The Ultimate Guide to Bourton-on-the-Water
Pretty Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the loveliest villages in the Cotswolds. Bourton-on-the-Water is also close to the Lords of the Manor, and we all love to spend a sunny afternoon sitting by the river or enjoying the welcoming little shops.
Here’s our locals’ guide to Bourton-on-the-Water.
Where is Bourton-on-the-Water?
Bourton-on-the-Water is in the heart of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, situated in a lush, flat valley. The River Windrush gently winds through the village, crossed by the five stone bridges that give it its nickname of “The Venice of the Cotswolds”. The closest town is Stow-on-the-Wold, and Cheltenham is 14 miles away.
Is Bourton-on-the-Water an old village?
Excavations carried out at Salmonsbury Camp (a hillfort just outside the modern village) show that people were living here in the Neothlithic period. Roman coins and pottery sherds have also been found here, and the nearby A429 road is actually part of the Roman Fosse Way.
Later, Bourton-on-the-Water is mentioned in the 11th century Domesday Book. The Saxon settlement lists 27 households in 1086, a pretty significant size for its day. The landlord was the Abbey of St Mary, Evesham.
The village’s medieval heritage is celebrated every summer with a game of medieval football (this has to be seen to be believed! It’s certainly not something today’s soccer players would recognise…).
Today’s village is mostly made up from 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th century buildings. They blend together beautifully, as they’re built from that gorgeous Cotswold stone. There are no fewer than 114 listed buildings in Bourton, and the centre of the village is a Conservation Area.
What is there to see in Bourton-on-the-Water?
Most people come to Bourton-on-the-Water simply to enjoy its beautiful old cottages and postcard-perfect riverside setting. The river with its famous stone bridges is one of the most photographed sites in the Cotswolds, and it’s a lovely place for a picnic.
However, there are also plenty of visitor attractions in Bourton-on-the-Water. The most famous is the Model Village, which is so perfectly recreated, that it actually includes a model of itself! Birdland is a popular family destination (bet you weren’t expecting penguins in the Cotswolds), where you can meet 130 different species of birds in a pretty garden and woodland setting.
Greystones Farm Nature Reserve is just outside the village: come here to enjoy a stroll through ancient meadows, and it’s also the site of the Neolithic settlement, Salmonsbury Camp. If you like your walk to come with an added challenge, head for the Dragonfly Maze, and good luck!
Are there shops in Bourton-on-the-Water?
If you like small, independent stores, Bourton-on-the-Water is an excellent place to shop. Browse the shops for everything from jewellery to delicious local produce. Highlights include a perfumery and a distillery, as well as pottery, cookware and gifts.
For everyday essentials, there’s a Co-Op on Station Road. There’s also a Texaco petrol station. If you need a post office, there’s one in the village, and there’s also a Rowlands Pharmacy.
What are the best walks from Bourton-on-the-Water?
There are lots of lovely walks around Bourton-on-the-Water. The villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter are a short walk away, and the Windrush Way trail also passes through Bourton If you fancy a longer walk, try the circular route that goes to Stow-on-the-Wold,
Because of the gentle terrain around Bourton-on-the-Water, you don’t need to be a super-fit hiker to enjoy a stroll in the nearby countryside. Plus, there are plenty of pubs and tea rooms along most routes…
Are there places to eat in the village?
And speaking of pubs and tea rooms, where are the best places to eat in Bourton-on-the-Water? We’re close by, of course! Call in for afternoon tea while you’re in the area.
In the village itself, there’s a choice of cosy Cotswold pubs, including The Mousetrap Inn and teh riverside Kingsbridge Inn. There’s also the popular Riverside Cafe, and the Green & Pleasant Tea Room. Prefer a picnic? Pick something up from the Bakery On The Water.
How do I get to Bourton-on-the-Water?
If you’re driving here, the postcode for Station Road car park is GL54 2EN. The centre of the village isn’t really suitable for vehicles, so leave your car at this car park or at Rissington Road. Please bear in mind that the village can get really busy during peak periods, and parking can get tricky.
Bourton-on-the-Water no longer has a railway station, so if you’re travelling by train, you’ll need to embark at Moreton-in-Marsh and take a taxi (about 8 miles). Alternatively, catch the 801 bus to Bourton-on-the-Water.
And of course, you can always stay somewhere nearby and walk into the village… Contact us at Lords of the Manor to find out about short breaks near Bourton-on-the-Water.