Bourton-on-the-Water

Travel Guide

Bourton-on-Water featuring a river or creek and a garden
Bourton-on-Water featuring a garden, a bridge and a river or creek
Bourton-on-Water featuring a small town or village and street scenes as well as an individual male
Bourton-on-Water featuring a river or creek and a park
Bourton-on-Water showing signage and heritage elements

The Little Venice of the Cotswolds is a storybook village famous for its stone houses, riverside cafés, museums and welcoming pubs.

Bourton-on-the-Water is a pretty village of striking honey-colored stone architecture set within a glorious countryside. With a tranquil river, craft shops and waterfront cafés, it’s the epitome of a Cotswold village. Developed by the Saxons and once a Roman outpost, Bourton-on-the-Water became an important wool trading center during the Industrial Revolution.

The village straddles the River Windrush, a slowly rippling waterway crossed by several elegant footbridges. Admire the grand 15th- and 16th-century stone houses that frame the river and double as bakeries, banks, boutiques, restaurants and museums. Stroll along the water’s edge and relax beneath the shade of majestic trees while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Visit notable historical landmarks, including Victoria Hall from the late 19th century. St. Lawrence’s Church replaced a Norman structure and has a chancel built in 1328. Experience 350 years of ecclesiastical history at the Bourton-on-the-Water Baptist Church.

Be sure to explore the Model VillageOpens in a new window, a miniature replica of the village center made from locally sourced stone and real trees. See an impressive collection of over 40 working model trains at Bourton Model Railway Exhibition and Toy Shop. Admire the exhibits of vintage cars and antique toys at the Cotswold Motor Museum and Toy Collection.

See wildlife at Cotswold Birdland Park and Gardens, which houses about 500 exotic and rare birds in a natural woodland environment. Find the clues to solve a puzzle and reach the center of a hedge labyrinth at the Dragonfly Maze.

After a day of activities, enjoy the welcoming charm of 18th-century pubs such as the Mousetrap Inn and the Old New Inn. Take a guided tour of the Cotswold Brewing Company, located a short drive from the village center.

Bourton-on-the-Water is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) east of CheltenhamOpens in a new window and 33 miles (53 kilometers) west of OxfordOpens in a new window. Great for daytrips, Cheltenham is also an ideal base for exploring other scenic towns and villages in the Cotswolds. Broadway, Moreton-in-Marsh and Winchcombe are all less than a 30-minute drive away.

Old Bank Rooms
Old Bank Rooms
3 out of 5
High Street, Cheltenham, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$185 nightly
The price is $223 total per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
$223 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Cheltenham. Enjoy free breakfast and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions The Model Village and Cotswold Motoring Museum are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (96 reviews)
Clean & comfy
"Easily parked in large car park 5mins away, £20 for 24hrs. We were able to check in early but if couldn’t we would have had to leave luggage in the car as there is nowhere to leave it as it’s an unmanned property. Had one minor issue as my email with the key code didn’t come through, I rang the emergency ..."

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Old Bank Rooms
The Dial House
The Dial House
3.5 out of 5
High Street, Bourton-on-Water, Cheltenham, England
$221 nightly
The price is $266 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$266 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star inn in Cheltenham. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (224 reviews)
"Right in the middle of town , walkable"

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

The Dial House
Old Manse Hotel Bourton by Greene King Inns
Old Manse Hotel Bourton by Greene King Inns
3 out of 5
Victoria Street, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham, England
$159 nightly
The price is $191 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$191 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star inn in Cheltenham. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Cotswold ...
7.6/10 Good! (380 reviews)
"Fabulous family reunion"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Old Manse Hotel Bourton by Greene King Inns
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Two bedroom holiday cottage with garden and off-street parking, Bourton-on-the-Water - North House
Two bedroom holiday cottage with garden and off-street parking, Bourton-on-the-Water - North House
Bourton-on-the-Water
Stay at this cottage in Cheltenham. Enjoy a garden and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Cotswold Motoring Museum and Bourton Model Railway Exhibition ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
Lovely home, garden, and location
"Had a great time. Nice garden to relax in, and well appointed small home for a family holiday. And the location couldn’t have been better."

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

Two bedroom holiday cottage with garden and off-street parking, Bourton-on-the-Water - North House
Characterful 16th Century Cottage, off street parking, 2 Min Walk to Village!
Characterful 16th Century Cottage, off street parking, 2 Min Walk to Village!
Bourton-on-the-Water
Stay at this cottage in Cheltenham. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions The Model Village and Birdland Park and Gardens are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (127 reviews)
A wonderful stai in the Cotswolds
"We spent a relaxing 2 weeks in this gorgeous period cottage. Dawn and Bette were excellent hosts and have attended to every need. Comfortable bedding, quiet and very cosy surroundings. Although only a couple of minutes from the main street it is very private and quiet. We made an excellent choice, ..."

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2025

Characterful 16th Century Cottage, off street parking, 2 Min Walk to Village!
Enchanting Grade II listed,Log Burner,allocated parking,town centre but secluded
Enchanting Grade II listed,Log Burner,allocated parking,town centre but secluded
Bourton-on-the-Water
Stay at this cottage in Cheltenham. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Bourton Model Railway Exhibition and Cotswold ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (158 reviews)
Wonders of Bourton
"Love all things and place, great location.Cabin captured us and felt like a quant holiday home that you would want to stay at.Thanks to the host Peter for having such a captivating place."

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Enchanting Grade II listed,Log Burner,allocated parking,town centre but secluded
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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