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A mini guide to
Bourton-on-the-Water: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Use the Rissington Road car park
Cotswold District Council's car park on Rissington Road adds a 50p tourism charge to each stay, which funds projects that manage visitor numbers.
Pay by phone or card
Council car parks no longer take cash. Use the PayByPhone app or contactless card at the machine, and type the app address in yourself rather than scanning a QR code.
Park in the village for Greystones
Greystones Farm has no car park. The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust says to park in Bourton and walk, about five minutes.
Check opening times first
Each attraction publishes its own times. Birdland lists its admission prices and opening times on its website, and the Motoring Museum posts closure dates there.
Come by bus from Moreton-in-Marsh
GWR runs trains to Moreton-in-Marsh, and the Pulhams 801 Rail Link bus continues to Bourton-on-the-Water.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bourton-on-the-Water?
Bourton-on-the-Water is in the Cotswolds, England. Low stone bridges over the River Windrush, with a bird park and a model village. Nearby stops and stations include Moreton-in-Marsh station, Pulhams 801.
How long do I need in Bourton-on-the-Water?
Half a day to a full day. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Windrush bridges and greens, Birdland Park and Gardens, The Model Village. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Moreton-in-Marsh station (GWR trains; Pulhams 801 bus onward); Pulhams 801 (Moreton-in-Marsh, Bourton, Stow and Chipping Norton). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 8 places to eat and drink in and around Bourton-on-the-Water, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 5 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Bourton-on-the-Water accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Bourton-on-the-Water
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Lower Slaughter Old Mill
A 19th-century water mill on the River Eye in neighbouring Lower Slaughter, now housing a museum, a café and a tea room.
Windrush bridges and greens
Five low stone bridges, built between 1654 and 1953, cross the River Windrush beside the village's wide greens.
Birdland Park and Gardens
Riverside park of gardens and aviaries with over 500 birds, including what it calls England's only breeding group of King Penguins.
The Cotswolds
More areas to explore
Burford
A steep medieval High Street running down to the River Windrush
Open the mini guide →
Cirencester
A Roman town turned wool town, with a museum, a landmark church and an amphitheatre
Open the mini guide →
Chipping Campden
A wool town of stone terraces, a 1627 market hall and the start of the Cotswold Way
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- The Model Village: Philip Halling, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Lower Slaughter Old Mill: Graham Horn, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Windrush bridges and greens: Steve Daniels, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Birdland Park and Gardens: Tanya Dedyukhina, CC BY 3.0, source
- Burford: bongo vongo, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Cirencester: Tony Grist, Public domain, source
- Chipping Campden: nick macneill, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Broadway: Jeff Gogarty, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Stow-on-the-Wold: Bill Boaden, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring the Cotswolds