Bourton-on-the-Water has been one of my absolute favourite places to visit ever since I was a child. It is a beautiful village in the heart of the Cotswolds and really typifies a traditional English Cotswold village in every way. It has been nicknamed the Venice of the Cotswolds due to the main high street being flanked by the gentle shallow River Windrush which is crossed by five low arched stone bridges. It really is a breathtakingly beautiful place to spend time, although it does tend to get busy thanks to it’s place on the list of the most Instagrammable places in England.
One of the main reasons that I love it so much is that not only is it a really pretty place, but it is also has lots of things to do and see in and around the village, so this is my comprehensive list of ten things to do in and around Bourton-on-the-Water.
Visit the village
Filled with quaint Cotswold stone buildings and an interesting range of shops, cafés, pubs and even museums, there are lots places to explore in Bourton-on-the-Water. Whether you are window shopping, shopping for gifts or simply looking to treat yourself, there is an eclectic range of shops to suit everyone, young or old. If you need to take a break, Bourton also has a good range of pubs and cafés or you can takeaway and sit on the banks of the river to take in the spectacular views.
Shop ’til you drop
There are some really interesting shops in Bourton-on-the-Water to explore. The Cotswold Perfumery is really popular with a wide range of perfumes to try along with a wide range of stunning jewellery. They make their own perfume on site but you can also sign up to do a one day perfume making course.
If you like unusual pottery, the Cotswold Pottery offers a range of handmade pieces that are both beautiful and unusual. It is well worth a visit. For those who like sewing or knitting Bourton Basket is a gorgeous shop with a good range of haberdashery including Cotswold wool.
There are a few different gift shops and they are all worth a browse as you will always find something that will catch your eye. Cedars and Quirky are two of my personal favourites and I never leave either shop with empty hands.
Paddle in the River Windrush
The River Windrush runs through the village and it so shallow and clean that it is perfect for a gentle paddle on a summer’s day. The banks also make the perfect spot for a picnic or a cheeky ice cream before you explore what else the village has to offer.
Take a trip around the Model Village
The Model Village offers a trip around a scaled down version of Bourton-on-the-Water itself if miniature and the detail is incredible. The entry price is good value and this is a fun activity for the whole family.
Walk the Warden’s Way
If you love walking, you will love Bourton-on-the-Water as there are so many beautiful walks in and around this Cotswold village. Warden’s Way is one of my particular favourites, it takes you out of Bourton along the river to the villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter. Both of these villages are smaller and less busy than Bourton but they are both really beautiful and this walk offers stunning views of the Cotswolds.
The Warden’s Way walk itself goes all the way to the town of Winchcombe (13.5km away) but the walk to the Slaughters is around 8 km there and back and it is worth the walk. The walk is really well signposted but you can also follow the river as a guide.
Lose yourself in the Dragonfly Maze
The Dragonfly Maze is one of my favourite things to do in Bourton. It looks quite unassuming from the outside but don’t be fooled, it is a really tricky maze with very high hedges and lots of ways to get completely lost. The last time my daughter and I did this maze, we had to rely on strangers to help us find our way out as we were going round in circles. You should definitely allow 20 – 30 minutes.
In the centre of the maze you will find a room where the golden dragonfly is hiding and if you have found all 14 clues around the maze, the word you have should give you a clue to finding it. And it is well worth finding. If any of you remember the 1979 book Masquerade by Kit Williams (a book I was OBSESSED with as a child), the dragonfly was made by Kit Williams too.
Be a birdwatcher in Birdland
Birdland houses an impressive array of over 500 birds with a wide range of different species to explore. Set in nine acres of gardens and woodland, the River Windrush runs right through the middle making this a perfect place to while away a few hours whilst seeing owls, parrots, penguins, flamingos and more.
Go down memory lane at the Cotswold Motoring Museum
If cars are your thing, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is the perfect destination. Packed with classic and vintage cars, caravans and motorcycles along with an interesting collection of motoring curiosities and memorabilia, you can even meet Brum, the Cbeebies super hero car that you might remember from the Ragdoll productions series a few years ago. It is a museum packed with so many interesting things that will take you on a proper trip down memory lane.
Go wild at Greystones Farm and Nature Reserve
Just a ten minute walk from the village, Greystones Farm and Nature Reserve is perfect for a family day out or for anyone who wants to experience the natural wonders of the Cotswold countryside. Here you will find some amazing walking trails which will not only allow you to experience this area of outstanding beauty but you might also see some interesting wildlife too.
Take in the trees at Batsford Arboretum
Not in Bourton-on-the-Water but on the outskirts of neighbouring town, Moreton in the Marsh, Batsford Arboretum is about 10 miles from Bourton. If you are staying in the area, this is a must visit place as it is truly breathtaking, whatever the season. The arboretum is beautifully looked after and is home to one of the largest private tree collections in the country. With 56 acres of gardens to explore, this is ideal if you like walking and you can even take dogs too (they must stay on a lead).
With so many amazing things to do and a beautiful backdrop, Bourton-on-the-Water has so much to offer its many visitors. Whether you like to shop, walk, explore, there is something for everyone and most of these places can be easily accessed from the village itself. One thing you will notice is that it has a really relaxing vibe. It can get busy in the summer months, but it is really worth a visit if you live locally or are visiting the area. It has always been one of my favourite places to visit since I was a child and I still love it just as much now.
