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The Cotswold Water Park (also known as the Cotswolds Water Park or simply the Waterpark) is Britain’s largest water park and consists of over 140 lakes created by gravel extraction, covering over 40 square miles - 50% larger than the Norfolk Broads and still growing.  There are over 140 lakes including 74 fishing lakes and ten with SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest) status.  There are over 150 kms of pathways, bridleways and cycle ways, six nature reserves and two country parks.

The area covered by the Cotswold Water Park offers outstanding countryside and the perfect setting for relaxation, leisure and discovery. 

The Cotswold Water Park provides activities for everyone from the novice to the expert. Water sports include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, water-skiing, wake boarding, diving and angling. You can visit and have a go at one of the water sports centres or you can join one of the many clubs. During the school holidays these centres run courses and have-a-go sessions for children.  For land lovers there are many activities including horse riding, hiking, cycling, fishing, high ropes adventure, paintballing.

With a huge variety of places to eat, plus a wealth of delightful countryside villages nearby the Water Park makes an ideal destination all year round.   Whether you are a walker, birdwatcher, photographer, angler, outdoor enthusiast or a family, there’s sure to be something for you!

The two flats at Wheatley’s Cottage, Ashton Keynes, offer holiday accommodation for two people and are an ideal base to enjoy everything that the Cotswold Water Park has to offer.

High up in the North Pennines, Alston claims to be the highest market town in England. It is also remote, about 20 miles from the nearest town. From every direction Alston is surrounded by a broad, heather-cladded Pennine landscape which has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village’s isolated position, in a narrow dale surrounded by fells and moors, makes it particularly appealing for walkers and wilderness lovers.

Alston is noted for its cobbled streets, 17th century stone buildings, and market cross, donated by a former townsman, the Right Hon. Sir William Stephenson, who became Lord Mayor of London in 1764. Alston saw more than markets in its streets. Sheep and cattle fairs, wrestling matches, and races were regular events.  It is a bustling town, with a reputation for delicious locally made specialities such as Cumberland Mustard, and Alston Cheese.

The surrounding area is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Heather clad moors, fells, valleys, and the South Tyne River enhance the changing moods of the landscape.  The area is best known to walkers who travel the Pennine Way, one of the longest walks in Britain.
Train buffs will enjoy a 2 ¼ mile journey on the South Tynedale Railway, the highest narrow gauge in the country. Both steam and diesel locomotives run between Alston’s restored Victorian station and Kirkhaugh.

Harbut Law Cottages are ideal for those seeking holiday accommodation at Alston.  Converted from farm buildings the four cottages can sleep between 2 and four people.

Dulverton is one of the main towns of Exmoor situated on the south edge of the moor. It is an historic village where fishing, shooting and hunting are strong traditions that remain today.  Fly fishing for trout and salmon is most popular in Exmoor with the River Exe and River Barle around Dulverton providing plenty of opportunities.

The town stands, in the heart of West Somerset and close to the Devon border, between the Rivers Barle and Exe, which meet a little further down the valley. The Barle is crossed by an attractive, three arched bridge and there are some pleasant walks along the riverbank. There are often artists painting down by the river and the bridge. Exmoor House, the headquarters of the Exmoor National Park Authority, stands beside the river.

The town has a small shopping centre with a number of small stores, including quality boutiques, galleries and gift shops.  There are various cafés and other eating places, including several pubs. Most of the buildings in Dulverton date from Victorian times or are more recent. One claim to fame of the town is that George Williams, founder of the YMCA, was born in here in 1821.  The major film “Land Girls” was filmed in the area.

Within the town is a large park and duck pond and there are many local walks which are very pleasant. Riverside walks are popular and so are moorland strolls; Winsford Hill on Exmoor is just a few miles to the north. Not far away is the wild open moorland described in the novels of R.D. Blackmore. There is even a statue of “Lorna Doone”.

For those wishing to explore all that Exmoor has to offer Ridlers Barn offers self catering accommodation for four people.  Set on the owners’ sheep and cattle farm, 3 miles from Dulverton.

Situated on the A7 Carlisle to Edinburgh route, amidst a backdrop of beautiful hills and valleys lies Galashiels. Just 18 miles from Peebles, 42 Miles from Edinburgh and 58 Miles from Carlisle, Galashiels has a wealth of shops, restaurants, pubs, clubs and cafes as well as golf courses, driving ranges, swimming pool, cinema, sports centre and of course McDonalds, making Galashiels one of the busiest and picturesque towns in the Scottish Borders.   As well as its stunning scenery and excellent shopping, Galashiels has a fantastic history dating back to as early as 1124 when it was first mentioned  during the reign of King David I of Scotland (1124 ~1153 ) where it was referred to as Galche .  The Braw Lad’s Gathering in late June is a week of ceremonies and events, when a mounted procession rides through the town, commemorating the town’s history and the granting of its charter in 1599.

