Discover Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is a popular destination with gently flowing River Windrush running through the centre of the village and crossed by attractive little bridges. However Bourton can be really busy, especially at weekends and Bank Holidays during the summer, and to see the village at it's best we recommend visiting outside peak times - the village has plenty of charm at any time of the year - or, best of all, staying overnight when you can enjoy the village in the evening when all the day trippers have left for home. 

There is much to see in Bourton on the Water and it is suitable for visitors of all ages especially families; visit Birdland Park and Gardens – home to a wide variety of exotic birds including penguins, flamingos, macaws, emus and birds of prey; marvel at the incredible detail of the buildings in The Model Village – a 1/9th  scale replica of the centre of the village; the Cotswold Motoring Museum has seven unique galleries housing a collection of vintage cars, a fascinating toy collection, exhibitions and children’s TV favourite little car ‘Brum’ or visit the Dragonfly Maze designed by Kit Williams.

Bourton-on-the-Water also has an eclectic mix of shops including Cotswold Perfumery, a jewellers and pottery giving a wide choice of unique and exciting gifts all year round.

The area surrounding Bourton is a walker’s paradise with numerous footpaths crisscrossing the countryside. Nearby Salmonsbury Meadows is a wildlife nature reserve where you can enjoy natural meadows and wildflowers and explore some of the history of this farming area.

Here is a route map for a circular Bourton on the Water walk to The Slaughters.

Bourton Highlights

Places to Stay