For Best Rates Book Direct! Plus other great benefits!
Discover Your Ideal Lakeside Cottage Holiday
Orion Holidays - your Cotswold Specialists
Orion Holidays is an independent, family-run, holiday home lettings business based within the Cotswold Water Park.
The business was founded by our owner and MD, Mark Thomas who was involved in the original property sales when the resorts were first built.
Marks’ knowledge of the area, plus his close and long-standing relationship with many of the other local businesses, has played a key role in the growth and success of the business.
Today with over 60 holiday homes under management, and 27 years of supporting both our property owners, our locally based team are passionate about sharing their love for this area of outstanding natural beauty and helping our visitors have a truly remarkable holiday in the area.
The Orion Story
April
1997
The Story Begins
October
1997
Offices at Isis Lakes
December
1998
Move to Lower Mill
January
1999
Lower Mill Properties
June
1999
First Employee
November
2000
The Old Brickyard
March
2003
The Growth Years
April
2022
25th Anniversary
Why Choose Us?
We are local
Our team are all local and understand what makes the area such an amazing place.
Our locality means we can provide a truly hands on approach for our holiday home owners and their guests.
Whether meeting holiday guests on arrival or dealing with any questions or issues, to managing maintenance with local suppliers as well as visiting properties regularly for added security and peace of mind.
We are independent
As an independent, family run business we offer a bespoke service that ensures our holiday home owners have the flexibility they want, and work proactively with them to ensure their property is ready for their guests without any added stress.
We offer those staying with us the same level of care and attention to ensure their holiday in the Cotswold Water Park is filled with nothing but happy memories and they want to return time and time again.
We care
We pride ourselves in our strong values based on trust and transparency.
We work proactively with our property owners and guests providing regular and clear communication ensuring no surprises.
We won't make promises we can't deliver and we will always look to the long term, rather than focus on short term wins, to protect the properties we manage, guest experiences and your faith in us.
Download Our 2024 Holiday Brochure
Looking for a different kind of holiday this year? Our free brochure is full of information about what the Cotswold Water Park has to offer!
Meet The Orion Team
Don't just take our word for it ...
Read some of the fantastic reviews we get from holiday makers about the area, our properties and the service we provide.
Welcoming customer service and spacious property
5*
“Our 3rd time in the Cotswolds and it never disappoints. The Landings is one of the best houses we’ve stayed in – really spacious and everything you need inside, as well as a fabulous decking area that got the sun all day and well into the evening. The hot tub was great and maintained every day. Both Orion and the owner of the property were excellent. Would fully recommend this property & Orion to all my friends & family! “
Guest at: The Landings 19, Scout on the Water
Lovely view over the lake
5*
“A beautiful apartment with lovely view over the lake. Super clean and comfortable, was a lovely place to spend the bank holiday weekend!”
Guest at: Howells Mere 90, Crows Nest
Spotlessly clean and well equipped kitchen
5*
“We spent 6 nights at Water’s Edge and it didn’t disappoint in any way. Everything was spotlessly clean. We decided to “eat in” a lot of the time as it was so beautiful out on the veranda. The kitchen was so well equipped, and every gadget was top quality. In fact, everything exceeded our expectations. I definitely would not hesitate on booking again and can’t wait to go back again.”
Guest at : Waters Edge 05, Amaranth Lodge
Ideal for a family
5*
“The lodge is easily located by road and on arrival there is plenty of parking. The lodge is extremely well equipped. Everything is very clean and modern. It’s ideal for a family. There are two bathrooms. It is also quiet but with access to all kinds of facilities nearby from water sports to walking and cycling. There is an extensive range of eating places. Also nearby is the Cotswold Country Park and Beach. Highly recommended.”
Guest at: Spring Lake 52, Eider Lodge
Perfect for a fishing holiday
5*
“We stayed in number 87 for a week. It was wonderful; very relaxing, just what we needed. The house was very comfortable with lots of thoughtful touches. The scrabble even had a pen and paper! Loved the Bluetooth speaker table. My husband enjoyed fishing every day and I was happy to read, crochet, listen to music, enjoy the view and walk the dog – plenty of places to walk locally. Thoroughly recommend and hope to return soon.”
Guest at: Windrush Lake 87, The Retreat
Plenty to see for wildlife lovers
5*
“Lodge is very well equipped. Views over the lake and the bird life are a joy to observe. The grounds are immaculately maintained, and I have enjoyed lovely walks. Isis Lake is well situated for trips to Bath, Cheltenham, Oxford and of course the whole of the Cotswolds. Close by there is a very good selection of pubs and eateries. The Crown at Cerney Wick is excellent.”
