Visitor Information
With 180 lakes set over 42 square miles, the Cotswold Lakes has something for everyone – from miles of off road walking and cycling paths, peaceful lakeside walks, fantastic and varied birdwatching, picnic sites in country parks to watersports and land activities.
Cotswold Lakes Visitor Centre
The first stop for many visitors is the Cotswold Lakes Visitor Centre, located next to The Old Boathouse in the grounds of the De Vere Hotel. The Visitor Centre has easy access from the main road and plenty of free parking.
Open from March to November, the Visitor Centre is manned by Cotswold Lakes Trust and Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers between 10am and 3pm during weekends and every day during school holidays. Outside of those times, a mini-information point is also available at the Ashton Keynes Community Shop where you can pick up a free Leisure Map or purchase a Walks, Cycling or Nature Reserves guide.
Location: Spine Road, South Cerney GL7 5FP
Cotswold Lakes Visitor Information Point
Visitor information is also available from the Community Shop in Ashton Keynes at 31 High Road, Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire, SN6 6NX
Opening hours are 7.30am and 7pm Monday – Saturday and 9am – 3pm on Sunday.
Getting the most from your visit
- Decide what it is you would like to do, ie Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, cycling, or just sitting by a lake with a picnic.
- Take a look at the wide range of activities available in the Cotswold Lakes, and choose one of the leisure providers – there are quite a few!
- Click through to their website to check opening times and prices, and see if you need to book ahead, as it can get busy in school holiday times.
- If you are new to the area, call into the Visitor Centre and pick up a Leisure Map. This will show you where you can do the various activities and how to get there.
- Wherever you go in the Cotswold Lakes, take your binoculars with you. The area has a huge variety of birds visiting and living in the area throughout the year.
- Please only swim in lakes which are specifically operated for water activities. Lakes may look inviting but can be dangerous.
Help us to look after the Cotswold Lakes
We encourage visitors to enjoy and respect the Cotswold Lakes.
Please help us to look after the area by keeping dogs on leads and taking your litter home with you.
Should you need to report any incidents during your visit, please see the REPORTING INCIDENTS web page for details.
