Bourton on the Water is a picturesque village positioned within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds, one in all England’s designated Areas of Excellent Pure Magnificence. There are many great issues to do in Bourton on the Water from strolling alongside the attractive river to visiting farm parks, retailers, and rustic pubs.
This charming village, sometimes called “Venice of the Cotswolds” is thought for its quaint cottages and stone bridges over the River Windrush. It’s one in all my absolute favourite locations within the Cotswolds and appears as if it may very well be straight out of a novel set in England of previous.
There are many great eating places and pubs within the village and it’s the proper location for those who’re in search of an genuine, rural, English village. That is someplace I’m going again to at any time when I’m within the space, and with so many Bourton on the Water points of interest, you received’t be bored for a second.
Greatest Issues To Do in Bourton on the Water
Beneath, you’ll discover a number of the finest locations to go to in Bourton on the Water from enjoyable points of interest such because the mannequin village and toy museum to river walks, nature reserves, a craft beer brewery, and far more in addition to.
1. Stroll Alongside the River Windrush
One of many first locations to go to in Bourton on the Water needs to be the picture-perfect River Windrush that winds its manner by the village. There are 5 stone bridges over the river relationship between 1645 and 1911 and you may crisscross as you please while you discover.
There are just a few totally different round walks you may take that modify in size. Top-of-the-line is that this three-mile route (5.1 km) that takes within the village and surrounding countryside. The hike might be accomplished in a bit over one hour, however it’s additionally the proper place to cease and take within the peace and serenity.
I like getting out into nature, so for me, this brief hike is likely one of the finest issues to do in Bourton on the Water. It additionally passes just a few native pubs together with The Kingsbridge Inn, which is one other of my favourite pastimes. Because the water is so shallow, it’s additionally an amazing place for a paddle through the summer season months.
2. Go to the Mannequin Village
I used to like visiting mannequin villages as a child and the one right here is to not be missed (irrespective of how previous you’re). All the village has been recreated at a scale of 1/9 utilizing the identical Cotswold stone because the lifesize homes, partitions, and bridges. This is likely one of the finest locations to see in Bourton on the Water for the entire household.
Preserve an eye fixed out for landmarks akin to St Lawrence’s Church, the Battle Memorial, the Outdated New Inn, and even a recreation of the mannequin village in miniature. Tickets value £4.50 for adults and £3.50 for youngsters. The Mannequin Village is open daily from 10 am to three:45 pm in winter and from 10 am to six pm in summer season.
Deal with: Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AF. Click on right here for instructions.
3. Cotswold Motoring and Toy Museum
The Cotswold Motoring and Toy Museum boasts seven separate galleries crammed with classic automobiles, a historical past of motoring, a big toy assortment, and the unique Brum automotive that’s fashionable with youngsters and adults the world over. This is likely one of the finest locations to see in Bourton on the Water and has been voted the number one attraction within the village.
Tickets value £7.50 for adults and £5.25 for youngsters (below 5’s go free), or you should buy a household ticket for simply £19.95 for 4 individuals. The museum is open from 10 am to six pm daily and there’s no must guide prematurely.
Deal with: The Outdated Mill, Sherborne Road, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BY. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Greystones Nature Reserve
The world round Greystones Farm Nature Reserve has been used to domesticate crops and produce meals for over 6,000 years. Along with some stunning nature, it’s residence to some attention-grabbing archaeological options. You’ll discover a vary of habitats from wildflower meadows to river banks as you stroll round.
Wildlife you may look forward to finding right here consists of bats, owls, and different birdlife in addition to otters, water voles, freshwater shrimp, and fish. This is likely one of the prime points of interest in Bourton on the Water for nature lovers like myself as there are many mountaineering trails all through the reserve. There isn’t a price for entry.
Deal with: Greystones Lane, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2EN. Click on right here for instructions.
5. Go to Hawkstone Brewery
It’s no secret that I take pleasure in a great ale (craft beer) and even tiny Bourton has its personal brewery within the village. Hawkstone Brewery makes beers and ciders (one of many west nation’s most well-known exports) utilizing native hops, grains, and apples and makes use of sustainable strategies to provide a number of the finest tipples round.
You’ll be happy to know that there’s a bar positioned on the brewery (The Hawkstone Arms) which is open from 11 am to six pm Monday to Thursday, from 12 pm to eight pm Friday and Saturday, and from 12 pm to six pm on Sunday. Patrons may discover impartial meals vans on the brewery over weekends.
If you happen to love beer (or cider), visiting the brewery is unquestionably one of the enjoyable issues to do in Bourton on the Water and it’s actually someplace I like to go to once I’m passing by.
