Walks & Nature
There is a huge variety of wildlife in the immediate vicinity due to the number of different habitats in the area. Whether you are hoping to see a protected bird such as a kingfisher, a woodpecker or a heron, or a rural staple such as a fox or a deer, they are common sights.
The area is bustling with nature and as such, there are a huge variety of species that can be spotted. Other regular visitors include rabbits, butterflies, dragonflies, weasels, stoats, badgers, moles and voles.
There are also many species of bird that can be spotted! There is always something of interest that can be found. There is a guide to birdwatching activities in the area, including the best places to spot certain species.
Cycling
If you want to bring your own bike, we can provide a covered area for you to lock it away. If not, there is a cycle hire centre located just 10 minutes away, giving plenty of flexibility for those who don’t wish to travel with their own bike.
There are many options for cycling routes in the area, with many quiet country lanes and paths in all directions. If you prefer more structure, there are various cycle routes and information available here or a dedicated guide can be purchased for £1 at the Gateway Centre, which is a 5-10 minute drive. There are also complimentary copies available on site (subject to availability). The road to our site is actually on the Water Park’s designated cycle route 6, which means you can get straight on the trail without having to travel!
Sport & Activities
Situated within the Cotswold Water Park, a conservation area comprising 180 lakes covering 42 square miles on the Gloucestershire-Wiltshire border, there are a huge number of activities available to visitors!
Sightseeing & Landmarks
There are a huge number of local attractions and beauty spots in the vicinity. Below are some examples, mainly within an hour of us.
Families
There are plenty of things to do to in the area for all ages. See below for some of the standout activities that should keep your children entertained!
If you don’t feel like going far, there are two shared garden areas on our farm that children can play in, whilst you can sit at one of the patio tables and keep an eye on them!
Cotswold Water Park
If you enjoy water sports, or would like to sample some, this is the perfect area to try! It is slightly easier than in the sea because you don’t have to worry about waves, currents or the tide! There are several lakes offering a variety of different water-based activities. There is a handy compilation of locations for various activities in the Watersports section on the ‘Things to Do’ on their website.
Combat Splat
If you prefer to stay on dry land, why not try your hand at paintball at Combat Splat, which is only 5 minutes away from us!
Cirencester
An historic Roman Town, often referred to as the Capital of the Cotswolds. If Roman history is your thing, a trip to the Corinium Museum, the amphitheatre and the Roman Villa at Chedworth are a must. The town is now a vibrant market town, with a Charter Market in the centre of town for you to experience every Monday and Friday. There is also a Farmers’ Market held on the second and fourth Saturday of the Month. This is the closest town to us and is less than a ten-minute drive.
Stonehenge
The World Heritage site and the most well-known prehistoric monument in Europe is around an hour and fifteen minutes away from us.
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Avebury
Another prehistoric henge monument, it contains the largest megalithic stone circle in the World. It is a bit closer to us than Stonehenge – just 35 minutes by car.
Berkeley Castle
An historic Castle, built in the 12th Century. It also boasts gardens and a butterfly house. Allow 45 minutes by car to get there.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Arguably the most well-known and important arboretum in the UK. It contains over 15,000 specimens and 2,500 species of tree from all over the World! It is a truly beautiful place to visit and explore at any time of year. It also allows dogs, so is a great place to visit with your four-legged friend! The Arboretum is only 25 minutes away by car.
Gloucester Cathedral
Originated in 678 AD, with the foundation of an abbey. Various parts of the cathedral were then built on the site between 1089 and 1499. It is a truly stunning building and well worth a visit. There is also a shopping centre with bars and restaurants less than a mile away. Parts of the Cathedral may be familiar as it was used in the filming of three of the Harry Potter films! Gloucester is accessible via train from Kemble Station or is around a 40-minute journey by car.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Famous for its honey-coloured stone architecture, River tunning through the town and idyllic village scenes, it is a very popular tourist destination in the Cotswolds. It takes just over half an hour to get there by car.
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Cotswold Country Park & Beach
Cotswold Country Park & Beach is just 5 minutes away and has a variety of activities available for all ages. From various watersports to picnics or BBQs, to an inflatable water park, there is something for everyone! Please note that booking is recommended, particularly during the summer months as it can get very busy!
Cotswold Farm Park
There are a few farm parks in the area, where you can meet and feed various farm animals, ride horses or experience the indoor and outdoor play areas! Cotswold Farm Park (as seen on the BBC’s Countryfile) is around 40 minutes away from us. There is also Cattle Country Farm Park which is around 45 minutes away.
Cattle Country Farm Park
There are a few farm parks in the area, where you can meet and feed various farm animals, ride horses or experience the indoor and outdoor play areas! Cotswold Farm Park (as seen on the BBC’s Countryfile) is around 40 minutes away from us. There is also Cattle Country Farm Park which is around 45 minutes away.
Picnics at Cotswold Water Park
If you are looking to go for a nice scenic drive and have a picnic, there are plenty of locations within the Cotswold Water Park that are perfect, with a choice of scenery! Of course, there are plenty of choice spots along the footpath that runs adjacent to our site if you would rather walk and stop for lunch by the river!
Local Area
The Lake
There is a designated walk around a nearby lake. This lake is only a 10 minute walk away via the footpath adjacent to our site and is a pleasant, straightforward walk with different scenery and plenty of wildlife
Cotswold Water Park
There are also many options for walking or running routes within the Cotswold Water Park, with dedicated circular walks ranging from 2km to 18km and beyond! A dedicated guide with 6 walks can be purchased for £1 at the Gateway Centre, which is a 5-10 minute drive. There are also complimentary copies available on site (subject to availability).
Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt Arboretum is another option for an attractive walk. It is arguably the most well-known and important arboretum in the UK. It contains over 15,000 specimens and 2,500 species of tree from all over the World! It is a truly beautiful place to visit and explore at any time of year. It also allows dogs, so is a great place to visit with your four-legged friend! The Arboretum is only 25 minutes away by car.
Bakers Arms
You can also walk to the Bakers Arms, a thriving village pub in Somerford Keynes, serving food and drink. It is just a 10-minute walk via the footpath
River Thames
We are situated on the banks of the River Thames, approximately 3 miles from the source itself. There is a designated public footpath which follows the Thames in both directions and is less than 50 metres away from all of our cottages, so is easily accessible without the need to drive or park anywhere! The Thames Path is a National Trail following the River Thames from the source in Kemble to South East London, approximately 185 miles long in total!