Pick the Right Lake 86 Water Activity Before You Pay
Lake 86 is the Cotswold Water Park Hire base for paddleboard hire, kayak hire, raft hire, own-craft launch, open-water swimming and electronic gift vouchers. The fastest route is to choose the activity first, then check the live official booking page.
This guide helps you book the correct session, use the right postcode, understand parking context, pack the right kit, contact the team, and avoid wasted travel on the wrong lake or wrong activity slot.
Use the official Lake 86 booking site for live sessions. It has separate routes for craft hire, swimming, craft launch, gift vouchers, account login and registration. Use the Cotswold Water Park Hire website for activity context, address, phone, email and venue information.
- Choose the activity first: hire, swim, own-craft launch or voucher.
- Check water temperature, weather, age rules and arrival time before travelling.
- Contact Lake 86 before booking if your visit involves children, groups, accessibility, own craft or uncertain conditions.
I Want To… Use the Exact Official Action
Pick the job you need first. This stops you booking a hire session when you meant swimming, or arriving with your own craft without the correct launch route.
Hire a board or kayak
Use for paddleboard hire, single kayak hire, tandem kayak hire or raft hire from the Lake 86 activity base.
Book hire officiallyBook open-water swimming
Use the swimming booking route and check the displayed water temperature, session availability and current rules.
Book swimming sessionLaunch my own craft
Use the craft-launch route if you are bringing your own paddleboard, kayak or permitted craft.
Book craft launchBuy a gift voucher
Lake 86 says electronic gift vouchers can be printed or emailed to yourself.
Buy gift voucherOfficial Lake 86 Links for Booking, Rules and Verification
Use official pages for live availability, current rules, contact details and maps. Avoid old review screenshots for prices or safety requirements.
Official Lake 86 booking
Use for hire, swimming, craft launch, gift vouchers, login and registration.
Open bookings.lake86.comCotswold Water Park Hire
Use for the main hire website, location, contact details, AALA number and activity overview.
Open CWP Hire websiteCotswold Lakes listing
Confirms Lake 86 on Spine Road, South Cerney, GL7 5TL, plus SUP, kayak, raft and craft-launch information.
Open Cotswold Lakes listingWider Cotswold Lakes map
Use for nearby public areas, walks, visitor information, car parks, food stops and activity planning.
Open Cotswold Lakes mapLake 86 Activities Compared: Choose the Right Session
The best Lake 86 booking depends on confidence, balance, group size, whether you own equipment and whether you want a managed swim or a hire session.
| Activity | Official-source detail | Best for | Check before paying |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUP hire | Cotswold Lakes says wide stable boards are available for beginners, with more progressive boards for developing paddlers. | Beginners, couples, friends, teens and relaxed lake paddling. | Wind, age rules, buoyancy aid, clothing, session length and balance confidence. |
| Single kayak hire | Cotswold Lakes says sit-on-top kayaks are offered and describes them as safe, fun and unsinkable. | Visitors who prefer sitting down or are unsure about paddleboard balance. | Age rules, supervision, footwear and whether valuables can be kept dry. |
| Tandem kayak hire | Tandem kayaks are listed for visitors who want a shared paddling option. | Parent and child, nervous beginners, couples and two-person sessions. | Pairing rules, weight guidance, availability and adult supervision. |
| Raft hire | Cotswold Lakes says rafts can take up to 6 adults. | Families, friends, groups and visitors who want a stable craft. | Group size, age mix, weather and whether everyone is comfortable getting wet. |
| Craft launch | Lake 86 has a booking route for craft launch and membership options where available. | Regular paddlers bringing their own permitted craft. | Launch rules, craft type, safety kit, membership, waiver and insurance expectations. |
| Open-water swimming | The booking site has a swimming route and displays a current water temperature. | Confident swimmers wanting a managed lake session. | Temperature, wetsuit guidance, tow float, swim cap, supervision and session rules. |
Step-by-Step: Book Lake 86 Without Picking the Wrong Option
Select hire, swimming, craft launch or gift voucher before choosing a time slot.
Count adults, children, beginners and confident swimmers. Choose tandem kayak or raft if stability matters.
Check arrival time, late-arrival rules, cancellation terms, weather notes, safety requirements and waiver wording before payment.
The booking site displays water temperature. Wind and cold water can change the best activity choice.
Keep your email, QR/barcode or account login ready before arriving at Lake 86.
