11 Must Visit Bourton-on-the-Water Pubs

As one of the prettiest villages in England, Bourton-on-the-Water hosts several shops, restaurants, hikes and family-friendly activities. Settle down after a long day of walking and put your feet up in one of these Bourton-on-the-Water pubs.

Bourton-on-the-Water is a quaint village located in rural Cotswolds. Whether you want to explore the Cotswold Motoring Museum or embrace avian life at Birdland, there is something for everyone in Bourton-on-the-Water.

After a day of adventure, push open the doors to some of the best pubs in Bourton-on-the-Water. Lean back with a refreshing drink and enjoy the atmosphere that comes in plenty at these Bourton-on-the-Water pubs.

Read more to find out more about the 11 must visit Bourton-on-the-Water pubs…

---

The best pubs in Bourton-on-the-Water

1) The Mousetrap Inn – High Street

Featuring in the CAMRA ‘Good Beer Guide’ for the past nine years, The Mousetrap Inn is one of the most well-known pubs in Bourton-on-the-Water. Located a short walk from High Street, the yellow stone pub is the perfect stop for those looking for a bite to eat. You can tuck yourself up near the crackling fire with a selection of local spirits and cask ales that alternate throughout the year.

Whether you are looking for somewhere to eat or need somewhere to rest, The Mousetrap Inn caters for all. The mouth-watering menu incorporates a variety of local ingredients to give you a fresh bite of the Cotswolds.

With a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, you can pop in at any time throughout the day to refuel. The breakfast menu is between 7:30 and 9:30, and the bar recommends booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Moreover, with its welcoming atmosphere, The Mousetrap Inn makes our list of 11 must visit Bourton-on-the-Water pubs. You will be sure to find what you are looking for at The Mousetrap Inn with a range of craft ales and local food.

If you are looking for things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water, check out our guide to find 17 things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water.

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 11:00 – 21:30
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address: Lansdowne, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, GL54 2AR
Contact: 01451 820 579, bookings@themousetrapinn.co.uk

2) The Duke of Wellington – Sherborne Street

Located across from the Old Manse Hotel, The Duke of Wellington is a traditional English pub with a lot of heritage. The beer garden sits on the edge of the River Windrush, perfect for an evening listening to the water flowing by with a refreshing drink.

If you are looking for an authentic Bourton-on-the-Water pub, The Duke of Wellington is the ideal choice. The stone walls, chequered carpet and comfy seating give this pub a warm, welcoming feeling that you expect from a rural inn.

Relax and take in the atmosphere as you tuck in to the local specialities with a choice of craft ales from around the area. The food served is a selection of traditional English dishes. That includes gourmet burgers, crispy fish and chips and a daily homemade curry.

The Duke of Wellington is a fantastic choice for everyone, whether you are looking to rest your legs or take the family out for a home-cooked meal. The atmosphere and choice of local drinks puts The Duke of Wellington on our list of must visit Bourton-on-the-Water pubs.

Opening Times: Monday – Saturday, 11:00 – 23:00, Sunday, 12:00 – 22:30
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address: Sherborne Street, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2BY
Contact: 01451 820 539

3) The Kingsbridge Inn – Riverside

Be sure to stop by The Kingsbridge Inn after taking a relaxed stroll along the River Windrush. Everyone is welcome at Kingsbridge, including your family dogs. The spacious beer garden is idyllic on a warm summer evening while you enjoy a range of craft ales, refreshing ciders, wines, spirits or soft drinks.

Whether you are stopping by for a quick drink or a three-course meal, Kingsbridge has it all. The leisurely lunch menu is available between 12:00 and 16:00, Monday to Friday, and is a selection of light snacks. If you want something more filling, the main menu offers a selection of British pub classics. From veggie burgers to curries, The Kingsbridge Inn has it all.

Throughout the week, the pub hosts a series of poker and quiz nights. So, if you fancy yourself as a quiz master, get involved. Take on the experienced locals in the Bourton-on-the-Water battle of the minds.

Whether you have spent the day exploring the Miniature village or venturing to the Whelford Pool Nature Reserve, The Kingsbridge Inn is a great choice for the whole family.