Guest at :Isis Lakes 31, Little Maine
Exemplary customer service
5*
“Super location on Isis Lake with quick access to tennis courts etc. House was ideal for a holiday and immaculately clean. Lovely friendly holiday complex and the customer service at Orion was exemplary.”
Guest at: Isis Lakes 67, Wren Lodge
Great dog friendly holiday
5*
“Lovely accommodation, wonderful setting with lots to do for the family and great for the dogs too. Cycling, water sports, tennis, even croquet and table tennis!”
Guest at:Isis Lakes 79, Reflections
Good free activities on-site
5*
“The property is set in a very peaceful gated estate which was impeccably clean. There are good free activities on-site, including a children’s playground, tennis courts, table tennis & an indoor area with 2 pool tables & table football. There is free fishing on site (mixed course, carp & fly fishing). Five mins walk is a lake with kayaking, canoeing & stand up paddle boards. We also visited the nearby Cotswold County Park & Beach for the Aqua adventure session – brilliant! ”
Guest at: Isis Lakes 84, Tortola Lodge
Canoes with the house
5*
“Great property, exactly as advertised, well equipped, fantastic that we had canoes with the house! The lakeside walks, pool area, restaurant facilities all were immaculate.”
Guest at:Mill Village 66, Damsel Cottage
Perfect birthday weekend
5*
“We were very impressed with the lodge. We were able to have all of our family members to stay for my wife’s 80th Birthday which is exactly what she wanted. Also able to have close friends visit her throughout the weekend. We are thinking about making it an annual event, which was suggested by my Daughter and sons. We were lucky with the weather which made it perfect for our grandchildren especially with the jacuzzi. Thank you for a perfect weekend.”
Guest at: Spring Lake 77, The Ferns
Perfect for the whole family
5*
This beautiful upside down house had everything our family could possibly need. Being a dog friendly property there was a stair gate, and even a ball and treats for the dog. The highlight for me had to be unwinding in the hot tub on the decking overlooking the beautiful lake. The house is located within yards of the spa, restaurant and pizza hut plus children’s playground & tennis courts.
Guest at: Clearwater 86
Great location if you just want to relax!
5*
Perfect for outdoor people…lots of walking trails, cycling, watersports. Property was clean, well equipped and comfy. Love the fact dogs had to be kept on lead in the park and around the lakes!
Would definitely recommend this site. Owners/receptionist are very polite and helpful!
S Spooner, Guest at Isis 55, Lakeside Lodge – Feb 2024
Am recommending it and will come again…
5*
Excellent position of property. Excellent standard. Excellent on site facilities..
Am recommending it and will come again.
C Askwith – Guest at Clearwater 74, Goldcrest – Feb 2024
Over 60’s school gals
5*
Fabulous house! This house is great, 8 school friends had a great weekend catching up and enjoying the Cotswolds!
Mark and the team were very helpful and friendly! Thanks, we will be back!
J Taylor – Guest at Spring Lake 77, The Ferns – Jan 2024
Delightful cottage with exceptional lake views
5*
Had a wonderful stay at Mill Village 70, Horse Shoe. The view was the best thing, changing all the time with beautiful an sunrises and sunsets and lots of different birdlife to watch. The cottage was warm and comfortable despite the weather doing its winter worst for much of the time. Well equipped kitchen, fast Wifi, comfortable bed. Everything I needed to make my stay a complete pleasure.
A Collins – Guest at Mill Village 70
Perfect place to escape
5*
The house is in a quiet location on the lake and feels very private. All the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and are comfortable with tranquil decor.
As a large group we never run out of glasses, crockery etc. the kitchen has everything you could possibly need for a self catering break – it’s better equipped than my kitchen at home!
The Orion team are helpful and deliver excellent customer service year on year.
We love our breaks here and continue to return.
N Rooke – guest at Windrush 80 & 81 – New Year 2023
Lakeside bliss!
5*
Property was immaculate, hot tub ready to go complete with dressing gowns in each room! We stayed for NYE and had a lovely time, superb location, lovely views and lots of nature to explore nearby.
L Carmichael – Guest at Waters Edge, 15 Kingsholm – New Year 2023/24
Beautiful Location
5*
Location was perfect! Central on the estate so 30 sec walk to spa, gym, restaurant. Stunning views over the lake. Beautiful property. Visit from staff when we arrived just to check everything was ok was appreciated. Will definitely return to lower mill estate.
