The Willows Guidebook for Guests
Neighbourhoods
There are so many beautiful Cotswold Towns and Villages surrounding The Willows. Visit the Cotswold Tourist Board website for more information
The centre of the village is a flat 10-15 minute walk from The Willows. Our lovely village is worth exploring!
Stop for a coffee and cake in the new Braai Cafe in the Post Office or treat yourself to a glass of wine or a meal in one of the three village pubs.
South Cerney
The centre of the village is a flat 10-15 minute walk from The Willows. Our lovely village is worth exploring!
Stop for a coffee and cake in the new Braai Cafe in the Post Office or treat yourself to a glass of wine or a meal in one of the three village pubs.
Bow Wow
Bow WowA pretty part of South Cerney to include in strolls around the village.
The Willows is situated in the Cotswold Water Park. With 170+ lakes it is a beautiful place to explore and partake in Water based activities. Visit the Cotswold Water Park website for more information on amenities, circular walks and running routes.
126 locals recommend
Cotswold Water Park
Rigsby's LaneThe Willows is situated in the Cotswold Water Park. With 170+ lakes it is a beautiful place to explore and partake in Water based activities. Visit the Cotswold Water Park website for more information on amenities, circular walks and running routes.
5 miles away.
Artisan shops, plenty of places to eat. Museum. Open air swimming pool. Regular good markets. Great place to wander around.
373 locals recommend
Cirencester
5 miles away.
Artisan shops, plenty of places to eat. Museum. Open air swimming pool. Regular good markets. Great place to wander around.
Tetbury.
14 miles away (20 minute drive). Bustling Cotswold town, combine with a visit to The Westonbirt Arboretum, a Tour of Highgrove House (Prince Charles’s Home).
Home to the famous Wool Sack Races.
204 locals recommend
Tetbury
Tetbury.
14 miles away (20 minute drive). Bustling Cotswold town, combine with a visit to The Westonbirt Arboretum, a Tour of Highgrove House (Prince Charles’s Home).
Home to the famous Wool Sack Races.
Fairford
Lechlade-on-Thames
One of the most popular villages in The Cotswolds. Popular with tourists, pretty village. Trout Rivers and Trout Farm.
198 locals recommend
Bibury
One of the most popular villages in The Cotswolds. Popular with tourists, pretty village. Trout Rivers and Trout Farm.
Will be busy as it’s very popular with tourists. But the miniature village and car museum are great added attractions. A very pretty village to stop at for afternoon tea!
450 locals recommend
Bourton on the Water
Will be busy as it’s very popular with tourists. But the miniature village and car museum are great added attractions. A very pretty village to stop at for afternoon tea!
Broadway
Fabulous Cotswold Village with a great walk to the Broadway Tower.
14 miles away (20 minute drive). Bustling Cotswold town with a fabulous High Street and ancient abbey. Combine with a visit to
Lacock or Castle Combe.
55 locals recommend
Malmesbury
14 miles away (20 minute drive). Bustling Cotswold town with a fabulous High Street and ancient abbey. Combine with a visit to
Lacock or Castle Combe.
In Wiltshire not Gloucestershire but if you haven’t been there before it’s worth a visit. Whilst out that way visit Lacock too. Both villages have been used a film sets over the years.
214 locals recommend
Castle Combe
In Wiltshire not Gloucestershire but if you haven’t been there before it’s worth a visit. Whilst out that way visit Lacock too. Both villages have been used a film sets over the years.
Food Shopping
Within South Cerney Village. A flat 10-15 min walk away from The Willows. 5 minutes away by car.
SPAR South Cerney
Broadway LaneWithin South Cerney Village. A flat 10-15 min walk away from The Willows. 5 minutes away by car.
Within South Cerney Village. A flat 10-15 minute walk from The Willows. 5 minutes away by car.
10 locals recommend
Co-op Food - South Cerney - High Street
High StreetWithin South Cerney Village. A flat 10-15 minute walk from The Willows. 5 minutes away by car.
The Braai House Deli & Post Office
Clarks HayApprox. 5 miles away from The Willows on the outskirts of Cirencester.,
65 locals recommend
Tesco Extra
Eastgate RoadApprox. 5 miles away from The Willows on the outskirts of Cirencester.,
Approx. 5 miles away from The Willows on the outskirts of Cirencester.
