I was thrilled to return to the Cotswolds this past summer, enjoying slow days with my family. Visiting for the second time in the past two years, I’ve now spent a few weeks exploring the region and have created this in-depth guide to Bourton-on-the-Water so you can make the most of this postcard-perfect village in England that has been nicknamed “Venice of the Cotswolds”.
Centered around the River Windrush, the town has idyllic rural English scenery filled with low-arched stone bridges, honey-colored cottages, and several great family-friendly attractions. Like something taken from a storybook, this quaint town offers a quintessentially English experience.
From wandering along the riverside on a sunny afternoon, to discovering the town in a mini version at the Model Village, or even browsing antique stores for a special find, there is huge appeal to Bourton-on-the-Water. It’s also conveniently located near several other popular Cotswolds locations, making it ideal to pair with another destination or two in a day.
In this guide, I share everything you need to plan the perfect day at Bourton-on-the-Water. With all the best things to see and do in town, and tips on where to eat, shop, and stay, I’ve got you covered.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Bourton-on-the-Water:
Hotels
- The Dial House, for the best boutique in-town hotel
- Chester House Hotel, for the bed and breakfast in-town
- Halford House, for a cozy adults-only countryside getaway
Airbnbs
- Allerton Cottage, for the best romantic in-village stay
- Tilly’s Cottage, for the best stylish stay near the river
- Inglenook Cottage, for the best central cottage with cozy charm
Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip
For more on which Cotswolds villages to visit, don’t miss my Cotswolds travel guide and my guides to the best places to stay in the Cotswolds, the most beautiful Cotswolds villages to visit, Bath, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Cirencester! If you’re exploring more of England, check out my London itinerary, guide to where to stay in London, and guide to the best things to do in Oxford.
Travel Tip: The best way to explore the Cotswolds is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in the UK is quite easy, and while you drive on the opposite side, you’ll get used to it quickly (For more, read my guide to renting a car in the Cotswolds). Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Bourton-on-the-Water, England Travel Guide
What to Know Before You Visit Bourton-on-the-Water
Is Bourton-on-the-Water Worth Visiting?
Yes, Bourton-on-the-Water is worth visiting while you’re in the Cotswolds. Nicknamed “Venice of the Cotswolds”, the five stone bridges, the canal running through town, and the honey-colored stone cottages make this one of the most picturesque scenes. There are also several great attractions in town that suit all ranges of family members, making it an ideal place to visit.
How Much Time to Visit Bourton-on-the-Water?
Between half a day and one day is enough time to visit Bourton-on-the-Water. This will allow enough for a visit to several of the activities in and around town, as well as wandering the town itself. Most Cotswold villages are small, so you can usually visit a few in one day.
Getting Around Bourton-on-the-Water (Rental Car Insight)
I consider renting a car a must when visiting the Cotswolds. This is how I travelled with my family during both of our trips around the Cotswolds, and it meant getting around places like Bourton-on-the-Water and other towns was easy. There are limited public transportation options, and the timetables are infrequent, so renting a car is a convenient and efficient alternative. See my guide to renting a car in the Cotswolds for everything you need to know!
Rental Car Tip: We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in the UK is quite easy, and while you drive on the opposite side, you’ll get used to it quickly. Book your car with Discover Cars here.
The Best Place to Park When Visiting Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton Vale Car Park is my go-to place to park when visiting Bourton-on-the-Water. Bourton is one of the most visited towns in the Cotswolds and can get quite busy, but we’ve always been able to find a parking spot here. The lot is a 5-minute walk from the town center. I also love this lot because it’s directly next to a gas station and the Co-op Food Market, which is the best grocery store in the area. So it makes for a convenient spot to see town and pick up a few supplies. Lastly, the Rissington Road Car Park, located on the south end of town, is another large lot to try if Bourton Vale is full.
Getting to Bourton-on-the-Water from London by Train
A car is certainly the best and most convenient way to get to Bourton-on-the-Water from London, however, you can take the train and a bus if you need to use public transport. Trains run from London Paddington station to Moreton-in-Marsh train station, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. From there, you can take a 15-minute taxi ride from the train station to Bourton-on-the-Water. Alternatively, you can catch the 801 bus from Moreton-in-Marsh to Bourton-on-the-Water, which takes around 40 minutes.