T Hudson, guest at Clearwater 86 Clouds Keep – Christmas 2023
Fabulous half term trip
5*
We had a really wonderful stay. We were two families and were a bit worried that it was going to feel small for us but it was actually a really good size. The terrace is amazing and we’d love to come back in the summer to fully enjoy it. We found lots of lovely things to do nearby and it was great not having to take the car everywhere.
S Diliger, Guest at Mill Village 68 – October 2023
Great week away enjoyed by two families!
4.7*
We stayed at the property last year with another family and we all enjoyed the break so much that we have just visited again! Loved all the facilities on site, including the Spa, gym, inside and outside swimming pools and tennis courts. Would definately return.
Guest at Howells Mere 47, Robin Lodge – Feb 2024
A fantastic half term break with teens!
4.7*
We stayed for a long weekend and the property and found it well equipped, comfortable and a perfect configuration for our group.
Flexibility on the bed arrangements with twins being available was really useful, well finished bathrooms, a lovely log burner with logs, fab hot tub on the roof terrace, great views of the lake with a peaceful view of the wild fowl from the big windows meant we could have a really relaxing time.
Guest at Minety Lake 43, Green Haven – February 2024
Ladies Weekend Break
5*
A bunch of good friends from our village had a fabulous weekend away. We were all really impressed with how well equipped the house was. We had a fabulous relaxing break and enjoyed the local amenities and the hot tub. Orion’s customer service was excellent when the fridge/freezer stopped working and they sourced temporary alternatives.
Guest at Windrush Lake 80 & 81 – March 2024
Lovely
4.8*
A wonderful stay in a beautiful house. Hot tub was excellent and the hose was warm and and cosy.
Would stay again.
Guest at Windrush 65 – March 2024
Family Holiday
5*
Would certainly use Orion again. Web site easy to use. Staff friendly & efficient. Lodge beautiful & comfortable. We had a great time thanks.
Guest at Clearwater 86 – April 2024
Lovely House and Area
5*
This is a lovely house with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It was really clean and well stocked. The views across the lake are gorgeous and there were good paths around the site.
We used the table tennis table, pool tables and tennis courts – there was a nice looking playground for younger visitors. Had to ring Orion help line once during the stay and go the answer I needed quickly which was great.
Guest at Isis Lakes 7 – March 2024
Great Stay at Howells Mere
5*
The house was well presented and comfortable. The unimpeded view over the lake, complete with resident heron and other wildlife added to the charm of the location.
Guest at Howells Mere 70 – May 2024
Family mini break
5*
From the moment we booked, the professionalism of Orion holidays was amazing. Just before we arrived we were told our holiday home was ready well in advance of the expected arrival time, which was fabulous. My son in laws and grandson enjoyed the fishing on Isis lake. There was plenty to do for the young and not so young. There was lots of information in the house about walks in the area, which we did every day. The cleanliness and equipment in the house felt like home from home. We will definitely return very soon. Would most definitely recommend 😀😀
Guest at Windrush Lake 66 – May 2024
Beautiful house for a family weekend
4.8*
We stayed at this gorgeous house for a family weekend to celebrate my mums 75th birthday. We had family aged from 18 months to 80 and the house was perfect. The owners have such style and everything so well thought through. We all enjoyed the hot tub and eating dinner on the upstairs decking. Beds were lovely and the master bed rooms were gorgeous. Orion holidays were organised and friendly when we called them. We will definitely be back and use them again.
Guest at Howells Mere 27 – May 2024
A great family destination
5*
This was a family gathering of eight for a special birthday. The location was perfect on a beautiful lake with plenty of wildlife to enjoy and a cuckoo calling in the background.
The accommodation worked perfectly and had everything we needed for our stay including games, boules and tennis racquets. There were plenty of local activities and a good choice of places to eat and a large Tesco was only a short drive away. We are already planning our next visit.
Guest at Isis Lakes 07 – May 2024
Perfect holiday in every way
5*
We loved everything about this property/the area and would highly recommend. The property had the ‘wow’ factor and was well equipped with everything we needed. The lakes are stunning and there was so much to do for all the family…….we’ll definitely be back!! Thank you to everyone at Orion holidays from the Joseph family.
Guest at Clearwater 28 – June 2024
Fabulous accommodation
4.8*
Amazing place to stay! Fantastically clean, wonderful hot tubs and views, comfortable accommodation lovely bedrooms and every kitchen utensil imaginable- would t hesitate to book again.
