Top 5 family activities at the Cotswold Lakes

Get out on the water

Paddleboarding and kayaking is a popular choice on the lakes, a relaxing and fun activity suitable for all ages and skill levels. Whether paddling for the first time or gliding across the water with ease, it's a great way to experience and explore the area from a new perspective.

Here are several water based activity centres, paddleboard and kayak options below:

• 4 Lakes Waterski School (Manorbrook Lakes) - Activities: Waterski, wakeboard, SUP, kayak, canoe and inflatable rides.
• ROX - The Real Outdoor Experience (Lake 12) - Activities: Paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and open water swimming.
• Cotswold Water Park Hire (Lake 86) - Activities: SUP, kayaks (solo/tandem), canoes, rafts, open water swimming.
• Lakeside Ski & Wake (Spring Lake) - Activities: Waterski, wakeboard, ringo and inflatable rides.
• Cotswold Canoe Hire (River Thames at Lechlade) - Activities: Canoe, kayak, rowing boat and paddleboard hire.
• Cotswold Paddleboard Company - Paddleboard & Kayak hire delivered to your door

Try something more adventurous

For families with older children or teenagers, the area offers plenty of options to get the adrenaline pumping. From high rope adventures, archery, laser clay shooting to off-road driving experiences, these activities provide a fun and active way to try something new during a stay in the Cotswolds.

• Cotswold Driving Experiences - Activities: Rally and 4x4 Off Road Driving Experiences
• The Cotswold Range - Activities: Archery, Air Rifle Shooting, Laser Clay Shooting and game challenges
• The Real Outdoor Experience - Activities: High Ropes Climbing Tower, Skyline Aerial Adventure and Shipwreck Escape Challenge
• Baboon Adventures, Charlton Park Estate, Malmesbury Park - Activities: Electric scooter adventures

Cycle & walk through the beautiful Cotswold Lakes countryside

Gentle cycle and hiking trails wind their way around the lakes and through the surrounding countryside, making this a brilliant area for biking and walking. With mostly flat terrain, the well-marked cycle trails and walking routes are perfect for all to enjoy, with lots of scenic spots to pause for a break or picnic along the way.

• Discover Bikes - Guided rides, bike hire, road, gravel, e-bikes and mountain bikes for multi, full or half day hire
• Cycling: Download the Six Circular Cycling Routes and an additional 16km-18km cycle route (off-road) - Circular Cycle Route
• Walking: There are many great circular walks around the Cotswold Lakes, varying in distances from 2km to 18km. View 6 walking route options available to download full colour 'Walks' leaflet

Plenty of places to eat & drink

Families will find no shortage of great places to eat throughout the Cotswold Lakes. From relaxed cafés and waterside restaurants to welcoming country and village pubs, there's something to suit every taste. For those staying in self-catering accommodation, some lodges even offer the option of a private chef, ideal for special occasions or simply enjoying a night off cooking.

There are many great options to choose from, here is a short selection:

• The Lakeside Brasserie, Spring Lake - Watch the fun on the water while you wine & dine
• Waterside Kitchen & Bar, Walters Lake - Lakeside Asian fusion restaurant
• The Old Boathouse Restaurant & Bar, De Vere Hotel at Lake 6 - Authentic Italian cuisine with lake views
• The Old George Inn, South Cerney - Family friendly village pub
• The Gateway Café & Bar, Lake 6 - Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea with homemade food

Unwind in a hot tub with a view

After a busy day exploring, many families enjoy returning to their accommodation for a well-earned soak in a private hot tub. Watching the sun set over the water and soaking up the peaceful surroundings is the perfect way to end the day. Orion Holidays offer a wide range of lakeside holiday homes with hot tubs in various locations across the Cotswold Lakes.

Plan your stay with Orion Holidays

Looking for a place to stay? Orion Holidays offers a wide range of family-friendly self-catering lodges right in the heart of the Cotswold Lakes. With flexible accommodation, waterside views across a variety of lakes and easy access to local attractions and guides, it's the perfect base for a relaxed and memorable family break.

To find out more about great places to eat, fun activities and some of the best local attractions along with exclusive Orion Holidays discounts see our Guide to the Cotswold Lakes.