Bourton-on-the-Hill Tourist Information

The charming Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Hill is in an idyllic part of Gloucestershire, overlooking the well-known village of Moreton-in-the-Marsh from its hillside position. The River Evenlode runs along the village boundary with several small tributary streams running into it.

Situated on a steep hill and surrounded by rolling green countryside, this small village is nestled around a small local church and an old coaching inn. At one time the village would have been on the main route from London to Worcester, known as the London Way in 1590.

The village has many individual 17th century and 18th century cottages. The best known is Slatter's Cottage which dates back to the 1600s. Working farms are scattered around the surrounding countryside.

Present Day Bourton-on-the-Hill

Bourton-on-the-Hill has a population of around 300. It has a selection of pretty cottages along the main street, all built of warm honey-coloured Cotswold stone and surrounded by pretty country gardens which spill over low garden walls.

One of the main eye-catchers is Bourton House Garden in the centre of the village with its 16th century tithe barn. It frequently opens its lovely gardens to the public and has a plants sale of unusual perennials and flowering shrubs.

Local life tends to gravitate around the local pub, the Horse and Groom. It has a good reputation for its excellent food and tends more towards being a gastropub than a local's bar, although it does serve real ales.

Bourton-on-the-Hill is too small to support its own shops but nearby towns such as Longborough, 2 miles away and Stow-on-the-Wold, 4 miles away, have shops, restaurants and pubs.

Things to do in Bourton-on-the-Hill

Neighbouring Moreton-in-the-Marsh is within walking distance and has a couple of small supermarkets, takeaways, tea rooms, restaurants and gift shops. The antique shops and art galleries also make it worth a visit.

The Batsford Estate and Arboretum are close by and provide beautiful estate grounds for long country walks. It is the home of the Cotswold Falconry Centre and during the summer its tea room is a particularly popular place to rest after a day of walking or cycling in the area.

The area is perfect for keen walkers as the Heart of England Way passes right through the village. An ordnance survey map will reveal a network of other footpaths in the area offering splendid walks in unrivalled scenery.

Just to the west of Bourton-on-the-Hill is Snowshill Manor, a typical manor of this area. It was at one time owned by Henry VIII who gave it to Katherine Parr as a wedding gift. It was restored in 1919 by Charles Paget Wade who shunned any modern upgrades and restored it to its former glory, wood panelling, log fires and all. Throughout his life he added collectibles and treasures from all over the world and then gave it to The National Trust as a gift to the nation. It makes a fascinating place to visit.

Youngsters may enjoy a trip to the nearby Cotswold Quad and Outdoor Activity Centre and the historic Sudeley Castle is just 15 minutes away