Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire

Bourton on the Water, known as "The Venice of the Cotswolds" is an extremely popular village where elegant 18th century stone bridges cross the River Windrush as it flows through the centre of this charming Cotswold village. Located just off the Fosse Way, Bourton is home to a variety of shops, restaurants and art galleries, making it a great place to spend a day or weekend.

Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, Bourton-on-the-Water has accommodation to suit every taste. The village offers a range of charming bed and breakfasts, where you can wake up to the sound of the river gently flowing past your window and enjoy a hearty homemade breakfast before exploring all that the Cotswolds have to offer. For those who prefer more independence, there are plenty of self-catering holiday cottages available.

Things to do in Bourton on the Water

We are often asked 'how much does it cost to get into Bourton-on-the-Water?'. Whilst individual attractions have entrance fees, Bourton itself is a vibrant Cotswold village, not a theme park with an entance fee.

Although Bourton on the Water is a large village as villages go, there are more attractions in Bourton on the Water than you would perhaps expect to find in a destination of its size.

With plenty to see and do, Bourton-on-the-Water grasps the tourism industry with both hands and offers a wealth of visitor attractions. Some of the best things to see and do in Bourton include the Bourton model village behind The Old New Inn pub, Birdland Park and Gardens on Rissington Road, Bourton Model Railway Exhibition on the High Street, Cotswold Perfumery on Victoria Street, classic cars, rare vehicles and motoring memorabilia at the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection at The Old Mill on Sherbourne Street (a must visit for any car fan!), Dragonfly Maze on Rissington Road and Salmonsbury Meadows Nature Reserve, a 44 acre biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

For lovers of history and old buildings, visit the chancel at St Lawrence's Church at Lansdowne/High Street, the oldest part of the building built in the 14th century (1328) by Walter de Burhton. There has been a church on this site since 709 AD.

Most visitors may be unaware of the beautiful Cotswold countryside surrounding the village. Here is a wonderful circular Bourton-on-the-Water walk and route map which takes you through the village and over to Lower Slaughter. There are also a number of great pubs on this route for well earned refreshments. If you are feeling energetic and would like to extend your walk even further (and see some of the best views of the local countryside), here is a walk from Lower Slaughter to Upper Slaughter.

"The Venice of the Cotswolds"

You may or may not know that Bourton on the Water is known as 'the Venice of the Cotswolds' and sometimes 'Little Venice of the Cotswolds'. But why should a village in the Cotswolds, nearly 800 miles 'as the crow flies' and over 1,000 by road from Venice claim such a nickname?

Well it all stems from the low footbridges (though some can also be used by vehicles) which cross the River Windrush as it flows alongide Bourton's High Street. There are 5 of these bridges, constructed of local Cotswold stone, believed to date between 1654 and 1911.

You can see a couple of the bridges in the photos on this page.

Map of Bourton on the Water

A map of Bourton on the Water showing the location of car parks (marked with a blue "P"), The Model Village, St. Lawrence's Church, the High Street and Bourton Visitor Information Centre.

Places to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water

Seeking accommodation in Bourton-on-the-Water? Here are some places to stay in and around the Bourton-on-the-Water area including Bourton hotels such as Chester House Hotel, bed & breakfast including The Lansdowne guest house and and Bourton holiday cottages.

Bellaire Boutique

Bellaire Boutique

Contemporary single storey property in the heart of Bourton on the Water

Bellaire Boutique
Whiteshoots Cottage Bed and Breakfast

Whiteshoots Cottage Bed and Breakfast

Affordable, comfortable and friendly bed & breakfast accommodation just a minute drive from the pretty Cotswold village of Bourton on the Water

Whiteshoots Cottage Bed and Breakfast
The Lansdowne

The Lansdowne

The Lansdowne is a boutique four star silver rated family run guest house located within 200 metres of the centre of the pretty village of Bourton on the Water

The Lansdowne
Chester House Hotel

Chester House Hotel

Chester House Hotel lies in the centre of the Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, known as "The Venice of the Cotswolds".

