Things to do in Bourton on the Water, The Cotswolds
Last Updated on June 14, 2023 by Lauren Allen
If you are planning a trip to the United Kingdom, you just NEED to visit The Cotswolds. Boasting many quaint English villages, this area of the country has (understandably) been dubbed an area of outstanding beauty. Unlike some of the villages, there are many things to do in Bourton on the Water.
So much so that it has become one of the most popular locations for tourists. Here’s a complete guide to Bourton on the Water to help you plan your ideal trip!
Read more: The best places to visit in The Cotswolds
Table of Contents
How to get to Bourton on the Water
Unfortunately, The Cotswolds are not very well connected. Especially when compared to the majority of England. If you are travelling around this area of outstanding beauty, it is best done by car. This is because bus services only run every few hours. Additionally, there is no train station in Bourton on the Water. This means that if you did choose to catch the train, you would still need to book a taxi or drive from the nearest station (aka Moreton-in-Marsh).
If you are travelling to The Cotswolds from overseas, you will likely travel by plane. The closest airport to Bourton on the Water is Birmingham. From there, you can rent a car to get to your final destination. Alternatively, book a few days in London and visit Bourton on the Water on a day trip. This is a fab way to explore The Cotswolds if you don’t have the capabilities to rent a car.
Where to park in Bourton on the Water
Travelling by car? Then you will need somewhere to park. Located around 10 minutes away from the centre of the village on Rissington Road, there is a 24-hour car park. With just 245 parking spots (two of which are disabled spots), they get nabbed up quickly. Especially during peak season.
To avoid disappointment, head down to the village early before most tourists arrive. That way, you can use your time wisely instead of searching for a spot to park. Trust me, it is worth the wake-up call!
The top things to do in Bourton on the Water
Visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum
Car and motorist enthusiasts 100% need to book a trip to the Cotswolds Motoring Museum. This unique museum showcases the past of motoring in the 20th Century. It also boasts a large collection of extremely rare classic cars worth checking out. As such, it’s a great spot to visit!
Explore the Model Village
Alternatively, travellers could visit the model village. The scaled-down replica (which was built over 80 years ago) is a super cool place to explore. It allows you to admire this popular Cotswolds village in an extremely unique way. Plus, at just £4.50 per ticket, it’s a bargain activity!
Get lost in the Dragonfly Maze
If you’ve got around thirty minutes to spare, pay a visit to the Dragonfly Maze. With extra clues located throughout, this maze offers something a little different. Upon completing the maze, visitors will be greeted with the golden dragonfly. Travellers rate this as one of the best things to do in Bourton on the Water, so make sure you add it to your itinerary!
Make friends with penguins and flamingos at Birdland Park
If you like visiting wildlife parks, Birdland Park is a must-see whilst visiting Bourton on the Water. The park is home to a large number of birds from a variety of species. This includes penguins and flamingos. How cool is that?! Furthermore, travellers visiting the park will also enjoy the beautiful grounds the park is set in.
Free things to do in Bourton on the Water
See the River Windrush
If the weather is nice during your visit, take advantage of that by grabbing a picnic and sitting beside the river. The atmosphere and scenery on a nice summer’s day are just lovely, making it the perfect spot to eat your lunch.
Get snap happy
Like all Cotswolds villages, Bourton on the Water is super photogenic. If you enjoy taking nice photos, ensure you pack your camera! You will find photo opportunities around each corner.
Go window shopping
Bourton on the Water is a great place to visit in The Cotswolds if you are looking to buy some gifts. With a number of shops available to visit, you will be able to purchase a variety of products for your loved ones. For example, these shops sell items such as jewellery, perfume, pottery and much more.
Admire the architecture
Cotswolds villages are full of character, with stunning houses built from the iconic Cotswolds stone. If checking out pretty homes is of interest, you will be in your element in Bourton on the Water.
Places to eat in Bourton-on-the-Water
L’anatra
If you enjoy Italian food, head to L’anatra. This much-loved restaurant dishes up all of your favourite carbs (aka yummy pizza and pasta) from some of the best ingredients.
