Things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water, England: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

February 8, 2022 Franklyn Hardiman

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. Private Cotswold Villages from London: Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold

Kingdom Private Tours
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Your expert guide will take you to a number of stunning English villages in the Cotswold region of the UK, near the city of Oxford, during this 10-hour journey. Enjoy free 4G WiFi to use all day inside the vehicle. You will be provided with free water to enjoy inside the vehicle as well. You will even get to stop at a secret place along the way to ensure you really do get that 'wow' factor. Your guide will know all the best places to stop and get that perfect photo and will even take them for you to make sure all of your group is in the photo together.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Bottled water, Professional guide/driver, Private small-group tour, Transport by private vehicle with working air-conditioning and heating and passenger sliding doors, Vehicle will seat 6 to 8 clients depending on group size we use brands like Ford, Mercedes, Hunyadi, Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Entrance fees. All entry tickets to all chargeable sites need to be purchased by the client direct from the site's own website in advance. You may also purchase them on the day direct from the site, but this may take longer due to queue times and may cost more, Lunch, Gratuities, We do not use coaches for tours we use 7 to 9 seater minivans

Reviewed By Dr_Ooo

First, let me begin by saying that this review is SUPER LONG OVERDUE! My deepest apologies Nikhil! Second, HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER from across the pond (we share the same birthday)!!! I hope this message finds you and yours well during this strange time. Dec 2018 my family made plans to take my mother, who’s never been abroad, to London. My sis (whose birthday is 4.17) booked this tour for the 5 of us. We were Nikhil’s 2nd tour, but we would have never known had he not told us. Nikhil’s love for country, joy, and overall exuberance is infectious. He never lost momentum, energy, and we never wanted for information. Every question from London, to Windsor Castle, to Stonehenge, to Bath, Nikhil could answer it all!! We lucked out! Anyone blessed enough to have Nikhil as their guide/historian is fortunate and any company smart enough to employ him must know how much of an asset he is professional, and how beautiful an individual he is personally. As mommy told you Nikhil, your mum raised you right! Thank you for the joy of your presence and for making our trip to London memorable!! Hope you’re birthday’s been a blast!! I had ice cream cake for breakfast!!

2. Private Cotswold Village Tour (for your group only)

Moreton in Marsh, Station, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0DE, UK Experience the Cotswolds Tours
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

THIS TOUR IS EXCLUSIVE TO YOUR GROUP ONLY Having lived in the Cotswolds for over 50 years we know where the hidden gems are, we have also worked in the hospitality industry for many years. This EXCLUSIVE tour is for your group ONLY from 2-11 passengers. Why not come up from London Paddington or Oxford on the train and we can meet you at Moreton in Marsh train station. We have pick up points in Cheltenham, Winchcombe, Broadway and Moreton in Marsh (if you can't reach those points please contact us to see if we can help) Our beautiful Cotswold tour takes you on a stunning journey through many villages and towns, all in the comfort of our luxury vehicles. The tour does a loop from Winchcombe to Stanway - Stanton - Broadway (we stop here for 30 minutes) - Broadway Tower - Chipping Campden - Moreton in Marsh, Stow on the Wold - The Slaughters - Bourton on the Water (we stop here for 30 minutes) - Guiting Power - Winchcombe We can stop at any of these villages for you take a photos

Inclusions: Bottled water

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Reviewed By vijay24s

We were picked up by Pete and Mal from the DeVere and taken around some of the most scenic locations in the Cotswolds. We would have never seen any of these sites had it not been for this tour. Mal and Pete kept the tour light hearted and were full of interesting facts about the locations. They also kept our 12 & 9 year olds engrossed with interesting stories. Due to the pandemic we were the only family. The vehicle was spotless and sanitisers and water was provided for us. There was also a shield between the front rows where Mal and Pete were and the back, where we were sat. The whole experience was exceptional and I cant recommend the tour enough.

3. Private Full Day Excursion to the Cotswolds in an Iconic London Black Cab

Bespoke Black Cab Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Spend a fantastic day out of the city and visit the Cotswolds, a protected 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', truly one of the most beautiful areas of the country and for sure full of those picture perfect quintessential English market towns villages and hamlets, places like Burford the 'Gateway to the Cotswolds', Stow, the highest market town inn the cotswolds, Bourton on the Water, Venice of the Cotswolds, and the village of Lower Slaughter, regularly voted the prettiest village in the Cotswolds. Please note this is a Full Day excursion, so you are advised not to make any bookings for the evening!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Fuel surcharge, Parking Fees, refreshments provided in the taxi

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, any entrance fees to sites, personal expenses

Reviewed By shazzay2020

What a fantastic day, Paul was very professional,very knowledgeable, answered all questìons, in my opinion the best way to see the festive lights and at the same time see the sights of London ....highly recommended..5 star experience.