Chester House Hotel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton on the Water cottage with hot tub

Bourton on the Water cottage with hot tub

If you're planning on staying in the Cotswolds, this Bourton on the Water holiday cottage with a hot tub, is a stylish single storey property enjoying a great location within walking distance of the picturesque high street of Bourton on the Water.

The property sleeps 4 people in 2 bedrooms and accepts 1 dog.

Link: Bourton hot tub cottage.

Permalink: Are there any holiday cottages with a hot tub in Bourton on the Water?

Bourton-on-the-Water has lots of different postcodes, but here are a few to help you out:

  • Cotswold Motoring Museum - GL54 2BY
  • Birdland - GL54 2BN
  • Model Village, Bourton - GL54 2AF
  • Rissington Road Car Park - GL54 2DT

Permalink: What is the Bourton-on-the-Water postcode?

Bourton-on-the-Water is a beautiful village in the Cotswolds, England. It is known for its charming riverside setting, traditional architecture, and many shops and restaurants. Here are some of the things you can do in Bourton-on-the-Water:

Explore the village

Take a stroll along the river, wander through the narrow streets, and admire the honey-colored stone buildings. Bourton-on-the-Water has a wide variety of shops, from independent boutiques to high-end stores.

Explore Bourton in minature at the Model Village

The Model Village in Bourton on the Water can be found behind the Old New Inn and is a one ninth scale model of Bourton-on-the-Water.

Visit Birdland

Birdland Park and Gardens is home to over 500 birds, including parrots, owls, and penguins. There is also a Jurassic Journey section with life-sized dinosaur models.

Visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum

Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection houses a collection of vintage cars, motorcycles, and toys. There is also a driving simulator where you can test your skills behind the wheel.

Have a picnic by the river

There are several spots along the river where you can enjoy a picnic lunch and watch the world go by.

Go for a walk or bike ride

There are many beautiful walking and biking trails in the area. One popular option is the Bourton to the Slaughters walk, which takes you past the picturesque villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter.

What are you waiting for? Visit Bourton-on-the-Water!

Bourton-on-the-Water offers a range of activities and attractions that make it a must-visit destination. From exploring the charming village and its picturesque bridges to visiting unique museums like the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the beautiful scenery by walking along the Windrush Valley or cycling along winding country lanes. Additionally, food lovers will be delighted by the variety of cafes, restaurants, and traditional tea rooms that offer delicious treats. Whether you are looking for history, nature, or simply a relaxing day out, Bourton-on-the-Water has it all. Plan your visit to Bourton-on-the-Water today and discover the magic of this enchanting village firsthand.

Permalink: What is there to do in Bourton on the Water?

There are two chruches in Bourton on the Water. St Lawrence C of E on the High Street (GL54 2AW) and Bourton Baptist Church at Station Road (GL54 2AA).

Permalink: What are the names of the churches in Bourton on the Water?

Establishments in Bourton serving Hawkstone Brewery drinks include The Dial House Hotel, The Old New Inn and The Mousetrap.

Permalink: Does anywhere in Bourton on the Water stock Hawkstone Brewery drinks?

Bourton-on-the-Water has two large pay and display car parks which are open all year round.

One of the car parks is located in Station Road (GL54 2EN). The other can be found in Rissington Road (GL54 2BN).

Both of these car parks are just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Bourton village.

Permalink: Where do you park in Bourton-on-the-Water?

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most popular places to visit in the Cotswolds and, as such, can be busy at certain times of the year.

On a warm summer day the draw of the beautiful River Windrush can attract thousands of people. In fact, the number of tourists can often be greater than the number of residents.

So if you want to avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning before the peak period and enjoy Bourton when the only other tourists may be a few ducks floating down the River Windrush!

Late afternoon and eary evening is also a good time to visit Bourton if you want to avoid the busy periods.

That's not to say you should avoid Bourton at other times of the day. The buzz of Bourton on a warm July day is, perhaps, like no other village in the Cotswolds.

