Bourton on the Water earns its ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ title because this Cotswolds village blends aesthetic architectural stonework alongside peaceful river views. People can find various things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water that cater to visitors of all types.
This pretty Cotswold village has many things to do for the young and young at heart-quaint Cotswolds pubs, lovely restaurants, its well-known Model Village, and a variety of attractive boutique shops.
This guide examines key attraction points in the village, which will help you maximize the enjoyment of your trip.
Happy Cotswolds Travels!
Explore the Famous Model Village
Anyone visiting Bourton-on-the-Water must see its distinctive Model Village, representing the entire village at one-ninth of its original size.
This was our favorite activity in this beautiful Cotswolds village.
An intricate handmade village from 1930s authentic Cotswold stone presents Bourton-on-the-Water in its vintage state to visitors.
Visitors who stroll through the Model Village experience a miniature version of reality with miniature stone cottages replicating the original village structures.
At the same time, the flowing River Windrush appears as a tiny version under stone bridges.
This attraction features a “model within a model” that displays a miniature copy of itself, which pleasantly delights kids as well as adults.
Tourists visiting Bourton-on-the-Water can appreciate its architectural value through the fascinating Model Village, making it an excellent choice for families, photographers, and history enthusiasts.
Key Highlights
- A one-ninth-scale replica of Bourton-on-the-Water.
- The entire construction uses Cotswold stone materials to demonstrate remarkable workmanship.
- The model contains a minimal version that reproduces its layout.
Visit the Cotswold Motoring & Toy Museum
Auto enthusiasts and history fans must spend time at the Cotswold Motoring Museum, a prime destination in Bourton-on-the-Water.
This museum presents a wonderful collection of vintage vehicles with motorcycles, bicycles, and motoring memorabilia, which guides visitors through British automotive development.
The museum showcases Brum, which is one of its main attractions since this iconic car from British television children’s shows filmed its episodes in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Visitors at this museum can see an excellent range of exhibits that showcase early 20th-century rare automobiles alongside classic historic road signs, old petrol pumps, and fascinating collections of motoring advertisements.
Both car enthusiasts and families delight in this place due to its nostalgic character, which creates a perfect environment for interactive education.
Situated in the village’s main part, the Cotswold Motoring Museum is a principal destination on your Bourton-on-the-Water trip map.
The museum presents Britain’s motoring heritage through enjoyable exhibitions displaying numerous fascinating anecdotes that animate this historical collection.
Key Highlights
- Visitors can experience Brum, the children’s television’s character car.
- The attraction displays over 50 vintage vehicles, from automobiles to motorcycles and bicycles.
- It features a diverse collection of automotive-era advertisements displayed to the public.
- A great family-friendly attraction near the heart of the village.
Enjoy Fresh Treats at Bakery on the Water
Guests can find this welcoming family bakery beside the river stream, one can savor fresh-baked artisan goods along with pastries and yummy cakes.
Warm sourdough aroma along with buttery croissants spreads from Bakery on the Water, drawing people towards the delicious offers.
Bakery on the Water serves high-quality traditional baked goods for breakfast, midday snacks, or English afternoon tea.
Guests should not miss trying their fresh scones because they pair best with clotted cream accompanied by jam.
A riverfront cup of local coffee combined with your promised treat delivers the ideal combination for an exploration pause before continuing through the village.
Key Highlights
- The bakery is a family business that creates authentic breads and fresh pastries daily.
- Visitors can locate this spot at the waterfront as they will encounter a serene natural scenery.
- It is popular for its delicious scones, sausage rolls, and homemade cakes.
Cotswolds Afternoon Tea: 16 of the most amazing spots in the Cotswolds HERE
Have an Ice Cream from a Tricycle or Shop
Wandering through Bourton-on-the-Water shops brings visitors a delightful experience of enjoying homemade ice cream.
You can find the best ice cream experience to enjoy under sunny skies at any of the antique tricycle carts or traditional local shops.
All the ice creams found in the village get their ingredients from nearby sources which create deep delicious tastes. You can choose traditional options like vanilla and chocolate but the area also presents exclusive flavors such as honeycomb and Cotswolds lavender.
Several ice cream vendors serve customers across the Bourton-on-the-Water at the village green and along the river. You can experience the scenic views or sit on the bridge watching the water flow by while enjoying your dessert.
Key Highlights
- Ice cream vendors at tricycle stalls and traditional shops serve the area.
- Homemade ice cream prepared with excellent quality standards featuring distinctive flavor combinations.
- The River Windrush area provides the optimal spot to enjoy ice cream on a pleasant day.
Go River Horse Riding at Bourton Vale
The Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre gives visitors an exceptional experience by allowing them to ride horses across the calm waters of the River Windrush.
Horse riders who participate in this unique riding activity can ride through the peaceful river on skilled horses as they explore the beautiful countryside scenery.
Both beginner and experienced riders can enjoy this activity because Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre provides safe horses combined with expert support for a secure and pleasant experience.
The journey on horseback through the river allows visitors to take breathtaking photographs as they enjoy this unique experience.
You will find this equestrian experience situated at the outer edge of the village where it provides an excellent opportunity to observe Cotswolds’ natural scenery.
The Bourton Vale river horse riding experience offers unforgettable value to anyone who wants to ride horses in the Cotswolds, whether they are wildlife lovers, exploration seekers, or just want peaceful countryside views.
Key Highlights
- You have the privilege to experience horseback riding along the River Windrush.
- This fun Cotswolds activity welcomes people from any skill level, including novices.
- Riders can enjoy breathtaking vistas across Cotswolds rural territory.
Browse the Quaint Shops of Bourton-on-the-Water
Visiting Bourton-on-the-Water requires people to peruse its unique assortment of one-of-a-kind boutiques with specialty shops.
