What to do in Bourton-on-the-Water

Activities, attractions and tours

A stone bridge over a calm river, surrounded by lush green trees and a park with people walking and sitting.
A stone bridge over a calm river, surrounded by lush green trees and a stone wall.
A river with a stone bridge, lush greenery, and people enjoying the outdoors.
A canal with willow trees, a stone bridge, and people walking and sitting along the path.
A canal with ducks, a stone bridge, and buildings with autumn foliage.

Places to Visit in Bourton-on-the-Water

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Bourton-on-the-Water attractions from , making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Bourton-on-the-Water tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Bourton-on-the-Water. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon

NZ$200
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Cotswolds in a Day Tour from Moreton-in-Marsh / Stratford-on-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon to London: Scenic Transfer via The Cotswolds

Stratford-upon-Avon to London: Scenic Transfer via The Cotswolds

NZ$208
per adult
Stratford-upon-Avon to London: Scenic Transfer via The Cotswolds
Cotswolds Full-Day Tour From Birmingham

Cotswolds Full-Day Tour From Birmingham

NZ$188
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Cotswolds Full-Day Tour From Birmingham
Chipping Norton Self Guided Walking Tour

Chipping Norton Self Guided Walking Tour

NZ$18
per adult
Chipping Norton Self Guided Walking Tour
Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages from London

Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages from London

NZ$233
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Oxford and Traditional Cotswolds Villages from London
Clarkson's Farm Small Group Tour from The Cotswolds

Clarkson's Farm Small Group Tour from The Cotswolds

NZ$141
per adult
Clarkson's Farm Small Group Tour from The Cotswolds
Cotswolds Day Tour from Oxford - Explore Downton and Beyond

Cotswolds Day Tour from Oxford - Explore Downton and Beyond

NZ$212
per adult
Cotswolds Day Tour from Oxford - Explore Downton and Beyond
Churchill War Rooms & Blenheim Palace

Churchill War Rooms & Blenheim Palace Day Trip from London

NZ$186
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Churchill War Rooms & Blenheim Palace Day Trip from London
The Cotswolds with Lunch

The Cotswolds with Lunch

NZ$210
per adult
The Cotswolds with Lunch
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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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A historic building with ornate architecture, including a clock tower and statues.

2. River Thames

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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A historic castle with towers and a river in the foreground.

3. 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.
Learn more
A historic stone building with arched windows and a large tree in the foreground.

4. Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

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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A sign for Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens with a pathway leading through a green landscape.

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.
Learn more
A model village with stone buildings, a church tower, and lush greenery.

Recommended things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Bourton-on-the-Water

Stay near popular Bourton-on-the-Water attractions

A model village with stone buildings, a church tower, and lush greenery.

The Model Village

8.6/10 (39 reviews)
Step into a one-ninth scale replica of Bourton-on-the-Water, meticulously crafted from local Cotswold stone. Peek through tiny church windows to glimpse carved pews as choir music plays in this charming miniature world.
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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.