🇬🇧 United Kingdom · Places to discover
What to see in Bourton-on-the-Water ?
27 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
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Landmarks & heritage (7)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAWyck Rissington Church of St Laurence
Landmark
Tiny Norman church in an all-but-deserted hamlet, with a maze of clipped grass in its churchyard — laid out by composer Gustav Holst, who lived here. A place of rare tranquillity.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAGreat Rissington Village and St John the Baptist Church
Landmark
Village perched on the plateau's edge with a medieval church and sweeping views across the Windrush valley. The churchyard holds graves of RAF pilots killed during local training operations in the Second World War.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SANaunton Village and Fulling Mill
Landmark
Forgotten valley village overlooked by tour groups, with golden stone cottages arranged ribbon-like along the Windrush. Remains of the medieval fulling mill recall how wool built the wealth of these valleys.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAIcomb Village and St Mary's Church
Landmark
A remote hamlet off the main roads, home to a perfectly preserved 12th-century church. No tourist signage, no formal car park — precisely the sort of place known only to locals.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SALittle Rissington Airfield Memorial
Landmark
Former RAF aerodrome, now repurposed, with a memorial to the airmen trained here. The main runway remains visible from the road — a poignant reminder of the British wartime effort.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAUpper Slaughter Manor and Church
Landmark
An even more unspoilt village than its neighbour Lower Slaughter, designated a 'Doubly Thankful Village' with no losses in either world war. Norman church and Elizabethan manor set in absolute tranquillity.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SALower Slaughter Village and Mill
Landmark
Limestone hamlet 1.5 km away, regarded as one of England's most beautiful villages. The 19th-century water mill remains operational and houses a small bakery.Nature & parks (10)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAVillage Green and River Windrush
Nature
The living heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, where the Windrush meanders through verdant meadows beneath diminutive Cotswolds stone bridges. An authentically bucolic tableau, particularly enchanting in early light before the crowds descend.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAGreystones Farm Nature Reserve
Nature
Nature reserve managed by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust on former Windrush floodplain meadows. Wild orchids in spring, water birds in winter — a little-known gem ten minutes' walk from the centre.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SASherborne Village and Park
Nature
National Trust hamlet with an 18th-century landscaped park threaded by Sherborne Brook. Open footpaths, herds of deer, and an atmosphere of private estate that welcomes all.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SASherborne Brook Footpath
Nature
Path following Sherborne Brook north-east through open pasture typical of the Cotswold plateau. Quiet and perfect for spotting rabbits and red kites.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SABourton-on-the-Water Primary School Meadow Path
Nature
Country path skirting the school meadows north of the village, favoured by local families in late afternoon. Car-free access to open fields, with views of limestone stone-tiled roofs.Bourton-on-the-Water Recreation Ground
Nature
A local play area and green space cherished by families, well away from the tourist bustle of the village centre. Bowls pitch, tree-shaded benches — the everyday rhythm of village life on full display.Aston Farm Bridleway toward Clapton
Nature
Bridleway and footpath heading south from the village towards Clapton's heights, offering gradually expanding views across the Windrush valley. Barely marked on tourist maps, so rarely crowded.Windrush Valley Footpath toward Lower Slaughter
Nature
3 km walking trail connecting Bourton to Lower Slaughter along the Windrush. One of the finest stretches in the Cotswolds, featuring watermills, meadows and honey-coloured stone hamlets.Rissington Road Meadow Walk
Nature
Meadow path following the Windrush towards Great Rissington, little marked on tourist maps. Sweeping views across the Cotswolds hills, ideal in late afternoon for golden light.Bourton-on-the-Water, Windrush Springs Trail
Nature
Walking upstream along the Windrush from Bourton, you quickly leave the crowds for damp meadows inhabited by lapwings and plovers. The contrast with the tourist village is striking from the first bend.Viewpoints (1)
Activities (6)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAWindrush Trout Farm
Activity
Trout farm on the Windrush offering day-ticket fishing and direct sales of smoked fish. An authentic rural experience, ideal for understanding how the river is managed and valued locally.Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SABirdland Park & Gardens
Activity
Intimate ornithological park on the Windrush's banks, home to penguins, flamingos and parrots within naturalistic enclosures. Lesser-known than heavyweight attractions, yet thoroughly rewarding for an hour's amble.Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SABourton-on-the-Water Birdland Watermill
Activity
15 km from Bibury, Birdland is an ornithological park set on the banks of the Windrush with a remarkable collection of flamingos, penguins and parrots. Less showy than the village itself and hugely popular with local families.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SADonnington Brewery
Activity
One of England's smallest and oldest breweries, operating since 1865 within a 13th-century mill at Stow-on-the-Wold. External visits possible; its ales appear in every respectable local pub.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAFolly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo
Activity
Farm zoo and adventure park 2 km from the centre, featuring rare farm animals and outdoor play structures. Popular with local families rather than tour groups.Croft Farm Waterpark
Activity
Water sports facility on the River Eye at Lechlade Road, offering kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming in unspoilt natural surroundings. Predominantly frequented by local residents.More to discover (3)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SABourton Vale Football Club Grounds
Place
Amateur football pitch on the village outskirts, a symbol of local community life. Attending a weekend match offers an authentic glimpse of Bourton away from the tourist trail.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SANaunton Village and Black Horse Inn
Place
Valley-bottom village often overlooked by the tourist trail, with golden stone cottages lining the infant Windrush. The Black Horse Inn is an unpretentious country pub, patronised by local farmers.Farhill Farm Shop
Place
Family farm on the village fringe selling seasonal vegetables, local meat and Gloucestershire cheeses direct to customers. The local alternative to supermarkets, prized by residents.