nature’s tranquility and all the comforts of a hotel stay.
Prices start from £129 per night, bed and breakfast, making it an ideal choice for a refreshing, family-friendly escape.