142 locals recommend
Waitrose & Partners
Northgate StreetApprox. 5 miles away from The Willows on the outskirts of Cirencester.
3 miles from The Willows. It’s a local small business which needs support. Have included it here as it has a small farm shop. Combine with a walk around their farm (small entrance fee) where you can handle some of the baby farm animals and walk around the outdoor pens … the farm is in need of a bit of TLC but if you like animals it’s a nice way to fill an hour or two. There is a tea room on site too.
13 locals recommend
The Butts Farm Rare Breeds, Farm Shop and Tea Room
Cricklade Road3 miles from The Willows. It’s a local small business which needs support. Have included it here as it has a small farm shop. Combine with a walk around their farm (small entrance fee) where you can handle some of the baby farm animals and walk around the outdoor pens … the farm is in need of a bit of TLC but if you like animals it’s a nice way to fill an hour or two. There is a tea room on site too.
4 miles away from The Willows, have included it under grocery stores as they are now partnered with Sainsbury’s and have a good sized Sainsbury’s Mall within the Garden Centre.
Dobbies Garden Centre Cirencester
4 miles away from The Willows, have included it under grocery stores as they are now partnered with Sainsbury’s and have a good sized Sainsbury’s Mall within the Garden Centre.
6 miles away on the outskirts of Cirencester. Fabulous Organic Farm Shop. Also rents out electric bikes - ebikes.
Abbey Home Farm shop and car park
6 miles away on the outskirts of Cirencester. Fabulous Organic Farm Shop. Also rents out electric bikes - ebikes.
Our Village Pubs and local eateries
Just had an extensive refurbishment and under new management … so a review is difficult to provide. Looking forward to our first visit!
15 locals recommend
Eliot Arms
Just had an extensive refurbishment and under new management … so a review is difficult to provide. Looking forward to our first visit!
Clarks Hay
South Cerney
GL7 5UA
Recently refurbished, one of three pubs in the village.
15 locals recommend
The Old George Inn
Clarks Hay
South Cerney
GL7 5UA
Recently refurbished, one of three pubs in the village.
Located in the centre of the village. Fish and chips at their best! Delicious.
15 locals recommend
South Cerney Fish and Chips
Located in the centre of the village. Fish and chips at their best! Delicious.
We’ve never had a bad takeaway meal. The Chicken Tikka Masala (if you don’t mind coconut) is delicious! Eat in, collection or home delivery. There is a copy of the menu in the Guest Information Manual.
6 locals recommend
South Cerney Tandoori Balti House
7 Clarks HayWe’ve never had a bad takeaway meal. The Chicken Tikka Masala (if you don’t mind coconut) is delicious! Eat in, collection or home delivery. There is a copy of the menu in the Guest Information Manual.
Good food. Great spot for breakfast and Sunday Lunch is fab.
Booking advisable. Watch water sports on the lake as eat.
40 locals recommend
The Lakeside Brasserie
Station Road
Good food. Great spot for breakfast and Sunday Lunch is fab.
Booking advisable. Watch water sports on the lake as eat.
Pizzeria 720° – wood-fired pizzas.
Delivery or collect.
Lake 6, The Spine Rd E, South Cerney, Cirencester, GL7 5TL
Tel: 07751 991130
12 locals recommend
Pizzeria 720
Spine Road EastPizzeria 720° – wood-fired pizzas.
Delivery or collect.
Lake 6, The Spine Rd E, South Cerney, Cirencester, GL7 5TL
Tel: 07751 991130
Lovely setting, good food .. but we find it to be very expensive.
20 locals recommend
The Old Boathouse
Lovely setting, good food .. but we find it to be very expensive.
Wickwater Lane
South Cerney
GL7 5RL
This cafe is much more than a cafe! Now named Waterside Kitchen and Bar it now offers exciting food and a great wine list during the day and evening and has a heated outdoor terrace and eating pods.
Within walking distance of The Willows - a flat 1.5 mile walk.
24 locals recommend
Waterside Cafe
Wickwater LaneWickwater Lane
South Cerney
GL7 5RL
This cafe is much more than a cafe! Now named Waterside Kitchen and Bar it now offers exciting food and a great wine list during the day and evening and has a heated outdoor terrace and eating pods.
Within walking distance of The Willows - a flat 1.5 mile walk.
