Bourton-on-the-Water is the most charming village in the Cotswolds. Not only London was not going to have its “Little Venice”, the English countryside also has its own particular Venice.
It is one of the villages you can’t miss on your trip to the Cotswolds. It is small, picturesque and, what’s more, it is home to a small miniature village.
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📍How to get to Bourton-on-the-Water
For the trip to the Cotswolds we hired a car. There is a car park available on Station Road 👇.
However, if you don’t have a car to make the journey and fancy visiting Bourton-on-the-water, the only bus that goes there is the 801 (from Cheltenham, Stow-on-the-wold and Moreton-in-Marsh).
🗺 Things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-water is one of my favourite villages in the Cotswolds. It’s tiny, like most of the villages that make up this part of England. But this one has an explosive beauty. Different.
The best way to explore it is getting lost in its streets. But, here is a list of all the places you should visit in Bourton-on-the-water 👇
Rissington Road
This is the main street of Bourton-on-the-water. This is where most of the town’s tourist attractions, cafes and shops are concentrated. It is also the most beautiful part of the village.
The canals, the little bridges, the benches perfectly placed to look out over this picture-postcard village – everything is beautiful here! 😍
The Model Village
This is one of the great attractions of Bourton-on-the-water. The entrance fee is £4.25, and the visit usually lasts half an hour.
This miniature village is nothing less than Bourton-on-the-water itself – it’s a miniature village in itself!
Although, if you really want to be amazed by miniature places, Mini Wunderland in Hamburg has – to this day – the best one I’ve ever seen.
Cotswold Motor Museum
This motor museum is a favourite attraction in Bourton-on-the-water. It is open most of the year, except from 15 December to 15 February. Admission is £6.25.
Fiat 500 Topolino, Austin 7 Chummy or a 1923 “Angela” Caravan are some of the relics you will find in this museum.
Cotswolds Brewing Company
This Cotswolds brewery offers tours and tastings of craft beers. You can check out the tours available on their website. They cost £15.
Bourton Model Railway
This is a small exhibition of model trains. It is open all year round except January and admission is £3.
The Cotswolds Perfumery
Bourton-on-the-water lacks for nothing. You can even sign up for a course to learn how to make your own perfumes at The Cotswolds Perfumery.
Greystones
Situated off the main streets of Bourton-on-the-water is this nature reserve. Its origins date back over 6,000 years. In fact, it is the location of one of the earliest known towns in Europe.
It’s an ideal place if you’re traveling with children. They can dress up in Iron Age clothing and explore the reserve. It is open all year round and admission is free.
The Dragon Maze
Ideal for a couple of hours with the family.
Entry is £3, and it’s open all year round – although opening hours vary depending on the weather in winter. It’s a maze with a quiz that you have to solve by collecting clues.
🍴Where to eat in Bourton-on-the-Water
I’d say just about anywhere is a good option here. But if you want to play it safe, I’d recommend The Croft Restaurant and The Cornish Bakery.
The former has beautiful views of the canals, and the latter has pies 🤤.
🛌 Where to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water
There are few hotels in Bourton-on-the-water, but if it’s the option you have in mind for location or preference, I’d go for either of these two hotels: