Don’t be afraid to make a splash at Cotswold Water Park

It’s hard to think of a watersport not catered for within the 40 square miles and 150-plus lakes that make up Cotswold Water Park. As well as more conventional activities, like windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking, the park hosts a number of unusual attractions: thrill-seekers can enjoy a high-speed inflatable banana ride or get to grips with intricacies of raft-building.

But don’t worry if you prefer your fun a little more on the sedate side: it’s also home to the UK’s largest inland bathing beach, where you can hire a pedalo and BBQ for a much-needed chill. Just before you nod off, though, look out for the otters, water voles and dragonflies that flit about around the edges of Cleveland Lakes.