Bourton on the Water is a picturesque village positioned within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds, certainly one of England’s designated Areas of Excellent Pure Magnificence. There are many great issues to do in Bourton on the Water from strolling alongside the gorgeous river to visiting farm parks, outlets, and rustic pubs.
This charming village, also known as “Venice of the Cotswolds” is understood for its quaint cottages and stone bridges over the River Windrush. It’s certainly one of 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locations within the Cotswolds and appears as if it may very well be straight out of a novel set in England of outdated.
There are many great eating places and pubs within the village and it’s the right location in case you’re on the lookout for an genuine, rural, English village. That is someplace I am going again to each time I’m within the space, and with so many Bourton on the Water points of interest, you gained’t be bored for a second.
Greatest Issues To Do in Bourton on the Water
Beneath, you’ll discover a number of the greatest 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 way more moreover.
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 method by means of the village. There are 5 stone bridges over the river courting between 1645 and 1911 and you’ll crisscross as you please while you discover.
There are a couple of totally different round walks you’ll be able to take that adjust in size. The most effective is that this three-mile route (5.1 km) that takes within the village and surrounding countryside. The hike might be accomplished in slightly over one hour, however it’s additionally the right place to cease and take within the peace and serenity.
I really like getting out into nature, so for me, this brief hike is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Bourton on the Water. It additionally passes a couple of 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 ideal place for a paddle in the course of the summer time 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I used to like visiting mannequin villages as a child and the one right here is to not be missed (irrespective of how outdated you might be). The complete 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 greatest locations to see in Bourton on the Water for the entire household.
Maintain an eye fixed out for landmarks resembling St Lawrence’s Church, the Warfare Memorial, the Previous 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 every single day from 10 am to three:45 pm in winter and from 10 am to six pm in summer time.
Tackle: 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 full of classic automobiles, a historical past of motoring, a big toy assortment, and the unique Brum automobile that’s widespread with youngsters and adults the world over. This is likely one of the greatest locations to see in Bourton on the Water and has been voted the #1 attraction within the village.
Tickets value £7.50 for adults and £5.25 for youngsters (underneath 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 every single day and there’s no have to e book prematurely.
Tackle: The Previous Mill, Sherborne Avenue, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BY. Click on right here for instructions.
4. Greystones Nature Reserve
The realm 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 house to some fascinating archaeological options. You’ll discover a vary of habitats from wildflower meadows to river banks as you stroll round.
Wildlife you’ll be able to look forward to finding right here contains 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 climbing trails all through the reserve. There isn’t a payment for entry.
Tackle: 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 get pleasure from 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 supply a number of the greatest 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 also discover unbiased meals vans on the brewery over weekends.
If you happen to love beer (or cider), visiting the brewery is certainly some of the enjoyable issues to do in Bourton on the Water and it’s actually someplace I really like to go to once I’m passing by.
Tackle: Faculty Farm, Stow Street, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2HN. Click on right here for instructions.
6. See the Previous Mill Viewpoint
You’ll need to snap a lot of photos of Bourton to wow your folks again house (and on Instagram), and some of the photogenic spots is the Lovely Previous Mill Viewpoint. Right here, you’ll see the placid waters of the mill pond subsequent to The Previous Mill that’s surrounded by lush greenery.
The Previous Mill Viewpoint is only one of many locations across the village that may go as being picked straight from a postcard and is likely one of the prime issues to see in Bourton on the Water.
Tackle: Bourton on the Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AR. Click on right here for instructions.
7. Go up in a Scorching 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 encircling Cotswolds countryside is to take a scorching air balloon experience. Virgin Balloon Flights provide 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’ll be able to even witness an unimaginable sundown over the Cotswolds.
Costs begin from £129 per individual 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 e book your flight as we speak.
8. Have a Chunk on the Mouse Lure Inn
The Mousetrap Inn is arguably the perfect pub/restaurant in Bourton and popping into this beautiful nineteenth Century Inn is one thing to not be handed on. Having a couple of bites to eat and a few drinks right here is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Bourton on the Water at night time when locals and guests descend on this excellent public home.
That is my favourite place to eat within the village and the menu focuses on up to date European cooking with domestically sourced produce. From braised ox cheek to see bass, white bean cassoulet, and naturally that British traditional beer-battered fish and chips, there’s one thing to swimsuit each style.
Costs are cheap given the situation and essential dishes vary from £17 to £28.
Tackle: Lansdowne, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AR. Click on right here for instructions.
9. Have Enjoyable on the Cotswold Clubhouse
In case you have kids with you, then a visit to Cotswold Clubhouse is a should. This gymnastics and trampoline membership additionally has a delicate play space for smaller youngsters. It’s an ideal choice for winter or if the climate turns for the more serious and provides actions for these of all ages (I’m not too outdated to have a go on the trampolines, to be sincere).
This Cotswold exercise heart 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!
Tackle: 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 everywhere in the world from Europe to the USA and in all places in between. The headquarters are housed in a stunning 300-year-old, Grade II listed constructing within the coronary heart of Bourton.
It’s an ideal place to go to in case you’re eager to take house a novel memento (and guys, if you wish to please the woman in your life this is likely one of the greatest 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.
