What to Know Before Booking a Stay in Bourton on the Water

Bourton on the Water is one of the most popular bases in the Cotswolds, for good reason - it's romantic, quintessentially Cotswolds and unlike anywhere else nearby. Here we're talking about all the important practicalities to think about when booking your trip.

How Central Do You Need to Be?

The village itself is small and completely walkable on flat paths, so even a stay a few minutes outside the immediate centre still puts you within easy reach of the river, shops, and pubs on foot.

Staying right on the High Street means you're closest to everything, but also closest to the daytime crowds - being a short walk out can mean a noticeably quieter night's sleep without losing convenience. The Lansdowne is on a quiet residential street only a four minute walk to the middle of the village.

Parking

Parking is one of the biggest challenges in Bourton on the Water. There is very little on-road parking and the public car park fills quickly in peak season, so booking accomodation .with parking is highly recommended. A room at The Lansdowne includes free parking, and you're welcome to leave to your with us if you arrive early or want to have a last walk around before you leave.

Noise and Crowds

Bourton on the Water draws a lot of day-trippers, especially during peak summer weekends. The quietest times to explore the village are therefore in the morning before about 10am, and after 6pm when most visitors have gone home - so staying in the village means you're best placed to see it during these quieter times.

Self-Catering or B&B?

There's lots of accomodation options in Bourton on the Water, and it all depends on the kind of holiday you want. A B&B lets you feel a little pampered, with a good breakfast cooked for you and someone on-hand for recommendations, whereas a self-catering cottage gives you independence and space.

For the best of both worlds, check in to the Snowshill Garden Suite or Oakey Cottage. Both have fully-equipped kitchens, spacious living areas and garden facilities, but you also get your breakfast cooked for you every morning at The Lansdowne. Oakey Cottage also allows families.

Timing Your Stay

Summer weekends are by far the busiest and priciest time to visit. You'll always find better rates when you stay mid-week, as well as a calmer experience of the village. The very best value stays are during the winter months November, January and February - during these times you'll find far fewer tourists and good deals on rooms. Find out more about the best times to visit Bourton on the Water.

Getting There

Bourton on the Water is around 90 minutes from London by car, with Moreton in Marsh and Kingham the nearest train stations, both with direct services from London Paddington.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to stay in the centre of Bourton on the Water or a short walk out? The centre gives good convenience but a lot of crowds, while a short walk out often means a quieter stay with very easy access to all the amentities.

Is parking included with accommodation in Bourton on the Water? It varies place to place and public parking in the village is limited, especially in peak season. Parking at The Lansdowne is included.

What's the quietest time to stay in Bourton on the Water? Midweek, and outside the June to August peak season, tends to offer a noticeably calmer experience.