Discover the Cotswold Lakes in autumn and winter, from peaceful waterside walks and wildlife watching to cosy stays, seasonal dining, spa experiences and festive celebrations at De Vere Cotswold Water Park.
The Cotswolds offer plenty to discover as the seasons change, from crisp countryside walks and colourful autumn landscapes to peaceful winter days and festive celebrations. In the southern Cotswolds, the Cotswold Lakes offer something a little different.
Covering around 42 square miles and home to more than 180 lakes, the Cotswold Lakes is a distinctive landscape of lakes, wetlands and countryside. Located just five miles from Cirencester, it provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, discover local wildlife and explore the surrounding Cotswolds.
At the heart of the lakes, De Vere Cotswold Water Park offers a lakeside base for an autumn or winter break, with comfortable accommodation, dining, a spa and plenty of space to relax.
Here's how to make the most of a seasonal stay.
Discover the Cotswold Lakes in Autumn
Autumn is a wonderful time to explore the Cotswold Lakes, as the surrounding countryside takes on its seasonal colours and the days become cooler and quieter.
The area offers plenty of opportunities to get outdoors, with walking and cycling routes taking you through the lakeside landscape and surrounding countryside. Whether you're looking for an invigorating cycle ride or a leisurely stroll beside the water, there's plenty of space to explore at your own pace.
The Cotswold Lakes are also home to a rich variety of habitats and wildlife. As autumn gives way to winter, the lakes become an important destination for visiting waterbirds, making this a particularly rewarding time for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
For those looking for something more adventurous, the lakes also offer a range of outdoor activities.
After a day exploring, return to De Vere Cotswold Water Park and enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting before settling in for dinner or an evening drink.
Explore the Cotswolds: [Walking in the Cotswolds] | [Cycling in the Cotswolds] | [Outdoor activities in the Cotswolds]
Stay at De Vere Cotswold Water Park
A hotel break becomes a chance to slow down and enjoy the surroundings at De Vere Cotswold Water Park.
The hotel has more than 300 bedrooms and lakeside apartments, including studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, making it suitable for couples, families and groups.
The apartments offer the flexibility of a home-from-home, with fully equipped kitchenettes and light-filled lounge areas. Many also feature private balconies overlooking the lake or surrounding countryside.
It's a particularly appealing option for an autumn or winter stay, giving you the freedom to spend the day exploring the Cotswolds before returning to your own comfortable space.
When you're ready to dine, there's no need to head far, with three places to eat and drink within the hotel.
Explore rooms and apartments at De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Dine Beside the Lake
With three places to eat and drink, De Vere Cotswold Water Park makes it easy to enjoy a meal without leaving the lakeside setting.
The Old Boathouse serves Italian-inspired contemporary food and drink in a relaxed setting, while The Brasserie offers breakfast, seasonal dining and traditional afternoon tea.
For a more informal option, the Lounge Bar is a relaxed space serving small plates and sharing dishes, alongside a selection of wine, cocktails and spirits.
Dogs are welcome in both The Old Boathouse and the Lounge Bar, making them convenient options for guests exploring the Cotswolds with their four-legged companions.
Discover dining at De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Unwind at Spa 6
After a day spent exploring the Cotswold Lakes, there's no better time to slow down and enjoy some relaxation.
Spa 6 at De Vere Cotswold Water Park offers a tranquil space where hotel guests and non-residents can take time to relax, recharge and unwind.
The spa features a hydrotherapy spa pool, sauna and steam room, alongside a fully equipped Technogym gym. There is also a range of beauty treatments and spa experiences, including soothing massages, revitalising facials and signature treatments exclusive to the spa.
For a more indulgent escape, day spa packages and overnight spa breaks combine treatments with time to enjoy the hotel's peaceful surroundings.
Leisure membership is also available throughout the year, providing access to the spa and gym alongside a range of hotel and restaurant benefits.
Explore Cirencester and the Cotswolds
The Cotswold Lakes are ideally positioned for exploring more of the Cotswolds.
Just five miles from De Vere Cotswold Water Park, Cirencester is a great place to spend a day, with independent shops, cafés, restaurants and historic attractions to discover.
Beyond Cirencester, the wider Cotswolds offer plenty of opportunities for autumn and winter adventures, from countryside walks and historic attractions to gardens, market towns and villages.
The changing seasons also provide a different perspective on the Cotswolds. Autumn brings colourful landscapes and crisp walking conditions, while winter offers quieter days for exploring before returning to a warm meal or a relaxing evening at the hotel.
Discover things to do in the Cotswolds | Explore Cirencester | Discover Cotswold towns and villages
Celebrate Christmas and New Year at De Vere Cotswold Water Park
As Christmas approaches, De Vere Cotswold Water Park becomes a festive setting for celebrations throughout December.
Set among the lakes, the hotel offers a choice of spaces for festive gatherings, from traditional Christmas parties to festive afternoon tea.
There are also two New Year's Eve events to choose from. The New Year's Eve Gala Dinner offers an elegant way to see in the new year, while the Family Party provides a fun-filled evening for all ages, with food stalls, children's entertainment and a disco.
Whether you're looking for a Christmas party venue, a festive afternoon out or somewhere to celebrate New Year's Eve, there's plenty happening throughout the festive season.
For a quieter festive escape, De Vere Cotswold Water Park's self-contained apartments provide a relaxed setting for spending Christmas away from home.
With en-suite bedrooms, fully equipped kitchenettes and light-filled lounges, the apartments offer the space and flexibility to make Christmas your own. Many also feature private balconies overlooking the surrounding landscape.
Whether you're planning a family Christmas or simply looking for a few days away from the usual routine, the apartments provide a comfortable base for spending quality time together.
The Old Boathouse will also be open for Christmas Day lunch, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy a festive meal beside the lake without having to cook.
Discover Christmas at De Vere Cotswold Water Park
Christmas Day Lunch at The Old Boathouse
Take the stress out of Christmas Day with a festive lunch beside the lake at The Old Boathouse.
Guests can enjoy a seasonal Christmas lunch accompanied by celebratory drinks and crackers, leaving plenty of time to concentrate on spending the day together.
With the lakeside setting and festive atmosphere, it's an opportunity to enjoy Christmas Day without the cooking, preparation or washing up.
Find out more and book Christmas Day lunch
A Lakeside Wedding in the Cotswolds
The Cotswold Lakes also provide a distinctive setting for a wedding at any time of year.
At De Vere Cotswold Water Park, the lakeside surroundings provide a natural backdrop for wedding photographs, with resident wildlife including swans, Great Crested Grebes, coots and moorhens often seen across the water.
There are five distinctive wedding spaces, all licensed for civil ceremonies, offering options for both intimate celebrations and larger gatherings.
Some of the larger suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private decking and balconies overlooking the lake, bringing the surrounding landscape into the celebration.
Alongside a choice of menus and overnight accommodation, the experienced wedding team can help bring the day together.
For couples considering an autumn or winter wedding, De Vere Cotswold Water Park also offers a Winter Wedding Special Offer.
To find out more, contact the wedding team at [email protected].
Plan Your Autumn or Winter Break
From crisp autumn walks and winter wildlife to festive celebrations and relaxing spa experiences, the Cotswold Lakes offer plenty of reasons to visit outside the traditional summer season.
With its lakeside setting, comfortable accommodation, restaurants and Spa 6, De Vere Cotswold Water Park offers a base from which to explore this distinctive corner of the Cotswolds, or simply enjoy some time away from it all.
