Things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water

Activities, attractions and tours

Bourton-on-the-Water featuring a river or creek and a garden
Bourton-on-the-Water featuring a river or creek, a garden and a bridge
Bourton-on-the-Water showing a small town or village and street scenes as well as an individual male
Bourton-on-the-Water which includes a river or creek and a garden
Bourton-on-the-Water which includes heritage elements and signage

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Top places to visit

1. Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is a grand country house with marvelous landscaped gardens, set amid gorgeous green parkland. Come here to admire its majestic fountains, picturesque grounds and the 18th-century palace building, which encompasses a range of architectural styles.
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Blenheim Palace featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements

2. Thames River

London’s long and tumultuous history is written upon the face of the city, and the River Thames has watched it all. A 19th-century Member of Parliament, John Burns, said it best: “The Mississippi is muddy water, but the Thames is liquid history.” In modern-day London, history comes to life on the 70 wharves, which have remained in operation after centuries. As you make your way down the river’s dark waters, you will enjoy a unique snapshot of life in this dynamic but resolutely historical city.
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Sail on the water or walk along the riverbank to admire the scenery and take a trip through time on London’s great river.

3. Cotswold Wildlife Park

Set across a plot of 160 acres (65 hectares), Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the premier family-friendly attractions in the Cotswolds. Make your way through the park’s four distinctive sections, get up close to exotic animal species and admire the gardens.
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Cotswold Wildlife Park featuring dangerous animals, zoo animals and a park

4. Sudeley Castle

Visit the stately Sudeley Castle to walk in the footsteps of some of England’s most famous kings and queens. Browse displays of treasures from the Roman era to today. Explore a series of breathtakingly beautiful gardens, enjoy picturesque picnics and spot colorful birdlife. Sudeley Castle sits on a 1,200-acre (490-hectare) estate and is nestled in a valley surrounding by the rolling green landscapes of the Cotswolds.
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Sudeley Castle featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a park

5. The Model Village

Visit the Model Village to discover a miniature version of Bourton-on-the-Water. This popular attraction is an authentic one-ninth representation of a traditional Cotswold village, characterized by grand stone buildings and walled gardens. The Model Village opened in 1937 and took 5 years and several local craftsmen to complete. It highlights the architecture of Bourton-on-the-Water in the 1930s in addition to the buildings’ present-day usages.
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The Model Village showing interior views

What to do in Bourton-on-the-Water

Popular places to visit

Sudeley Castle featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a park

Sudeley Castle

Uncover centuries of royal history amid the halls, gardens and art exhibitions of this 15th-century castle set in the shadow of the Cotswold Hills.

Sudeley Castle
Cheltenham Town Hall

Cheltenham Town Hall

Find out about the history of Cheltenham when you take a trip to Cheltenham Town Hall. Wander the area's picturesque gardens or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Cheltenham Town Hall
The Model Village showing interior views

The Model Village

Walk amid a scale model replica of the shops, houses and historic landmarks that were present in Bourton-on-the-Water during the 1930s.

The Model Village
Chedworth Roman Villa which includes a house, a pond and a garden

Chedworth Roman Villa

Roman-British history comes to life at the bathhouses, mosaics and museum of this ancient villa set in the picturesque Cotswold countryside.

Chedworth Roman Villa
Pitville Pump Room featuring interior views and theatre scenes

Pittville Park

Explore the great outdoors at Pittville Park, a lovely green space in Cheltenham. Make time to visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

Pittville Park
Pitville Pump Room featuring interior views and theatre scenes

Pitville Pump Room

Marvel at the elegance of this fine Regency building, sample natural spa water, attend classical music concerts and relax on perfectly groomed lawns.

Pitville Pump Room
Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum showing interior views

Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum

Discover interesting items from the stories of Cheltenham’s local heroes, to works by Dutch masters and ancient treasures in the villages of Gloucestershire.

Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum

Cheltenham Racecourse

Catch an event at Cheltenham Racecourse during your trip to Cheltenham. Visit the spas and top-notch restaurants in this relaxing area.

Cheltenham Racecourse

Cotswold Countryside Collection

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Cotswold Countryside Collection in Northleach. Discover the beautiful countryside and spas in this relaxing area.

Cotswold Countryside Collection
Sudeley Castle featuring a garden, heritage architecture and château or palace

Cheltenham

Frequently asked questions

Is Bourton-on-the-Water worth visiting?
Bourton-on-the-Water offers an interesting mix of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or traditional cuisine, there's a lot you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Bourton-on-the-Water?
Dragonfly Maze and Wellington Aviation Museum are two great places to start your holiday adventures. Be sure to check out the dining and shopping options in Bourton-on-the-Water while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Bourton-on-the-Water?
You can't leave without visiting Dragonfly Maze, ranked the top tourist attraction in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Is three days enough to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water?
You can easily tick off top attractions like Dragonfly Maze, St. Edward's Church and Naunton Downs Golf Club with a three-day escape to Bourton-on-the-Water. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so linger longer and check out Oxford.
Is Bourton-on-the-Water a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Bourton-on-the-Water is a good place to discover on foot. Wander between Dragonfly Maze and Old Mill. Then take a stroll around Lower Slaughter, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Great Rissington, which is about 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Bourton-on-the-Water with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Bourton-on-the-Water with kids.

What to do in Bourton-on-the-Water for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or fan of Mother Nature, there's no shortage of things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water for adults including Old Mill and Bourton Model Railway Exhibition.
Are there free things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water?
One of the top ways to discover free things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on vibrant neighbourhoods, parks and other attractions you can experience without getting your cash out. St. Edward's Church is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.