Navigate to CWP Hire, Lake 86, Spine Rd East, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 5TL.
Decision Cards: Which Lake 86 Option Should You Choose?
Use these cards when you are not sure which activity fits your group.
Start with kayak or stable SUP
Kayaking is often simpler for balance. SUP is good if you want a more active challenge.
- Check wind first.
- Bring dry clothes.
- Ask staff if unsure.
Consider tandem kayak or raft
A raft can suit groups who want a shared, stable activity rather than separate boards.
- Rafts are listed up to 6 adults.
- Confirm child rules.
- Book early in busy periods.
Use the craft launch route
If bringing your own craft, do not turn up and launch without checking the official craft-launch route.
- Check launch permission.
- Bring safety equipment.
- Confirm membership or session rules.
Book managed swimming
Use the swimming route and check water temperature, wetsuit comfort and session rules first.
- Check cold-water readiness.
- Bring warm layers.
- Follow swim safety rules.
Fees, Documents and Rules to Verify Before Travel
Do not hard-code prices from old pages. Confirm live cost at official checkout and add travel or parking costs separately.
| Item | Why it matters | Best place to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Activity price | SUP, kayak, raft, swim and craft launch can have different pricing and availability. | Official Lake 86 checkout before paying. |
| Water temperature | Cold water can affect swimming comfort, wetsuit choice and beginner confidence. | Lake 86 booking site and staff guidance. |
| Parking | Wider Cotswold Lakes Trust car parks are cashless and charges start from £1.20; The Gateway is listed as free parking with toilets inside the Gateway Cafe. | Cotswold Lakes car parks page and your booking confirmation. |
| Vehicle height | Cotswold Lakes Trust says its car parks have 2.1 m height restrictors. | Cotswold Lakes car parks page before using a tall van or roof box. |
| Age and supervision | Children, beginners and group bookings may need specific supervision or activity choices. | Booking terms or contact Lake 86 before arrival. |
| Waiver or terms | Watersports and swimming sessions may require safety acceptance or participant details. | Official checkout, confirmation email and staff instructions. |
Lake 86 Map, Address and Postcode
Use this address: CWP Hire, Lake 86, Spine Rd East, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 5TL. Cotswold Lakes describes Lake 86 as a short walk from The Gateway and De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel.
Navigation help
- Search for “CWP Hire Lake 86” if the postcode shows a broad area.
- Allow extra time during weekends, warm weather and school holidays.
- Do not use a random lake entrance unless your booking confirms it.
- Use the wider Cotswold Lakes map when combining Lake 86 with walks, cafés or visitor stops.
Parking and Arrival: What to Check First
For Lake 86, follow your booking confirmation and CWP Hire arrival instructions. For wider Cotswold Lakes public access, the Trust lists cashless parking, charges from £1.20, optional membership parking benefits and 2.1 m height restrictors at Trust car parks.
Closest Lake 86 arrival
Use the official booking confirmation first. It should be treated as the most relevant instruction for your session.
The Gateway context
Cotswold Lakes lists The Gateway as having free parking and toilets inside the Gateway Cafe, plus visitor information nearby.
Other Cotswold Lakes car parks
Public Trust car parks are cashless. RingGo can be used and payment may be made before midnight on the day of visit where stated.
Check Cotswold Lakes car parksTall vehicle warning
If using a van, camper or roof box, check height restrictions before driving to a Trust car park.
What to Bring for Paddleboarding, Kayaking or Swimming
For hire sessions
- Booking confirmation.
- Swimwear or quick-dry clothing.
- Towel and dry change of clothes.
- Wet-friendly footwear.
For open-water swimming
- Swimwear or wetsuit if needed.
- Warm layers for after the swim.
- Bright swim cap or tow float if required.
- Check water temperature before leaving.
For own craft
- Craft launch booking.
- Suitable safety equipment.
- Leash, pump or repair kit if relevant.
- Dry bag for valuables.
For families
- Choose stability over challenge for nervous beginners.
- Pack extra dry clothes for children.
- Agree a meeting point before the session.
- Bring snacks for after the water activity.
Contact Help Box: Ask Before Booking
Use this when your situation is not answered clearly online: children, group size, own craft, swimming rules, weather risk, water temperature, accessibility, vouchers, coaching or late arrival.
