Last updated on at 05:56 am
Bourton-on-the-Water is one of those charming little English villages that England is known for.
It has a village green bordered on the sides with fetching Georgian and Jacobean structures in yellow Cotswold stones. Crisscrossing the expanse are picture-perfect little bridges across the River Windrush. Completing the picturesque image are overhanging trees dramatically shading these diminutive bridges. It is lovely!
About Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the villages in the Cotswolds and part of the parish of Gloucestershire. It is dubbed the “Venice of the Cotswolds” because of the canals weaving through its expanse and the bridges over them.
It is Cotswolds’s hotbed of tourism because it is close to the main roads, so expect a crowd during the summer, holidays, and high seasons.
Its high street is lined with little restaurants, tea shops, and souvenir shops.
It’s a small village that can be explored in a day.
How to Get to Bourton-on-the-Water
It takes an hour and 30 minutes by car to reach Bourton-on-the-Water from London.
If taking the train, you have to alight in Kingham from London as this town does not have its own railway station. After which, you take a 40-minute bus ride that will take you straight to Bourton-on-the-Water.
Getting Around
Bourton-on-the-Water is small enough to be explored on foot. It is better to see it by walking around because you get to see the village’s little details more.
This post may contain affiliate links that may earn me a commission, at no additional cost to you, if you buy via them. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see our Disclosure for more info.
You can drop by the many cute and quaint shops that line the High Street or main street (because they do beg to be visited), take a few hours to sit in an outside café drinking tea and partaking a bite or two of the world-famous Cotswolds scones with clotted cream or enjoy the cute atmosphere that is made up of the Cotswold-stone edifices, canals, stone bridges, and lovely village green.
Related Articles
Activities
For the best Cotswolds experience, here are some activities you can book in advance of your trip.
Things to Do
Exploring Bourton-on-the-Water’s high street is enjoyable enough with its picturesque setting — stone bridges, cute shops, and restaurants — but here are more fun things to do while in town:
- See the Model Village, where you can glimpse a miniature copy of Bourton-on-the-Water.
- Visit the Motoring Museum, where you can find an array of vehicles and memorabilia on display.
- Check out the Dragonfly Maze, which is interesting and lovely!
- Go to the Birdland Park and Gardens, where you can view King Penguins and other more than 130 species of birds.
Where to Eat
There are plenty of restaurants and shops in Bourton-on-the-Water where you can try some tasty English cuisines or get a taste of the well-loved Cotswolds scones with clotted cream that are served with tea. They’re mostly found in the High Street and the surrounding area.
Cotswolds Hotels in Bourton-on-the-Water
These are some of the highly-rated Cotswolds Hotels in Bourton-on-the-Water if you’re looking for places to stay when visiting. These Cotswolds hotels have high ratings from thousands of guests and are also located in the center of town.
For our Cotswolds vacation in the spring, however, we stayed at an inn in Cirencester, also a town in Gloucestershire and the capital of the Cotswolds. It was a lovely place, run by even more lovely owners, and we had a wonderful stay. You might want to check that out in this post.
For the best deals on places to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water or near the area, you may click the image below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bourton-on-the-Water famous?
Bourton-on-the-Water is famous for its picturesque beauty, characterized by the River Windrush, charming Cotswold stone buildings, and numerous bridges. Attractions like the Bourton Model Village and Cotswold Motoring Museum draw tourists, contributing to its reputation as one of England’s most charming villages.
Is Bourton-on-the-Water worth visiting?
Absolutely! Bourton-on-the-Water is worth visiting. Its scenic beauty, historic charm, and unique attractions like the model village and motoring museum make it a delightful destination in the Cotswolds. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, it offers something special.
What is the nearest city to Bourton-on-the-Water?
The nearest city to Bourton-on-the-Water is Cheltenham. It is located approximately 16 miles (about 26 kilometers) southeast of Bourton-on-the-Water and is known for its Regency architecture, festivals, and horse racing events.
Wrap Up
I recommend visiting Bourton-on-the-Water the next time you’re in England. It’s a fantastic place to see the English countryside, learn the English culture without the hustle and bustle found in big cities, and bask in a quiet rural English setting.
If you like this article, don’t forget to PIN to save it for later or to share with others. Happy travels!
Follow me on:
Leave a Reply