In search of the most effective issues to do in Bourton on the Water? I’ve bought you lined.
After spending every week or so exploring the Cotswolds space, one in all our favorites was the quaint village proudly dubbed the “Venice of the Cotswolds.”
Bourton on the Water is a uniquely named village with a ravishing historical past and a variety of issues to do!
Most individuals solely spend a few days within the Cotswolds and find yourself splitting up their time between a number of villages.
That will help you slim down your choices and have the most effective expertise in Bourton on the Water, I’ve put collectively this record of issues to do within the village.
From visiting the Dragonfly Maze to having afternoon tea in quaint cafes, right here’s your one-stop store to this fabulous village within the Cotswolds.
Historical past of Bourton on the Water
Bourton on the Water holds a protracted, attention-grabbing historical past that dates from 4,000 B.C., in the course of the Neolithic period! Proof reveals that Bourton on the Water has been inhabited all through the Neolithic Interval, the Bronze Age, and Roman Interval.
The phrase Bourton comes from Burgh, a Saxon phrase that interprets to “a fort” or “camp,” whereas Ton stands for “village” or “settlement”.
That roughly interprets to “the village beside the camp,” and it’s named so due to its historical past.
Within the 11th century, a Christian Church was established, and it has continued to develop from right here on out. At this time, you will discover buildings which have originated from the 17th century, making it really feel such as you’ve gone again in time.
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Greatest Issues to Do in Bourton on the Water
1. Get pleasure from Nature at Greystones Farm Nature Reserve
For those who’re in search of a candy escape from crowded vacationer sights, chances are you’ll need to contemplate heading to the Greystones Farm Nature Reserve. This can be a hidden gem you possibly can simply stroll to from the middle of Bourton on the Water that requires no entrance charges.
Situated on an working natural farm, the Greystones Farm Nature Reserve is a incredible place to view birds and wildlife with trails just like the Wildlife Stroll or Time-Journey Path. You can too entry views of Cotswolds’ smallest rivers, the Eye and Dikler, the place you possibly can spot water voles and otters.
In addition to the wildlife and nature, you too can get a contact of historical past by visiting Salmonsbury Camp. This was an vital assembly level in the course of the Neolithic and Iron Ages.
Once you want power from all of the strolling, head to the café on-site to quench your thirst and luxuriate in a snack.
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2. Stroll Down Reminiscence Lane at Cotswold Motoring Museum
Are you an enormous car buff and need to go down reminiscence lane? Then you definately’re going to like the Cotswold Motoring Museum, one other hidden gem that options the historical past of motoring from the twentieth century!
Don’t let the small entrance idiot you, as a result of it begins to develop into a fair larger world with every step you are taking. Embark on a tremendous journey as you get to see the automobiles, caravans, bikes, and much more collections of motoring curiosities.
Whether or not you’re going solo or with your loved ones, it’s undoubtedly well worth the go to, with the doorway payment costing £6.50 per grownup. We suggest allotting at the least two hours right here since you’re going to need to see all the things!
3. Stroll Across the 5 Stone Bridges
Bourton on the Water’s 5 Stone Bridges are one of many main explanation why folks journey to the village! In reality, that is why Bourton on the Water is dubbed the “Venice of Cotswolds,” due to the 5 low footbridges crossing the River Windrush.
Put on your strolling sneakers and take on a regular basis on this planet as you stroll round bridges just like the Mill Bridge in-built 1654, the Excessive Bridge that was in-built 1756, the Paynes Bridge in-built 1776, the New Bridge in 1911, and the Coronation Footbridge in-built 1953. You’re strolling alongside a TON of historical past!
When you’re finished, you possibly can go across the many outlets, eating places, and pubs that the village has to supply.
4. Go to Higher Slaughter
I’ve to confess, we discovered Bourton on the Water just a little bit too busy for our liking once we went (it was a ravishing sunny day!). Don’t get me mistaken, it was nonetheless lovely, however in the event you’re in search of a slice of peace and quiet, head over to Higher Slaughter.
The villages of Higher and Decrease Slaughter are only some kilometers from Bourton on the Water and are made up of a small footpath and delightful countryside homes.
This place is supposed to be one of the crucial lovely locations within the Cotswolds so be sure you don’t miss it.