Guest at Windrush Lake 66 – June 2024
Fantastic Cottage
5*
This is not our first time staying in this cottage – we keep coming back because it is just perfect! Lower Mill is a fantastic place – it has something for everyone, be it relaxing with a drink whilst looking out of the lake, water sports / activities, country walks, swimming, spa and tennis. There are plenty of good restaurants in the area as well as one on site (Balihoo – which we love). We would highly recommend staying here!
Guest at Mill Village 67 – June 2024
Perfect spot besides Spring Lake
5*
My wife and I took our adult daughter away for a relaxing holiday and we weren’t disappointed. The house was delightful, bright and airy and very comfortable in every respect. The local area provided us with plenty of places to visit on trips out.
Orion Holidays made everything very smooth and staff were helpful and quick to respond to a query we raised, their information app was very helpful and we used their Discount Card at the Boathouse Restaurant and Waterside Cafe. All in all a very enjoyable holiday for us all.
Guest at Spring Lake – June 2024
Lake House
5*
We enjoyed our stay at Lakeside 19. The location is excellent looking out onto the lake, and is also very peaceful. The property was well maintained and we found it very comfortable. The Restaurant on the lake was very good. Thank you.
Guest at Spring Lake 19 – June 2024
Great place to stay
4.5*
We had an extremely relaxing week on the Lower Mill Estate despite the changeable weather. The lodge was an ideal base for walking through the nature reserve, cycling and swimming. All of the information we received from Orion Holidays was clear and useful. We will definitely book with them again.
Guest at Clearwater 28 – July 2024
Family weekend
5*
Lovely location for our family weekend and we all thoroughly enjoyed joyed being together from across the country.
Guest at Mill Village 66 – June 2024
What a weekend!
5*
Everything from start to finish was brilliant. The customer service from the team at Orion holidays was amazing, really helpful and happy to answer any questions I had. I was planning this stay for my dad’s 70th birthday so I wanted to make sure everything was perfect, and it really was! The house we stayed in was absolutely stunning, gorgeous views over the lake and it was spotlessly clean! We had the best time and would 100% stay again, can’t recommend enough! Thank you!
Guest at Spring Lake 77 – June 2024
Excellent Customer Service
4.8*
This was a great choice from start to finish. The team at Orion holidays were polite and helpful every time we contacted them.
The property exceeded our expectations – spacious, bright, clean and very comfortable for our party of 8 – with lovely views.
The Lower Mill estate was a great place to stay with a perfect balance of activities and space for rest/relaxation. We would highly recommend this holiday.
Guest at Clearwater 74 – September 2024
Great Stay!
4.7*
Stayed 3 nights in August, property is fab. Very well appointed, everything you might need for self catering stay. Hot tub added bonus. Lots of room on decking area & plenty of seating. Highly recommend & intend to return.
Guest at Windrush Lake 41 – August 2024
A lovely stay
5*
Absolutely spot on all round. A lovely house in an ideal and peaceful spot on Isis lake. It’s clean, airy and has a lovely terrace to sit on overlooking the lake. A short walk to the playground, tennis courts and short cut to South Cerney… It has all the amenities you need plus fast wifi. TV is a little basic so would recommend taking a firestick to access Netflix/Amazon etc if you need that – but otherwise a really great stay.
We would wholly recommend and most likely to book again in the near future.
Guest at Isis Lakes 50 – August 2024
5*
Great place. Plenty to do. Accommodation fab. Private area. Good security. Easy to access. Pool lovely. Food great.
Guest at Clearwater 82 – August 2024
Beautiful Accommodation
5*
Perfect to switch off, stunning grounds, beautiful accommodation in a peaceful setting within a stones throw of great family activities, restaurants and tons of space for exploring by bike or walking with our dog.
Google Review – September 2024
A Great Base
5*
This is our third visit to 66 Windrush Sunkissed Lodge and it was still as good as ever. Everything you would need for a week away is catered for. The south facing decking area is great to sit out on and the hot tub is an extra bonus. It is a great base to visit lots of beautiful places and nearby pubs.
Staff at Orion were again extremely helpful, making our stay that even more relaxing any enjoyable.
Google Review – September 2024
Let Your Property with Orion Holidays
Having honed our Holiday Home Property Management Service for over 25 years, we bring a wide range of benefits to holiday home owners in the Cotswold Water Park.