Images Courtesy S.J Thurgood
Welcome to Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is located in the Cotswolds, within the heart of England, famous for its honey-coloured stone architecture and idyllic village scenes. Bourton is not a theme park, it does not open and close nor is there an entry fee, it is a vibrant village, home to some 4,000 residents, buzzing with many community groups, local events and fantastic small businesses.
Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, this one village offers a wealth of attractions and shops, restaurants, cafes and tea rooms. Or simply the space for you to enjoy some pleasurable time engrossed by the movement of the sparkling waters of the River Windrush, spanned by its five arched bridges. Read: Bourton-on-the-Water – A Potted History.
Depending on the seasons, and the day of the week, Bourton-on-the-Water presents many different faces. There are times when the village is as bustling as any seaside resort, usually holidays and sunny weekends! As a rule of thumb, the earlier, or later, in the day you visit, the quieter and more tranquil you will find it.
Planning Your Visit
Places to Stay
Explore a fantastic choice of self-catering and bed and breakfast options for your stay in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Places to Eat
Lots of seating and great views over the river, Bourton-on-the-Water is a great place to relax and watch the world go by.
Places to Visit
From our famous Model Village to the rare breeds at Birdland, you’ll find so much to discover in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Places to Shop
The village centre offers a unique shopping experience, discover gifts, arts & crafts and locally made items.
A Charming English Village in the Heart of the Cotswolds
Regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England, Bourton-on-the-Water, with its richness of wildlife, history and farming, has a unique, broad and popular appeal to visitors and residents alike.
With plenty to see and do, Bourton-on-the-Water offers a wealth of attractions and shops, restaurants, cafes and tea rooms, or simply the space for you to enjoy being outdoors and be captivated by watching the local ducks or looking out for the several species of fish that call the River Windrush home.
Close by, on the edge of the village, the ancient meadows and rivers of Greystones Farm are home to a diverse range of wildlife. This nature reserve is also the site of the Salmonsbury Camp, a significant meeting place during Neolithic and Iron Age periods and a Scheduled Monument.
Bourton-on-the-Water makes an excellent base for exploring the North Cotswolds by foot and bike too. The village is an intersection for nine waymarked walking routes including Monarch’s Way and Heart of England Way. It also features a few small circular walking routes for those who seek a more modest, but stimulating, form of exercise whilst enjoying the delights that our gorgeous countryside has to offer. Getting to the village.
The Information Centre
Make the most of your visit to Bourton-on-the-Water and the Cotswolds with our great variety of walking and cycling guides, maps, tickets, information, accommodation and a whole lot more.
Planning on exploring the surrounding area? View our full collection of Gifts & Guides in our shop. Looking to go further afield? Why not buy the Shakespeare Explorer Pass for exclusive discounts to venues in the surrounding counties.