7 best things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water with kids

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds and a perfect destination for a family day out.  With its charming stone bridges over the River Windrush and traditional honey-coloured cottages, there’s plenty of things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water for visitors of all ages.

This village is a highlight of any Cotswolds itinerary and works wonderfully as a day trip or part of a longer 5 days Cotswolds adventure.  Whether you’re exploring with kids or just looking to enjoy the quintessential English village charm, Bourton-on-Water has something for everyone.

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Bourton-on-the-Water is a picture-postcard village, straddling the River Windrush and famous for its low-arched bridges.  It’s the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the views, or even a paddle.

We loved watching the ducks glide down in one direction and then battle against the current to get back up the river.

In addition to the river, you’ll find quaint shops, tea houses, and family attractions all making Bourton-on-the-Water one of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds.

Another exciting way to explore Bourton-on-the-Water is with a self-guided treasure trail.  This fun murder-mystery trail leads you around the village centre, highlighting some of Bourton’s most historical attractions.

The trail covers around 1.6 miles and usually takes about two hours, providing plenty of opportunities for problem-solving and teamwork.  It’s a great way to keep children engaged while discovering the best family-friendly things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water.

We’ve already tried the treasure trails in Wimbledon Village and Odiham and find them a great incentive to get kids exploring new places.

After exploring the village,  head to the Bourton-on-Water Model Village, a one-ninth scale replica of the real village.  It’s the only Grade-II listed model village in England and one of the most popular attractions in Bourton-on-the Water.

Built in 1937 using traditional Cotswold stone, the model village recreates every shop and building as they were in the 1930s.  Highlights include the baker, garage, and even the Cotswold Motoring Museum.  Running through the centre is a miniature River Windrush, complete with low-arched bridges and bonsai trees.   The attention to detail in the buildings is amazing.

Children will love peering through the tiny windows and the ultimate highlight is the miniature model village hidden in the model village itself.  This miniature village is only small, so doesn’t take long to visit.  Allow about 20 minutes.

Click here for current admission prices.

Next, the Bourton Model Railway Exhibition is ideal for transport-loving kids.  Over 40 model trains run along 500 feet of tracks through replica town and countryside.  It even passes by a working funfair.

The onsite shop also features a collection of some of the most popular Lego sets and model kits, making it a real hit with children and adults alike.

One of the best family-friendly attractions in Bourton-on-the-Water is Birdland, a wildlife park with over 500 birds from more than 140 different species worldwide.  Located at the end of Bourton-on-Water, the park is in a very natural setting on the River Windrush.

Highlights at Birdland include Penguin Shore, where you can see Humboldt and King Penguins, and the  “Out of Africa” section with exotic birds like flamingos, ostriches, and lovebirds.

At the far end of Birdland, you’ll discover Jurassic Journey, a dinosaur experience taking you back millions of years to the time of dinosaurs.

The woodland trail features 30 life-size dinosaurs in the swamp and up in the trees.  There’s a Jurassic Journey puzzle to solve and the kids can win a badge at the end.

Younger children will love Jurassic Journey and can also enjoy digging for fossils in the Dino Dig section.  One section of the Jurassic Journey trail passes Swampland, a boggy area excavated to encourage wading birds and small waterfowl.  There’s also a bird feeding area in the woods.

Birdland is a relatively small wildlife park, so ideal for younger children to walk round.  One of the advantages is that they can get up close and personal with the birds.  If they have any energy left, there’s a small playground by the café.

Allow between 1 and 2 hours for your visit.  For full details of admission prices and opening times click here.

One of the more unusual things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water with kids is visit the Dragonfly Maze, which is next door to Birdland.

The Dragonfly Maze offers a unique twist on the traditional hedge maze.  Instead of simply finding your way to the centre, you follow clues to locate the Golden Dragonfly

It takes about 30 minutes to visit and is suitable for children and adults alike.  Open from April to October (from 10am to 4pm), it’s a seasonal highlight for visitors looking for interactive fun in Bourton-in-the-Water.

The Dragonfly Maze is next to Birdland, making it easy to combine both activities in one visit.

Click here for current admission prices.

Transport enthusiasts will enjoy the Cotswold Motoring Museum, located within a 17th-century watermill.  The museum features seven galleries of classic cars, vintage bicycles, and memorabilia.  Kids will recognise Brum, from the children’s TV series and adults can enjoy the nostalgic toy collection.

Tip:  The museum is all inside, so is one of the best things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water when it’s raining.

Click here for details of prices and opening hours.

No visit to Bourton-on-the-Water is complete without relaxing by the river.  Choose from cosy tea shops, pubs, or the famous Bourton Bakery, and enjoy an ice cream whilst watching ducks paddle along the River Windrush.

The river is shallow and perfect for a gentle paddle, and there are plenty of benches and gift shops nearby.

Bouton-on-the-Water is in the northern Cotswolds, just south of the Slaughters and Stow-on-the-Wold.  The easiest way to get there is by car.  The nearest major road is the M5.  From here you can take the A417 and A436 to Bourton.

If you are coming by public transport, the nearest train station is Moreton-in-Marsh.  This is about 8 miles away, so you’ll have to take a taxi or local bus.

There is free parking in the High Street, but you will be lucky to get a space. We parked at the large coach and car park on Station Road.

Alternatively, you can park in the Rissington Road pay and display car park.  This is at the Birdland and the Dragonfly Maze end of town and only a 4 minute walk into the village.

If you want to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water, you’ll find a good choice of hotels and self-catering accommodation.  Try The Dial House or Chester House Hotel, which are both in the heart of the village.

We stayed in Chipping Campden, which is about 14 miles away, but a perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds.

Have you been to Bourton-on-the-Water?  We’d love to hear your comments below.

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