Spring in the Cotswolds: Things to Do in Bourton-on-the-Water & Beyond
Lambs in the fields, blossom-lined villages and some of the prettiest walks of the year
There’s something special about the Cotswolds in spring. The villages burst back into colour, pub gardens begin to fill, and the countryside comes alive with blossom, daffodils and newborn lambs.
Bourton-on-the-Water is particularly beautiful at this time of year, with the River Windrush sparkling in the sunshine and the honey-coloured stone buildings framed by fresh greenery and spring flowers.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a romantic weekend away, or simply searching for things to do during the Easter holidays, here are some of our favourite springtime activities in Bourton and the surrounding Cotswolds.
🌷 Stroll Around Bourton-on-the-Water in Bloom
Spring is the perfect time to wander through Bourton’s charming streets and riverside paths. The village feels wonderfully fresh after winter, with flower boxes blooming, trees turning green again, and café terraces spilling out beside the water.
Take your time crossing the little stone bridges, stopping for coffee or an ice cream, and soaking up the relaxed pace of village life.
📸 Top tip: Early mornings in spring are especially peaceful, perfect for photos before the village gets busy.
🏘️ Visit The Bourton Model Village
Tucked behind The Old New Inn, the Model Village is one of Bourton’s most iconic attractions — and spring might just be the best time to see it.
The miniature stone cottages and tiny gardens look especially magical surrounded by blossom and bright spring skies. Children love spotting the “real-life” versions of the buildings around the village, while adults can appreciate the incredible craftsmanship and detail.
🌼 Don’t forget to look for the “model within the model”!
🍴 Afterwards, enjoy lunch or a drink in The Old New Inn’s spacious beer garden, perfect for sunny afternoons.
🐑 Meet the Lambs at Cotswold Farm Park
Spring means lambing season — and there’s nowhere better to experience it than Cotswold Farm Park near Guiting Power.
Run by Adam Henson, the farm is packed with family-friendly activities including animal feeding, outdoor play areas and tractor rides. During spring, visitors can often see newborn lambs and even bottle-feed them.
🧺 Perfect for families with younger children.
🌤️ Ideal on bright spring mornings before the afternoon crowds arrive.
💜 Wander Through the Lavender Fields
A little later in the season, the famous Cotswold Lavender fields near Snowshill begin to bloom. By late spring and early summer, the landscape transforms into rows of fragrant purple stretching across the hillsides.
It’s one of the most photographed spots in the region, and for good reason.
📅 Best visited from June onwards.
📸 Bring your camera, the views are incredible at golden hour.
🚶♀️ Enjoy a Spring Walk Through the Countryside
The countryside around Bourton is at its absolute best in spring. Wildflowers line the footpaths, lambs bounce through the fields, and the air feels fresh after winter.
Some favourite local walks include:
Bourton to Lower Slaughter – a gentle riverside walk
The Windrush Way – rolling countryside views
Broadway Tower trails – woodland paths and panoramic scenery
Batsford Arboretum – stunning spring blossom and magnolias
We put together more details on some of these popular walks, which you can ready about here.
👟 Bring walking shoes — some paths can still be muddy after rain.
☕ Cosy Cafés & Indoor Spots for Rainy Spring Days
Of course, British spring weather can be unpredictable — but Bourton still has plenty to offer when the rain arrives.
A few rainy-day favourites include:
Cotswold Motoring Museum – vintage cars, toys and nostalgic exhibits
Birdland Park & Gardens’ indoor discovery areas
Traditional tearooms like The Croft or Chestnut Tree
Browsing independent shops in Stow-on-the-Wold
And when you need somewhere warm and welcoming, there’s always The Old New Inn for a hearty lunch, coffee, or shelter from an April shower.
🌧️ The best spring days often include a little sunshine and a little rain.
🛍️ Explore Nearby Cotswold Villages
Spring is a lovely time to venture beyond Bourton and discover more of the surrounding villages.
A few favourites nearby:
Stow-on-the-Wold – bustling market square, antique shops and cosy cafés
Broadway – elegant high street and beautiful spring gardens
Burford – historic buildings and lovely independent shops
Upper & Lower Slaughter – peaceful riverside walks and postcard-perfect scenery
Every village feels different — but all are especially beautiful during springtime.
🍺 Make the Most of Pub Garden Season
After months of winter weather, spring finally brings back one of the Cotswolds’ greatest pleasures: the pub garden.
At The Old New Inn, our spacious beer garden is perfect for enjoying a relaxed lunch, a local ale, or simply sitting back while the village buzzes around you.
There’s something about that first sunny afternoon of the year that makes everything taste better.
Spring in the Cotswolds is all about slowing down and enjoying the little things — blossom on the trees, lambs in the fields, sunshine after rain, and long lunches beside the river.
Whether you’re exploring Bourton-on-the-Water for the first time or returning for another visit, there’s no better season to experience the beauty of the Cotswolds coming back to life.
Ready to experience the charm of Bourton-on-the-Water? Book your stay at The Old New Inn and immerse yourself in the heart of the Cotswolds. We look forward to welcoming you!