5. Examine Out The Mannequin Village
For those who’re in search of a enjoyable strategy to spend a few hours, one other factor to do whereas in Bourton on the Water is to take a look at the enjoyable model village at the Old New Inn.
You’ll get to discover what Bourton on the Water was like up to now, notably within the Thirties. The complete place is constructed at 1/ninth of the particular scale, permitting you to simply stroll across the space in 20 minutes or so.
You’ll be amazed on the intricate particulars and craftsmanship in every home, making you’re feeling as in the event you had been dwelling within the early twentieth century. Historical past buffs are going to need to head right here for a style of the olden days, costing solely £5 per particular person.
6. Have Some Afternoon Tea
When my husband advised me we had been visiting the Cotswolds, the very first thing that jumped to thoughts was having afternoon tea!
In spite of everything, there’s nothing extra British than having a cup of tea and a few jam and scones. Fortunately, there isn’t any scarcity of gorgeous locations in Bourton on the Water for this countryside deal with.
Just a few locations to take a look at are Smalltalk Tearooms, Bourton Riverside Café, and The Slaughters Manor House for a barely extra upscale expertise.
7. Roam Round The Dragonfly Maze
Puzzle lovers unite as you enter The Dragonfly Maze, a stunning maze with 14 completely different clues to assist information you to the golden dragonfly on the middle. It makes an awesome recreation and a enjoyable strategy to spend time with the household.
Consider this as a standard hedge maze that makes you’re feeling like royalty… This time with a cool twist!
For those who’ve already tried the maze earlier than, you received’t get bored. There’s a bonus puzzle you possibly can ask the employees about for double the enjoyable.
With tickets costing about £4.50 per grownup and £3.50 per baby, it’s value spending a couple of hours surrounded by greens and placing your thoughts and toes to the take a look at.
8. Have a Picnic
For those who don’t fancy a pub meal, we additionally noticed a ton of individuals sitting by the water and having picnics. There are a number of small bakeries promoting meat pies and different baked treats which you’ll simply take away and eat by the river on a heat, sunny day.
It’s one of many best outdoor activities to do in the UK in the event you’re experiencing uncommon sizzling climate!
9. Go to the Cotswold Perfumery
Right here’s one thing attention-grabbing that not everybody actually talks about. Certain, studying about perfumery could not sound like the way you’d spend your trip, however wait till you head over to Cotswold Perfumery, which has specialised in creating tremendous fragrances for over 50 years.
The perfumery relies in a Grade II listed constructing that’s been round for over 300 years, making it all of the extra well worth the go to only for historical past’s sake!
The family-operated enterprise had humble beginnings, stemming from a passion with a ardour for high quality scents. At this time, it has develop into a stunning attraction and vacation spot the place you should buy tremendous perfumes for your self or family members, smelling like luxurious!
10. Stroll Alongside the River Windrush
As talked about, there have been A LOT of individuals hanging round in Bourton on the Water once we visited. In every single place you went, folks had been lounging round, having fun with the sunshine.
Regardless of this, palms down, one in all our favourite issues to do in Bourton on the Water is to stroll alongside the riverside, having fun with the views of sweeping willows and stone bridges. The place is BEAUTIFUL, particularly on a sunny and vivid day like once we went.
11. Have a Pub Lunch
Much like having fun with afternoon tea, there’s something about sitting in a British pub, having fun with a pint (or two!) In Bourton on the Water, two common pubs that we suggest visiting are Kingsbridge and The Old Manse.
The fish and chips in Kingsbridge are scrumptious however in the event you’re in search of a standard chip store, the Chip Shed in Bourton on the Water can also be rated top-notch.
12. Tour of the Cotswolds from Moreton-in-Marsh
When you’ve got restricted time, and need to see the most effective of the Cotswolds, I counsel becoming a member of a tour that begins in Moreton in Marsh, permitting you to discover Bourton on the Water, Stow on the World, and Chipping Camden.
The tour provides you ample free time to discover, together with commentary and ideas for locations to eat or see by way of the day as you discover the villages. Discover the tour here!
13. Go to Close by Villages
Bear in mind, Bourton on the Water isn’t the one breathtaking village on the market! Once you’re staying within the space and have some free time to kill, why not attempt to head over to its close by villages, that are often solely half an hour away?
