How To Stay Cool In Gloucestershire and Around The Cotswolds During A Heatwave: Rivers, Air-Con Escapes, Cooling Tips & Hidden Spots

Cooling off in the river at Bibury. Dungarees from House of Dungarees

Whether you’re local to Gloucestershire or visiting the Cotswolds this summer, these are some of my favourite ways to stay cool — from rivers and shaded spots to air-conditioned escapes and little things that make hot days easier at home.

1. Charlton Kings Ford, Cheltenham

One of my favourite simple places to cool down.

This shallow river crossing becomes such a good spot for paddling, exploring and cooling feet after a hot day. There’s usually enough space to sit nearby while children splash and play.

Parking:

Park down streets around Charlton Kings village / Sixways area, (I usually use Lyefield Road East) and walk down to the ford on school road.

Bring:

✔ River shoes
✔ Towels
✔ Picnic blanket
✔ Spare clothes

2. River Isbourne, Winchcombe

These spots always feel a little quieter than some of the better-known water locations and works well for a paddle combined with exploring Winchcombe afterwards. You can access the river in several areas. One of my favourites is at Winchcombe skate park where it’s nice and shaded and sometimes you’ll find a rope swing too.

Parking:

Park in Winchcombe town centre car parks or at Winchcombe skate park and walk towards the river.

Bring:

✔ River shoes
✔ Towels
✔ Picnic blanket
✔ Spare clothes

3. Lower Slaughter – River Eye (My alternative to Bourton)

Everyone knows Bourton-on-the-Water, but if you want somewhere that is still as beautiful, but with a lot less tourists, Lower Slaughter is one of my favourites. Try the quieter stretches further along the River Eye rather than staying at the busiest central points. Or set up at the Slaughters Country Inn so you can enjoy a drink and some food while the kids play in the water.

Parking:

There are spots all around the village to park, but these will get busy at times. You can always park over the road in Bourton and walk across the main road to Lower Slaughter.

Top tip:

Evening visits tend to be the quietest times to visit.

4. Old Minster Mill

This is one I love because it’s easy. Food. Drinks. Shade. River. You can sit with something cold while children cool off nearby and you don’t need to pack half the house to make a day of it.

Parking:

They have their own car park

Perfect if:

You want somewhere that feels like a treat rather than an expedition.

6. Bibury – River Coln

Bibury is one of my favourite places for hot weather because there’s so much access to the river all the way through the village. Most people know Bibury for Arlington Row, but there are plenty of places to stop, wander alongside the water and find your own little spot to sit for a while. The River Coln runs throughout the village and there are lots of opportunities for paddling feet, cooling down and slowing the pace a bit on hot days. It’s one of those places where you can make it whatever you want, a quick stop, a picnic or a slower afternoon exploring.

Parking:

Ther is the main strip of parking, but that can get busy, but there’s parking throughout the village and if one area is full, it’s usually worth continuing through and finding another space before walking back along the river.

Top tip:

Walk a little further than your first stopping point. Because the river runs through so much of the village, there are lots of different places to access the water and set up camp for a while.

Need Proper Air Conditioning? These Are My Favourite Indoor Places To Cool Down

The Wilson, Cheltenham

Free, calm and genuinely underrated in hot weather. The whole space feels cool, there’s plenty to look around, exhibitions change regularly and there’s a dedicated family area and café if you need somewhere to sit for a while. It’s one of those places that feels manageable even on days when nobody wants to be doing much for too long.

Parking:

• Regent Arcade car park

• Cheltenham Walk car park

Bonus:

• Café onsite

• Toilets

• Family areas

Rugrats & Half Pints, Cirencester

When children still need movement but being outside feels impossible. Soft play + air conditioning = one of my favourite heatwave combinations.A good option if your children need to burn energy but parks are too hot.

Parking:

• Easy onsite parking nearby

Bonus:

• Café onsite

• Toilets

• Good for a range of ages

Gloucester Services (Yes, Really)

This one sounds random but hear me out. Gloucester Services has become one of my favourite “reset stops” in hot weather. There’s air conditioning inside, loads of seating and a surprisingly nice atmosphere compared to most services. The little indoor children’s play area means you can stop, cool down and let children move around without overheating. Bonus if you’re heading home from a day out and everyone is tired.

Parking:

• Direct from the M5

Bonus:

• Children can eat for around £1 when an adult meal is purchased

• Baby food facilities available

My Favourite Hot Weather Tips At Home

Freeze Hot Water Bottles

Hot water bottles aren’t just for winter. Fill (following manufacturer guidance and safely), chill or partially freeze where appropriate, wrap in a towel and use:

• At bedtime

• Behind backs

• For cooling feet

My Favourite Summer Purchase: A Slushy Machine

I know it’s so hard getting hold of hot weather things once a heatwave hits, but if this one is a less commonly purchased item that should still available when you’re reading this, and I honestly think it’s worth 100% it. Yes it make slushies (that are also child safe as you decide the contents) but it keeps drinks colder for longer and is a fun way for the whole family to stay cool.

This is the one we use (click here) but there are lots of makes and different sizes for smaller families.

My Favourite Portable Air Conditioning Unit

This has genuinely made hot nights easier. If you’re struggling with bedrooms overheating or just need one cooler room to escape to, this has been my favourite solution. This is the one we have been using for years now (click here). I’ve found another similar one for a bit cheaper too if you’re just wanted to get through this year’s heatwave and not looking long term (click here). I also swear by this fan. It’s the best one I’ve ever used for hot weather (click here).

Tip:
Cool one room with an aircon unit rather than trying to cool the whole house. We usually block off a window using cardboard and cut a hole for the tube to go out through.

Why I’ll Keep Writing These Guides

One thing I’m always doing is exploring. A lot of the places I use for my photography sessions start as family days out, accidental discoveries while location scouting or spaces I find on the look out for spots or places that suits my son’s sensory needs. I’m constantly looking for new areas across Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds, whether that’s rivers, woodland, hidden corners or places that are great for children. So if you enjoy these kinds of local guides, click here to read my previous posts and keep checking back as I’ll continue sharing places I find along the way.

Find out more about the photo sessions I offer here.