Does Bourton-on-the-Water Make a Good Base for Exploring?
Bourton-on-the-Water is a suitable base for exploring the Cotswolds; however, I suggest considering Stow-on-the-Wold as an alternative base. Stow has more accommodation options, restaurants to choose from in town, and is only a 5-minute drive away.
Timing and Weather in Bourton-on-the-Water
The best time to visit Bourton-on-the-Water is between spring (April) and early fall (October). Spring is beautiful, with lots of flowers blooming, while early fall is great for cozy countryside walks, enjoying a Sunday roast at the pub, or spotting the fall foliage. Mid-July to late August is the summer break, which means it’s busier than outside of this peak season, so I’d aim for June or early September if you want to enjoy a summer-style break in the Cotswolds.
Travel Tip: Bourton is one of the most visited villages in the Cotswolds and gets extremely busy during the day. For a calmer experience, I recommend getting there early, ahead of the tours, or coming in for a stroll before dinner, after the tours have left.
Where to Stay in Bourton-on-the-Water, England
Bourton-on-the-Water is relatively small, but it does have a few options for accommodation in and around the town. Just a five-minute drive away is Stow-on-the-Wold, offering a wider range of accommodation options, including hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals suitable for larger groups.
Best Hotels & B&Bs in Bourton-on-the-Water
- The Dial House — The best boutique in-town hotel with plenty of English country appeal.
- Chester House Hotel — A charming stone cottage that offers a comfortable B&B option right in town.
- Halford House — A cosy countryside renovated B&B, perfect for an adults-only weekend getaway.
Best Airbnb’s in Bourton-on-the-Water
- Allerton Cottage — A classic Cotswold-stone cottage with beamed ceilings and a cozy log fire, perfect for a romantic in-village stay.
- Tilly’s Cottage — A chic two-bedroom hideaway a short stroll from the river, with a modern kitchen, fireplace, patio garden, and handy on-site parking.
- Inglenook Cottage — A stylish, central two-bedroom with a wood-burning stove, updated kitchen, and small courtyard garden—ideal for leisurely walks to the river and pubs.
Best Hotels & B&Bs in Stow-on-the-Wold
- The Old Stocks Inn — My top recommendation in town for a boutique hotel, period details, and a delightful terraced patio.
- Number Four at Stow — The perfect countryside stay surrounded by rolling hills just outside of town. Rooms are renovated with some historic details to keep the character of this charming B&B.
- The Stag at Stow — A budget-friendly B&B right in the center of town, with renovated rooms and a gastropub for easy dining.
- The Fox at Oddington — A modern inn perched by the River Windrush just outside of town.
Things to Do in Bourton-on-the-Water, England
Stroll Around the Sandstone Cottages in Town
Bourton-on-the-Water is especially scenic thanks to the honey-colored sandstone cottages that are typical of this region of England. There are many that date back centuries in Bourton-on-the-Water, which originally flourished as a farming settlement. Now, the town welcomes day trippers and weekend visitors, with many of the cottages featuring charming gardens with manicured flower beds that create idyllic scenes. I would start my visit to Bourton-on-the-Water simply enjoying the surroundings before diving into the various activities in town, before it gets busy by mid-morning.
See the Canals that Gave Bourton-on-the-Water the Nickname “Venice of the Cotswolds”
The River Windrush winds its way through Bourton-on-the-Water, creating canals that have given the town the nickname ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’. There is a series of low stone bridges along the river built between the 17th and 20th centuries. The waterways through the town aren’t simply a pretty feature; they were once a practical route created for mills and local trade to operate.
Providing a postcard–perfect scene now, this is one of the best things to do while in Bourton-on-the-Water. Take your time to stroll along the banks at a leisurely pace and enjoy the atmosphere. The scenery is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves change and in summer when children can often be seen playing in the shallow waters.
Travel Tip: One of our favorite things to do is grab some food to-go and picnic on the edge of the canal. We did this several times during our last trip, and it was a lovely way to take in the picturesque scenery and people-watch.
Go Antique Shopping
The Cotswolds are a great place for antique shopping, and Bourton-on-the-Water has a few hotspots you should visit while there. If you are interested in an eclectic selection ranging from furniture to jewelry, then The Looking Glass is one of my favorite spots in town. If you’d like to enjoy an afternoon tea before or after perusing the vintage items on offer, Cotswolds Antiques & Tea Room is the place to go. Antique shopping is a popular pastime in the Cotswolds, so you’ll often find a great selection of pieces for sale that could be the perfect souvenir.
