Things to do in and around Bourton-on-the-Water
If you are visiting the Cotswolds then Bourton-on-the-Water is probably on your list of places to visit. You could easily spend a day wandering aroud Bourton, exploring the many shops, dipping your toes in the river, feeling like a giant at Bourton Model Village and spotting flamingos, penguins and pelicans at Birdland Park and Gardens. Followed by a much-needed refuelling one of the many cafes and restaurants in Bourton.
And if you are in the area for longer then here are lots more things to do in the Bourton area.
Featured things to do in and around Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the best known places to visit in the Cotswolds. If you've read an article about the Cotswolds in a newspaper or magazine then there's a good chance that it was illustrated with a photo of one of the footbridges crossing the river running through village. There's lots to see an do in Bourton and the surrounding area.
The Model Village, Bourton on the Water
Distance: local
Built during the early thirties, the Village is a 1/9th replica of Bourton-on-the-Water, built from the local Cotswold stone
Bourton House Garden, Bourton on the Hill
Distance: 7 kilometres
An award winning three acre garden surrounding a fine 18th century Manor House.
Cotswold Falconry Centre, Moreton in Marsh
Distance: 8 kilometres
Cotswold Falconry was opened in 1988 by Geoff & Naomi Dalton, with the aim of giving people a greater knowledge of birds of prey and an understanding of the ancient art of falconry.
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, near Burford
Distance: 9 kilometres
The Cotswold Wildlife Park, near to the Cotswold town of Burford in Oxfordshire, is set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House and has been open to the public since 1970.
Cotswold Lavender, Snowshill
Distance: 9 kilometres
We are a third generation family farm set in the heart of the beautiful Cotswold Hills overlooking Broadway and the Vale of Evesham
Arlington Row, Bibury
Distance: 9 kilometres
Arlington Row, originally a wool store and then converted into weavers houses in the last 17th century
Sudeley Castle and Gardens
Distance: 10 kilometres
As one of the most beautiful castles to visit in England, there is so much to discover at Sudeley Castle
More things to do in and around Bourton-on-the-Water
Families will love Birdland and Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection in Bourton-on-the-Water. A short drive from Bourton you will find the likes of Batsford Arboretum, Cotswold Farm Park and Chastleton House.
Birdland Park and Gardens, Bourton on the Water
Distance: local
Home to over 500 birds including Flamingos, Pelicans, Penguins, Cranes and Storks, visitors can enjoy a fun day out at Birdland Park & Gardens with family and friends.
Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection, Bourton on the Water
Distance: local
An award winning museum in Bourton on the Water hosting one of the UK's best collections of cars, motorcycles, toys and motoring signs.
Tolsey Museum, Burford
Distance: 7 kilometres
Tolsey Museum is housed in the Tudor Market/Court House. The wide-ranging collection illustrates Burford's social and working culture, including the Town maces, seals and charters.
Batsford Arboretum, near Moreton in Marsh
Distance: 7 kilometres
Batsford Arboretum is home to the country's largest private collection of trees and shrubs, with interest all year round.
Chastleton House in Oxfordshire
Distance: 7 kilometres
Owned by the National Trust since 1991, Chastleton House is a Jacobean country house at Chastleton, Oxfordshire, close to Moreton-in-Marsh. It is a Grade I listed building.
Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power
Distance: 5 kilometres
Cotswold Farm Park is an award-winning attraction where visitors can meet all sorts of animals from goats and pigs to rare breeds, rabbits and sheep.
Blogs
Three days in the Cotswolds without a car
Visiting the Cotswolds, but don't have a car? Fear not! Exploring the Cotswolds car-free is not only possible, but it can be a rewarding and relaxing experience.
A View, a Brew, and Your Dog Too: 7 Dog-Friendly Pubs in the Cotswolds
With the Cotswolds being home to some of the most glorious nature walks, it would be a shame not to take advantage. The cool weather often calls for a lengthy walk to enjoy the frosty scenery, but there's nothing like rounding it off with a refreshing pint by the fireplace at the end.
Why not visit... Bourton-on-the-Water in Miniature?
Tucked behind the enigmatically named The Old New Inn in Bourton-on-the-Water, is an enchanting example of a world in miniature in the form of the Bourton-on-the-Water miniature village.
The Cotswolds - its appeal and mental health benefits
My wellbeing and gifting journey over the last year inspired by the irresistable draw of the Cotswolds. Walking hundreds of miles, seeing thousands of sights. Touring with Mum to release her from lockdown, and give her lots of new memories. And importantly sharing to aid mental wellbeing, and using our experiences to support the fight against, and care for, life changing cancer and brain desease.
The Gateway to the Cotswolds
Many people know the Cotswolds for outstandingly beautiful villages but I find that many villages further South; some referred to as The Gateway of the Cotswolds can be a little over looked. So let's take a look at some of my most inspiring South Cotswold towns and villages.
5 of the best family attractions to visit in the Cotswolds
Here we bring you 5 of the best family attractions in the Cotswolds.
Bourton on the Water tourism charge will help fund bins and marshals
Cotswold District Council introduced the tourism charge on 8 March 2021 to spend on projects and activities in the village to manage the volume of visitors who come to enjoy what Bourton-on-the-Water has to offer.
72 hours in the Cotswolds
Taking advantage of the lifting of lockdown measures during the summer of 2020, Inna Schutts decided to spend a few days in the Cotswolds, and her blog gives lots of ideas for people spending 72 hours in the Cotswolds.
How many counties make up the Cotswolds area?
The Cotswolds covers an area of almost 800 square miles and mainly spans the English counties of Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire, but also North Somerset, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire.