New England? The old one will do me

Jun 8 2008 By Mark Guidi

Cotswolds Lakeside Retreat Is Uk's Own Cape Cod

I've always fancied going on holiday to Cape Cod in the States. It was President John F. Kennedy's favourite spot and reading about his love for the area sold me on it.

For one reason or another, I've never made it there. But I've discovered the UK's answer to my dream destination - the Cotswolds.

Like New England, it looks fabulous and you can dabble in a spot of swimming, sailing and lazing about in the sun - if the weather allows.

Heathrow, Birmingham and Bristol Airports are all about 90 minutes away but we chose to drive down.

We knew it was going to be at least a five-hour journey as it's between Cheltenham and Swindon.

Once we arrived at the Watermark on the Cotswold's Lakes and had a look at the property we were to stay in and the area surrounding it, we realised the journey was worth it. And there was plenty for the children to do. Aye, as long as the kids are happy! Our New Englandstyle lodge was absolutely stunning. The view across the lake from our private sundeck was fantastic.

The four-bedroom lodge was spotless and had all the home-from-home things you wanted - but all we wanted to do was get out there and take in the sights.

We weren't short of things to do and could have gone for sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, cycling and angling.

We decided on horse-riding. Claudia, eight months, was taken for a walk by my mother-in-law while my wife Anne and daughters Eva, eight, and Sophia, five, got the old jodhpurs out.

We loved the experience of the hourlong trot. Not too sure if my horse did.

The poor thing put in for a fornight's leave as soon as it returned to the stables! There was also the opportunity to visit many quaint villages and towns, all within 45 minutes. Historic places such as Bath and Oxford are not far away. We opted for investigating the smaller, more intimate places.

Tetbury was lovely but my own favourite was Bibury. The Bibury Court Hotel was great for blending in with the locals and going for afternoon tea and homemade scones.

If you didn't want to cook, plenty of pubs with homemade grub or fancier restaurants were nearby. The Watermark had its own bar-restaurant on the lake and the food was tasty and good value for money.

There's also an adventure playground and five-a-side pitch on the doorstep if you feel the need to work off the massive portions of dessert.

But if all you wanted to do was put your the feet up and watch a bit of telly, you could get food in from the local supermarket which is only a mile away in Cirencester.

As well as being relaxed, you also feel totally safe in the development, which has private security 24/7.

Some people live in their Watermark home permanently, others choose to rent them out. High-fliers from London use it as their weekend getaway.

It's a place I can't recommend highly enough, whether you're going away with the family or a group of friends.

It's perfect if you are into activities but you don't need to be to have a top time. There are quality places to buy and rent at the Watermark and new lodges are being built nearby.

I only wish we'd booked longer than four nights. Still, there will be a next time.

For now, the States will have to wait. But I'm sure JFK would have approved of The Watermark, anyway.

MAILFILE

Watermark lodges sleep 6-8 people.

Prices for a week from £520 to £895, depending on the season.

Short breaks from £390 to £675.

Arrival dates for all bookings are Fridays or Mondays.

Short breaks start on Mondays for four nights (midweek) and on Fridays for three nights (weekend).

For more information call 01285 869181 or visit www.watermarkclub.co.uk