Official contact details
- Phone: 01285 860086
- Email: info@cwphire.com
- Address: CWP Hire, Lake 86, Spine Rd East, South Cerney, Cirencester, Glos, GL7 5TL
- AALA no: R2257
Quick phone or email script
Hello Lake 86 team, I want to visit on [date] with [number of people]. We are interested in [SUP / kayak / raft / swimming / own craft launch]. Can you confirm the best booking route, arrival time, what to bring, any age or supervision rules, and whether weather or water temperature could affect the session?
Checklist Before Leaving Home
Booking
- Correct session type booked.
- Confirmation email saved.
- Arrival time checked.
Conditions
- Weather checked.
- Water temperature checked.
- Wetsuit or warm layers considered.
Travel
- GL7 5TL entered.
- Parking plan reviewed.
- Extra time allowed in peak season.
Kit
- Towel packed.
- Dry clothes packed.
- Phone and keys protected.
Common Lake 86 Mistakes That Cause Failed Visits
Turning up without checking live booking
Session availability can change. Use the official booking page before travelling.
Booking hire when you need launch
Hire and own-craft launch are different booking routes. Choose carefully before paying.
Ignoring wind or cold water
Outdoor lake sessions can feel very different from indoor swimming or pool activities.
Using the wrong lake entrance
The Cotswold Lakes area has many lakes. Navigate to CWP Hire Lake 86, not just “Cotswold Water Park.”
Relying on old prices
Always confirm the live checkout price and session rules on the official booking site.
Forgetting dry clothes
Even stable kayak or raft sessions can leave children and beginners wet after the session.
If Lake 86 Is Fully Booked: Nearby Official Planning Links
Use official local directories when comparing alternatives. Do not assume another lake has the same access, swim or launch rules.
Cotswold Lakes things to do
Use for other local activities including watersports, walking, cycling and visitor planning.
Open things to doCotswold Lakes maps and guides
Use for maps, walking routes, cycling routes, nature-reserve guides and wider visitor planning.
Open maps and guidesCotswold Country Park & Beach
Useful for a beach-style family day, swimming area and paid activity options separate from Lake 86.
Check official admissionFAQs About Lake 86 Cotswold Water Park
What is Lake 86 Cotswold Water Park?
Lake 86 is the Cotswold Water Park Hire base at Spine Road East, South Cerney. It is used for paddleboard hire, kayak hire, raft hire, own-craft launch, open-water swimming and gift-voucher bookings.
What is the Lake 86 postcode?
The official address is CWP Hire, Lake 86, Spine Rd East, South Cerney, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 5TL.
How do I book Lake 86 activities?
Use the official Lake 86 booking site. It has separate booking routes for hire, swimming, craft launch and gift vouchers.
Can I hire a paddleboard at Lake 86?
Yes. Cotswold Lakes says CWP Hire offers stand-up paddleboards, including wide stable boards for beginners and more progressive boards for developing paddlers.
Can I hire kayaks at Lake 86?
Yes. Cotswold Lakes says CWP Hire offers single and tandem sit-on-top kayaks.
Can families hire a raft at Lake 86?
Yes. Cotswold Lakes says the rafts can take up to 6 adults. Confirm current rules, session availability and age guidance before booking.
Can I launch my own paddleboard or kayak at Lake 86?
Lake 86 has a craft launch booking route. Use the official booking site and check current launch rules before bringing your own craft.
Is open-water swimming available at Lake 86?
The Lake 86 booking site includes a swimming booking route and displays a current water temperature. Check live sessions and current rules before travelling.
Does Lake 86 sell gift vouchers?
Yes. Lake 86 says electronic gift vouchers can be purchased online and printed or emailed to yourself.
What should I bring to Lake 86?
Bring your booking confirmation, swimwear or quick-dry clothing, towel, dry clothes, suitable wet footwear, phone protection, and any safety kit required by your session type.
How do I contact Lake 86?
You can call 01285 860086 or email info@cwphire.com. Use contact before booking if you have questions about children, groups, own craft, swimming, water temperature or accessibility.
Is parking free near Lake 86?
Follow your Lake 86 booking confirmation for arrival guidance. For wider Cotswold Lakes public access, the Trust says many car parks are cashless and charges start from £1.20, while The Gateway is listed with free parking and toilets inside the Gateway Cafe.
Final Lake 86 Planning Rule
Choose the activity first, book on the official Lake 86 site, check water temperature and weather, save your confirmation, use GL7 5TL for navigation, arrive with dry kit, and call the team if your visit involves children, groups, swimming or own craft.