4. Downton Abbey and the Cotswolds

Oxford Visitor Information Centre, 15-16 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AS, UK Cotswold Exploring
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Take a trip back in time to the set of Downton Abbey on our full-day tour to Highclere Castle and the Cotswolds.  Our tour departs from Oxford and takes you first to Highclere Castle,  the splendid home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon.  You have a chance to visit the castle and see where the filming took place and also to visit the beautiful castle grounds.  We then take you to the delightful village of Bampton which was the backdrop for the village of Downton.  Enjoy lunch in the Swan pub at Swinbrook and then an enchanting drive stopping in some of the quaint villages of the North Cotswolds before returning to Oxford.

Inclusions: Blue Badge guide, Live commentary on board, Bottled water, Entrance ticket to Highclere Castle, Pick up from North Oxford Hotels on request , Pick up from Oxford Station on request

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By jennifercF805IS

My husband and I recently went on the half day Cotswolds taster tour and had an incredible time! The tour began with the introduction of our two fab guides who were so knowledgable and friendly. They greeted us wearing face masks and shields which put us at ease right away. They greeted me by name as well, impressive! We met them on Broad street which has some cafes that open early so make sure to grab one to go. We are local to Oxford but don’t have a car and this was perfect for a day out of the city to see the country. We sat socially distant from the guides and they even had sanitiser and water on hand if we needed it. They opened the door for us and kept themselves socially distant which was important. They were very professional and got to know us so they could customise the tour a bit to show us more churches and schools which we were interested in. I really loved our first stop at Minster Lovell and my favourite spot was Bourton on the Water. We will be going back to those places for sure. They definitely have more to see including historic sights and shops in those two places. Honestly the day was perfect and we felt like VIPs. This was the best half day taster tour and we are already planning to go again once restrictions are lifted. We even gave our families and friends their contact to book tours because we were so impressed. Fantastic driving Dave and Ed was so knowledgable about the area. Great communication with us pre tour and post. Thanks so much and definitely worth booking!

5. Cotswold and Oxford private group day tour from Watford

Watford Junction Station Car Park, 42 Woodford Rd, Watford WD17 1PA, UK John Ganly
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This tour is designed for a small private group and can accommodate up to 16 passengers. You can be sure of a nice friendly atmosphere in a modern comfortable nifty minibus capable of taking the small roads and side streets, avoiding heavy traffic when necessary. Also this makes for a more interesting tour as you will be taken through beautiful small country roads where the bigger coaches cannot go. No time wasted loading and unloading gives you much more time to enjoy your tour of the Cotswold. Your experienced friendly driver/guide will point out places of interest throughout the journey and you will see famous villages buildings and monuments, the best of the Cotswold and Oxford. Your guide will make sure that you are comfortable at all times and enjoying a day to remember in the beautiful english Countryside.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

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6. Tour of the Cotswolds from Stratford-upon-Avon

Go Cotswolds
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5.0 based on 102 reviews

Award-winning guided small-group minibus tours of the Cotswolds from Stratford-upon-Avon. Experience the Cotswolds with a local guide in a small and friendly group size of up to 16 people. We'll explore picture-postcard Cotswold towns and villages including Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water, as well as the stunning Dover's Hill viewpoint and our "secret" off-the-beaten-track village, which many customers agree is a highlight of the tour! The ticket price includes a pick-up from all accommodation providers in Stratford-upon-Avon, or from Stratford-upon-Avon rail station.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (Stratford-upon-Avon only), Local driver/guide, Transport by minibus

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Lunch

Reviewed By Sorrento20

We saw so much more of the Cotswold's as our guide Tom took us on all the back roads to see sights we hadn't visited before. Highly recommended for a good day out.

7. Cotswold Taster Tour from Oxford

Oxford Visitor Information Centre, 15-16 Broad St, Oxford OX1 3AS, UK Cotswold Exploring
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4.9 based on 12 reviews

The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which has inspired artists, writers and philosophers for many centuries.  Come and discover idyllic English villages, nestling in quiet valleys, small stone thatched cottages, majestic castles and manors, and charming high streets peppered with quaint tea shops and antiques shops. Let your knowledgeable guides show you the English countryside at its best. This is an extended half-day tour from Oxford, ideal for those who would love to see some of the Cotswold villages, but cannot spare a whole day.  

Inclusions: Blue Badge guide, Hotel drop-off (select hotels only), Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Bottled water and select beverages, Pick up and drop off on request from hotels in North Oxford, Pick up and drop off from Oxford Railway Station on request.

Exclusions: Meals not included

Reviewed By Karen S

My friend booked a tour to the cotswolds for my birthday, we wasn’t disappointed we had a really fantastic time, our tour guild Isobel and David was very knowledgable and interesting, we had a great time. I would strongly recommend this company very professional.