The peak visitor periods are July and August. Outside of these months visitor number are much lower, so if you visit out of season you will experience a much quieter Bourton-on-the-Water.

Link: Bourton-on-the-Water

Permalink: What is the best time to visit Bourton-on-the-Water?

The footbridges crossing the river in Bourton on the Water

The footbridges crossing the river in Bourton on the Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is not a theme park or gated tourist attraction, though there's loads to see and do of course.

Bourton village does not have opening and closing times nor is there an entry fee.

Bourton is a vibrant village in the heart of the Cotswolds, home to around 4,000 residents. The Village is buzzing shops, places to eat and drink, local events, community groups and fantastic small businesses.

So come and visit Bourton-on-the-Water, sit and relax on the village green by the river, maybe even dip your toes in, have a spot of lunch, wander around the shops, say hello to the penguins at Bridland, try not to get lost in the Dragonfly Maze or pretend you're a giant at Bourton Model Village!.

Permalink: How much does it cost to get into Bourton-on-the-Water?

Find a dog-friendly holiday cottage in Bourton-on-the-Water

Find a dog-friendly holiday cottage in Bourton-on-the-Water

A list of holiday cottages in Bourton on the Water, incuding dog friendly cottages can be found on the Cotswolds self catering cottages in Bourton page.

Permalink: Where can I find dog friendly cottages in Bourton on the Water?

Bourton in the water is well-known as 'the Venice of the Cotswolds' due to the five low footbridges (some can also be used by vehicles) which cross the River Windrush as it flows alongide Bourton's High Street. The bridges are believed to date between 1654 and 1911.

Permalink: Why is Bourton-on-the-Water famous?

Due to narrow paths and steps, there is no room for pushchairs to enter the Model Village. There is a pushchair parking area beside the entrance where you can leave your pushchair before taking your children into the Model Village where they will feel like giants among the tiny buildings!

Permalink: Can pushchairs be taken into Bourton Model Village?

Many of the paths around Bourton Model Village are too narrow for wheelchairs. Disabled visitors can gain access to the Model Village through a side gate (free of charge). It is only possible to view the Model Village from the front. Mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs cannot access the Model Village.

Permalink: Is there disabled access to Bourton Model Village?

When visiting The Model Village, there is no need to pre-book tickets, you can pay on arrival for entry. Entrance feess can only be paid by card.

Entrance to Bourton Model Village costs:

Adult £4.50
Senior (over 60) £4.00
Child (3 to 13 years) £3.50
Under 3 Free

Permalink: How much does it cost to visit Bourton Model Village?

Bourton Model Village can be found at the rear of The Old New Inn on Rissington Road.

Find out lots more on our Bourton Model Village page.

Permalink: Where is the model village in Bourton on the Water?

Football in the Water - A Bourton tradition - Thanks to Martin Fenton for the photo

Football in the Water - A Bourton tradition - Thanks to Martin Fenton for the photo

The world famous event of Football in the River takes place in Bourton on the Water every August Bank Holiday. The match usually kicks off around 4pm.

The event sees two teams from Bourton Rovers Football Club play football in the River Windrush which flows through Bourton. Thousands of people line up along side the riverbank to watch the two teams battle it out for the honours.

The Football in the River event has appeared in many TV programmes including when Griff Rhys Jones took part as part a his Cotswold TV show Griff's Great Britain.

The 2023 match took place on Monday 28th August with the coaches winning 4-0.

Permalink: When does 'Football in the River' take place in Bourton on the Water

Bourton on the Water is a village. At the time of the 2011 census, Bourton had a population of 3,296.

Link: Bourton on the Water

Permalink: Is Bourton on the Water a village or a town?

Penguins at Birdland, Bourton-on-the-Water

Penguins at Birdland, Bourton-on-the-Water

You can see over 500 birds at Birdland Park & Gardens on Rissington Road in Bourton on the Water - from magical owls, large cassowary and rare species such as the Waldrapp Ibis.