Villages like Decrease Slaughter, Higher Slaughter, Cirencester, Broadway, and the like additionally supply their very own appeal and historical past that you simply’ll by no means discover elsewhere.
From wonderful gardens to scenic buying, The Cotswolds has extra to supply, and Bourton on the Water is only one of many.
When you can drive to close by villages by yourself, these coming from London could make a day trip of it and be a part of a whole-day tour that entails exploring Bourton on the Water, in addition to Burford and Bibury!
E book a tour to go to the close by villages here.
When you’ve got extra time, chances are you’ll even need to discover different close by locations. With so many things to do in Bath and it’s proximity to The Cotswolds, it’s a worthy contender to think about!
14. Have Lunch within the Cotswolds from London
One other common tour to take in the event you don’t have a lot time is that this day trip together with a 2-course lunch.
All through this tour, you’ll get sufficient time to walk round beautiful cities and villages equivalent to Burford, Bibury, and Stow-in-the-Wold; together with a halfway lunch break to get pleasure from a standard English lunch at an outdated Cotswolds lodge restaurant.
15. Go Window Purchasing
For these of you who love buying, Bourton on the Water has a variety of boutique shops that promote all the things from garments to knick-knacks. Even in the event you’re not a client, strolling round and window buying is a enjoyable exercise to do whereas exploring the city.
Sadly, a couple of of the most effective vacationer sights to go to didn’t make the record due to their closure lately.
Points of interest like The Outdated Mill Museum closed down completely in 2023, together with a couple of eating places and lodging.
The place to Eat in Bourton on the Water
Meals is life and I low-key obsessively analysis the place to eat for each vacation spot that I go to. For all of the foodies on the market, we’ve bought you lined with the highest 5 locations to eat:
1. The Rose Tree Restaurant
The Rose Tree Restaurant is one for locals and vacationers alike who need a style of conventional British delicacies with incredible alcoholic drinks to pair it with.
With home-cooked model meals, a comfortable ambiance, and pleasant employees, you’ll really feel proper at residence. Ensure you strive the lamb shank and have toffee pudding for dessert, that are a few of their bestsellers!
2. The Croft Restaurant
The Croft Restaurant is positioned proper subsequent to the River Windrush, supplying you with a tremendous view of the waters you possibly can’t discover elsewhere.
All their dishes are freshly ready and made with native produce, so you’re positive of getting a heat, scrumptious meal irrespective of the time of day.
Whether or not you’re hankering for a standard English breakfast or need brunch with your folks, the Croft Restaurant can present a hearty meal. There are vegan choices out there.
3. L’anatra
Simply the title alone has us feeling like we’re heading to a flowery restaurant! L’anatra is an Italian restaurant the place you possibly can get pleasure from genuine dishes for lunch or dinner.
You could find all kinds of Italian meals starting from stone-baked pizzas to scrumptious pasta, steak, and fish, with gluten and dairy-free choices out there.
The homey ambiance and heat ambiance will make you need to come again for extra of their spaghetti and different dishes!
4. Smiths of Bourton
Such a easy title and menu however their burgers are way over easy. In reality, their burgers are greater than sufficient to fulfill your tummy and soul.
Sourcing their meat from Jesse Smith’s and their buns from Mark’s Cotswold Bakery, the Smiths restaurant is a reasonably new family-owned boutique burger joint with the mission to share their ardour for burgers.
Not solely are you able to get pleasure from their scrumptious burgers and fries, however their quenching cocktails as properly! Good for households and teams of pals, you’ll all the time go away with a glad abdomen right here at Smiths.
5. Bourton Riverside Café
Digital nomads engaged on initiatives, pals catching up, or households who need to get pleasure from a cup of espresso may have a pleasant time at Bourton Riverside Café.
This cafe is centrally positioned and overlooks the River Windrush, bridges, and village inexperienced, supplying you with a picturesque view that units the temper.
Whereas they’ve a small menu, their energizing espresso and collection of pastries and truffles make up for it. It’s a stunning place to get pleasure from snacks, an power increase, or dessert!