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 12:00 – 22:00
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address: Riverside, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2BS
Contact: 01451 824 119

4) Old Manse Hotel – Victoria Street

Heading further into the bustling village of Bourton-on-the-Water, Old Manse Hotel sits next to the River Windrush. Full of history, the 18th-century pub is a great choice to rest your legs. Settle down, grab a bite to eat and take in the views of the town known as the Venice of the Cotswolds.

With a range of Greene King beers and ales, the Old Manse Hotel is a family-favourite that serves both British and world cuisines. Catering for both vegan and vegetarian, food is served between 11:00 and 22:00.

The Old Manse Hotel is a historic pub with a modern twist. Overlooking the river, the Old Manse hotel beer garden is a village favourite, full of life.

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 7:00 – 23:00
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address: Victoria Street, Bourton-on-the-Water, GL54 2BX
Contact: 01451 820 082

5) The Old New Inn

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Old New Inn (@theoldnewinn)

This Grade II listed building dates back to the 18th century and features a roaring fireplace and sash windows. Savour a glass of wine in the cosy restaurant or soak up the sunshine in the beautiful garden.

With a menu that praises local food, The Old New Inn in Bourton-on-the-Water is ideal for a taste of the Cotswolds. For the ultimate English experience, why not opt a spot of afternoon tea? Enjoy finger sandwiches, scones and scrumptious cakes, served with a hot drink.

The Old New Inn is also praised for its fresh herbs and spices, which are grown in their allotment. Enjoy organic tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, salad leaves, chillies and much more!

To quench your thirst, the extensive menus offers something for everyone. Scan the list for your favourite cocktails or sample local real ales.

Opening Times: Monday – Sunday, 11:00-17:30
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address:  Rissington Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54, UK
Contact: 01451 820467

---

The best dog-friendly pubs in Bourton-on-the-Water

6) The Willow

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Willow Pub & Restaurant (@thewillowbourton)

Situated in the heart of the village you will find this recently opened pub, The Willow. Positioned overlooking the peaceful river, near an abundance of willow trees, this Bourton-on-the-Water pub is the perfect place to watch the world go by.

Settle down on a seat in the garden terrace as you sip a glass of wine. Or, why not try a refreshing Cotswold gin and tonic, as you soak up the greenery. If you’re hungry, you can grab a coffee and a cake for £6.50 or indulge in afternoon tea.

Plus, if you’re popping on a Sunday, don’t miss-out on their home-made Sunday roast! Served with the meat of your choice, crispy roast potatoes, cauliflower cheese and drizzled in a red wine gravy.

Opening times: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 11 pm, Thursday & Sunday – 9am – 10pm

Pet Friendly: Yes

Address: High St, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2AP

Contact: 01451 798505

7) The Croft Restaurant

Looking for a welcoming dog-friendly pub in Bourton-on-the-Water? The Croft is a fantastic setting for families and friends looking to relax after day exploring the Cotswolds.

Open from the morning for your fix of the day till the evenings for a glass of fizz, this pub offers all your needs. Whether you fancy a large English breakfast or a tasty patty with skinny fries, you’re to find something to cure your hunger.

The Croft exudes a calming atmosphere with its cosy décor. With its wooden walls, leather seating and hard flooring, you can unwind in style. And on those warm evenings, have a conversation on the terrace under the gazebo and twinkling lights.

Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm, Tuesday – closed 
Pet friendly: Yes
Address: Victoria St, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2BX
Contact: 01451 821132

8) The Lamb Inn

Another one of the Cotswolds beautiful pubs is The Lamb Inn lies. Laying in the rural part of Bourton-on-the-Water and  encompassed by traditional cottages and greenery, this pub is a wonderful escape. In the summer season, scent of flowers and in winter admire the smell of a real log fire.

If you want to cosy up in a country-style pub in Bourton-on-the-Water, then this is the one for you. Enjoy a candle-lit dinner with a crisp wine in hand and treat yourself to one of their delicious puddings.

