How To Spend A Day Exploring The Best Cotswold Villages Around Bourton-On-The-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water may steal the spotlight, but step just a little beyond the village and you’ll discover a collection of equally enchanting neighbours — each with their own quiet beauty, winding lanes and timeless charm. This easy countryside circuit is designed for a leisurely day out, combining peaceful villages, scenic drives and a hearty lunch in one of the Cotswolds’ most characterful market towns.
Best of all, it begins and ends at The Old New Inn, so you can enjoy the journey knowing a warm welcome awaits at both ends of the day.
A Relaxed Day at a Glance
9:00 AM — Breakfast at Or Near The Old New Inn
Set off with a hearty breakfast, perhaps a freshly brewed coffee and a warm pastry , just a stone’s throw from The Old New Inn, or if you’ve stayed with us overnight you can fuel up on one of our home cooked breakfasts before you get the day underway.
If you’re on the hunt for local coffee and pastry, you’re just metres away from some fantastic local cafe’s. Let the gentle murmur of the River Windrush set the tone for your day.
📍 Local tip: If you fancy a short wander before setting off, follow the Windrush upstream for a few minutes — it’s often overlooked and wonderfully peaceful first thing.
10:00 AM — Meander to Lower Slaughter
A five-minute drive (or a refreshing countryside walk for the more adventurous) brings you to Lower Slaughter, arguably one of the prettiest little villages in the Cotswolds. A quiet riverside path winds along the River Eye, leading past stone cottages, an old mill and peaceful fields, perfect for slowing down and savouring the morning sunshine.
Take your time here, pause for photos, browse the tiny artisan shop by the mill for local ice cream or simply bask in the village’s serene pace.
Local tip: Walk beyond the mill where many visitors turn back — the path opens into rolling countryside and is at its prettiest in the morning light.
11:30 AM — Upper Slaughter: A Peaceful Contrast
From Lower Slaughter it’s just a gentle ramble to its quieter sibling, Upper Slaughter. With even fewer tourists and a truly local feel, this is where the Cotswolds’ tranquillity really takes hold. Wander the village lanes and admire the traditional cottages set against wide skies and open fields, it feels a world away from busy high streets.
Local tip: Pause by the village green and simply take it in. This is a favourite spot for locals to sit quietly, and it’s not uncommon to have the place almost entirely to yourself.
1:00 PM — Lunch in Stow-on-the-Wold
From Upper Slaughter, it’s a scenic 15-minute drive to Stow-on-the-Wold, one of the Cotswolds’ most historic market towns. With its wide market square, antique shops and inviting eateries, it’s an ideal spot to pause and refuel.
Choose from traditional pubs serving classic Cotswold fare, cosy cafés tucked down side streets, or relaxed bistros perfect for a leisurely lunch.
Local tip: Step just off the main square for lunch — some of the best spots are tucked down side streets. Afterwards, seek out St Edward’s Church; its yew-tree-framed doorway is easy to miss but well worth finding.
Once you’re refreshed, it’s time to head back towards Bourton-on-the-Water and continue the afternoon adventure.
3:00 PM - A Short Drive Through Wyck Rissington
After lunch, hop back in the car for a short, scenic drive to Wyck Rissington, a classic Cotswold village just a few minutes from Bourton. Here, wide skies, thatched cottages and the village pond welcome you into an almost storybook setting. This is the kind of place to wander, sit on a bench with a cool drink and watch the clouds drift by.
Local tip: Walk the loop around the pond rather than straight through — it offers lovely views back across the village and is especially peaceful mid-afternoon.
4:00 PM — Country Lanes & Quiet Detours
Rather than rushing back, allow time to meander along the surrounding lanes. This is the sort of unplanned wandering locals treasure most — where every bend reveals another stretch of stone wall, field or hidden farmhouse.
Local tip: If you spot a small lay-by or gate and feel tempted to stop, do. Some of the best views aren’t marked on any map.
5:30 PM — Return to The Old New Inn
Back at the The Old New Inn, unwind with a refreshing drink in our bar. Perhaps savour a few local tales with the other guests or plan your next wander, the Cotswolds are full of stories waiting to be discovered.
Round off your day with dinner in our cosy dining room, where seasonal, locally sourced dishes are served with a warm smile. From roasted classics to creative vegetarian delights, it’s the perfect end to a day of village wandering.
Whether you’re discovering hidden gems like Lower and Upper Slaughter for the first time, or returning to spots that feel like old friends, a day exploring the villages around Bourton is a reminder that the Cotswolds’ charm lies as much in its quiet corners as its famed high streets.
We can’t wait to welcome you home to The Old New Inn at the start and the end of your countryside story.
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!