DESTINATION
Bourton-on-the-Water
The 'Venice of the Cotswolds' — stone bridges and riverside strolls
Riverside village with low stone bridges, family attractions, cafés and easy walks towards the Slaughters — beautiful, but best outside peak day-trip hours.
PLACES TO KNOW
Eat, drink, explore and linger
Our picks linked to this destination — from pubs and restaurants to museums, walks and family-friendly stops.
Birdland Park & GardensPenguins, aviaries and a woodland dinosaur trail make Birdland a substantial outdoor family visit in Bourton.
Bourton to Lower Slaughter WalkA countryside link between Bourton and Lower Slaughter; choose a mapped route and allow for fields, gates and a busy road crossing.
Cotswold Farm Park
Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy CollectionA fun, family-friendly museum packed with classic vehicles and nostalgia — an easy win if you’re in Bourton (especially in bad weather).
Cotswold PerfumeryAn independent fragrance maker and shop in central Bourton, with separately booked perfume-making courses.
Greystones Farm Nature ReserveA quieter Bourton outing among meadows, rivers and archaeology; dogs must stay on leads and seasonal trail closures apply.
River Windrush & Stone BridgesA short riverside wander through Bourton’s centre, with low stone bridges, village views and opportunities to pause.
The Dragonfly MazeA small puzzle maze in Bourton, with limited same-day time slots sold at the kiosk rather than booked online.
The Model Village, Bourton-on-the-WaterBourton in miniature: a detailed stone model village with important pushchair and mobility restrictions to check before visiting.
The Mousetrap InnProper Cotswold inn with rooms and classic pub food — a solid base in Bourton with a warm, traditional feel.