See the Vintage Cars at the Cotswold Motoring Museum
Appealing to both motoring enthusiasts and historically inclined visitors, there are a ton of interesting things to see at the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Housed within a series of old barns by the Riverside, there is a collection of vintage cars, caravans, motorcycles, and classic signage on show. The most popular item exhibited is Brum, a little yellow car that was the main character of a British children’s TV series that was filmed in the Cotswolds.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Slaughters Manor House
There’s not much that is more quintessentially British than enjoying an afternoon tea. Just a short drive outside of Bourton-on-the-Water, you can sip tea and enjoy finger sandwiches and cake at The Slaughters Manor House. The 17th-century manor home is a typical Cotswolds limestone building, which has been restored to serve as a luxury country hotel. In summer, you can enjoy afternoon tea on the lawn, the perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
The Dragonfly Maze
A great attraction for families, there is a hedge maze that was created in the 1990s by artist Kit Williams that leads visitors to find the hidden golden dragonfly. Through a series of puzzles and clues, you weave your way around the maze, working as a team to complete the challenge. Tucked away just off the main road that runs through Bourton-on-the-Water, this is the perfect activity for a sunny day.
Explore Nearby Villages
There are several great towns and villages just a short drive from Bourton-on-the-Water. Stow-on-the-Wold is a historic market town and makes for a great base just a 5-minute drive away. Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter are small but charming villages linked by the River Eye with golden stone cottages and rolling countryside. We spent a week based in Upper Slaughter on our most recent trip and loved it. One of my favorite places is nearby Bibury, which is popular for its scenic Arlington Row, which is a lane of weavers’ houses that has been featured in the British passport. We stayed several nights in Bibury on our first trip to the Cotswolds. Or, for my favorite small-town in the Cotswolds, visit the charming Snowshill (I make a point to catch at least one sunset here every time we come).
Travel Tip: The best way to explore the Cotswolds is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car in the UK is quite easy, and while you drive on the opposite side, you’ll get used to it quickly (For more, read my guide to renting a car in the Cotswolds). Book your car with Discover Cars here.
See Bourton in Miniature form at The Model Village
A rather unique attraction in Bourton-on-the-Water is The Model Village, which showcases the town as a miniature one-ninth scale replica of Bourton. The model’s level of detail is truly impressive, with limestone cottages and the church all appearing with exceptional authenticity.
Perhaps even more quirky is that there is a model village within the model village! This is a great activity for families, and children love wandering around, especially with its dollhouse-like aspects. You could choose to visit this before you wander around town to get a lay of the land first, or complete your visit after you’ve explored Bourton-on-the-Water to see what you can recognize from around the village.
The Best Bourton-on-the-Water Restaurants
Oli Bonny Wood Fired Pizza
A great spot for families, Oli Bonny Wood Fired Pizza offers a range of classic and more inventive pizza options. There is also a selection of flatbreads and sides that you can take away to eat by the riverside for lunch or dinner on a summer evening. We grabbed takeaway pizza from here twice during our last visit to the Costwolds. One night we brought it back to the house, the other we picnicked along the canal near Cotswold Ice Creams (this stretch of the canal tends to be quieter and more peaceful).
Travel Tip: You can only dine in if you make a reservation in advance. Walk-ins are take-away-only.
Bakery on the Water
Easily one of the best bakeries in the Cotswolds, I recommend making a beeline to Bakery on the Water when you arrive in the morning, before everything sells out. There’s outdoor seating, but you could also grab a few things to go and enjoy it by one of the canals. The frangipane tart is one of the most popular menu items, but lots of sweet baked goods and savory options like sausage rolls are available too. On our last visit, we grabbed sandwiches to go and picknicked along the canal.
Cotswold Ice Creams
This is a must-visit every time we come to Bourton. Cotswold Ice Creams is a small family-run ice cream vendor selling frozen goodness from a retro tricycle by the water. The ice cream is made locally on their own nearby dairy farm, and non-dairy options are often available. Flavors change from time to time, and it’s perfect for an afternoon treat in the sun.
Travel Tip: If you’re looking for a slightly quieter section of the canal, try near here.