Fabulous breakfasts!
A great café, which is just a short drive from The Willows.
Haven't tried one yet but they have afternoon teas on their menu. Booking advisable.
8 locals recommend
Jennies Kitchen
Fridays Ham LaneFabulous breakfasts!
A great café, which is just a short drive from The Willows.
Haven't tried one yet but they have afternoon teas on their menu. Booking advisable.
Other places to eat
Some of our personal favourites
Fabulous food and atmosphere. Great for a special occasion.
25 locals recommend
Côte Brasserie - Cirencester
4 Black Jack StFabulous food and atmosphere. Great for a special occasion.
Rural pub and restaurant. Nice setting, great food. 6 mile from The Willows.
20 locals recommend
Masons Arms
28 High StRural pub and restaurant. Nice setting, great food. 6 mile from The Willows.
Things to Do!
Want to get wet … kayak, paddle board etc. Go on have a go! Within walking distance of The Willows.
35 locals recommend
South Cerney Outdoor
12 Spine Rd EWant to get wet … kayak, paddle board etc. Go on have a go! Within walking distance of The Willows.
Great local golf course! Bring your clubs and have a game whilst staying with us (booking advisable).
14 locals recommend
South Cerney Golf Club
Northmoor LaneGreat local golf course! Bring your clubs and have a game whilst staying with us (booking advisable).
Cotswold Country Park & Beach
Spratsgate LaneGloucestershire Rally School
Cirencester RoadCorinium Museum
Park StreetCirencester Open Air Swimming Pool
Paint a ceramic pot or ornament/plate. Will be fired and glazed for you for collection in 2-3 days or you can pay postage for it to be posted to you. Great for whiling away a couple of hours if in Cirencester.
Pick a Pot
12-14 Black Jack StPaint a ceramic pot or ornament/plate. Will be fired and glazed for you for collection in 2-3 days or you can pay postage for it to be posted to you. Great for whiling away a couple of hours if in Cirencester.
A sort of museum! Enjoy a couple of hours wandering around outdoor sculptures. A surprisingly enjoyable, arty place to visit.
Elemental Sculpture Park
Unnamed RoadA sort of museum! Enjoy a couple of hours wandering around outdoor sculptures. A surprisingly enjoyable, arty place to visit.
Chedworth Roman Villa
This area is steeped in Roman History! Interesting museum.
Home of Prince Charles and Camilla. Check the Highgrove House website for guided tour dates. Lovely gardens and provides a good insight into the private life and interests of our future king.
28 locals recommend
Highgrove House
Home of Prince Charles and Camilla. Check the Highgrove House website for guided tour dates. Lovely gardens and provides a good insight into the private life and interests of our future king.
It’s a lovely village and nice to walk along the river. Also at the trout farm you can catch your own fish and BBQ it to eat!
55 locals recommend
Bibury Trout Farm
It’s a lovely village and nice to walk along the river. Also at the trout farm you can catch your own fish and BBQ it to eat!
Owned by Adam Henson from Countryfiles this Rare Breeds Farm is worth a visit. Great Christmas Trail.
251 locals recommend
Cotswold Farm Park
Owned by Adam Henson from Countryfiles this Rare Breeds Farm is worth a visit. Great Christmas Trail.
Worthy of a visit any time of year! Their Christmas light trail is always a must
340 locals recommend
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Worthy of a visit any time of year! Their Christmas light trail is always a must
If you like zoos… this is for you. Lovely walk in stunning grounds and fabulous selection of wild animals.
442 locals recommend
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
If you like zoos… this is for you. Lovely walk in stunning grounds and fabulous selection of wild animals.
Batsford Arboretum
Cotswold Falconry Centre
Lovely little venue within Cirencester College. Check the website to see if they have something on you can go and enjoy during your stay. … comedy, tribute acts …. Something for everyone.
Sundial Theatre
Lovely little venue within Cirencester College. Check the website to see if they have something on you can go and enjoy during your stay. … comedy, tribute acts …. Something for everyone.
Quality theatre, with quality shows. Check out their website for what’s on.
25 locals recommend
Barn Theatre
3 Beeches RdQuality theatre, with quality shows. Check out their website for what’s on.
Painswick Rococo Garden
Gloucester RoadFaringdon Folly Tower
Stanford RoadCrocodiles of the World
Burford Road