Overview
If we had to design our perfect family staycation spot, it would look an awful lot like Cotswold Sleeps at Lower Mill Estate. Wonderfully marrying spacious self catering accommodation, children’s activities and hotel facilities, everyone (including the dog!) is invited
First up, things to keep tiny travellers busy. As well as a seasonal programme of events ranging from silent discos to magic shows, nature crafts, guided walks & sports camps, the estate boasts a small softplay available for exclusive hire, two playgrounds, heated indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts (boredom is strictly *off* the agenda). At the Activity Hub, various boards and boats await (and as you’re in the middle of the Cotswold Lakes here, water isn’t in short supply! Some of the houses even have direct lake access)
If you can grab half an hour to yourself, the estate’s main spa complex includes a state-of-the-art fitness suite and indulgent wellness treatments, as well as a sauna and steam room. And as Cotswold Sleeps can help arrange a local babysitter for you, this need not be just a daydream! Many of the holiday homes also feature their own hot tubs (you’ll find a full breakdown in the ‘favourite room’ section below)
Practicalities are well thought through too, with every property equipped with washing and drying facilities, pots & pans, crockery & cutlery, and a starter pack of essentials (think milk, tea, coffee, sugar, bread and butter). If you need anything urgently, there is a small on site shop where you’ll find fresh bread & frozen ready meals amongst other bits and bobs (and Cirencester, a 10 minute drive away, is home to all of your favourite supermarkets). If you’re extra organised, you can arrange a delivery for once you arrive – they all know the estate!
If you’d like to elevate your experience, private dining chefs can be booked, or for quick-and-easy family dining, order a takeaway from the Pizza Shack. Ballihoo, the estate’s own farm-to-fork restaurant and café, is open all day, while nearby options won’t leave you wanting either. The Bakers Arms, a traditional Cotswolds pub, is within walking distance, while The Potting Shed gastropub and The Waterside Kitchen and Bar glean glowing reviews and are less than a 10 minute drive away (the latter is renowned for rustling up the best sushi & Pan-Asian fare in the area)
Mama
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Nearest station
Lower Mill Estate is within the Cotswold Lakes, just outside of Cirencester. The nearest station is Kemble, which is around 10 minutes away by car. Otherwise, it is approximately a 2 hour drive from London (which we’d personally recommend, as having your wheels with you will help you make the most of the area – there’s lots to explore!)
Best time to visit
Whenever you would like to, really! Obviously the lake is absolutely stunning in the summer (and taking to the water is glorious when the sun is shining) but all of the properties also have a log burner, keeping you nice and cosy throughout the winter (plus the spa and indoor pool is open year round!)
As all of the houses can sleep at least 8, they’re perfectly equipped to be group (or multi-gen) getaway spots – whether you’re planning a summer soiree or some festive celebrations
Favourite room
As well as varying by how many they sleep, some of the Cotswold Sleeps at Lower Mill Estate houses also boast added extras like hot tubs (always a hit with teens) and direct lake access (so you can SUP to your door!). If you’re travelling with younger kids or furry friends, you’ll want to keep an eye out for houses with fully enclosed decks (all properties are dog friendly!). Here’s a handy breakdown:
Serenity: sleeps 8, with hot tub and open decking, near a lake but without direct access
Lagoon Villa: sleeps 10, with an enclosed deck, near a lake but without direct access
Sandpiper: sleeps 10, with hot tub and open decking with direct lake access
Merlin House: sleeps 8, with hot tub and an enclosed deck, plus direct lake access
Dunnock House: sleeps 8, with open decking with direct lake access
Chiff Chaff: sleeps 8, with hot tub and an enclosed deck, plus direct lake access
Minety Dawn: sleeps 10, with open decking with direct lake access (though the fifth bedroom can be set up as a TV/snug room if you prefer)
Sorrel House: sleeps 10, with an enclosed deck (and accepts up to 3 dogs!)
Croeso: sleeps 8, with hot tub (this one is particularly quiet too!)
Farmhouse Barn: sleeps 8, with a large garden
And it’s worth us adding, some properties have space for extra camp beds which can be provided at a cost of £30/bed (just ask the team and they can point you in the right direction!)
Nearby
Cirencester, often called the “Capital of the Cotswolds,” is a historic market town with Roman roots, charming honey-stone streets, and a lively market square – just 10 minutes from Cotswold Sleeps at Lower Mill Estate. As well as having lots of boutique shops to explore, it has some fab dining spots – we’d personally recommend La Bobina Tapas & Wine Bar and Henry’s Seafood Bar & Grill
Price
From £225 per night in low season and £562 per night in high season (though prices do vary by property, and minimum stay requirements may apply)
Worth waking the baby for
01
Cotswold Country Park & Beach
In walking distance from the estate, Cotswold Country Park & Beach is packed with family fun, from the UK’s largest inland sandy beach and swimming lagoon to pedal boats, adventure playgrounds, and an inflatable aqua obstacle course during summer – the best fun!
02
Cotswold Wildlife Park
One for little animal lovers, Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to over 260 species, from lions and rhinos to penguins and giraffes – with keepers holding daily talks about the animals. There’s also a miniature train, beautiful gardens and playground, and a petting area to explore
03
Westonbirt Arboretum
A huge woodland wonderland full of trails and play areas, children will love exploring (and probably getting a bit muddy, if we’re honest). Spend the day tree climbing, den-building, wildlife spotting and scaling the treetop walkway
Reviews from other parents
'We've stayed with Cotswold Sleeps at Lower Mill Estate a couple of times now, most recently at Dunnock House. While the decor is definitely stylish, it's still completely comfortable for family living, while also being spacious and enjoying access to several outdoor play areas. It couldn't have been more convenient how you could arrange for a supermarket delivery to the house, while also having the Ballyhoo restaurant a short walk away - with a very family friendly adjacent play area and delicious food! The birdlife is absolutely wonderful, and makes a delightful background soundtrack to your stay. Then there's the lake views which are gorgeous, and in winter, there is a cosy log burner to enjoy. It’s great fun just getting outside, and walking or cycling around the lakes. I would absolutely recommend it to other parents, it’s a great family getaway, not to mention the great choice of local places to visit too, such as the Cotswold Wildlife Park which is loved by all ages'
Mama Charlotte, Tiny Travellers aged 6 & 8
