The 10 Best Things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water, England

September 12, 2021 Hector Krause

Bourton-on-the-Water is a village and civil parish in Gloucestershire, England that lies on a wide flat vale within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village had a population of 3,296 inhabitants at the 2011 census making it a rather large village as its population actually exceeds those of nearby Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford, both of which are considered small market towns.
Restaurants in Bourton-on-the-Water

1. The Cotswold Brewing Company

College Farm Stow Road, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2HN England +44 1451 824488 [email protected] http://www.cotswoldbrew.co
Excellent
95%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 193 reviews

The Cotswold Brewing Company

*Please check our website for available tour dates. All tours must be booked in advance.* The Cotswold Brewing Company is a specialist keg lager microbrewery nestled in the beautiful Cotswolds. We brew a range of lagers and IPA and cider, as well as gin and vodka. We are all about premium quality, community engagement and passion for life. Please note, all tours must be booked in advance as they do not run every day. Our Brewery Shop is open daily 10am until 2pm.

Reviewed By robbH3046MC

Our group of eight had a great afternoon on the brewery tour , Nigel our ‘tour guide’ was exceptionally knowledgeable on all aspects of the brewery and made the whole event great fun. We sampled ALL the beers on offer with generous sampling measures and a couple of surprise freebies !!! Thank you Nigel for ‘opening up’ over the Christmas holidays , much appreciated. Would thoroughly recommend this tour.

2. Greystones Farm

Greystones Lane, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2EN England +44 1452 383333 [email protected] http://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk
Excellent
86%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 22 reviews

Greystones Farm

Greystones, located close to Bourton-on-the-Water, is a unique place for people and wildlife, with a history stretching back 6,000 years. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its wildflower meadows. Follow the ‘Time Trail’ or ‘Wildlife Trail’ to explore Greystones’ archaeology and rare trees, ancient hedgerows, the River Eye, and a lake teaming with wildlife. Nature reserve opening times: Open to the public all year, 24/7. Cafe opening times: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (and bank holiday Mondays) 10am-4pm. The cafe is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Discovery Barn opening times: staffed by volunteers and open intermittently. Please call ahead if you would like to ensure the Discovery Barn is open. Parking: Parking is available for blue-badge holders at Greystones, all other vehicles must park in the village – it’s just a short distance to reach us. Dogs: Dogs are very welcome at Greystones, but are not allowed inside the cafe or Discovery Barn.

Reviewed By Spa2Junkie - Staffordshire, United Kingdom

Amazing countryside with lovely walks, lot's of different paths all within a few miles of Bourtonon the water, easy walks skirting the lakes ,then extend to returnv via Moor lane to the beautiful village with plentiful tea rooms for that special reward..

3. Birdland

Rissington Road Parking: what3words ///pizza.bulky.strikers, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN England +44 1451 820480 http://www.birdland.co.uk/
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,994 reviews

Birdland

Birdland is delighted to be able to welcome visitors back in line with government guidance. The health and safety of all our visitors and staff is of utmost importance to us and we have introduced some additional measures to ensure social distancing can be maintained including setting restrictions on daily admissions, pausing all keeper talks and feeding displays and closing indoor attractions. Two hour timed tickets will need to be pre-booked in advance on the website. For more information on all the steps we’re taking to ensure the safety of our visitors and to see what attractions will be open, please click here: https://www.birdland.co.uk/birdland-reveals-re-opening-plans/ Birdland in Bourton-on-the-Water is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland, creating a picturesque canopy of the winding River Windrush.

Reviewed By doreent192 - Bristol, United Kingdom

What a great place to see so many species of birds. Set in lovely well cared for grounds, this is a must see if you are visiting this area. Ideal for adults and children alike, disabled friendly, there is so much to see. You can watch at designated feeding times, meet a keeper, and just stroll from area to area seeing these beautiful birds. Jurassic area that children just love, picnic tables set around, aheltered seating areas, and a lovely cafe for light snacks/meals and drinks. All set in the delightful Bourton on the water in the Cotswolds, at a very reasonable price. We shall be back

4. Cotswold Motoring Museum

The Old Mill Sherborne Street, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BY England +44 1451 821255 [email protected] http://www.cotswoldmotoringmuseum.co.uk
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,898 reviews

Cotswold Motoring Museum

Located in the picturesque village of Bourton on the Water, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is a fascinating journey through the 20th century that the whole family can enjoy. The Museum is bulging with great cars, quaint caravans, precarious looking motorcycles, enamel signs and an intriguing collection of motoring curiosities! Brum, the BBC TV's little super hero car whose adventures start and end at the museum can be found here every day.