A short distance from Galashiels is Abbotsford House, last home of Sir Walter Scott, the home of renowned novelist Sir Walter Scott famous for works such as Ivanhoe , Rob Roy and The Lady of The Lake.   Cyclists can join the 90-mile Tweed Cycle Way on its route between Berwick and Biggar. The Southern Upland Way passes through the town, offering the strenuous challenge of a long distance walk.

5 miles from Galashiels, set against the backdrop of the stunning Eildon Hills and home to the World Famous Melrose Abbey and Melrose Sevens, is Melrose,  a wonderful place to enjoy the local highlights and attractions.  The Eildon Hills overlooking the town are said to be the burial place of the mythical, medieval and legendary King Arthur, who defended Britain against the Saxon invaders in the early 6th century. At the foot of the hills is the Melrose Golf Club with its nine hole golf course
16 miles from Galashiels is Lauder, whose  main attraction is Thirlestane, which rates as one of the oldest and finest castles in Scotland. It dates back more than 700 years and comes complete with a Bonnie Prince Charlie connection, tales of a ghostly duke, 13-ft thick defensive walls and stunning state rooms. For the children there is an adventure playground and a unique collection of historic toys to see in the old family nurseries where there is a dressing-up chest and the chance to grab some memorable photos.

Dunbrodies is a traditional 18th century cottage in Lauder that has been fully modernised whilst retaining many original features.  Within walking distance of the shops, it can sleep six people.

The town Diss, with its attractive shops and a mix of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian houses, lies in the valley of the River Waveney, around a lake that covers 6 acres, said to be the second deepest in the country. In the severe winters of the 19th century skating carnivals were often held on the lake and even a cricket match in 1827.  To the south-west of the town centre lies Fair Green which was first granted a Royal Charter in 1185 and such activities as bull baiting and cock fighting took place until the fair closed in 1872. The Green is now however, still the location for modern day travelling fairs and circuses.

Diss is centrally located in the beautiful East Anglian countryside, between Norwich & Ipswich, making it an ideal base for exploring the many attractions in the region.  Attractions in the area include the town’s award winning museum located to the north of the Market Place, the wonderful Steam Museum and Gardens at Bressingham and the zoo at Banham.   Snetterton Race Track, a number of country parks and a whisky distillery are all nearby.  In under an hour you can drive to the east coast, Norwich, Bury St Edmunds or the Norfolk Broads.

Eleven miles south of Diss is Manor Farm Barn,  an exceptionally spacious Suffolk barn that has been renovated to a high standard and can sleep 10.

Derby in Derbyshire is the UK’s most central city, situated in the East Midlands on the edge of the Peak District National park.

Derby is famous for setting in motion Britain’s Industrial Revolution with some of the country’s first factories and spinning mills. It is equally famous for later factories of Rolls Royce, Royal Crown Derby and Railway engineering. The River Derwent flows north to south east through Derby and much of the city centre, which extends south of the river, is pedestrianised.  The thriving city centre boasts an excellent range of shops,  entertainment venues, attractions, pubs, restaurants and more than 300 areas of public open space including many fine parks and gardens such as Allestree Park, Alvaston Park, Chaddesden Park and Darley Park. Derby Cathedral with its splendid 16th century tower, built in the reign of Henry viii is still a characteristic landmark in the city. 

With a museum, factory tours, a super factory shop and a restaurant serving a wide range of delicious food, a visit to Royal Crown Derby is a great day out.  Other attractions include The Silk Mill - Derby’s Museum of Industry and History and Pickford’s House Museum of Georgian Life and Costume.  Not far away is magnificent Kedleston Hall.  Owned by the National Trust, not only is the building of interest but Kedleston Hall also contains a range of interesting artwork in the form of both paintings and sculpture, as well as 800 acres of glorious parkland to enjoy.

Overlooking Kedleston Hall is Honeysuckle Cottage, a 17th century cottage on a working farm that can sleep six people.  It is an ideal base from which to tour the Peak District National Park, visit Alton Towers and the many other National Trust properties in the area.

Carlisle is the capital of Cumbria with over 2000 years of heritage.  It is a vibrant town with a centre of modern shops, pavement cafes and leisure facilities that rivals most other cities in the north of England.   The majestic cathedral with its 14th century stained glass east window and magnificently decorated ceiling is within a few minutes walk of the spacious pedestrianised Greenmarket - a focal point for street entertainment, farmers’ markets and Christmas celebrations.  Tullie House Museum brings Carlisle’s history and heritage to life, while visitors to the formidable fortress of Carlisle Castle, one of the temporary addresses of Mary Queen of Scots,  can explore its many chambers and passageways.

