A Weekend in Bourton on the Water: Where to Stay, Eat, and Go
Updated: Aug 7
At a Glance: Bourton on the Water Weekend Guide
Location: Heart of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire (off the A429).
Nearest Train Station: Moreton-in-Marsh (direct from London Paddington).
Best For: Families, dog owners, and countryside walkers.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning (before 10 AM) or early evening (after 6 PM) or out of peak season
Bourton on the Water is one of the most-visited villages in the Cotswolds, a place of childhood memories and iconic views. The village is known as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ thanks to the shallow River Windrush running through the centre, criss-crossed with low stone bridges - but unlike the canals the river runs crystal clear and is ideal for paddling!
Bourton is also a great base for exploring the wider Cotswolds and has easy walking access to the surrounding countryside, including the Cotswold Way. Here is our practical guide to visiting this lovely village - where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of it without getting swallowed by the crowds.
Getting to Bourton on the Water
By Car: Bourton on the Water is situated just off the A429 (Fosse Way), approximately 90 minutes from London and 30 minutes from Cheltenham.
By Train & Bus: The nearest railway stations are Moreton-in-Marsh and Kingham, both running direct services from London Paddington. From Moreton-in-Marsh, take the local bus (such as the 801 route) or a 20-minute taxi directly into the village.
Where to Stay in Bourton on the Water
To experience Bourton as a local, self-catering cottages are the only option - you have to come to the Cotswolds and stay in a famous honey-coloured cottage! They also give you the most flexibility for lazy mornings or late nights.
Local Tip: Public parking in the village fills up rapidly during peak season. All of our Bourton on the Water holiday cottages include free on-site parking, which is worth factoring into your stay.
Things To Do in Bourton on the Water
A Day In The Village
Start early, before the day-trippers arrive - Bourton is at its best before 10am. Pick up a morning coffee from Bakery on the Water, walk the length of the river through the village and browse the independent shops.
Visit Birdland Park & Gardens, home to England’s only breeding group of King Penguins - great for children or nature enthusiasts. Next door to Birdland is the Dragonfly Maze where you can burn off some energy trying to make your way out!
In the centre of the village is The Cotswold Motoring Museum, home to everyone’s favourite childhood TV car, Brum, as well as rare vehicles and memorabilia. See the Bourton of a hundred years ago at the world famous Model Village, a perfect replica of 1930s Bourton created from local stone by craftsmen - see if you can spot your cottage!
In the summer months, eating an ice cream with your feet dangling in the river is a must!
Beyond the Village
Bourton is a great base for day trips. For walkers, the footpath to the Slaughters (Upper and Lower) is one of the most rewarding short walks in the Cotswolds - around 2.5 miles round trip, mostly flat. You can also combine it with a drink at the Hawkstone Brewery.
A 15 minute drive away is Stow on the Wold, a market town great for browsing antique shops and visiting the Instagram-famous Yew door at the church.
Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park is five miles away, a great day out for families, or if wilder animals are your thing you can be at Cotswold Wildlife Park in 20 minutes. Other Cotswold favourites like Broadway Tower, Chedworth Roman Villa and Batsford Arboretum are all less than half an hour away.
We have lots of local recommendations (including some secret spots) that we can share with you!
Where to Eat in Bourton on the Water
You are spoiled for choice for dinner options in Bourton on the Water - we recommend booking ahead on summer weekends and during the school holidays.
The Croft and Old New Inn are your traditional Cotswolds restaurants, and Venezia is a really great Italian. Smith’s of Bourton has officially one of the best burgers in the UK, and Oli Bonny is the place to go for great woodfired pizza.
The Mousetrap Inn is one of our favourites in the village and less than a minute walk from five of our properties (Ivy Cottage, Woodbine Cottage, Lansdowne Cottage, Oakey Cottage and Sycamore House). For a proper Cotswold pub off the beaten track, The Plough Inn at Cold Aston is just up the road (and next door to Greystones Cottage).
Our Bourton on the Water Two Day Itinerary
Day 1: Village Highlights
Morning: Early walk by River Windrush & coffee at Bakery on the Water; visit Model Village
Afternoon: Explore Birdland & Cotswold Motoring Museum; walk up to Hawkstone Brewery for a drink.
Evening: Dinner at Smith’s of Bourton or Venezia and sunset river stroll
Day 2: Countryside & Nearby Towns
Morning: Walk the 2.5-mile trail to Lower Slaughter
Afternoon: Drive to Stow-on-the-Wold for antiques, independent shops & lunch
Evening: Pub dinner at The Plough Inn (Cold Aston)
Is Bourton on the Water Worth Visiting If You Want to Avoid Crowds?
Bourton on the Water is one of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds which means it can get crowded at times - but it’s popular for a reason and is definitely worth visiting. Timing your trip is important if you want to avoid crowds.
Staying in the village is the best way to see it without crowds as you will have it to yourself after the day-trippers leave. In the summer months stroll into the village early in the morning (before 10am) or go for sunset walks along the river (after 7pm) to get uninterrupted photos in the village and see it at its quietest.
Visiting out of peak season (autumn and winter especially) will also give you a much quieter experience than an August Saturday afternoon. If you’re worried about crowds, Bourton on the Water is well located to be able to combine it with day trips to quieter neighbouring villages like Naunton or the Slaughters, which are a short walk or drive away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you need in Bourton on the Water? Half a day covers the village and its main attractions; a full weekend allows time to explore nearby trails, pub dining, and neighboring towns like Stow-on-the-Wold.
Is Bourton on the Water dog-friendly? Yes, the village and surrounding walks are great for dogs; they especially love paddling in the river! Many local cottages (including all of ours) are dog friendly.
Is there parking in Bourton on the Water? Village-centre parking is limited and paid public parking at Rissington Road Car Park and Station Road Car Park fill up quickly on weekends. Our Bourton on the Water cottages include free parking on-site, which is worth factoring in when your stay.
Is Bourton on the Water worth visiting? It’s an iconic and unique Cotswolds village that you won’t want to miss. There are so many things to visit in the village itself as well as lots of great day trip options - staying Bourton on the Water gives you the best of both worlds.
Browse all our dog friendly cottages in Bourton on the Water here. For an adults-only stay without pets - and an award-winning breakfast included! - take a look at The Lansdowne Bedrooms With Breakfast.
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