You can also see flamingos, pelicans, cranes and waterfowl that live in riverside habitats with many more inhabiting over 50 aviaries.

Permalink: How many birds are there at Birdland in Bourton on the Water?

Bourton on the Water is in the English county of Gloucestershire.

Permalink: What county is Bourton on the Water in?

Bourton-on-the-Water is in Gloucestershire, 15 miles east of Cheltenham.

Permalink: Where is Bourton on the Water?

Attractions, businesses and places to visit in the local area

Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection

Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection, Bourton on the Water

An award winning museum in Bourton on the Water hosting one of the UK's best collections of cars, motorcycles, toys and motoring signs.

Smiths Bar & Restaurant

Smiths Bar & Restaurant, Bourton on the Water

Two brothers from Hertfordshire, adapting to these strange times cooking up some serious burgers.

The Model Village

The Model Village, Bourton on the Water

Built during the early thirties, the Village is a 1/9th replica of Bourton-on-the-Water, built from the local Cotswold stone

Birdland Park and Gardens

Birdland Park and Gardens, Bourton on the Water

Home to over 500 birds including Flamingos, Pelicans, Penguins, Cranes and Storks, visitors can enjoy a fun day out at Birdland Park & Gardens with family and friends.

Amelia Rose Ceramics

Amelia Rose Ceramics

Amelia Rose Ceramics is a small independent pottery owned and operated by Amelia Rose Bowen producing a range of unique, handcrafted pieces in her studio near Bourton on the Water

Lower Slaughter

Lower Slaughter, Gloucestershire

Lower Slaughter, a Cotswold village built on both banks of the River Eye, a slow-moving stream crossed by two footbridges, which also flows through Lower Slaughter's twin village Upper Slaughter

Cotswold Clay Club

Cotswold Clay Club, Northleach

A 100 Target Sporting Clay Pigeon Shooting ground set in the heart of the Cotswolds

Red Rag Stow Gallery

Reg Rag Stow Gallery

Red Rag is one of the leading UK art galleries for Modern British Art, paintings and sculptures. Find the Stow-on-the-Wold gallery at 5-7 Church Street

The Curated Store

The Curated Store, Stow on the Wold

The Curated Store is a new design led pop up shop curating a monthly rotation of independent brands

Stow-on-the-Wold

Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire

Stow on the Wold stands exposed on a 800 feet high hill on the ancient Roman Fosse Way that leads to the Midlands.

Stow Lodge Hotel

Stow Lodge Hotel, Stow-on-the-Wold

Situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, Stow Lodge Hotel is centrally located in the historic hill top town of Stow-on-the-Wold, overlooking the market square, with its many unique, interesting, shops and galleries.

Number Nine Bed and Breakfast

Number Nine, Stow on the Wold

Number Nine bed and breakfast is just the right mix of classic Cotswolds and modern luxury with all the little touches you'd expect in a boutique hotel.

The Old Stocks Inn

The Old Stocks Inn, Stow on the Wold

Nestled in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, The Old Stocks Inn is a beautiful 17th-century coaching inn that really stands out from the crowd.

Corsham Field Farmhouse

Corsham Field Farmhouse, Stow on the Wold

A charming four star English Bed and Breakfast near to Stow-on-the-Wold in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside

Cotswold Farm Park

Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power

Cotswold Farm Park is an award-winning attraction where visitors can meet all sorts of animals from goats and pigs to rare breeds, rabbits and sheep.

Northleach

Northleach, Gloucestershire

Northleach, situated just off the Fosse Way, about 10 miles northeast of Cirencester.

The Cotswold Outpost

The Cotswold Outpost cafe and farm shop

The Cotswold Outpost is a restaurant, cafe, bistro & farm shop all rolled in to one! Located on the A40, near Burford.

The Old Post Office

The Old Post Office, Adlestrop near Moreton in Marsh

Luxury Bed and Breakfast in the Picturesque Cotswold village of Adlestrop

Chastleton House

Chastleton House in Oxfordshire

Owned by the National Trust since 1991, Chastleton House is a Jacobean country house at Chastleton, Oxfordshire, close to Moreton-in-Marsh. It is a Grade I listed building.