The city’s elegant railway station serves four railway routes - the West Coast main line between Scotland and England, the Tyne Valley route to Newcastle, the Cumbria Coast Railway to Barrow-in-Furness, and the famous Settle to Carlisle railway which takes you on a 72 mile journey through the magnificent Yorkshire Dales.

Visit Carlisle Racecourse for an enjoyable day of flat or National Hunt racing.  Meander through the wonderful countryside around the Eden Valley, or travel a little further afield south to experience the magnificent Lake District and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Walk along the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail and around the beautiful surrounding areas or take a trip on a Hadrian’s Wall Bus, visiting some of the friendly market town and villages along the way.   Visit Birdoswald Roman Fort and find out about 2000 years of history in one of the most impressive locations on Hadrian’s wall.

With three circular routes to cater for all levels of cyclist, the Border Reivers Cycle Trail covers over 100 miles of spectacular and unspoilt countryside. Each route begins and ends in the market town of Longtown, on the picturesque River Esk just north of Carlisle.

Bessietown Courtyard Cottages are three tastefully converted cottages on an award winning farm.  Each cottage will sleep up to four people.

Totnes is a very special and unique market town in the heart of beautiful South Devon.  Comfortably placed in the rolling red-earthed hills of South Devon, Totnes is blessed with a fascinating history and stunning location on one of Britain’s most beautiful and historically significant waterways, the River Dart.

Totnes has a national reputation for its lively and diverse community and is a intriguing mix of historic market town and bohemian culture. There is truly something for everyone here.

The main street is reputed to have more listed buildings per head of population than any other town in Britain. The many heritage attractions of the town include the Town Mill, The Guildhall, The Devonshire Collection of Period Costume, Totnes Image Bank and Photographic Archive and Totnes Elizabethan Museum and Study Centre. There are many other notable buildings and monuments. They are all guarded by Totnes Castle, a classic Norman motte and bailey with commanding views of the Dart Valley.

Attractions nearby include Sharpham Vineyard & Cheese Dairy, the South Devon Steam Railway and Dartington Cider Press Centre which is a unique visitor centre with eating places, shops and workshops set in a beautiful village atmosphere.

Totnes is also an ideal base from which to explore Dartmoor National Park which is only 20 minutes away.

The Cottage and The Lodge are two self catering cottages on a farm at Ipplepen, 3 miles from Totnes.

On the edge of Snowdonia National Park and fifteen minutes from Bangor lies The Joys of LIfe Country and Wildlife Nature Park.  Set within the ten acres of grounds with woodland walks are two self catering cottages.  Hafan is a newly refurbished cottage designed for those in wheelchairs although it is equally suitable for able bodied guests.    Bryn Llys is a modern conversion of a traditional building, ideal for large family gatherings, it can sleep up to fourteen people and also offers a small lecture room and games room.

The cottages are an ideal base from which to explore the picturesque Snowdonia National Park.  Within a few miles is the North Wales coastline where there are several sandy beaches and water sports are available.

The South Downs is situated in the South East of England and is comprised of two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs); East Hampshire and Sussex Downs.  The South Downs has a network of over 2000 miles of well-managed, well-signed and easily accessible trails. What better way to experience the sights and sounds of the area than by exploring on foot, horseback or bicycle. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the high chalk downland and the small fields and deep wooded valleys of the Weald. Discover the ancient history of the area with its Iron Age hill-forts, historic castles, charming old villages, and parish churches.  There is an abundance of stunning scenery to enjoy and countless country pubs waiting to offer you a warm welcome and a bite to eat.

The area close to busy Portsmouth, known as Meon Valley, is still a haven of peaceful landscapes and unspoilt villages.  The countryside varies from Portsdown Hill, a nature reserve with lovely views out to sea, and the ancient Royal Forest of Bere, a favourite hunting ground of monarchs from the Saxon kings to Charles II, and there are miles of trails for walker, cyclists and horse rider.

Picturesque villages include Hambledon, known as ‘the cradle of cricket’, and Rowlands Castle, once the haunt of smugglers and highwaymen.  There are fascinating places to visit too, from the Iron Age Butser Farm with buildings, structures, animals and crops of the time and grand Stansted House which gives a fascinating insight into Edwardian life on a country estate both above and below stairs to the Royal Armouries Museum at Fort Nelson.

Lone Barn Cottage, in the village of Catherington, is ideally placed for visiting all that the South Downs has to offer.  Set within the courtyard of Lone Barn, it can sleep six people.