What to do in Bourton-on-the-Water

Activities, attractions and tours

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

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 NZ$26, 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 25 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.

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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 which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture

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 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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Cotswold Wildlife Park featuring a park, zoo animals and dangerous animals

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 which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a garden

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

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

Number of things to do
25
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Gateway to the Cotswolds: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burford: NZ$26
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Bourton-on-the-Water

Discover the most popular places to visit in Bourton-on-the-Water

Sudeley Castle which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a garden

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 showing heritage elements, a garden and a pond

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 lively bars.

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 which includes 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

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Bourton-on-the-Water

Sudeley Castle showing a castle, a garden and heritage architecture

Cheltenham

Photo by Stephen Keen

Lower Slaughter

Photo "Wyck Rissington" by Michael Dibb (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Michael Dibb (CC BY-SA)

Wyck Rissington

Photo by Ashley Main

Great Rissington

Photo "Cold Aston" by Michael Dibb (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Michael Dibb (CC BY-SA)

Cold Aston

Photo "Sherborne" by Philip Halling (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Philip Halling (CC BY-SA)

Sherborne

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.