The Rose Tree Restaurant
Overlooking the River Windrush, The Rose Tree Restaurant is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat. With hundreds of 5-star reviews, this restaurant is incredibly popular. So much so that it can often be difficult to get a table. Due to this, ensure you book your meal in advance to avoid any disappointment.
The Rose Tree serves up a variety of meals including traditional British dishes, vegetarian (and vegan options) and a selection of sweet treats. Furthermore, they also offer an extensive wine list.
Where to stay in Bourton on the Water
Travellers are spoilt for choice when deciding where to stay in Bourton in the Water. With many that are highly rated, some of the best hotels and guest houses in the village include…
The Old New Inn
This beautifully decorated bed and breakfast is rated 9.4 on booking.com. Guests state that The Old New Inn B&B is in a prime location, has great facilities and boasts extremely friendly staff that are happy to help.
The Mousetrap Inn
Alternatively, you could book a stay at The Mousetrap Inn. Again, the rooms are decorated in a tasteful and modern manner making it a lovely place to rest your head. Travellers enjoy this hotel for its cleanliness, cosy atmosphere and tasty food.
The Lansdowne Guest House
Lastly, you could choose to stay at The Lansdowne Guest House. Located just 0.2 miles from the centre of Bourton on the Water, this stunning guest house is near all of the main attractions. This four-star accommodation is known for welcoming staff, gorgeous rooms and a delicious breakfast.
Tips for visiting Bourton on the Water
Plan ahead
If you are hoping to beat the crowds, it’s best to plan your visit in advance. Bourton in the Water tends to be busiest in the afternoons, especially if it’s a particularly sunny day or a weekend. Due to this, you should aim to visit in the mornings or evenings to explore with fewer people around. Alternatively, you could try visiting during the week when there should be fewer visitors.
FAQ about visiting this beautiful Cotswolds village
What is Bourton on the Water famous for?
Known as the Venice of The Cotswolds, Bourton on the Water is famous for the River Windrush. The river runs through the village and under its bridges (which gave the village its Venice comparison).
Is Bourton on the Water busy?
Bourton on the Water receives around 300,000 visitors annually. Due to this, the residents that live in this gorgeous English village are often outnumbered by travellers and tourists.
At the peak of Summer, Bourton on the Water gets pretty busy. Often, the streets are full of travellers from far and wide enjoying the typical British weather (rain or shine). As such, you should try to book yourself in for any tours or restaurants in advance. This will avoid disappointment during the villages busiest months.
Can you visit Bourton on the Water on a day trip?
Whilst it’s best to explore The Cotswolds on a road trip, it is possible to visit for a day. Although you will merely just scratch the surface, it is worth doing if it’s all you have time for. For example, if you are visiting London and have time for just one trip out of the city, The Cotswolds should be number one on your list!
Consider booking this Cotswolds tour to hit up Bibury, Bourton on the Water, Burford and Stow on the Wold. Whilst the trip doesn’t give you enough time to see and do everything, you will get a real feel for The Cotswolds and their outstanding charm.
When is the best time to visit The Cotswolds?
Honestly, there isn’t a bad time to visit The Cotswolds! Its unique charm makes this area in South England an absolute dream to explore at any time of year. The picturesque villages built with Cotswold stone, incredible views and top attractions are the reason this part of the UK attracts approximately 38 MILLION tourists each year. Those insane numbers prove that The Cotswolds 100% need to be at the top of your UK bucket list.
Places to visit near Bourton on the Water
Stow-on-the-Wold
Less than 10 minutes away from Bourton on the Water by car, Stow on the Wold is another Cotswolds village worth adding to your bucket list. St Edwards Church is located centrally and is a must-see. The iconic church door makes for a fab photo spot!
Broadway
Lastly, Broadway is also nearby. Here travellers can admire the views from Broadway Tower, check out the museum and enjoy a traditional pub lunch.
Has this guide to things to do in Bourton on the Water helped you plan your trip? Let me know in the comments below! Alternatively, feel free to share any of your own travel tips for this beautiful Cotswolds village. They would be very much appreciated!
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