Family-Friendly lakeside adventures

Set beside tranquil Lake 6, the Gateway Café is the perfect hub for families seeking lakeside fun, scenic views, and local flavour. With delicious homemade cakes, ethically sourced coffee, and light meals made from regional ingredients, it’s the ideal launchpad for an unforgettable day out.

1. Lakeside Treats & Wildlife Spotting

Start your day with brunch or coffee on the Terrace our Café, watching the world drift by on the water while wildlife emerges around the reeds. Keep binoculars handy - great crested grebes, ducks, herons and event otters and water voles inhabit the network of lakes and nature reserves.

2. Gentle Walks & Cycle Trails

Pick up a free leisure map from our Café and choose a circular trail around Lake 6 or venture further on National Cycle Route45. Bike hire is available nearby at Discover Cycles (adult and children's bikes, trailers, tag-alongs), starting from just £18 per hour.

Trails are mostly flat and family-friendly - perfect for stroller-friendly strolls or relaxed cycling among scenic lakeshores and villages.

3. Watersport Adventures

From fun on the water, nearby outfitters offer stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, rowing boats, even sailing lessons. ROX at Lake 12 and Lake 86 (right next door to us!) offer 'Pay & Play' water sports. Spring Lake's Waterski & Wake also features wakeboarding, ringo rides and inflatables.

4. Cotswold Country Park & Beach (5min Drive)

This inland beach boasts the UK's largest sandy swimming lagoon with lifeguards during holidays, ideal for splashing around. The sprawling AquaVenture inflatable assault course invites bouncing, climbing, sliding and splashing thrills.

Families can also enjoy mini golf, pedal boats, zorbing, adventure playground and lakeside BBQ areas.

5. Friendly Competition at The Cotswold Range

Older kids (8+) and adults can bond over safe target games like archery or air-rifle shooting at The Cotswold Range. Qualified instructors guide fun challenges such as 'Split the Arrow' or apple-target games in a sheltered setting. Families can also try and win themselves a free pizza (or discount!) with our Pizzeria 720 targets!

6. Picnic & Wildlife Reserves

Head to Neigh Bridge Country Park or Cleveland Lakes Reserve for peaceful lakeside picnics.

Well signposted trails and bird hides offer superb wildlife-watching spots. You may spot kingfishers, reed warblers, tufted ducks or even otters.

Sample Day Plan: Gateway Café to Adventure!

Time	Activity
Morning	Arrive at Gateway Café - Brunch & Views
Late Morning	Wildlife spotting & lakeside walk
Lunch	Light bites or Pizzas from Pizzeria 720
Early Afternoon	Paddle boarding, canoeing or boat hire on Lake 86 - just next door!
Mid-Afternoon	Cycle a family route or visit AquaVenture at the Country Park
Late Afternoon	Option archery at Cotswold Range or leisurely nature walk

Final Tips & Insights:

• Bookings: The Café operates on a walk-in basis (evening reservations available), and parking is free

• Tickets & Slots: AquaVenture and some water sports benefit from advance booking, especially in peak times.

• What to Bring: Suitable clothing, swimwear, towels, suncream, binoculars, and wellies/ sturdy shoes for uneven paths.

• Best Seasons: April to September for outdoor options and beachside fun. Autumn and mild winter visits offer quieter nature walks and café relaxation.

From tranquil lakeside moments, with us, at the Gateway Café to high-energy inflatables, peaceful nature reserves, and sporty family challenges, the area around Lake 6 is truly versatile playground for all ages. Whether its paddling, cycling, wildlife spotting, or simply savouring the views and locally sourced food - these experiences create lasting family memories.