Deal with: School Farm, Stow Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2HN. Click on right here for instructions.
6. See the Outdated Mill Viewpoint
You’ll wish to snap plenty of footage of Bourton to wow your folks again residence (and on Instagram), and one of the photogenic spots is the Stunning Outdated Mill Viewpoint. Right here, you’ll see the placid waters of the mill pond subsequent to The Outdated Mill that’s surrounded by lush greenery.
The Outdated Mill Viewpoint is only one of many locations across the village that might cross as being picked straight from a postcard and is likely one of the prime issues to see in Bourton on the Water.
Deal with: Bourton on the Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AR. Click on right here for instructions.
7. Go up in a Sizzling Air Balloon
If, in contrast to me, you’re not afraid of heights, then essentially the most distinctive and sure memorable strategy to see Bourton and the encompassing Cotswolds countryside is to take a scorching air balloon experience. Virgin Balloon Flights supply champagne flights over the Cotswolds with launch websites in Bourton on the Water, Stroud, and different cities within the area.
This is likely one of the prime issues to do in Bourton on the Water for {couples} as there aren’t many experiences extra romantic than gently floating over this picturesque village. If you happen to take an early morning or night flight you may even witness an unbelievable sundown over the Cotswolds.
Costs begin from £129 per particular person and this once-in-a-lifetime expertise lasts between three and 4 hours. Tickets are exchangeable and might be booked on-line as much as 18 months prematurely. Go to the web site for more information and to guide your flight at the moment.
8. Have a Chew on the Mouse Lure Inn
The Mousetrap Inn is arguably the most effective pub/restaurant in Bourton and popping into this attractive nineteenth Century Inn is one thing to not be handed on. Having just a few bites to eat and a few drinks right here is likely one of the finest issues to do in Bourton on the Water at evening when locals and guests descend on this good public home.
That is my favourite place to eat within the village and the menu focuses on modern European cooking with regionally sourced produce. From braised ox cheek to see bass, white bean cassoulet, and naturally that British basic beer-battered fish and chips, there’s one thing to swimsuit each style.
Costs are affordable given the placement and predominant dishes vary from £17 to £28.
Deal with: Lansdowne, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AR. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Have Enjoyable on the Cotswold Clubhouse
If in case you have kids with you, then a visit to Cotswold Clubhouse is a should. This gymnastics and trampoline membership additionally has a tender play space for smaller youngsters. It’s an amazing possibility for winter or if the climate turns for the more serious and provides actions for these of all ages (I’m not too previous to have a go on the trampolines, to be trustworthy).
This Cotswold exercise middle is open from 9:30 am to 1:35 pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (closed Thursday) and 9:30 am to 11:30 am and once more from 12 pm to 2 pm Saturday and Sunday. There’s an onsite cafe serving a variety of cold and warm drinks and snacks for as soon as an urge for food has been labored up!
Deal with: Unit 20B, Bourton Industrial Park, Bourton on the Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2HQ. Click on right here for instructions.
10. Go to the Cotswold Perfumery
The Cotswold Perfumery has been creating high-end, area of interest fragrances since 1966 and their perfumes are exported all around the world from Europe to the USA and in all places in between. The headquarters are housed in a beautiful 300-year-old, Grade II listed constructing within the coronary heart of Bourton.
It’s an amazing place to go to for those who’re eager to take residence a novel memento (and guys, if you wish to please the girl in your life this is likely one of the finest issues to do in Bourton on the Water for {couples}). The perfumery additionally has two luxurious residences within the village providing five-star, self-catering lodging.
Deal with: Victoria Road, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BU. Click on right here for instructions.
11. Rent a Bicycle
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Bourton on the Water for households is to rent bicycles and discover the sleepy village and surrounding countryside on two wheels. Hartwells Cotswold Cycle Rent is predicated in Bourton they usually have a variety of bikes, tandems, child trailers, and extra.
Rent costs begin from simply £18 per day. Biking is one in all my favourite hobbies and on this area, with its mild hills and beautiful countryside, there’s nowhere finer for a cycle experience (you’ll want to pack a picnic). See the web site for a full worth listing and additional particulars.
Deal with: Excessive Road, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AJ. Click on right here for instructions.
12. Take Driving Classes at Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre
Having grown up round horses, horse driving is one thing I’m very keen on (the final time I had a go was in Mongolia just a few years in the past; a bit totally different to this location). The Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre are as passionate about these fantastic creatures as I’m and absorb many rescue animals.
The middle provides a variety of excursions and classes (ages 7 and upwards) from newbie rides to longer hacks with certified instructors. Costs begin at £30 for a 30-minute experience, and the journeys are a good way to discover the attractive Cotswold environment. Click on right here to guide on-line.
