15 Finest Issues To Do in Bourton on the Water (Cotswolds)

Bourton on the Water is a picturesque village situated within the coronary heart of the Cotswolds, considered 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 attractive river to visiting farm parks, retailers, 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 considered one of my absolute favourite locations within the Cotswolds and appears as if it might 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 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 received’t be bored for a second.

Finest Issues To Do in Bourton on the Water

Under, you’ll discover a few 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 far more apart from.

1. Stroll Alongside the River Windrush

One of many first locations to go to in Bourton on the Water ought to be the picture-perfect River Windrush that winds its means by way of the village. There are 5 stone bridges over the river relationship between 1645 and 1911 and you’ll crisscross as you please while you discover.

There are a number of completely different round walks you may take that fluctuate 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 could be accomplished in a little bit over one hour, however it’s additionally the proper 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 number 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 awesome place for a paddle throughout 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 (regardless of how previous you’re). 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 reminiscent of St Lawrence’s Church, the Conflict Memorial, the Outdated New Inn, and even a recreation of the mannequin village in miniature. Tickets price £4.50 for adults and £3.50 for kids. The Mannequin Village is open day-after-day from 10 am to three:45 pm in winter and from 10 am to six pm in summer season.

Handle: 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 stuffed 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 greatest locations to see in Bourton on the Water and has been voted the #1 attraction within the village.

Tickets price £7.50 for adults and £5.25 for kids (underneath 5’s go free), or you should purchase a household ticket for simply £19.95 for 4 individuals. The museum is open from 10 am to six pm day-after-day and there’s no have to e book upfront.

Handle: The Outdated Mill, Sherborne Road, 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 residence to some fascinating 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 high 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 payment for entry.

Handle: 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 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 few of the greatest tipples round.

You’ll be happy to know that there’s a bar situated 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.

When you love beer (or cider), visiting the brewery is unquestionably probably the most enjoyable issues to do in Bourton on the Water and it’s definitely someplace I really like to go to once I’m passing by.

Handle: School Farm, Stow Highway, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2HN. Click on right here for instructions.

6. See the Outdated Mill Viewpoint

You’ll need to snap numerous photos of Bourton to wow your pals again residence (and on Instagram), and probably the most photogenic spots is the Lovely 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 go as being picked straight from a postcard and is likely one of the high issues to see in Bourton on the Water.

Handle: Bourton on the Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AR. Click on right here for instructions.

7. Go up in a Scorching Air Balloon

If, not like me, you’re not afraid of heights, then essentially the most distinctive and certain memorable approach to see Bourton and the encircling Cotswolds countryside is to take a sizzling air balloon journey. 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 high 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. When you 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 could be booked on-line as much as 18 months upfront. Go to the web site for more information and to e book your flight at this time.

8. Have a Chew on the Mouse Lure Inn

The Mousetrap Inn is arguably the perfect pub/restaurant in Bourton and popping into this attractive nineteenth Century Inn is one thing to not be handed on. Having a number 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 evening 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 go well with each style.

Costs are cheap given the placement and most important dishes vary from £17 to £28.

Handle: Lansdowne, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AR. Click on right here for instructions.

9. Have Enjoyable on the Cotswold Clubhouse

When you’ve got kids with you, then a visit to Cotswold Clubhouse is a should. This gymnastics and trampoline membership additionally has a mushy play space for smaller youngsters. It’s an awesome 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!

Handle: 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 awesome place to go to for those who’re eager to take residence 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 flats within the village providing five-star, self-catering lodging.

Handle: 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 considered one of my favourite hobbies and on this area, with its light hills and gorgeous countryside, there’s nowhere finer for a cycle journey (be sure you pack a picnic). See the web site for a full value listing and additional particulars.

Handle: Excessive Road, Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AJ. Click on right here for instructions.

12. Take Using Classes at Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre

Having grown up round horses, horse using is one thing I’m very keen on (the final time I had a go was in Mongolia a number of years in the past; a little bit completely different to this location). The Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre are as passionate about these nice 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 journey, and the journeys are a good way to discover the attractive 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.

Handle: School Farm, Stow Highway, 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 nicely price 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. Identical to Bourton, a small river (the River Eye) passes by way of and is shallow sufficient for paddling, enjoyable, and frolicking (within the hotter months after all, except you’ve a four-legged pal 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 high locations to go to close to Bourton on the Water if you wish to discover extra of the attractive Cotswolds.

Handle: 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 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 e book, households, and people on the lookout for one thing quirky to do will love attempting to resolve the clues and escape the maze. Tickets price £4.50 for adults and £3.50 for kids. Open each day from 10 am to three:30 pm.

Handle: Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2BN. Click on right here for instructions.

15. Take a Cotswolds Strolling Tour

This strolling tour is a superb approach 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 concerning the historical past of the realm from an skilled information.

Whereas most Cotswold excursions are spent driving from place to put, this tour is completely 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 e book.

Fast Journey Itineraries For Bourton on the Water

Under, 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, regardless of how lengthy you intend to spend within the village, there’s a lot to maintain you occupied.

1 Day in Bourton on the Water Itinerary

With simply at some point in Bourton on the Water, a stroll alongside its well-known river is a should. You may take a straightforward 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 greatest eating places within the village and favored by locals and guests alike.

2-3 Days in Bourton on the Water Itinerary

When you’ve got a number 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 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 few 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 approach to get some contemporary air.

1 Week in Bourton on the Water Itinerary

When you 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 residence at Stratford upon Avon. You can too try the bar at Hawkstone Brewery which I extremely suggest.

The place to Keep in Bourton on the Water

These are a number of of the perfect locations to remain in Bourton on the Water for vacationers:

The Lansdowne Visitor Home – Finest for First-Time Guests

The charming Lansdown Visitor Home is situated 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 e book.

The Lamb Inn – Finest 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 wood beams, making this a very romantic place to remain. Click on right here to search out out extra.

Elvington Cottage – Finest for Households

The four-bedroom Elvington Cottage is the proper place for households or teams of mates. 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 all the things you want for a cushty keep. Click on right here to e book now.

Finest Eating places in Bourton on the Water

Under is a choice 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 definitely 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 greatest 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 outside patio overlooks the River Windrush. That is considered one of my favourite locations for a meal in Bourton because of the gorgeous al-fresco views. The restaurant is run by a husband and spouse group 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 superb place for a chew and a few drinks. Click on right here for instructions.

The Riverside Café: The Riverside Café is an enthralling little cafe proper on the water’s edge overlooks the stone bridges and is a superb possibility for breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea in elegant environment. You may 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: When you’re on the lookout for a nice 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 big day. Click on right here for instructions.

Attending to Bourton on the Water

Driving or taking a tour is one of the best 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 numerous excursions from London that embrace 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 best ways to take it in at a leisurely tempo.

Biking is one other nice approach to get round and can allow you to go a little bit additional afield. For the adventurous souls, you may even see the village by sizzling 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:

In Closing

Now you already know what to see and do in Bourton on the Water, probably the most 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 realm, exploring close by countryside, and visiting a few of the native pubs, there are such a lot of issues to see within the stunning village of Bourton on the Water.

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