The Dial Home can also be the most effective eating places in Bourton on the Water
The place to Keep in Bourton on the Water
Planning on staying at Bourton on the Water for a couple of days to do as lots of the actions talked about above? Listed below are superior lodging choices so you possibly can sleep peacefully after a full day trip:
1. The Lansdowne Guest House
The Lansdowne Visitor Home is positioned within the coronary heart of The Cotswolds, making it the last word base for vacationers to discover Bourton on the Water and its close by villages.
It’s solely a 5-minute stroll to town middle, providing comfortable rooms, a scrumptious breakfast, and all the things else you want in a lodge room for long-term stays.
You possibly can even get pleasure from a mess of actions throughout the space, equivalent to horse using, biking, and {golfing}. From its heat service to the comfortable beds and yummy eats, this lodging is sort of onerous to beat!
2. The Mousetrap Inn
For a extra “genuine” expertise within the Bourton on the Water, strive The Mousetrap Inn, a Nineteenth-century inn with conventional structure that has withstood the take a look at of time. However don’t let appears to be like deceive you, as a result of the appeal and character additionally lie inside, with a contemporary but homey look.
You could find rooms made for any kind of traveler or group, whether or not you’re a household, group of pals, couple, or going solo. The pleasant employees will all the time be able to accommodate and deal with you want one in all their very own.
3. The Old New Inn
Small, quaint, and charming… There’s a purpose why The Outdated New Inn is all the time so common amongst those that go to Bourton on the Water!
This can be a easy inn embellished with a country appeal that gives you the whole expertise of staying within the village of Bourton on the Water. However to not fear, the rooms are newly refurbished with trendy options for everybody’s consolation.
Since they solely have 9 rooms of assorted sizes, they have a tendency to promote out rapidly, so be sure you e-book upfront. Additionally, you will get a reduction at their in-house restaurant, so you possibly can get pleasure from a feast with out having to stroll too far!
4. The Dial House
For those who’re a fan of historical past and nature, you will get the most effective of each worlds at The Dial Home. The boutique lodge is stuffed with a wealthy and historic appeal with gardens surrounding the realm.
Due to the right steadiness of contemporary options and old-style structure, vacationers, particularly {couples}, like to spend their trip at The Dial Home. The scrumptious meals additionally makes it onerous to not love this place!
It’s additionally simple to roam across the village from this lodge, because it’s a couple of minutes away from sights like The Mannequin Village, Bourton Mannequin Railway, Cotswold Perfumery, Cotswold Motoring Museum, and extra!
5. Chestnut Bed and Breakfast
It’s nearly onerous to imagine that the Chestnut Mattress and Breakfast is housed in a 300-year-old listed constructing, although the structure says all of it. Inside, you will discover every room having its personal distinctive character, with completely different designs and a number of colours made in your Instagram footage.
The quirky designs alone are sufficient to make you need to test in, in addition to the yummy free breakfast and beautiful employees. Situated within the middle of Bourton on the Water, you possibly can simply start exploring the realm the second you get up!
Methods to Get to Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton on the Water is a village positioned within the rural a part of Gloucestershire in The Cotswolds, throughout the coronary heart of England. It straddles the River Windrush and is about 15 miles east of Cheltenham in the UK.
It’s additionally about half-hour away from Moreton-in-Marsh, quarter-hour away from Stow-on-the-Wold, and a mere 5 minutes from Higher Slaughter and Decrease Slaughter, making the village an awesome vacation spot to remain for exploring.
For those who’re questioning get to Bourton on the Water, you are able to do so through bus from Cheltenham. For those who’re heading to the village from London, take the prepare to Cheltenham, then the bus.
Sadly, the Cotswolds is simply a type of locations that’s 100% simpler to discover with a automotive because it permits you to nip into all of the little villages. Whereas public transport is doable, it isn’t really helpful.
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Wrapping It Up
Bourton on the Water is often voted one of many prettiest villages in Britain and for a lot of superb causes.
The laid-back vibe of this quintessential English countryside city makes it a must-visit.
With this final information of issues to do, in addition to the place to eat and keep, at Bourton on the Water, now you can type a enjoyable itinerary made for you and your family members.
Tell us what you consider this pretty little village and if it surpassed your expectations because it did ours. Completely satisfied travels!