Tackle: Victoria Avenue, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BU. Click on right here for instructions.
11. Rent a Bicycle
The most effective 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 and so they have a variety of bikes, tandems, child trailers, and extra.
Rent costs begin from simply £18 per day. Biking is certainly one of my favourite hobbies and on this area, with its mild hills and gorgeous countryside, there’s nowhere finer for a cycle experience (be sure you pack a picnic). See the web site for a full value checklist and additional particulars.
Tackle: Excessive Avenue, 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 a couple of years in the past; slightly totally different to this location). The Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre are as captivated with these tremendous creatures as I’m and soak up 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 gorgeous Cotswold environment. Click on right here to e book on-line.
Like biking, this is likely one of the greatest issues to do round Bourton on the Water for lovers of the outside and people who need to escape into the pristine nature surrounding the village.
Tackle: Faculty 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 properly value exploring. Hike alongside the footpaths and winding lanes, or rent a motorbike 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 means of and is shallow sufficient for paddling, enjoyable, and frolicking (within the hotter months after all, until you will have a four-legged good friend with you).
Together with Bourton, the Slaughters are thought of 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 gorgeous Cotswolds.
Tackle: Higher Slaughter, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Click on right here for instructions.
14. Get Misplaced within the Dragonfly Maze
The Dragonfly Maze is a standard 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 e book Masquerade, whose writer Equipment 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 e book, households, and people on the lookout for one thing quirky to do will love attempting to unravel the clues and escape the maze. Tickets value £4.50 for adults and £3.50 for youngsters. Open day by day from 10 am to three:30 pm.
Tackle: 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 beautiful areas across the Cotswolds. You’ll get to discover sleepy villages and rolling countryside whereas studying concerning 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 individual and contains transport from Stratford-upon-Avon (the previous house of Shakespear) or Moreton in Marsh. Click on right here to e book.
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 intend to spend within the village, there’s loads 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 choice.
After lunch, soak up 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 greatest eating places within the village and favored by locals and guests alike.
2-3 Days in Bourton on the Water Itinerary
In case you have a couple of days to spend in Bourton, comply with the above itinerary in your first day and spend a further day exploring the village additional. Get misplaced within the small lanes and byways, see historical church buildings, cross historic bridges, and be sure you cease for a cup of English tea alongside the best way.
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 greatest free issues to do in Bourton on the Water and the best strategy to get some recent air.
1 Week in Bourton on the Water Itinerary
If you happen to plan on spending every week in Bourton, discover the village and River Windrush as above, and add in some day journeys in your remaining days. Go to Stow on the Wold, Higher Slaughter, and see Shakespeaer’s house at Stratford upon Avon. You too can try the bar at Hawkstone Brewery which I extremely suggest.
The place to Keep in Bourton on the Water
These are a couple of of the perfect 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 bogs, complimentary toiletries, tea and coffee-making amenities, and a full English breakfast (or different alternate options). Click on right here to e book.
The Lamb Inn – Greatest for {Couples}
The beautiful Lamb Inn is a country-style pub within the heart of Bourton with luxurious rooms, an onsite bar and restaurant, and free parking. Rooms are lavishly adorned 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 right place for households or teams of mates. There’s a totally fitted kitchen, three bogs, 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 thing you want for a cushty keep. Click on right here to e book 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 is no such thing as a scarcity of top-class eateries and also you actually gained’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 greatest locations to eat (and drink) in Bourton. Count on trendy 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 comfortable restaurant with a big out of doors patio overlooks the River Windrush. That is certainly one of my favourite locations for a meal in Bourton due to the gorgeous al-fresco views. The restaurant is run by a husband and spouse staff who satisfaction themselves on utilizing the freshest, seasonal components. Click on right here for instructions.
Smiths of Bourton: Typically 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 choice 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 on the lookout for a tremendous eating expertise close to Bourton, then head to the Slaughter Manor Home. Utilizing solely the freshest native components 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 many excursions from London that embody Bourton of their itinerary and these are a good way to go to. All the primary 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 slightly additional afield. For the adventurous souls, you’ll be able to even see the village by scorching air balloon.
Issues To Do in Bourton on the Water: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on visiting Bourton on the Water:
Bourton on the Water is understood for being some of the picture-perfect villages within the Cotswolds (and the UK in reality). With the River Windrush operating by means of the middle of the village and historical stone bridges, cottages, and rolling countryside, it encapsulates an England that point nearly forgot.
Spring to fall is the perfect time to go to Bourton on the Water to have the ability to benefit from the surrounding countryside. Summertime and college holidays can get busy so the shoulder seasons are greatest.
Bourton on the Water is certainly value visiting. It’s some of the stunning villages within the nation.
Bourton makes an ideal 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 every 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 nearly extraordinary.
Strolling alongside the river, having a paddle, having fun with the numerous tremendous 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 Avenue are essentially the most well-known streets in Bourton on the Water and so they comply with the River Windrush by means of 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. Strive them on the brewery bay – it’s certainly one of my favorites!
In Closing
Now you already know what to see and do in Bourton on the Water, some of the beautiful 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.
