Cotswold Water Park Four Pillars Hotel, Gloucestershire
Lake 6, Spine Road East, South Cerney, Cirencester, Gloucestershire
The Cotswold Water Park Hotel can be found nestled on the edge of a lake amidst the beautiful Cotswold Water Park, some three miles from the centre of Cirencester. It also provides a great base for exploring the Cotswolds, Bath and surrounding attractions. Whilst the hotel's architecture and interior design are stylish it is sympathetic to its rural setting and its facilities are very much 21st century.
The Accommodation
We stayed in a 2 bedroom self catering apartment and the spacious open plan lounge and kitchenette were more than accommodating for our family of 5! The welcome basket was greeted with joy by our ever hungry children who quickly devoured the goodies on offer. In fact the kitchenette was well stocked with tea, coffee and milk as well as all the cleaning essentials such as dish washer tablets, washing up liquid, cloths - even washing up gloves! Also, the apartments have central washing and drying facilities and washing powder is supplied.
Never mind washing though as the view from our balcony over the lake was gorgeous. All of us enjoyed watching the birds and other wildlife and as there is lakeside decking from one end of the complex to another you can enjoy the view as you walk to dinner. We were lucky enough to have a pair of swans plus their six cygnets come to visit the lakeside near our apartment building. Good job there were glass railings - we could feel close to the swans but not disturb the cygnets and their protective parents.
Family Friendly Restaurants
If, like us, you don't want to spend your holiday cooking then there are several excellent options to choose from: The Gastro Pub with a lovely menu selection, The Brasserie where breakfast and dinner are served as well as a very popular Sunday carvery, or even order a takeaway from the selection listed that is delivered to your door! We chose The Brasserie and had a delicious meal overlooking the lake. It's useful to know that children eat free before 7pm when accompanied by a paying adult. Indeed there are other offers such as children up to 12 staying and eating for free when sharing their parents' room.
Activities at the Cotswold Water Park
Whilst the rest of the family enjoyed lunch in the lounge, I went to Spa 6 for a relaxing massage. As soon as you enter the Spa area you are transported to a quiet and tranquil haven. After your treatment you have the opportunity to chill out in a relaxation room with soft cushioned chairs and chilled water or juice as well as plenty of magazines to read. Wonderfully indulgent!
There are morning and afternoon sessions when the children can use the therapy pool. My reservations that it would be too small for my brood were unfounded - there was plenty of space for them to play and swim. Toddlers, teens and adults alike enjoyed lying back in the shallow bubbles area as well as having fun under the three shower jets, whilst sitting in the jacuzzi zone was pleasantly relaxing.
There is so much for families to enjoy nearby - the Cotswold Country Park and Beach is less than 5 minutes away and a great day out. There are bookable barbecues at various lakeside locations throughout the park and super play areas for all ages as well as cycle hire and high wires activities on site. The Cotswold countryside offers countless farms to visit as well as a falconry centre, a motoring and toy museum and wildlife park. There are loads of water sports available on the lakes and the South Cerney Golf Club has reduced green fees for guests of the hotel!
Lasting Impressions
It is the added details that help to make your stay so enjoyable. At the Watersmeet apartments there was a play room with a good selection of toddler toys as well as family board games and TV with dance mat! There is a newly built children's activity frame by the apartments with swings and slides. At the rear of the apartments are cycle racks and there's even the opportunity to hire a hamper and picnic rug for the day. The staff are friendly and helpful and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Thank you to Jill Hill and family who kindly reviewed Cotswold Water Park Hotel for Away with the Kids.