The Lamb Inn

The Lamb Inn, Burford

A charming inn tucked away in a quiet side street in Burford

Bourton House Garden, Gloucestershire

Bourton House Garden, Bourton on the Hill

An award winning three acre garden surrounding a fine 18th century Manor House.

The Cotswold Arms

The Cotswold Arms, Burford

Take a step into this beautiful 18th Century traditional English pub and enjoy some of the best food and drink to be found in Burford

Burford Holiday Cottage

Burford Holiday Cottage

A cosy Cotswolds cottage based in Burford, Oxfordshire. The property is a very charming and cosy holiday home with its antique furniture and open fire.

Batsford Arboretum

Batsford Arboretum, near Moreton in Marsh

Batsford Arboretum is home to the country's largest private collection of trees and shrubs, with interest all year round.

Tolsey Museum

Tolsey Museum, Burford

Tolsey Museum is housed in the Tudor Market/Court House. The wide-ranging collection illustrates Burford's social and working culture, including the Town maces, seals and charters.

Burford

Burford, Oxfordshire

An extremely popular town in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, hidden just off the main A40 Cheltenham to Oxford road that has hardly changed since Georgian times, when it was an important coach stop between Oxford and the West Country.

Manfred Schotten

Manfred Schotten, Burford

Manfred Schotten Antiques has been established for over 40 years, specialising in antique sporting items, along with a wide selection of equestrian artwork, taxidermy, club, leather and library furniture, games and accessories

The Highway Inn

The Highway Inn, Burford

15th Century coaching inn with 11 individually decorated country house style bedrooms

The Manor House

The Manor House, Moreton in Marsh

The Manor House Hotel, Moreton in Marsh, is an enchanting 16th Century Cotswold retreat where you can both indulge and relax in a homely atmosphere

Burford Golf Club

Burford Golf Club

Burford Golf Club is situated less than one mile from the historic and picturesque Cotswold town of Burford.

Moreton-in-Marsh

Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire

Moreton-in-Marsh is in the heart of the Cotswolds, located at the head of the beautiful Evenlode valley.

Related blogs

Why not visit... Bourton-on-the-Water in Miniature?

Why not visit... Bourton-on-the-Water in Miniature?

Tucked behind the enigmatically named The Old New Inn in Bourton-on-the-Water, is an enchanting example of a world in miniature in the form of the Bourton-on-the-Water miniature village.

The Cotswolds - its appeal and mental health benefits

The Cotswolds - its appeal and mental health benefits

My wellbeing and gifting journey over the last year inspired by the irresistable draw of the Cotswolds. Walking hundreds of miles, seeing thousands of sights. Touring with Mum to release her from lockdown, and give her lots of new memories. And importantly sharing to aid mental wellbeing, and using our experiences to support the fight against, and care for, life changing cancer and brain desease.

The Gateway to the Cotswolds

The Gateway to the Cotswolds

Many people know the Cotswolds for outstandingly beautiful villages but I find that many villages further South; some referred to as The Gateway of the Cotswolds can be a little over looked. So let's take a look at some of my most inspiring South Cotswold towns and villages.

Bourton on the Water tourism charge will help fund bins and marshals

Bourton on the Water tourism charge will help fund bins and marshals

Cotswold District Council introduced the tourism charge on 8 March 2021 to spend on projects and activities in the village to manage the volume of visitors who come to enjoy what Bourton-on-the-Water has to offer.

72 hours in the Cotswolds

72 hours in the Cotswolds

Taking advantage of the lifting of lockdown measures during the summer of 2020, Inna Schutts decided to spend a few days in the Cotswolds, and her blog gives lots of ideas for people spending 72 hours in the Cotswolds.

How many counties make up the Cotswolds area?

How many counties make up the Cotswolds area?

The Cotswolds covers an area of almost 800 square miles and mainly spans the English counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, but also North Somerset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.