Bourton-on-the-Water Village Guide: What to Do, See & Eat
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Known as 'The Venice of The Cotswolds', Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most visited villages in England for a reason. With it's honeystone cottages and mini streams flowing through, it makes for the perfect picturesque day out and is a definite must-visit. In this guide, I'll take you through the best things to do, see and eat in Bourton and a bonus stop I like to visit when I'm nearby.
Quick Summary:
➜ Location: Gloucestershire, The Cotswolds➜ Time Needed: At least 2-4 Hours (Depends on how many activities you choose to do)
➜ Parking: Paid car parks close to the centre
➜ Public Transport: Closest to Moreton-in-Marsh Station, then Pulham's Bus Route
➜ Accessibility: Flat, Walkable village and disabled bays right in the centre
➜ Best For: Families (Adult groups still have lots to do)
➜ Highlights: Riverside walks, Museums and Restaurants
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Things to Do in Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is definitely one of the most family-friendly villages in the Cotswolds, with plenty of fun activities for children. Even if you are travelling child-free, these things to do should still be on your list.
- Model Village - Mini to scale model of the entire village completed in 1940.
- Cotswolds Motoring Museum - Collection of 20th Century museum featuring motors & toys.
- The Dragonfly Maze - Solve 14 puzzles around the hedge maze to find the golden dragonfly.
- Birdland Park & Gardens - See one of the largest collections of exotic birds in the UK.
- Walk along The River Windrush - Sit by the River and walk over the 6 iconic bridges.
- Shopping - Lots of cute, independent stores perfect for window shopping or souvenirs.
Places to Eat/Drink in Bourton-on-the-Water
Out of all the delicious places to eat & drink in Bourton-on-the-Water, these 5 spots come out on top - the perfect places to stop, rest and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.
- Bakery on the Water - Artisan bakery/café right by the river selling freshly baked bread, pastries, light lunch and great coffee.
- Bourton Riverside Café - A café with views over the river and village green. Serves breakfast, light lunches, paninis, soups, jacket potatoes and cream teas.
- The Kingsbridge Pub & Restaurant - Traditional country pub food like burgers, fish & chips, pies, along with a good selection of ales and drinks.
- Bourton’s Little Sweet Shop - A traditional shed-sized candy store, stocked with jars of classic sweets, chocolates and fudge (so small but so much choice!).
- Smiths of Bourton - Iconic gourmet burger joint serving a range of burgers, sides and fries.
How to Get There
By Car- The easiest way to reach Bourton-on-the-Water is definitely by car. You have more freedom to explore other villages and can also see everything at your own pace. Keep in mind, you will have to drive on windy country roads, so make sure you take your time if that's not something you're used to.
- Luckily, many major UK cities offer either direct or one-stop trains to a village close by called Moreton-in-Marsh. You can reach this station from London Paddington, for example, in as little as 90 minutes. From there, take Pulham's 801 bus, which stops at a few Cotswolds villages, including Bourton-on-the-Water. Day tickets start from around £8, making it a great budget option. Alternatively, you could take a taxi from the station if you are okay with the cost.
Save & Book your trains now ➜ Here
Pulhams Bus Route & Information ➜ Here
- If you would prefer a stress-free way of getting to & exploring Bourton-on-the-Water, many highly rated guided tours leave from major cities like London and Oxford, and explore a few villages or attractions, including Bourton, all in a day. Here are my top recommendations. Don't wait too long to book them as they frequently sell out!
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Looking for more Cotswolds tours? ➜ Visit Here
Where to Stay
Bourton-on-the-Water is a perfect village to stay in, especially if you want to explore more of The North Cotswolds. All these places are highly rated and either close to or right in the heart of the village.
- Old Manse Hotel (Charming river hotel) ➜ Book Now
- Chester House Hotel (Very popular modern B&B - breakfast included) ➜ Book Now
- Broadlands Hotel (Adults only guesthouse if you're child-free - Breakfast Included) ➜ Book Now
- The Slaughters Country Inn, Lower Slaughter (perfect for a quieter stay but still 5 mins from the centre) ➜ Book Now
Bonus Stop: The Slaughters
If you have a little extra time but not enough to travel to further villages, The Slaughters are a perfect add-on to a Bourton trip. Just a 5-minute drive or a 30-minute walk away, they’re two quieter, more residential villages ideal for enjoying some tranquil peace. Below are the top things to do there.
- The River Eye Walk - A scenic footpath linking Upper and Lower Slaughter, perfect for a calm countryside stroll.
- The Old Mill (Lower Slaughter) – A charming historic mill with a small museum and gift shop.
- Upper Slaughter Manor - A beautiful Grade II* listed building surrounded by rolling fields.
- Historic Stone Bridges - Some of the most picturesque in the region, especially at golden hour.
As you can see, Bourton-on-the-Water is definitely a must-visit village in the Cotswolds with so many fun activities to do. If you're visiting soon, don't forget to save this blog post to help you plan your trip - below are other Cotswolds resources that will help you too. Enjoy!
Related Posts
➜ Want to see more of Bourton-on-the-Water? Watch my TikTok itinerary ➜ Click Here
➜ For a complete guide to the top spots in the Cotswolds, read my other post ➜ Click Here
