When you think lake holiday you’re probably thinking long summer days chilling in front of a still lake and enjoying a spot of paddle boarding, swimming and alfresco meals. Welcome to August holidays at the lake! Choose a few of our top choices from below and look forward to some amazing days out whilst away on a Cotswold summer holiday.
Photo Credit: Martyn Wright
River football at Bourton-on-the-Water
If we had to choose the wackiest annual Cotswold event this might well be it (and we have lots to choose from with surfing the Severn Bore, the Tetbury Woolsack Races and the famous cheese rolling to name a few favourites). Head over to this quaint Cotswold village on August bank holiday Monday and join the spectacle as two local teams play a game of football in the River Windrush. Winding through the middle of the village this knee deep flat river becomes a torrent of splashes as the famous match gets underway. The atmosphere is obviously fantastic and make sure you enjoy some cream teas from any of the tea houses lining the pretty streets.
For more Info: Bourton River Football Match
Enjoy the ever popular Hartpury Horse Trials
Spend the afternoon walking the route and seeing the worlds finest riders make the huge jumps along the way look effortless. This popular event see’s over 10,000 people come together to enjoy this spectacle. The sport of ‘Eventing’ can be described as an ‘equestrian triathlon’ where competitors are tested over three phases including dressage, cross country and show jumping. It originated from a military background when originally army officers were only allowed to enter and the event was to test the horses for the parade ground and in battle. As with all horse trials there are plenty of clothing stands and great food to look forward to. If you are looking for dog friendly days out too this is certainly one. Just make sure you keep them on a lead at all times whilst at the venue.
For more info: www.hartpuryhorsetrials.co.uk/
Plan a romantic picnic for two
If you can bear to leave your lakeside hideaway a short walk to a quiet spot with a view is always a great way to make a romantic getaway really special. With its rolling hills broken only by winding country roads and chocolate box villages the Cotswold’s is a perfect place to roll out the picnic rug. Choose from our list of favourite spots in our Cotswold Holiday Guide and stop at a farm shop to pick up your favourite foods en route. If you head toward the Stroud valleys make sure you stop at the Jolly Nice Café and Farm Shop. Don’t forget a chilled bottle of something special to enjoy whilst lying back and watching the clouds pass by. It’s a free day out and probably the most memorable when the ingredients are right.
Take a paddleboarding yoga course in the Cotswold Water Park
Just 5 minutes drive takes you to the other end of the water park where the paddleboard lake run courses on how to improve on a SUP as well as using them for fitness and yoga. Lessons are usually coached as one to three so you get the most of your time on the water. They also do family courses which are perfect for any Cotswold family summer holiday. Take the skills you’ve learnt here and spend the rest of the day unwinding and exploring on your paddleboards back at your private 100 acre lake. All before heading in to enjoy your lakeside hot tub!
For more info: Paddle Board Hire Lake
Whilst at the Lake…
With the temperatures high you will no doubt want to be around the water. Whether that means exploring in the rowing boat, falling in from a kayak or taking a dip there is lots to enjoy. The lakeside walk is a good way to spend an hour enjoying the sights and sounds of the surrounding nature reserve. Stop along the way at your private 4 acre field to play a game of rounders. Choose a book from your cabins mini library and pass a few hours swinging in the shade on the swing seat overlooking the lake. Finish each day by cooking up a feast in the fully equipped kitchen with locally sourced fresh produce from one of the many farm shops or farmers markets listed in our Cotswold Holiday Guide.