Like biking, this is likely one of the finest issues to do round Bourton on the Water for lovers of the outside and people who wish to escape into the pristine nature surrounding the village.
Deal with: School Farm, Stow Street, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2HN. Click on right here for instructions.
13. Go to Higher Slaughter
The villages of Higher and Decrease Slaughter are lower than 3 miles from Bourton and effectively value exploring. Hike alongside the footpaths and winding lanes, or rent a motorcycle and uncover one other quintessential English village within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds.
The 2 villages are separated by a small stream and Higher Slaughter lies on a slope above the decrease village. Similar to Bourton, a small river (the River Eye) passes by and is shallow sufficient for paddling, enjoyable, and frolicking (within the hotter months in fact, except you will have a four-legged good friend with you).
Together with Bourton, the Slaughters are thought-about two of essentially the most stunning villages within the Cotswolds. Higher Slaughter is likely one of the prime locations to go to close to Bourton on the Water if you wish to discover extra of the attractive Cotswolds.
Deal with: Higher Slaughter, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Click on right here for instructions.
14. Get Misplaced within the Dragonfly Maze
The Dragonfly Maze is a conventional Yew hedge maze with over half a mile of pathways to get misplaced in. Hunt for the golden dragonfly utilizing 14 clues hidden across the maze (impressed by the guide Masquerade, whose creator Package Williams buried a golden hare someplace in England).
The centerpiece of the Maze in Bourton was truly designed and created by Williams so followers of the guide, households, and people in search of one thing quirky to do will love making an attempt to unravel the clues and escape the maze. Tickets value £4.50 for adults and £3.50 for youngsters. Open each day from 10 am to three:30 pm.
Deal with: Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BN. Click on right here for instructions.
15. Take a Cotswolds Strolling Tour
This strolling tour is a wonderful strategy to expertise Bourton, Stow on the Wold, Broadway and Burford, and different attractive places across the Cotswolds. You’ll get to discover sleepy villages and rolling countryside whereas studying in regards to the historical past of the world from an skilled information.
Whereas most Cotswold excursions are spent driving from place to put, this tour is totally different in that it focuses much more on strolling. The eight-hour expertise prices £65 per particular person and consists of transport from Stratford-upon-Avon (the previous residence of Shakespear) or Moreton in Marsh. Click on right here to guide.
Fast Journey Itineraries For Bourton on the Water
Beneath, you’ll discover some itineraries to assist get essentially the most out of your keep. With a lot to do in Bourton on the water, irrespective of how lengthy you propose to spend within the village, there’s lots to maintain you occupied.
1 Day in Bourton on the Water Itinerary
With simply someday in Bourton on the Water, a stroll alongside its well-known river is a should. You possibly can take a simple one-mile amble across the village, or go for the three-mile round route which takes simply over an hour. Cease for lunch at one of many riverside pubs or eating places – The Croft is a good possibility.
After lunch, absorb one of many native vacationer points of interest in Bourton on the Water just like the Mannequin village or motoring museum. Within the night, head to the Mouse Lure Inn which is likely one of the finest eating places within the village and favored by locals and guests alike.
2-3 Days in Bourton on the Water Itinerary
If in case you have just a few days to spend in Bourton, comply with the above itinerary on your first day and spend an extra day exploring the village additional. Get misplaced within the small lanes and byways, see historical church buildings, cross historic bridges, and you’ll want to cease for a cup of English tea alongside the way in which.
With a 3rd day to spend, pay a go to to Greystones Farm Nature Reserve. Discover historical meadows, rivers, and woodland in a number of the most spectacular settings in England. This is likely one of the finest free issues to do in Bourton on the Water and the best strategy to get some contemporary air.
1 Week in Bourton on the Water Itinerary
If you happen to plan on spending per week in Bourton, discover the village and River Windrush as above, and add in some day journeys on your remaining days. Go to Stow on the Wold, Higher Slaughter, and see Shakespeaer’s residence at Stratford upon Avon. You may as well try the bar at Hawkstone Brewery which I extremely suggest.
The place to Keep in Bourton on the Water
These are just a few of the most effective locations to remain in Bourton on the Water for vacationers:
The Lansdowne Visitor Home – Greatest for First-Time Guests
The charming Lansdown Visitor Home is positioned within the coronary heart of Bourton and provides free parking, rooms with en-suite loos, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee-making services, and a full English breakfast (or different options). Click on right here to guide.
