When it comes to the best places to stay in Bourton on the Water, you’ll quickly find you’re spoiled for choice in this energetic town.

Affectionately nicknamed the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” Bourton on the Water is one of the most popular villages in this charming English region – and it’s not hard to see why! Between the beautiful River Windrush and its picturesque canals to the quaint shops and plentiful eateries, Bourton is a wonderful place to base yourself in the romantic Cotswolds region.

So whether you’re seeking a stay in the heart of the action with canal views or a peaceful escape on a quiet country lane reminiscent of a stay at a Castle Combe hotel, you’ll find it here. Let’s have a look at a dozen of the best places to stay in Bourton on the Water.

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If your idea of the best places to stay in Bourton on the Water involve canal views, you’ll definitely want to consider the Old Manse Hotel.

Dating back to 1748, this dog-friendly historic inn is located just along the famous River Windrush and offers rooms with lovely water views. You truly couldn’t ask for a more central location in Bourton on the Water!

I personally loved staying in the heart of the action in this bustling town, so this hotel was an ideal choice for me. For a point of reference, it’s located just across from the Motor Museum, one of the main points of interest in the heart of the village.

(That said, if you’re after a quieter stay removed from the afternoon crowds, you’re best off checking out one of the other properties on this list. I’d also suggest you have a look at the village of Castle Combe, which offers a much more tranquil vibe.)

While this hotel is very much a 3-star in terms of its dated hallways, creaking floors, lack of an elevator, and hallway carpeting that could use some love, I was truly impressed by the spacious rooms.

Between the sheer size of my room, the attractive decor, and the amazing view over the canal – which several of the 15 available rooms offer – I couldn’t have asked for more.

The bathroom was also surprisingly modern and nice as well.

One of the main highlights of the Old Manse Hotel is that the rooms are above a solid English pub, offering everything from breakfast to dinner.

A tasty continental/full English breakfast is included in the stay.

Old Manse Hotel is located on Victoria Street in Bourton on the Water.

Private parking is available behind the hotel, but spaces are limited.

If you’re seeking a cozy 3-star hotel option with a restaurant included, consider a stay at the Chester House Hotel. This privately-run hotel is located within a beautiful Victorian building featuring the emblematic Cotswold stone and idyllic pitched roofs.

Chester House Hotel prides itself on providing a highly accommodating staff within its charming walls.

The hotel’s 22 rooms are adorned in a contemporary country style creating a cozy, homey feel.

While there’s no lift, there’s a ground floor room available for those with limited mobility.

One of the highlights of this property is definitely L’anatra Italian Kitchen, the property’s on-site restaurant featuring delicious Italian cuisine. Chester House Hotel also features a bar which is open from 9AM until 11PM, serving everything from morning coffee to cocktails.

In addition, the property provides a traditional English breakfast from 8AM to 10AM daily in their charming Garden Room. Breakfast is included in the stay.

Chester House Hotel is located on Victoria Street in Bourton on the Water.

Private on-site parking is available and can accommodate up to 18 cars.

If you’re after a hotel with historic charm, it doesn’t get much more idyllic than The Dial House.

Set on a beautifully landscaped lawn, this period property isn’t pet-friendly, but it certainly offers guests a relaxing escape from bustling Bourton on the Water.

The 13 stylish rooms are bursting with historic character, yet also offer modern and luxurious touches.

The hotel prides itself on its award-winning Dial House Restaurant, which offers lunch and dinner ranging from seafood to steak.

In addition, guests can enjoy a full English or continental breakfast at an additional fee.

The Dial House is located on High Street in Bourton in the Water.

Free on-site parking is available, with the stipulation that guests provide their car registration numbers at reception.

Set in a traditional 19th-century inn, The Moustrap Inn is perfect for those seeking an affordable stay without sacrificing on charm.

Each of the 11 individually-designed bedrooms feature ensuite bathrooms and are ideal for those traveling on a budget.

Guests can enjoy dining at The Mousetrap Inn Restaurant, featuring locally-sourced ingredients. While walk-ins are accepted based on availability, dining reservations are strongly encouraged.

A plentiful á la carte, English/Irish, or continental breakfast is included in the stay.

The Mousetrap Inn is located at Lansdowne in Bourton on the Water.

The property’s limited on-site parking is available on a first-come/first-served basis.

Approaching 300 years old, Broadlands is one of the more historic places to stay in Bourton on the Water. This charming family-owned-and-operated hotel is located just a brief walk from the famous River Windrush.

This adults-only, pet-free property is perfect for couples and singles in search of a peaceful stay.

The dozen rooms at Broadlands range from a mini suite to a superior suite which encompasses the entire top floor for the most exclusive stay.

Rooms in the older section of the hotel feature charming details such as sloping ceilings and low doorways.

Alternatively, guests can book a stay in the main hotel or coach house annex, depending on individual preference.

A full English style breakfast is served daily and included in the stay.

