Beautiful as it may be, the Cotswolds isn’t renowned as a place for water-based activities. Being a landlocked district, with no coastline, you would be forgiven for thinking that opportunities for water sports would be limited however, thanks to an abundance of rivers, and The Cotswold Water Park, water sports like kayaking, open water swimming, paddleboarding and even diving can all be enjoyed during your visit to the region.
Here are a few places in the Cotswolds that offer the best experiences for water sports fans:
The Cotswold Water Park
Near Cirencester, the Cotswold Water Park is the epicentre of waterbased activities in the Cotswolds. There are over 150 lakes that offer various watersports and outdoor activities. Some of the most popular water sports to take part in here include sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing. You can rent equipment, take lessons, or join guided tours. If that all sounds a little too high energy you could always try out the only beach in The Cotswolds, The Cotswold Country Park and beach offers a fantastic opportunity for families to relax and unwind by the water and swim in the lagoon.
The River Thames in Lechlade
Based in Lechlade-on-Thames, Cotswold Canoe Hire provides canoe and kayak rentals for self-guided trips along the River Thames. It’s a peaceful way to explore the beautiful countryside and enjoy a leisurely paddle.
If you own your own kayak or paddleboard, why not take yourself out on the river? Popular launching spots along The River Thames in Lechlade include:
- Riverside Park: Lechlade has a Riverside Park located near the town center, which provides access to the River Thames. This park offers a suitable launching spot for kayaks and other small watercraft. It’s a convenient location for starting your kayaking adventure.
- St. John’s Lock: Downstream from Lechlade, you’ll find St. John’s Lock. This lock provides access to the River Thames and is often used by kayakers as a starting point. It’s a picturesque spot with facilities for launching and mooring kayaks.
- Radcot Bridge: Just a short distance downstream from Lechlade, Radcot Bridge is another popular launching spot for kayaks. This historic bridge offers access to the River Thames and is often used by paddlers exploring the waterway.
We’ve found that inflatable kayaks offer a practical, cheap and accessible way to explore the U.K.’s waterways, so here are some of our picks for the best inflatable kayaks and canoes.
Don’t forget, you’ll need a waterways licence if you plan on canoeing on rivers and waterways in the UK. They cost around £47 per year, as part of a membership to join British Canoeing.
Bowmoor sailing club, located just east of Lechlade, offer sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and open water swimming.
Lake 32, The Cotswold Water Park
Situated in the Cotswold Water Park, Lake 32 offers opportunities for open water swimming from £8, own craft launch from £15 (bring your own canoe, inflatable kayak or paddleboard) and introductory lessons to paddleboarding from £25. You’ll find it is a popular spot with open water swimmers, those training for triathlons and outdoor swimming enthusiasts.
Check out the Lake32 website to make a booking for your visit to The Cotswolds.
Try also, Lake 86, who offer kayak and paddle board hire or own craft launches from £10 per person.
South Cerney Outdoor
South Cerney Outdoor is an outdoor activity center in South Cerney where you can try a variety of different sports. Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and even powerboating. South Cerney Outdoor offer courses and classes to help you brush up skills and even private lessons if you are interested. If you have any experience with watersports in the past, you should consider South Cerney Outdoor for the variety of activities on offer.
They also offer corporate days and team building with events like raft building if you want to get an idea of the inter-team cohesion in your organisation.
The River Avon, Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon, famous for being the birthplace of William Shakespeare, offers the opportunity for river-based activities on the River Avon. You can rent rowing boats or take a leisurely boat tour along the river.
Looking to self launch near Stratford-upon-Avon? Some of the best launch spots for kayak, canoe and paddle board owners to explore the River Avon include:
Recreation Ground: The Recreation Ground, also known as the Recreation Ground Boating Centre, is a popular spot for launching kayaks on the River Avon. It is located near the town center and offers facilities for launching watercraft. You can easily access the river from this point.
Holy Trinity Church: Located near the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Holy Trinity Church provides a convenient launch point for kayaks. You can access the river from the church’s grounds and start your kayaking adventure from there.
Lucy’s Mill Bridge: Lucy’s Mill Bridge is another option for launching kayaks on the River Avon. It is situated just a short distance downstream from the town center. You can park nearby and carry your kayak to the river for an easy launch.
Stratford Marina: If you’re looking for a more developed facility with amenities, Stratford Marina is an option to consider. It’s a short distance from the town center and offers boat launching services, including for kayaks. There may be fees associated with launching from the marina.
The Thames Path, Kemble, Cirencester to Oxford
Although not strictly a watersports activity, the Thames Path offers scenic walking routes along the River Thames. You can enjoy riverside views, spot wildlife, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the river.
Please note that availability, specific activities, and seasonal variations may apply. It’s always recommended to check with local providers or visitor information centers for the latest information, equipment rental options, and safety guidelines before participating in any water sports activities.
We hope you enjoy your Cotswolds watersports experience, remember to stay safe on the water and remember to bring your buoyancy aids and a towel!
All water sports are risky, check the weather conditions and take advice from an expert before entering any body of water.
Cotswold Watersports FAQs
Can you take your own paddleboard to cotswold water park?
Yes, you can take your own paddleboard to use on certain lakes around The Cotswold Waterpark. Lake 32 for example offer own craft launches, suitable for paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and windsurfing (if the weather allows) from £15 per session.
Don’t forget to bring along everything you’ll need for a day on the water including; paddles, appropriate clothing that you don’t mind getting wet, buoyancy aids for all of your participants and a towel to dry off, as well as a spare change of clothing for afterwards.
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