The Lamb Inn – Greatest for {Couples}
The attractive Lamb Inn is a country-style pub within the middle of Bourton with luxurious rooms, an onsite bar and restaurant, and free parking. Rooms are lavishly embellished and have uncovered brickwork and picket beams, making this a very romantic place to remain. Click on right here to seek out out extra.
Elvington Cottage – Greatest for Households
The four-bedroom Elvington Cottage is the proper place for households or teams of pals. There’s a completely fitted kitchen, three loos, a lounge with flatscreen TV, a backyard with a terrace, and free onsite parking. This actually is a good discover in Bourton and has every little thing you want for a snug keep. Click on right here to guide now.
Greatest Eating places in Bourton on the Water
Beneath is a collection of wonderful eating places and pubs within the village. For such a small place, there isn’t any scarcity of top-class eateries and also you actually received’t go hungry throughout your go to.
The Mousetrap Inn: The Mousetrap Inn is a nineteenth Century inn on the banks of the Windrush is likely one of the finest locations to eat (and drink) in Bourton. Count on fashionable European dishes and pub classics (the fish and chips are a must-try). Click on right here for instructions.
The Rose Tree Restaurant: The Rose Restaurant is a comfy restaurant with a big out of doors patio overlooks the River Windrush. That is one in all my favourite locations for a meal in Bourton due to the beautiful al-fresco views. The restaurant is run by a husband and spouse workforce who satisfaction themselves on utilizing the freshest, seasonal elements. Click on right here for instructions.
Smiths of Bourton: Generally you simply can’t beat a burger, and even within the picturesque village of Bourton you’ll be capable of fulfill that craving at Smiths of Bourbon. With a variety of burgers (together with plant-based), sides, and a few killer cocktails, this is a wonderful place for a chunk and a few drinks. Click on right here for instructions.
The Riverside Café: The Riverside Café is a captivating little cafe proper on the water’s edge overlooks the stone bridges and is a wonderful possibility for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea in chic environment. You possibly can seize an assortment of freshly made sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes, and cold and warm drinks. Click on right here for instructions.
The Slaughter Manor Home Restaurant: If you happen to’re in search of a fantastic eating expertise close to Bourton, then head to the Slaughter Manor Home. Utilizing solely the freshest native elements from across the Cotswolds, that is someplace to get seated for a romantic night or special day. Click on right here for instructions.
Attending to Bourton on the Water
Driving or taking a tour is one of the simplest ways to get to Bourton as public transport across the Cotswolds is considerably restricted. If driving, the village is simply off the A429. The closest main city is Cheltenham, 15 miles (24 km) to the west.
There are plenty of excursions from London that embody Bourton of their itinerary and these are a good way to go to. All the principle locations for sightseeing in Bourton on the Water are inside strolling distance and strolling across the village is one of the simplest ways to take it in at a leisurely tempo.
Biking is one other nice strategy to get round and can allow you to go a bit additional afield. For the adventurous souls, you may even see the village by scorching air balloon.
Issues To Do in Bourton on the Water: FAQs
Listed here are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Bourton on the Water:
Bourton on the Water is thought for being one of the picture-perfect villages within the Cotswolds (and the UK in truth). With the River Windrush working by the middle of the village and historical stone bridges, cottages, and rolling countryside, it encapsulates an England that point virtually forgot.
Spring to fall is the most effective time to go to Bourton on the Water to have the ability to benefit from the surrounding countryside. Summertime and faculty holidays can get busy so the shoulder seasons are finest.
Bourton on the Water is unquestionably value visiting. It’s one of the stunning villages within the nation.
Bourton makes an amazing day journey and spending two or three days there’ll allow you to see all the highest points of interest. If you wish to discover the broader Cotswolds and use Bourton as a base, then per week is an effective size of time to remain.
Bourton on the Water is a really secure place for guests and the Cotswolds are one of many most secure locations within the nation with low ranges of rural crime and violent crime virtually unparalleled.
Strolling alongside the river, having a paddle, having fun with the numerous fantastic pubs and eating places, and exploring the close by nature like Greystones Farm are a number of the hottest issues to do in Bourton.
Lansdowne and the Excessive Road are essentially the most well-known streets in Bourton on the Water they usually comply with the River Windrush by the village.
A day cream tea is likely one of the must-try snacks in Bourton. For those who like craft beer and cider, the native Hakwstone brews are a must-try. Attempt them on the brewery bay – it’s one in all my favorites!
In Closing
Now you already know what to see and do in Bourton on the Water, one of the attractive villages in the entire of the UK. From strolling alongside the river and crossing the well-known stone bridges to seeing a miniature model of the world, exploring close by countryside, and visiting a number of the native pubs, there are such a lot of issues to see within the stunning village of Bourton on the Water.
