Cotswolds Water Park

A sprawl of 150 interconnected lakes stretches across the Gloucestershire countryside just south of Cirencester, created over decades from old gravel extraction pits. What could have been an eyesore became something altogether different - a proper water sports hub and nature reserve that actually works.

You can kayak here, fish, or simply walk the banks and watch the wildlife. The lakes attract herons, cormorants, and if you're lucky, osprey in summer. It's remarkably peaceful given how many people use the place. Families with young kids tend to stick to the visitor areas around the main car parks, while serious paddlers and birdwatchers venture deeper into the 40-odd square miles of water.

Walking around is free and straightforward - some paths are proper tow paths, others less defined. Allow two to three hours if you want a decent circuit, less if you're just poking about near the car park. The water itself isn't owned by a single operator, so access depends on which section you visit. Best to check locally before heading out.

Staying nearby at Hoburne Cotswold Holiday Park puts you within a few minutes' drive. The park sits between the Cotswold AONB and the Thames Valley, so it works well as a break from village walking. It's not dramatic or showy, but it's genuine and gets better the more time you give it. Worth half a day at least.