What to do in Bourton-on-the-Water in 2025
Bourton-on-the-Water is a popular and charming village in the Cotswolds. It is known for its delightful blend of attractions that can captivate visitors all day long. From ducks paddling through the clear waters of the River Windrush to the aroma of freshly baked bread and quaint boutiques with beautifully arranged window displays, the village is a visual and sensory treat.
How to get to Bourton-on-the-Water without a car?
If you haven’t already, we highly recommend reading our blog post on the Cotswolds 1 day itinerary It provides an in-depth guide on how to reach the Cotswolds, with detailed information on train routes from major locations in England to Moreton-in-Marsh. From there, you can easily catch the number 801 bus to Bourton-on-the-Water.
How to spend a day in Bourton-on-the-Water?
Bourton-on-the-Water is packed with attractions like The Model Village, Birdland Park & Gardens, The Dragonfly Maze, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection. It’s a place that appeals to both young and old. Here’s a list of must-visit spots.
The Model Village
This unique attraction is a miniature replica of Bourton-on-the-Water from the 1930’s, complete with intricate details. The most fascinating feature? There’s a model village within the model village and it repeats multiple times! Arrive early to experience it crowd-free and feel like a giant wandering through this charming, scaled-down village.
Timings: 10 am to 5:30 pm
Duration: 30 mins to 1 hour
Ticket Cost:
Adults: £4.5
Child (3 to 13 years): £3.5
Senior(over 60): £4
Birdland Park & Gardens
Birdland is ideal for those keen to see penguins, flamingos, pelicans, and other exotic birds. Home to over 140 species, it’s the only spot in the UK with a colony of king penguins. The penguin enclosure, featuring both adults and adorable chicks, is truly special. When they sleep, they are so motionless you might mistake them for statues. Birdland also has two types of flamingos: one with elegant pink and white plumage and the other with vibrant orange feathers. Another intriguing bird is the the Pied Avocet, notable for its striking white and black plumage and thin, needle-like beak that curves slightly upward. Observing these magnificent birds is truly mesmerizing. With its diverse array of birds in all colours and sizes, Birdland offers a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. Within Birdland, you can also explore the Jurassic Journey, a fun and engaging experience for dinosaur enthusiasts.
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Duration: 1 hour to 1.5 hours
Ticket Cost:
Adult: £13.95
Child: £10.5
Senior/Student: £12.95
You can book tickets online through the Birdland official site and receive a £1 discount per ticket. However, the savings are more worthwhile when booking for at least two people, as there is a £1.50 online booking fee.
The Dragonfly Maze
Mazes are always intriguing, and this one comes with an added twist of 14 clues to solve along the way. It’s a fun-filled activity for adults and kids alike. Limited number of people are allowed inside the maze to avoid overcrowding. So be sure to get here on a weekday or as early as possible on a weekend.
Timings: 10 am to 4 pm (Closed on Thursdays)
Duration: 30 minutes to 45 minutes
Ticket Cost:
Adult: £4.5
Child(4 to 14): £3.5
Senior: £4
Family: £15
(2 adults and 2 children)
Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection
The museum showcases a vast collection of vintage cars, motorbikes, and old toys spread across eight rooms. Some artefacts even hang from the ceiling. It makes a lasting impression on visitors, whether they’re car enthusiasts or not. Don’t miss Brum!
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
Duration: 1 hour to 1.5 hours
Ticket Cost:
Adult: £8.5
Children (ages 5-16): £5.75
Family: £26
Group: £7.75
Quaint little Shops
Explore Bourton-on-the-Water’s quaint, elegantly adorned shops, each reflecting the village’s character and charm. Many stores feature local crafts. Cotswold Sheepskin Limited offers beautiful handbags, leather jackets, and accessories, while Cotswold Perfumery provides an array of original fragrances. The Cotswold Shop features elegant Moorcroft pottery, while Bourton’s Little Sweet Shop offers a delightful selection of amazing fudge. With so many unique shops, you’ll find it hard to resist picking up a few treasures.
River Windrush and the pretty bridges
The pristine, gentle River Windrush meanders through Bourton-on-the-Water, adding an undeniable charm and timeless beauty. Trees line both sides of the river, and low stone bridges enhance the tranquil scene. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxed stroll and soaking in the serene atmosphere.
When is it the best time to visit Bourton-on-the-Water?
Bourton-on-the-Water is a delightful destination year-round. However, July and August can be quite crowded. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant weather, making them ideal times to visit. Just be sure to carry an umbrella or raincoat, as showers can occur unexpectedly. On the day we visited, a raincoat was especially handy during a sudden shower.
Where to eat in Bourton-on-the-Water?
Bustling cosy bakeries and cafes
Bourton-on-the-Water offers a wonderful array of bakeries and cafes. For a quick bite, visit The Cornish Bakery, famous for its raspberry jam croissant and vegetable vegan pasty, open from 9 am to 6 pm. Another must-visit is Bakery-on-the-Water, known for its freshly baked bread and sides, open from 8 am to 5 pm. The Den offers vegan-friendly bagels and baguettes and is open from 8:30 am to 5 pm. For a sweet treat, try the gelato at Box Bush, also open from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
If you want to avoid common pitfalls when eating out as a vegetarian, check out our Vegetarian Travel Mistakes to Avoid for helpful tips.
Delightful Restaurants
Bourton-on-the-Water is often called the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” and Venezia Italian Restaurant captures this theme with its Venetian-inspired cuisine, open from 10 am to 10 pm. For burgers, Smiths is a great choice, serving lunch from 12 pm to 4:30 pm and dinner from 6 pm to 9 pm. A short walk from the town centre, you’ll find The Mousetrap Inn, an 18th-century traditional inn. For wood-fired pizza, visit Oli Bonny Wood Fired Pizza, which offers gluten-free and vegan options.
How long should you stay in Bourton-on-the-Water?
You can explore much of what Bourton-on-the-Water has to offer in a day. However, since it’s a popular destination, it tends to get crowded during the day. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the village’s charm in the peaceful evenings when the crowds have dispersed.
Where to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water?
Chester House Hotel
This modern inn offers a central location without being directly on the main road, providing a quiet yet convenient stay. Rooms can be booked for around £140 if reserved a couple of months in advance. Check-in is at 3 pm, and check-out is at 11 am. Guests can enjoy a complimentary full English breakfast, and there’s an on-site Italian eatery. Parking is available as well.
Address: Victoria St, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2BU
The Old New Inn
This charming 18th-century inn is located right next to the Model Village, offering a unique stay. Rooms are available for a minimum of two days, with rates around £160. Check-in is at 3 pm, and check-out is at 11 am. A complimentary breakfast is included, and guests also gain access to the Model Village. Parking is available for convenience.
Address: Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54, UK
The Mousetrap Inn
This family-run inn is just a 5-minute walk from the town centre, offering convenience and comfort. Rates are around £140, with complimentary breakfast and parking included. Check-in is at 3 pm, and check-out is at 11 am.
Address: Lansdowne, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2AR
Chestnuts Bed and Breakfast
Set in a 300-year-old building, this centrally located B&B offers rooms for £120. Guests can enjoy free breakfast and parking. Check-in is at 3:00 pm, and check-out is at 10:00 am.
Address: High St, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2AN
Head over to Bourton-on-the-Water
Why wait any longer? Pack a raincoat, start early in the morning, and head over to Bourton-on-the-Water. Discover the many attractions and enjoy the beauty this charming village has to offer. And if you’re looking to extend your adventure, why not venture west to explore the canal-side charm of nearby Hungerford?