Smiths
Best known for its burgers, Smiths is a must-visit spot in town. The award-winning eatery uses locally sourced ingredients, including buns from Mark’s Cotswolds Bakery and beef from local butchers. It also has a popular cocktail menu and vegetarian options.
The Rose Tree Restaurant
Set within a Grade II listed cottage on the waterfront in Bourton-on-the-Water, the longstanding Rose Tree Restaurant is always a hit. Serving a selection of British and European dishes, the focus is on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. With a cozy ambience, it’s a great dinner option in town. I recommend booking a table in advance. We had dinner here on our first trip to the Cotswolds and the team was fantastic and so welcoming with our daughter who was 2.5 at the time.
Day Trips to Do from Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is quite centrally located in the Cotswolds, making it ideal for visiting other villages and towns nearby. If you’re considering a day trip from Bourton-on-the-Water, having a car will make it easy to visit these spots and experience some of the best on offer in the area.
The Slaughters Manor House (5 minutes)
Pairing country charm with contemporary interiors, Slaughter Manor House is located in a stunning 17th-century building just a short drive from Bourton-on-the-Water. This is the ideal place to enjoy a typical English afternoon tea on the lawn or in the lounge, with finger sandwiches, scones and clotted cream, and a delicious selection of tea. While the manor house has been given modern upgrades over the years, it still retains plenty of classic characteristics.
Stow-on-The-Wold (10 minutes)
Perched at the top of a hill, Stow-on-the-Wold is a charming market town with views of the sprawling English countryside. It was once at the crossroads of several ancient roads and is known for its medieval wool trade, with the old stocks still located in Market Square. With a fairytale-esque door at St Edward’s Church framed by yew trees and a selection of tearooms, pubs, and galleries, Stow-on-the-Wold is a must-visit from Bourton-on-the-Water.
The Wild Rabbit (15 minutes)
The cozy Wild Rabbit is considered one of the best pubs in the Cotswolds, and it’s easy to see why. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout the week, the menu ranges from light bites to fine dining. Set within a 17th-century stone building in Kingham, you can also choose to stay at the 18th-century inn or one of the property’s self-catering cottages. This was another favorite spot when we visited the Cotswolds for a second time.
Daylesford Farm (15 minutes)
Daylesford Organic farm is the perfect place to shop, eat, and relax while you’re in the Cotswolds. With a farm shop selling fresh and seasonal produce, an on-site restaurant serving delicious modern-British cuisine, and a range of homewares to choose from, there is a lot to love about Daylesford Farm. It was a highlight of my recent trip in the summer, and the perfect place to grab some locally grown ingredients to cook with back at our Cotswold cottage.
Broadway (20 minutes)
Broadway is often considered one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds thanks to its high street framed by honey-colored stone buildings filled with boutique stores, galleries, and antique shops. Take your time browsing, then relax while enjoying a coffee or light bite at No32 Broadway. Just outside the village, Broadway Tower stands on a hilltop and provides sweeping views across the rolling countryside. Thanks to its proximity, you can easily pair a visit to Broadway with Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water, making the villages a perfect combination for a day of exploring.
Stratford-upon-Avon (40 minutes)
An easy day trip from Bourton-on-the-Water takes you to Stratford-upon-Avon, a town steeped in Tudor history and best known as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. You can step inside Shakespeare’s Birthplace to uncover stories about his life and works, or head to the picture-perfect Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, once home to his wife’s family. A highlight in Stratford-upon-Avon is strolling beside the River Avon or hiring a boat to row. The centre of Stratford is also a delight to explore, with its striking half-timbered Tudor buildings, independent boutiques, and inviting tearooms, perfectly capturing the quintessential character of an English market town.
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1. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for vacation rentals. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
2. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator, Airbnb, and Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check all three as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Private Transfers
For easy, reliable private transfers, I use Welcome Pickups. It’s my go-to for arranging a driver in advance — whether it’s an airport pickup, a hotel-to-hotel transfer, or a day trip. The experience is seamless, with English-speaking drivers and upfront pricing, so you can travel stress-free at every stage of your trip.
5. Get Cell Data for Your Trip
I use Holafly for international cell data. Their unlimited data eSIMs are easy to install, activate instantly on arrival, and let you skip local SIM cards and expensive roaming fees.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, or cancellations).
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