Reviewed By daisyhall - The Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, United Kingdom

This is a very quaint very English type of museum like walking back in time to your grandparents garage. Great displays jam packed with memorabilia from the past so much to look at . Brilliant price admission £6.50 per adult. Great range and great for a motor enthusiast into collecting toy cars as there are so cars many in the cabinets dinky and Corgis from the past all the old cars are polished to perfection. A real novelty museum to bring children and grandparents . A collectors haven.

5. The Dragonfly Maze

Rissington Road, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BN England [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/263839673720898/posts/2733236850114489/
Excellent
65%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 760 reviews

The Dragonfly Maze

A traditional yew hedge maze but with a twist! At The Dragonfly Maze, instead of simply trying to find your way to the centre you have to find the 14 clues dotted around our pathways. Only then will you be able to discover the Golden Dragonfly hidden inside the ornate central pavilion. Great fun whether you are 5 or 75.Been to visit us before?Then ask about our extra puzzle!Do our "Village Trail" around Bourton (£1)Take a walk around our beautiful village picking up clues along the way. If you can answer our hidden question come back to us to claim your "Village Genius" sticker! PRICES ADULT £4.50; SENIOR £4; CHILD (4-14) £3.50; Under 4yrs free; FAMILY TICKET 2 ADULTS + 2 CHILDREN £15. Check out The Dragonfly Maze Facebook page for up to date info - especially COVID-19 restrictions.

Reviewed By MagicHamilton

We visited the dragonfly maze on a trip with friends in September, despite all the troubles with COVID-19 the maze was set up perfectly to protect its guests from the pandemic. Yes, there was a slight wait but that allowed you freedom within the maze to complete it without having to worry about encountering others within. The maze itself, actually got lost a few times which is exactly what you want from a maze! With the added element of the challenge throughout and the task at the end this was a really great fun activity and nice way to spend 20 minutes (Give or take) of the day. I wasn’t with children but this is PERFECT for kids. The owner was also lovely, recommending us variations places to visit and to dine whilst on our stay in Boughton-on-the-Water.

6. Windrush

Bourton-on-the-Water GL542AP England +44 1285 623000 http://www.cotswold.gov.uk
Excellent
58%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 73 reviews

Windrush

Reviewed By KiwiKerry53 - Wellington, New Zealand

Lovely river, flowing through the main street of the quaint Cotswold Village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Stone bridges and ducks add to the character of this lovely village. Lovely to stroll along, while enjoying the atmosphere.

7. Bourton on the Water

Windrush river, Bourton-on-the-Water England +44 7554 519243 http://www.bourtoninfo.com
Excellent
60%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 453 reviews

Bourton on the Water

Reviewed By V2078NQangelac - Wicklow, Ireland

I can understand why this charming village is called Venice of the Cotswolds.The weather was wonderful and we enjoyed walking along the river and crossing the low bridges and meandering in and out of quaint little shops. It has a charming atmosphere.We went to the Cotswolds motoring and toy museum which is a must .We needed mote time to take it all in.

8. The Model Village

Rissington Road The Old New Inn, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2AF England +44 1451 820467 [email protected] http://www.theoldnewinn.co.uk/model-village.html
Excellent
34%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
7%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,718 reviews

The Model Village

Grade II listed 1/9th scale replica of the village of Bourton on the Water, open every day except Christmas Day.

Reviewed By PollyD_11 - London, United Kingdom

All the family enjoyed our visit, the models are really good with such attention to detail.... we loved the perfect dry stone walls and being able to look into the buildings, especially the churches.

9. St Lawrence's Church

Bourton-on-the-Water England http://www.bourtonparishchurch.co.uk/
Excellent
43%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
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Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 49 reviews

St Lawrence's Church

Reviewed By grandmatricia - Taunton, United Kingdom

This is a beautiful old church, which has been sympathetically updated to give a warmer welcome - literally, with underfloor heating - and extra seating capacity, with a balcony. Unfortunately, we didn't get to a Sunday sevice, but I certainly wish we had.

10. Bourton on the Water Visitor Information Centre

Victoria Street, Bourton-on-the-Water England +44 1451 820211 http://www.bourtoninfo.com/
Excellent
49%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 238 reviews

Bourton on the Water Visitor Information Centre

Reviewed By treveatamadden1959 - Wolverhampton, United Kingdom

Had a lovely day out here,pretty little village, on a stream running through the middle,plenty of gifts shops ,craft shops,and places to eat,good quality food at reasonable prices. Have visited on numerous occasions, seasonal events,lovely atmosphere, would recommend a visit,gets really busy during the summer months

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