Jackie’s guidebook
Sports Activities
Built in 1869 this unique pool offers the chance to swim in natural spring water heated to an average 27°C (80°F).
Located on the edge of Cirencester Park, there is a 28 metre main pool with slide, separate children's paddling pool, sunbathing patio as well as hot and cold refreshments.
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Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool
Built in 1869 this unique pool offers the chance to swim in natural spring water heated to an average 27°C (80°F).
Located on the edge of Cirencester Park, there is a 28 metre main pool with slide, separate children's paddling pool, sunbathing patio as well as hot and cold refreshments.
This is just under 5 miles from Spring Lake. It has something for all ages. A big sandy beach, paddling area, pedalo hire and mini golf. You have to book in advance (cost is £10.90 for a car and up to 5 people). When the weather is nice, you can pretty much spend the day there.
https://www.cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com/
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Cotswold Country Park & Beach
Spratsgate LaneThis is just under 5 miles from Spring Lake. It has something for all ages. A big sandy beach, paddling area, pedalo hire and mini golf. You have to book in advance (cost is £10.90 for a car and up to 5 people). When the weather is nice, you can pretty much spend the day there.
https://www.cotswoldcountryparkandbeach.com/
South Cerney Outdoor offers a comprehensive range of water-based activities, on a 47-acre lake in an area which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Choose from the largest selection of equipment (boats, paddleboards) and get introductory coaching from qualified instructors. Booking essential.
https://www.southcerneyoutdoor.co.uk/
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South Cerney Outdoor
12 Spine Rd ESouth Cerney Outdoor offers a comprehensive range of water-based activities, on a 47-acre lake in an area which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Choose from the largest selection of equipment (boats, paddleboards) and get introductory coaching from qualified instructors. Booking essential.
https://www.southcerneyoutdoor.co.uk/
Just 2.5 miles from the lodge. Bike hire by the hour, day or longer. Helmets include in hire cost.
http://www.go-by-cycle.co.uk/
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Go-By-Cycle
Water LaneJust 2.5 miles from the lodge. Bike hire by the hour, day or longer. Helmets include in hire cost.
http://www.go-by-cycle.co.uk/
Onsite Lakeside Ski and Wake provides inflatable rides, water skiing and wake boarding. The sheltered tree lined lake makes it an ideal place for beginners to learn to waterski or wakeboard. Gym and Brasseries all within a few minute's walk of the lodge.
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Lakeside Ski & Wake
Station RoadOnsite Lakeside Ski and Wake provides inflatable rides, water skiing and wake boarding. The sheltered tree lined lake makes it an ideal place for beginners to learn to waterski or wakeboard. Gym and Brasseries all within a few minute's walk of the lodge.
Places to go with children
A sweet farm just a couple of miles from here. They have a tea shop, small farm shop and a children’s farm. In the spring/summer season, they run activities, starting at 11.30am (bottle feeding the lambs, bunny cuddles, animal feeding, animal handling and tractor safaris. It’s quite expensive (£7 for adults and children over 2) but it’s nearby, parking is free and it’s good for smaller children.
http://buttsfarmrarebreeds.co.uk/
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The Butts Farm Rare Breeds, Farm Shop and Tea Room
Cricklade RoadA sweet farm just a couple of miles from here. They have a tea shop, small farm shop and a children’s farm. In the spring/summer season, they run activities, starting at 11.30am (bottle feeding the lambs, bunny cuddles, animal feeding, animal handling and tractor safaris. It’s quite expensive (£7 for adults and children over 2) but it’s nearby, parking is free and it’s good for smaller children.
http://buttsfarmrarebreeds.co.uk/
Roves Farm has something for children of all ages. Animal barns and paddocks house a range of friendly farm animals including goats, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, poultry, rabbits & more to meet and touch. Hands-on activity sessions to feed, hold and interact with the animals run throughout the day, including feed the goats, egg collecting and cuddle the rabbits. Explore the farm on a tractor and trailer ride, with special interactive themed activities during school holidays.
https://rovesfarm.co.uk/
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Roves Farm
Roves Farm has something for children of all ages. Animal barns and paddocks house a range of friendly farm animals including goats, sheep, alpacas, donkeys, poultry, rabbits & more to meet and touch. Hands-on activity sessions to feed, hold and interact with the animals run throughout the day, including feed the goats, egg collecting and cuddle the rabbits. Explore the farm on a tractor and trailer ride, with special interactive themed activities during school holidays.
https://rovesfarm.co.uk/
Local history
This is a small museum in the centre of Cirencester, charting the development of the Cotswolds from its prehistoric landscape to the modern day.
Explore the light and modern galleries that offer you an exceptional interactive experience. Discover thousands of objects on display, from Prehistoric tools, Roman mosaics, Anglo Saxon grave goods to Medieval sculpture!
You can combine a visit here with going to the Abbey Gardens (about a 5 minute walk from the museum). Lovely gardens and playground with the river running though it. Cirencester is a lovely town, lots of independent shops and coffee bars. There’s usually a craft market in the Corn Hall on a Saturday as well.
https://coriniummuseum.org/
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Corinium Museum
Park StreetThis is a small museum in the centre of Cirencester, charting the development of the Cotswolds from its prehistoric landscape to the modern day.
Explore the light and modern galleries that offer you an exceptional interactive experience. Discover thousands of objects on display, from Prehistoric tools, Roman mosaics, Anglo Saxon grave goods to Medieval sculpture!
You can combine a visit here with going to the Abbey Gardens (about a 5 minute walk from the museum). Lovely gardens and playground with the river running though it. Cirencester is a lovely town, lots of independent shops and coffee bars. There’s usually a craft market in the Corn Hall on a Saturday as well.
https://coriniummuseum.org/
Food scene
MADE BY BOB
Simply one of the loveliest restaurants in Cirencester.
Busy local pub within a 20 min walk of the lodge. Classic pub food, reasonably priced.
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Eliot Arms
Busy local pub within a 20 min walk of the lodge. Classic pub food, reasonably priced.
South Cerney Fish and Chips
Great fish and chip shop in the village.
The Old George Inn
Typical village local pub.
My go-to coffee stop. All day breakfasts, lovely salads, great coffee and very family friendly. Lots of dog walkers and the starting point for local walkers. Beautiful views.
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Relish at The Gateway Cafe
17 Spine Rd EMy go-to coffee stop. All day breakfasts, lovely salads, great coffee and very family friendly. Lots of dog walkers and the starting point for local walkers. Beautiful views.
Small farm shop selling their own organic produce. Sweet gift shop and amazing cafe. Sunday lunches are the best.
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The Organic Farm Shop
Small farm shop selling their own organic produce. Sweet gift shop and amazing cafe. Sunday lunches are the best.
Sightseeing
The Royal Gardens at Highgrove are open to the public for guided tours on selected dates between April and October each year. Booking is essential. https://www.highgrovegardens.com/
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Highgrove Gardens
The Royal Gardens at Highgrove are open to the public for guided tours on selected dates between April and October each year. Booking is essential. https://www.highgrovegardens.com/
10 acres of mixed deciduous and conifer woodland with ponds, gardens and glades. Joining these diverse spaces are meandering paths that take you on a journey around the park providing an international centre for contemporary art. Open from April to September. Check their website for current details - https://cotswoldsculpturepark.co.uk/
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Cotswold Sculpture Park
Summerford Keyms10 acres of mixed deciduous and conifer woodland with ponds, gardens and glades. Joining these diverse spaces are meandering paths that take you on a journey around the park providing an international centre for contemporary art. Open from April to September. Check their website for current details - https://cotswoldsculpturepark.co.uk/