I’m a big fan of quick getaways — even just 24 hours away can be incredibly refreshing, especially when water is involved. Recently, I visited De Vere Cotswold Water Park in South Cerney as part of my ongoing tour of the South West. With its beautiful setting and proximity to nature, it promised a perfect short break.
Living just an hour from the Cotswolds, I was eager to explore this lesser-known gem. The journey was smooth, which was a blessing with a toddler in tow.
Our plan was to begin with kayaking at Lake 86 through Cotswold Water Park Hire, a highly rated rental service. However, a little mix-up with the name meant we couldn’t find them — a mistake that guarantees we’ll return.
READ MORE: Gloucestershire Death Notices and Funeral Announcements: Honouring Cherished Memories
READ MORE: Neighbour Chases Off Rogue Traders Pretending to Repair Roof in Gloucestershire
Undeterred, we collected our room key promptly at 3 pm and settled into a spacious two-bedroom apartment. The apartment featured a large living area, a well-equipped kitchen, and two bedrooms each with its own bathroom and balcony. But the real highlight was the stunning lake view from the balcony — perfect for unwinding with a glass of white wine on a warm summer afternoon.
The entire resort is much larger than I expected, boasting over 300 bedrooms across various styles and self-catering apartments. On-site, there are two restaurants: The Brasserie and The Old Boathouse. The venue is popular for weddings, and we saw several taking place during our stay.
Before dinner, we took a quick detour to the playground near our apartment to help the kids burn off some energy — a thoughtful amenity that parents will appreciate.
Dinner at The Old Boathouse was wonderful, enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the lake. I chose the double burger topped with pancetta, mozzarella, and tomato relish, served with chips. My friend opted for pan-seared sea bass with fresh vegetables. Both meals were delicious — the burger was juicy and satisfying, and the sea bass felt light and perfect for summer.
The restaurant also had excellent children’s options. Both my toddler and my friend’s nine-year-old went for a cheese and tomato pizza with chips, and my son couldn’t hide his excitement — he devoured almost his entire pizza, finishing off with generous helpings of ice cream.
After dinner, we relaxed in our apartment before retiring to bed. Despite the warm evening, we both slept soundly in very comfortable beds.
One of the true highlights was breakfast — a buffet spread that delighted both me and my son. I enjoyed the granola and couldn’t resist a sausage sandwich, while my little one reveled in the variety of child-friendly options.
At 9:30 am, we headed to the pool, which was peaceful early in the day with just a couple of families. We had an hour of splashing around before more guests arrived. The pool is part of the spa, which also includes a sauna and steam room, although I didn’t get a chance to enjoy those due to mom duties.
Luckily, I treated myself to a 50-minute face and body treatment by Sweetlana before we left. It included a back exfoliation and massage, followed by a personalized facial. The soothing yet effective pressure and nourishing facial left my skin glowing — a standout surprise of the entire trip.
With over 3,400 reviews averaging 4.2 stars on Google, De Vere Cotswold Water Park clearly resonates with visitors. Its close proximity to Bristol, combined with a stunning natural setting and excellent amenities, makes it ideal for a refreshing nature escape with all the comforts of a hotel.
Stays start from £129 including breakfast, offering a memorable and rejuvenating experience for families and couples alike.