A visitor’s guide to Bourton-on-the-Water
PUBLISHED: 09:00 01 August 2016 | UPDATED: 12:41 01 August 2016

Bourton-on-the-Water © Arena Photo UK, Shutterstock
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Perhaps one of the most famous locations in the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is renowned for its pretty waterside views and quaint limestone buildings. We’ve assembled a guide to help you make the most of your time in this picture-perfect village.
Rest your head at...
With pitched roofs, honey-coloured walls and country-style décor, the Chester House Hotel epitomises everything Cotswolds and cosy. It is small in size so expect a personal and friendly welcome from the staff, and the bedrooms are decorated beautifully ensuring comfort without compromise for the guests. And it is right on the doorstep of Bourton-on-the-Water.
The hotel is one of the oldest buildings in the village as it dates back to 1608, so you’ll be staying in a piece of quintessential Cotswold history. Inside, you’ll find the perfect blend of traditional charm and stylish modern décor in each bedroom. On site is an award winning restaurant, ideal for both breakfast and dinner. Outside, the hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens – perfect for unwinding in the summer months.
Get your foodie fix at...
Smiths of Bourton
For the quaint Cotswold tea room experience so many dream of, Smiths of Bourton is the most wonderful location. Expect top-notch lattes, delicious cream teas and home made cakes in a quirky yet cosy setting.
Sister restaurant to the Chester House Hotel, The Croft has recently reopened following a refurbishment so it is nice and fresh for 2016. The staff are super friendly and the food is simply delicious – from the yummy breakfasts and light lunches, to the afternoon teas and mouth-watering suppers on the menu.
If you’re on the hunt for cosy pub vibes The Mousetrap Inn is the perfect place to go. The traditional honey-coloured pub is great for huddling in a corner over freshly cooked pub grub and there are locally brewed ales behind the bar too.
Local watering holes...
Located just a stone’s throw from Bourton-on-the-Water, this intimate and charming Cotswold pub can be found on the banks of the River Eye. It is the perfect place to while away the afternoon with a pint of ale after a busy day exploring the village.
Recently refurbished and under new ownership, this charming waterside pub overlooks the beautiful River Windrush. It’s dog friendly and pooches are welcomed with biscuits and fresh water, whilst owners can enjoy a classic British pub menu and an extensive range of ales and wine.
For a proper taste of the rural life, head to the Coach and Horses on the outskirts of Bourton-on-the-Water where there is a good selection of cask ales and draught beers, a range of quality wines, soft drinks and speciality coffees and teas on offer.
Entertain the family at...
What better way to entertain the children than at this one-ninth scale replica of beautiful Bourton-on-the-Water? It’s the perfect place for little ones to explore, whilst the grown ups can stand back and admire the carefully crafted model village. Admission is a very reasonable £3.60 for adults and £2.80 for children.
Take a trip down memory lane with an afternoon well spent at the Cotswold Motoring Museum with vintage car collections and plenty of motoring history from the 20th century. It’s also the home of childhood favourite, Brum. Admission is £5.50 for adults and £3.95 for children.
Nearby…
Stow-on-the-Wold
Upper & Lower Slaughter
Burford
For a visitor’s guide to Broadway, click here.
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