Bourton-on-the-Water is a popular destination with gently flowing River Windrush running through the centre of the village and crossed by attractive l ... More
Bourton-on-the-Water is a popular destination with gently flowing River Windrush running through the centre of the village and crossed by attractive little bridges. However Bourton can be really busy, especially at weekends and Bank Holidays during the summer, and to see the village at it's best we recommend visiting outside peak times - the village has plenty of charm at any time of the year - or, best of all, staying overnight when you can enjoy the village in the evening when all the day trippers have left for home.
There is much to see in Bourton on the Water and it is suitable for visitors of all ages especially families; visit Birdland Park and Gardens – home to a wide variety of exotic birds including penguins, flamingos, macaws, emus and birds of prey; marvel at the incredible detail of the buildings in The Model Village – a 1/9th scale replica of the centre of the village; the Cotswold Motoring Museum has seven unique galleries housing a collection of vintage cars, a fascinating toy collection, exhibitions and children’s TV favourite little car ‘Brum’ or visit the Dragonfly Maze designed by Kit Williams.
Bourton-on-the-Water also has an eclectic mix of shops including Cotswold Perfumery, a jewellers and pottery giving a wide choice of unique and exciting gifts all year round.
The area surrounding Bourton is a walker’s paradise with numerous footpaths crisscrossing the countryside. Nearby Salmonsbury Meadows is a wildlife nature reserve where you can enjoy natural meadows and wildflowers and explore some of the history of this farming area.
- Directions to Bourton-on-the-Water by Car:
From Stow-on-the-Wold head South on the A429 signposted Cirencester after 4 miles turn left at the traffic lights into Station Road and follow the signs to the car parks. From the South where the Cirencester A429 & Cheltenham A436 join, (ignore Satnav) and travel North up the hill on the A429 to the traffic lights and turn right into Station Road.
- To Bourton-on-the-Water from London::
Train from Paddington Station to Kingham – Journey time is approximately 1½ – 2 hours. From Kingham a pre-ordered taxi will be required to get you to Bourton-on-the-Water, the journey time is approximately 20 minutes.
Train from Paddington Station to Moreton-in-Marsh – Journey time is approximately 1½ – 2 hours. From Moreton-in-Marsh you can take Pulham’s Coaches 801 bus service to Bourton-on-the-Water, the journey time is approximately 20 minutes.
Train from Paddington Station to Cheltenham Spa – Journey time is approximately 2½ hours. From Cheltenham you can take the 801 bus service to Bourton-on-the-Water. Note: The train station in Cheltenham is approximately 20 minutes walk from the bus station. You can take the ‘D’ bus from the railway station to Royal Well Road which is a very short distance from Royal Well bus station where the 801 bus departs. Alternatively, you can take a taxi which takes between 10-15 minutes.