From historic Grade II Listed lidos set in art deco gardens to thrilling water slide parks, there's no need to head to the coast to cool off when you can visit the Cotswolds. Spanning five counties, this 800 square mile Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a rural idyll, with rainwater from the rolling hills filtering down into gentle streams and sparkling rivers - bliss to picnic by and paddle in when the sun shines.

 

The region has a huge variety of water-based activities - including Cotswold Lakes (https://cotswoldlakes.com/) a stunning wetland landscape, featuring over 180 lakes spread across 42 square miles. On a smaller scale, some villages boast their own 'hidden gem' swimming pools open to villagers and visitors. Run by the village community, Filkins pool is just over the road from StayCotswold cottage 'Gassons View' near Burford (https://www.staycotswold.com/property/gassons-view-4-bed-dog-friendly-holiday-cottage/ sleeps 4, four nights from £625).

 

      ∙     Chipping Norton Lido – 'Chippy Lido' This 25m outdoor swimming pool is heated to 28°C and there's a toddler pool, slide and café surrounded by tree-lined lawns. https://chippylido.co.uk/

      ∙     Sandford Parks Lido – In the heart of Cheltenham Spa, this Grade II Listed 50m heated swimming pool is set in four acres of beautiful landscaped grounds. https://www.sandfordparkslido.org.uk/

      ∙     Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool: Built in 1869 and located on the edge of Cirencester Park, the 28m main pool is next to a sunbathing patio and has a slide and separate paddling pool https://cirenopenair.org.uk/

      ∙     Stratford Park Lido: A great spot for a cooling dip, this deep 50m long pool is ideal for serious swimmers http://www.stratfordparklido.org/

      ∙     Wotton Pool: This heated outdoor swimming pool has a sliding roof for when the weather is colder and is open from April until September https://wottonpool.co.uk/

      ∙     Hinksey Outdoor Pool - Just ten minutes' walk from Oxford city centre, this large pool has an area dedicated to lap swimming, a family fun area and café.

 

      ∙     Cotswold Country Park and Beach, Cirencester - With a sandy beach, beautiful lagoon, boats for hire and AquaVenture, which has a 'total wipe-out' style inflatable obstacle course, it's the perfect location for families to enjoy an action-packed day on the water https://www.cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com/

      ∙     Cotswold Water Park – a 42 square mile wetlands landscape incorporating 180 lakes with water-based sports to enjoy, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and more: https://waterpark.org/things-to-do/watersports/

 

Beautiful cottages, pretty bridges, welcoming shops and tempting places to eat and drink, make these idyllic towns and villages the perfect choice for a holiday cottage location or a relaxing day out.

 

Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the region's most beloved villages. The River Windrush runs right through the heart of the village, shaded by wide, tree-lined greens and crossed by five low stone bridges - the perfect backdrop for a lazy afternoon with an ice cream or a picnic on the bank. There's also plenty of other activities to keep younger visitors entertained, from the world-famous Model Village to Birdland Park and Gardens. 

 

Other beautiful riverside villages not to be missed include: 

      ∙     Blockley

      ∙     Minster Lovell

      ∙     Upper Slaughter

      ∙     Castle Combe

      ∙     Bibury

 

Cirencester is a great destination for families looking to enjoy Cotswold Country Park & Beach and StayCotswold currently has some unmissable late availability with discounts of up to 15% at properties like stunning Honeysuckle House (Sleeps 11+1) 4 nights from £1292, and Bea's Cottage (Sleeps 5) 4 nights from £396.

StayCotswold offers a wide range of holiday cottages in the Cotswolds.

 

With a choice of over 290 properties to suit every budget and preference, sleeping from two up to 28 guests, StayCotswold ensures a comfortable and memorable stay for couples and families looking to make the most of their summer staycation.

 

Whether it's swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water's edge, the Cotswolds provides the perfect backdrop for a summer holiday to remember.

 

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