Visitor Information
Getting Here
The Western section of the Cotswold Water Park lies to the west of the A419 between Swindon and Cirencester, centred around the B4696 Spine Road. It encompasses the picturesque villages of South Cerney, Cerney Wick, Somerford Keynes, Poole Keynes, and Ashton Keynes, along with the vibrant Saxon town of Cricklade.
From M4 take Junction 15, follow A419 direction Swindon, Cirencester.
From M5 take junction 11a, follow A417 direction Cirencester.
The Eastern section of the Cotswold Water Park lies to the east of the A419, and contains the delightful villages of Down Ampney, Marston Meysey, Kempsford, Whelford, and the thriving towns of Fairford and Lechlade on Thames.
From Cirencester – A417 direction Fairford, Lechlade
From Oxford – A420 to Faringdon, then A417 to Lechlade
From Swindon – A419 direction Cirencester, then A361 to Lechlade.
By Public transport
The nearest railway station to the Cotswold Water Park is Kemble. Connections can be made to Kemble via Swindon or Cheltenham. Contact National Rail enquiries on 08457 484950 / website www.nationalrail.co.uk or Trainline www.thetrainline.com/
The nearest bus service to the Western Water Park is served by Stagecoach No 51 bus which runs between Swindon, Cirencester and Cheltenham. It stops outside the Gateway Centre and the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel.
For more details and timetables for local bus services contact Traveline on 0871 2002233 or see website www.traveline.info
Cotswold Water Park Visitor Centre
The first stop for many visitors is the Cotswold Water Park 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.
Location: Spine Road, South Cerney GL7 5FP
Open from Easter to October, the Visitor Centre is manned by Cotswold Lakes Trust and Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers between 10am and 3pm during weekends and 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 Reserve guide.
Maps
With 180 lakes set in 42 square miles, a map of the Cotswold Water Park can come in very handy.
The Leisure Map and Walks Guide are available from the Visitor Centre, or from many of the accommodation and activity providers based in the Cotswold Water Park.
To download a PDF map of the area, click the link below – it is A2 full colour, so you will need to piece it together!
2023 Leisure Map (PDF) – information and contact details for the main activity and accommodation providers available in the Water Park, along with the main walking and cycle routes in the area.
Six Circular Walking Routes (PDF) – a map of the Cotswold Water Park with directions for details of six circular walks and a cycle ride, varying in length from 1km – 18km. For more information and to download the individual walks and routes, go to the Walking page.
Six Circular Cycling Routes (PDF 9mb) – a map of the Cotswold Water Park with directions for details of six circular cycling routes, varying in length from 12km – 42km. For more information on cycling in the Cotswold water Park, go to the Cycling page.
Cotswold Water Park Nature Reserve Guide (PDF) – A guide to the locations of Cotswold Water Park Nature Reserves and more detailed information on each one.
Thank you to Gloucestershire County Council for their support in producing the cycle routes and the guide.
Thank you to The Hills Group and members of Cotswold Lakes Trust for their support in producing the Nature Reserve Guide.
If you would prefer a large format paper copy of the Leisure Map or Walks Guide – you can now buy online here.