Opening times: Monday & Tuesday 6pm – 8pm, 
Pet friendly: Yes
Address: Victoria St, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2BX
Contact: 01451 820388

---

Pubs near Bourton-on-the-Water

9) The Plough Inn

Set in the rolling countryside in the quite village of cold Aston is The Plough Inn. This 17th century inn is surrounded by picturesque trails, waiting to be explored. After an adventure through rich greenery, refuel your efforts at this cosy pub near Bourton-on-the-Water.

If you’re looking for a selection of natural wines, craft beers and heart-warming meals, The Plough Inn is the one for you. You can fill your boots with a three course meal, which features creative starters, sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Featuring sardines with samphire as well as gin-cured trout, and spicy salsa. For your main, you can enjoy a sweet butternut squat, tender lamb chump or savour the rich flavours of Romanesco pappardelle.

Furthermore, The Plough Inn offers a range of drinks for your evening tipple. Why not savour one of Bristol’s beers, an Aztec Shake, as you relax on the outdoor patio? Or on cooler days, the bar area is the perfect place to recuperate with its blend of contemporary and period features.

Opening Times: Monday & Tuesday – closed, Wednesday – Saturday, 10am – 11pm, Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address:  Chapel Ln, Cold Aston, Cheltenham GL54 3BN
Contact: 01451 822602

10) The Wild Rabbit

Nestled in the honey-coloured village of Kingham is this charming pub, The Wild Rabbit. Hosting a cosy inglenook fireplace and exposed stone walls, this cosy setting is idyllic for a romantic meal. Settle down either beside the flickering fire or at the bar, where you can sample a range of wines, ales and unique cocktails.

The ingredients for the signature cocktails celebrate locally sourced products like milk for the Pina Colada is from the organic dairy herd. Whether you fancy a fruity Blackberry Bellini or the scrumptious Salted Caramel White Russian, there’s a cocktail for every mood.

As you unwind, notice the original features of this historic Bourton-on-the-Water pub. With its low ceilings, mullioned windows and chestnut panelling, you can soak up the rustic ambiance.

Alternatively, step into the light and airy dining room; here you can have a fine dining experience and tuck-into tasty dishes. Sink your teeth into a Grilled 8oz steak or a braise of pork, which can be served with the side of your choice.

Opening times: Contact pub
Pet Friendly: Yes
Address: Church St, Kingham, Chipping Norton OX7 6YA
Contact: 01608 658389

11) The Slaughters Country Inn

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by The Slaughters Manor House (@slaughtersmanor)

Finally, on our list of the best country pubs near Bourton-on-the-Water is The Slaughters Country Inn. Settled in the quaint village of Lower Slaughter, home to stone-built bridges and limestone cottages, this village makes a wonderful day out. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the River Eye and uninterrupted views of the countryside.

Afterwards, soak up more of the Cotswolds life at this traditional country inn. Featuring a range of local ales, The slaughters Country Inn celebrates the finest beers in the region.

Plus, you can share a delicious platter with your other half and snack on local meets, cheeses and home-made bread. Or for those with a sweet tooth, there is afternoon tea, which can be relished with a glass of Champagne.

Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 12:00om – 9pm
Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome in the bar area
Address: Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham GL54 2HS
Contact: 01451 822143

---

Bourton-on-the-Water is a charming village with a lot of character. Check out this Bourton-on-Water travel guide to help plan your visit. During your stay, you can fill your time with many different family-friendly activities. But, there is no better way after a long day of exploring than to enjoy a refreshing drink in one of these Bourton-on-the-Water pubs.

Heading out of Bourton-on-the-Water? You can find out more about 5 of the best pubs in the Cotswolds area. Or why not visit the beautiful village of Broadway with our blog: 9 of The Best Pubs in Broadway, Cotswolds?

Travelling in the festive period? Then be sure to read: 15 Must-Visit Christmas Markets in Gloucestershire.

If you need somewhere to stay on your visit to the Cotswolds, check out this range of quiet, relaxing, Bourton-on-the-Water cottages. Book your stay with our knowledgeable travel advisers or start online today.

---

Image Credits: David Merrett – (CC BY 2.0); Jaggery – (CC BY SA 2.0); Karen Roe – (CC BY 2.0); Elliott Brown – (CC BY SA 2.0)