Set on an impressive 850-acre estate, this Cotswolds hotel offers a lake-side setting and an abundance of family-friendly activities
Location
The Lakes by Yoo is an exclusive countryside enclave in the Cotswolds with sweeping views across 11 stunning lakes and pristine parkland. Neighbouring the site are the charming village of Bibury, also known as the “capital of the Cotswolds,” and the chocolate box market town of Fairford.
If you are travelling with toddlers, it’s worth visiting Roves Farm (a 20-minute drive away) to feed the animals, while Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat farm shop is 30 minutes away by car.
The nearest train station – where you can catch fast services to London – is Swindon, which is a 30-minute taxi ride from Yoo. For those travelling by car, all of the accommodation options have two or more parking spaces available.
Read more: Best Cotswolds hotels 2026, reviewed
The vibe
Lakes by Yoo has a homely feel, largely thanks to the laidback design, which has a modern country aesthetic. A variety of high-end accommodation options are perfectly arranged around each of the lakes, offering impressive views across the 850-acre estate from all angles. It’s hard to believe that the freshwater lakes, meadows and dense woodlands were once disused quarries.
Given the tranquil setting it’s no surprise that several high-profile names have been rumoured to own some of the beautifully designed lakehouses. The spa and wellness hub is an inviting communal space for guests to sit and relax in front of a cosy fireplace, sunbathe, play some pool or join a yoga class.
Service
The accommodation is self-catering, but friendly and helpful staff show you to your accommodation, designated parking space and electric vehicle charging points.
Bear in mind that room service isn’t available, though apartments and lakehouses come fully equipped with essentials including dishwasher tablets, washing powder, and bathroom toiletries, and you will receive a complimentary, locally-sourced hamper of sourdough bread, butter, jam and cake.
If you get lost during a nature walk on site, you’re never far away from a friendly groundskeeper who will help put you back on track.
Bed and bath
There are 165 properties across the estate, including two-bedroom cabins, three-bedroom apartments and six-bedroom lodges, some of which offer private lake access, swimming pools, hot tubs and saunas. Three-bedroom apartments are the most common size, featuring bedrooms with a super king bed, one king-size bed and two twins.
Each bedroom includes robes, slippers, an Nespresso coffee machine, and a private outdoor veranda. The hotel’s sustainable values are highlighted by refillable Wildsmith toiletries and plastic-free cleaning products. Parents of young children should bear in mind that there is no microwave, which may be a slight inconvenience if you need to sterilise bottles or heat baby food.
All rooms come with modern en suites, and the master suite bathrooms boast a free-standing bath, his and hers sinks and a rainfall shower. This room category also has a welcoming living room with a modern log burner, and large TV for family movie nights.
Read more: The six best campsites in the Lake District
Food and drink
The Lakes Bar & Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and Sunday roasts in its charming fairy-lit tepee or in the garden, where you can look out over one of the lakes. The tent is decorated with rustic furnishings, cosy sheepskin rugs and knitted blankets.
Hawkstone lager and cider are served on tap at the bar, and a mixologist is on hand to concoct delicious cocktails – or mocktails.
The food menu isn’t extensive, but it caters well to a wide range of tastes and dietary requirements. Using farm-to-table ingredients, it spans everything from grazing platters and vegan pizza to braised beef and cured cod. For guests who prefer fine dining on holiday, seasonal supper clubs are available to book. World-class chefs such as Jean Delport and Sally Abe will take over the kitchen this year.
The a la carte breakfast menu includes healthy options such as granola and chia overnight oats, as well as indulgent buttermilk pancakes or Yoo’s full English and veggie breakfasts.
If cooking in your self-catering accommodation is not for you, but you fancy a night in watching the sunset, The Lakes Bar & Kitchen’s takeaway menu includes antipasti party platters, delicious wood-fired pizzas, small tapas plates and bistro classics including juicy burgers and locally-sourced fish and chips. Ocado deliveries are also easy to arrange during your stay.
Facilities
Miles of private, lush nature walks are perfect for dog owners or cyclists. The spacious gym, tennis court, cricket nets, football pitch, steam room and a 17-metre indoor swimming pool (with floor-to-ceiling views of a willow orchard) are free for guests to use.
The spa bar menu features an array of fresh smoothies, detox teas and prosecco to sip while lounging on sunbeds and reading the selection of magazines and books.
Those feeling particularly adventurous can burn off energy sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding on the lakes, or challenge themselves on a high ropes course, climbing wall and zip wire. Lake fishing is encouraged, and rods can be hired on site.
Older children can make the most of the kids’ club (for ages five to 14), crafting and campfire experiences. There is also a lakeside playground and teddy bear picnics that younger children can enjoy. Don’t forget to visit the on-site farm to check if chickens have laid any fresh eggs to take home.
Activities can be booked in advance via the hotel’s app, as can equipment hire of everything from bikes to paddle boards and tennis rackets.
Read more: From haunted castles to family-friendly museums – what to do in the Lake District on a rainy day
Accessibility
There are no fully adapted rooms, but there is lift access to step-free apartments, which have wide corridors and low door handles. Shuttle services are available to drive guests around the grounds.
Pet policy
The Lakes by Yoo is highly pet-friendly with its ample private grounds for dog walks, and it welcomes animals in the Lakes Bar & Kitchen. Select cabins and lakehouses are dog-friendly with complimentary beds and bowls in situ.
Check-in/check-out
Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is by 11am.
Family-friendly?
The Lakes by Yoo is a great choice for families. There are outdoor play areas, plus plenty of watersports and child-friendly activities. Safety bed rails, travel cots and highchairs can be added to your room upon request. Bikes with trailers are available for transporting little ones around the grounds.
At a glance
Best thing: The glorious lakes for watersports, fishing and wild swimming.
Perfect for: Nature-loving families, couples and large groups.
Not right for: Those looking for nightlife or fine dining.
Instagram from: One of the lakes as you step in for a wild swim.
Address: The Lakes by Yoo Hotel & Residences, Coln Park, Nr Lechlade, GL7 3DT
Phone: 01367 254260
Website: thelakesbyyoo.com
The Lakes by Yoo has a range of seasonal offers throughout the year for overnight spa breaks and stay-and-dine packages for two.
Leeanna was a guest of The Lakes by Yoo.