8. Classic Cotswolds Private Tour

Moreton-in-Marsh GL56, UK Cotswolds Adventures
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4.9 based on 109 reviews

This private tour of the Cotswolds takes in the best of the North Cotswolds stopping at many of the places you would wish to see if you only have one day in the area. Leave all the planning to us and tour the area with a local driver-guide in and executive vehicle. We use quiet country lanes and pass through stunning countryside and off-the-beaten track Cotswold villages. On a typical tour you will visit towns such as Broadway, Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water as well as less touristed spots such as Snowshill and Upper and Lower Slaughter. There is the option to visit one of the many gardens or manor houses in the area and to take a lunch in a traditional pub or afternoon tea in a tearoom. All tours are private and full bespoke so we are happy to tailor the day to suit your individual needs or preferences. Beat the crowds and enjoy the beauty of the Cotswolds on a private tour.

Inclusions: 8 hour private tour of the North Cotswolds, Full control over itinerary and route, Knowledgeable local driver-guide, Luxury executive style vehicle, Pickup/drop-off within the North Cotswolds

Exclusions: Entrance fees to attractions, Food or refreshments costs, Gratuities, Pick up outside the North Cotswolds

Reviewed By Tom B

We thoroughly enjoyed this cycle tour. Mike was a fantastic tour guide who was very attentive, keeping things entertaining with interesting insights into the area, while ensuring we were all safe on the roads. The bikes are in top condition which was a nice surprise. The route was quite hard work at times due to the hilly nature of the Cotswolds, so try to be in relatively good shape! Nevertheless the hard work pays off with great views, and Mike never made us feel rushed. There are easier routes also from what I understood, so check which one you are doing if that is an issue.

9. Tour of the Cotswolds from Moreton-in-Marsh

Moreton in Marsh, Station, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0DE, UK Go Cotswolds
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4.9 based on 141 reviews

Award-winning guided small-group minibus tours of the Cotswolds from Moreton-in-marsh. Experience the Cotswolds with a local guide in a small and friendly group size of up to 16 people. We'll explore picture-postcard Cotswold towns and villages including Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water, as well as the stunning Dover's Hill viewpoint and our "secret" off-the-beaten-track village, which many customers agree is a highlight of the tour! The ticket price includes a pick-up from Moreton-in-Marsh rail station, making it convenient for people who are staying in Moreton-in-Marsh, or for those joining our tour by train from London, Reading, Oxford or Worcester.

Inclusions: Pickup from Moreton-in-Marsh Railway Station, Local driver/guide, Transport by minibus

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Lunch

Reviewed By AJ S

The Go Cotswolds tour from Stratford Upon Avon is probably the best and most affordable and extensive tour you can take in the beautiful and quaint Cotswolds. We were staying in Chipping Campden and the tour bus picked us up right outside our hotel. Since it was September 2020 we were in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic and so precautions had to be taken. We had to hand sanitise each time we entered the tour bus and had to wear our masks at all times. The bus surfaces were regularly cleaned. The tour itself was very scenic, extensive and exciting especially if you are travelling to the Cotswolds for the first time and want a taster of every town in the area. The tour encompassed Chipping Campden, Dover Hill, Broadway Tower, Stow on the wold, Bibury and Bourton on the water. I loved all stops but the one which I found to be quintessential Cotswolds was the town of Bibury with it's beautiful Arlington Row. I am pretty sure most people would agree with me on that one as its picture postcard Cotswolds. The town which I found to be the most lively was certainly Bourton on the water with many day trippers from London and a wide selection of pubs and restaurants by the river. The tour guide was very informative and provided us with a detailed history of the region and extensive knowledge of the area. He is local to the region. I would give our tour guide a 10/10 when it comes to knowledge about the Cotswolds , it's history and it's culture. I would highly recommend taking this tour and would not think twice about booking another.

10. Cotswold Discovery Trail Self-Guided Tour

Badminton GL9 1AJ, UK Cotswold Discovery Trail
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4.9 based on 8 reviews

The COTSWOLD DISCOVERY TRAIL is a self guided private tour enabled by our beautifully designed maps and Trail Pack. There are 2 day long Trails to do. Avoid expensive tour guides, the map is your guide. Explore things on your own, at your own pace with the confidence you know where you are going. The centrepiece of the Trail Pack is a fold out map. There is a Trail on each side, one for the North & South Cotswolds. The Trails are circular to complete in a car, structured around many stops where you explore on foot. There are many start points, so you finish where you start, which is the most convenient place for you. The maps offer comprehensive directions, are packed full of interesting information and loaded with questions and clues to answer which illuminate further on your surroundings. If you have a limited time in the Cotswolds this is the best way to see a lot of it.

Inclusions: Your Complete Discovery Trail Pack

Exclusions: We do not provide the vehicle for you to complete the Trails in., You will also need some small change for some town car parks., No guarantees of good weather.

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