The Bourton-on-the-Water shops within the village presents a wonderful mix of stores that sell handmade jewelry, home furnishings, and pure Cotswold wool goods and antique pieces.
Every shopper will find a suitable purchase in the numerous shops offering unique keepsakes, handmade local products, and sweet treats.
The Cotswold Perfumery is one of the most intriguing attractions because the family business has produced exceptional fragrances since the 1960s.
People who enjoy sweet foods will appreciate tasting handmade chocolate creations and fudge bars at the local shops. An abundance of bookshops, clothing shops, and art galleries showcasing local artists makes this pretty Cotswolds village an ideal cultural hotspot.
Visiting these unique shops when exploring things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water helps maintain local businesses allowing you to bring back memorable items from your trip through this beautiful Cotswold location.
Key Highlights
- Several unique boutique stores with products crafted by hand
- The Cotswold Perfumery produces its own unique fragrances.
- Shops offer diverse items featuring traditional wool products and chocolates alongside antique inventory.
- Visitors can find this commercial district situated at the very center of the village.
Discover Birdland Park and Gardens
The wildlife experience at Birdland Park and Gardens attracts numerous visitors who consider it one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s top attractions.
Visitors can find over 500 different animal species at this attraction where flamingos, parrots, and owls exist along with many other species. People of various ages enjoy seeing these animals.
The controlled garden landscape creates an atmospheric environment where visitors can study endangered bird species.
The Penguin Shore at Birdland offers audiences the chance to witness lively King Penguins and Humboldt Penguins as they receive their snacks.
Visitors will find The Dinosaur Encounter, a Jurassic-themed trail through which life-size dinosaur models bring entertainment for children.
Birdland provides both educational and enjoyable experiences in a suitable setting for families. When it comes to finding things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water, this location stands as an essential destination to mark on your Bourton-on-the-Water map due to its tropical birds and lovely gardens.
Key Highlights
- The park hosts more than 500 different kinds of birds, flamingos, and penguins among its bird population.
- Interactive feeding sessions and educational talks.
- The Dinosaur Encounter at the venue displays full-size replicas of ancient prehistoric creatures.
- A great attraction for families and wildlife lovers.
Visit Cotswolds Farm Park
Experience the authentic rural lifestyle at Cotswolds Farm Park was established by BBC presenter Adam Henson who also works as a farmer. This operating farm works for breed conservation and lets guests handle domestic farm animals during their active exploration.
Visitor families will find the petting barn an ideal attraction because children can safely interact with goats, lambs, and rabbits.
A key attraction of visiting during seasonal dates comes from witnessing the annual lambing event which occurs in the springtime.
Visitors at this location can take tractor rides through nature trails with engaging options in their adventure playground for kids under ten.
Cotswolds Farm Park is a delightful rural attraction easily reachable by car from the town. People who wish to learn about British farming history and families seeking entertainment should add this place to their travel itinerary.
Key Highlights
- The location harbors rare species of farm animals.
- Visitors can participate in active farming programs which offer feeding and petting sessions.
- Lambing takes place as a seasonal event during the spring months.
- A great day out for families and animal lovers in the beautiful Cotswolds village.
See the Historic St. Lawrence Church
The beautiful St. Lawrence Church is a hidden historical treasure among Bourton-on-the-Water places of interest.
This parish church goes back to medieval times with extra features built throughout the 18th and 19th centuries resulting in the current appearance. This site creates a tranquil environment through which people can experience the extensive past of the settlement.
A highly noticeable aspect of this church structure is its big 18th-century golden clock that contrasts vividly with the Cotswold stone structure.
One can appreciate the beautiful stained-glass windows with delicate woodwork, which showcases generations of skilled artistic work.
Visitors may find tranquility in the churchyard, where old gravestones rest in a peaceful environment.
People can easily access St. Lawrence Church by walking from the village center because of its prime location which stands in contrast to the heavy crowds at other popular sites. The historical landmark creates an ideal resting spot for people who want to study local history and architectural design.
Key Highlights
- This church stands as a significant historic structure because it extends back to the 12th century.
- Features a distinctive golden clock and beautiful stained-glass windows.
- Peaceful churchyard with centuries-old gravestones.
- The attraction has no charges, and it stands near the center area of the village.
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Have a Pint at a Traditional Bourton Pub
The ultimate post-exploration relaxation choice includes stopping by one of the best Bourton-on-the-Water pubs to enjoy a cocktail or cold pint. Several historical edifices containing cozy pubs maintain a great selection of local ales ciders and British pub classics for customers in this village.
The Mousetrap Inn is a favorite Bourton-on-the-Water pub because it is an 18th-century establishment offering a friendly British environment alongside regional beers made on-site.
The riverside beer garden of The Kingsbridge Inn is another excellent option where visitors can enjoy their afternoon drinks in the sun. You can find classic English fish and chips, hearty meat pies, and cold ales.
Many Bourton-on-the-Water restaurants serve warm homemade dishes at prices similar to their traditional bar drinks. Traditional pub visits provide the best closing experience for Cotswolds visitors at any time of year.
Best Cotswolds Pubs: Discover the best Cotswolds pubs, offering local ales, delicious food, and cozy charm in picturesque villages. Perfect for a relaxing countryside experience HERE
Final Thoughts
Bourton-on-the-Water presents visitors with natural beauty while also providing historical landmarks and restful activities with many things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water.
From shopping to relaxing by the river, you can also experience the Model Village and spend time in the local pubs which satisfy diverse interests.
This beautiful Cotswolds village holds its charm across all activities including riverside scoops and restaurant dinners so you can have a perfect Cotswolds visit.
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