Car Hire Bourton On The Water

Perfectly positioned on the historic A429 Fosse Way between Cirencester and Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton on the Water offers compact layout which means that most attractions, including the renowned low bridges and traditional tea rooms, lie within comfortable walking distance of the central car parks This picturesque village, home to 3,300 residents, sits within easy reach of the A40 and A436, ensuring smooth connections throughout the region. The temperate climate provides year-round appeal – spring delivers mild 7-16°C temperatures perfect for countryside drives, summer offers warm 18-22°C days ideal for touring, whilst autumn and winter bring crisp conditions that enhance the honey-coloured stone architecture and create magical riverside scenes.

Attractions In Bourton On The Water

Explore the “Venice of the Cotswolds” with its famous low bridges and river attractions, featuring model villages, motor museums, historic stone buildings and charming riverside walks through honey-coloured limestone streets.

Birdland Park & Gardens

Open daily from 10 in the morning until 4 in the afternoon on Rissington Road, this exceptional wildlife park stands as Bourton’s top-rated attraction with an impressive 4.5-star rating from over 4,500 visitors. You’ll discover magnificent penguin exhibits with underwater viewing windows, diverse bird species from around the world and excellent accessibility throughout the beautifully landscaped grounds that showcase international wildlife in stunning Cotswolds settings.

Greystones Farm Nature Reserve

Located on Greystones Lane, this fascinating nature preserve combines Bronze Age history with modern dairy farming. We recommend exploring the historical information boards detailing the Bronze Age house, whilst appreciating the innovative honey stone farm buildings where you can observe cows moving freely between barns and meadows through motion-sensory doors – a perfect blend of heritage and contemporary agriculture.

Bourton House Garden

Situated on Bourton-on-the-Hill near Moreton-in-Marsh, this magnificent three-acre garden showcases incredible plant collections and stunning colour schemes that impress even seasoned garden enthusiasts. You’ll find beautifully clipped yew hedging creating distinct garden rooms, an atmospheric tithe barn café serving excellent homemade food and peaceful orchard seating areas where we can appreciate the thoughtful design and horticultural expertise.

Jurassic Journey

This exceptional bird watching area at 30 Rissington Road provides unique wildlife experiences including the UK’s only king penguins. You’ll encounter diverse bird species whilst enjoying the added attraction of dinosaur exhibits, creating an educational adventure that combines natural history with contemporary conservation efforts – and notably welcomes well-behaved dogs throughout the experience.

The Wildings Campsite

Located at The Lankett, this charming campsite offers luxury outdoor experiences with comfortable yurts featuring log burners and outdoor fire pits. We find the excellent communal facilities, pristine shower blocks and well-stocked shop create perfect conditions for relaxing countryside stays, whilst the 20-minute walk into Bourton provides convenient access to village amenities and attractions.

The Model Village

Open every day from 10 AM until 3:30 PM on High Street, this remarkable one-ninth scale replica attracts thousands of visitors annually with its meticulous craftsmanship. You can explore perfectly detailed miniature versions of Bourton’s shops, churche and famous bridges, including the model’s own tiny model village – a fascinating recursive display that showcases traditional building techniques using authentic Cotswold stone.

Exploring neighbouring destinations becomes effortless with excellent road connections to these nearby locations:

• Stow on the Wold
• Sherborne
• Moreton in Marsh
• Stanway
• Barnsley
• Southam
• Poulton
• Cowley

The Dragonfly Maze

Open weekends from 10 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon, this challenging maze on High Street provides excellent family entertainment requiring teamwork and problem-solving skills. We particularly recommend it for groups with children aged nine and above, as the perfectly-sized layout offers rewarding puzzle-solving experiences without being overwhelming or frustratingly complex for younger visitors.

Church Farm Tea Rooms & Children’s Farm

Operating daily with varying hours – weekdays 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturdays until 5 PM, Sundays 10 AM to 4 PM – this delightful attraction on Hanbury Road combines excellent café facilities with hands-on animal experiences. You’ll find miniature donkeys, friendly pigs and pettable rabbits within the small barn, whilst outdoor play equipment provides additional entertainment for families with young children.

Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection

Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM in The Old Mill on Sherborne Street, this outstanding museum boasts a remarkable 4.6-star rating from nearly 4,000 reviews. You can admire beautifully restored classic cars, iconic British motorcycles and nostalgic toy collections, all presented with authentic period memorabilia that creates immersive historical experiences celebrating British automotive heritage and childhood memories.

Lower Slaughter Museum

This charming museum on Mill Lane in nearby Lower Slaughter offers insights into one of England’s most beautiful villages. We encourage combining your visit with exploration of the peaceful, picturesque village itself, where tranquil rivers, beautiful stone cottages and winding streets create the quintessential Cotswolds experience away from Bourton’s busier tourist areas.

Bourton On The Water Village

The historic High Street forms the heart of this remarkable village, where the River Windrush flows alongside honey-coloured stone buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. You’ll discover numerous independent shops, traditional pubs like the excellent Kingsbridge Inn and plenty of riverside walking opportunities where families can safely paddle in the shallow water whilst enjoying the timeless atmosphere.

Salmonsbury Camp Hillfort

This significant historical landmark at Greystones Farm Nature Reserve showcases carefully reconstructed Iron Age fortifications with informative displays. We recommend combining your visit with exploration of the surrounding organic farm, though we suggest checking opening times in advance as this archaeological site maintains limited accessibility hours for conservation purposes.

River Windrush Bridge

These five historic stone bridges spanning the River Windrush represent Bourton’s most iconic features, dating from 1654 to 1953. You can explore each bridge’s unique character whilst enjoying riverside walks and we particularly appreciate how these structures earned Bourton its famous “Venice of the Cotswolds” nickname through their elegant low-arched design and perfect integration with the village streetscape.

Well

Located in Lower Slaughter, this historical landmark exemplifies the area’s enduring village charm and provides excellent photographic opportunities. You’ll appreciate the authentic Cotswolds atmosphere whilst exploring the surrounding area, where traditional stone architecture and pastoral landscapes create some of England’s most celebrated rural scenery perfectly accessible via scenic country drives.