Broadlands is located on Clapton Row in Bourton on the Water.

Private on-site parking can only be guaranteed for a small additional fee of 10 pounds per day (or a reduced rate of 5 pounds for single-night stays).

If you’d prefer the peacefulness of a stay just on the outskirts of Bourton on the Water, consider The Lamb Inn.

This charming, country-style inn is dog-friendly and happy to accept well-behaved four-legged family members for an additional 15 pounds per night.

Featuring a dozen spacious rooms, guests can choose from premium rooms, to garden rooms, to stable rooms, and more.

One of the inn’s calling cards is its country-style restaurant, available for lunch and dinner. Guests can also take advantage of the on-site bar open until 11PM (11:30PM on Friday and Saturday).

A wonderful full English breakfast is also included in the stay.

The Lamb Inn is located at Great Rissington in Bourton on the Water.

Free on-site parking is available for guests.

Nestled behind a beautiful garden, Coombe House is located just a few minutes on foot to the village center of Bourton on the Water.

This charming, no-frills, pet-free property is ideal for those looking for an intimate bed and breakfast experience on a budget. Each of the six ensuite rooms are simply decorated and range from twin rooms to double rooms.

A delicious breakfast is served daily, featuring buffet items as well as cooked dishes that can be ordered off of the menu.

Coombe House is located on Rissington Road in Bourton on the Water.

Free on-site parking is available for guests.

If you’re looking for a more private and exclusive accommodation, Southlands B&B is another homey bed and breakfast well-worth considering.

As one of the most intimate Bourton on the Water cottages, this three-bedroom property merges a traditional cottage style with modern details for the ultimate comfort. One of the property highlights is the welcoming gardens, where guests can sip evening cocktails in a peaceful atmosphere.

Southlands B&B is dog-friendly and ideally located within a brief distance of many of the town’s available walking trails.

A home-cooked English/Irish breakfast is served each morning.

Southlands B&B is located on Southlands Rissington Road in Bourton on the Water.

Free private parking is available for guests.

Located on a lovely private road, Webby’s Windrush Walk offers a peaceful, pet-free stay that’s still conveniently located near the main action of Bourton on the Water.

This bed and breakfast offers three tastefully-decorated rooms with private bathrooms and lovely garden views.

Guests can select from a variety of highly-rated breakfast options, including a full English breakfast, a vegetarian option, or a gluten-free breakfast, all included in the stay.

Webby’s Windrush Walk is located at 37 Rissington Road in Bourton on the Water.

Free off-road parking is available for guests in front of the property.

If you’d prefer places to stay in Bourton on the Water that offer a touch more luxury without skimping on charm, consider The Lansdowne Guest House.

This family-owned, adults-only bed and breakfast is ideal for (dog-free) singles and couples looking for a comfortable, 4-star stay just a two-minute walk from the village center.

With 14 uniquely-decorated ensuite bedrooms ranging from a single room, to a four-poster-bed suite, to charming Cotswolds cottages, there’s something to suit all tastes.

Three of the rooms are located on the ground floor, which are ideal for those with limited mobility.

While there’s no on-site restaurant, a full English/Irish or continental breakfast is included with the stay.

The Lansdowne Guest House is located at 1 Lansdowne in Bourton on the Water.

Private on-site parking is available for guests.

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to stay in a Georgian period property, Halford House is just the place for you.

This adults-only guest house offers five unique rooms featuring colorful details.

Guests seeking a cold-weather stay will appreciate the ability to curl up by the fire in the cozy main lounge, whereas those arriving in spring and summer can take advantage of the sun terrace and outdoor garden.

While there’s no on-site restaurant at Halford House, guests are encouraged to visit The Croft for everything from breakfast to dinner. Located just a two-minute walk from the guest house next to the River Windrush, restaurant bookings can be arranged by the hotel staff upon request.

Halford House is located on Station Road in Bourton on the Water.

Free private parking is available on site.

A lovely option with views over the canal can be found at Old Bank Rooms.

Here, guests can enjoy a comfortable, apartment-style stay. The beautifully furnished rooms are situated above some local shops and offer an airy, feminine feel.

With the exception of one suite, all rooms offer views over the River Windrush and the iconic canals the town is known for.

However, as there are just six ensuite bedrooms available, it’s best to book well in advance, as rooms tend to book up quickly.

Although the Old Bank Rooms are not set up like a traditional hotel, a continental or full English/Irish breakfast is conveniently offered in a restaurant downstairs beneath the suites.

Given that these are more so apartment-style suites, there’s no front-desk attendant. Instead, guests can take advantage of express check-in and check-out services.

Old Bank Rooms are located at Hartley House on High Street in Bourton on the Water.

The rooms don’t have their own associated parking. Instead, guests can park in the Bourton Vale overnight car park or utilize the plentiful street parking.

As you can see, Bourton on the Water offers a variety of accommodations for every type of traveler, whether you’d prefer to be in the heart of the action or along the outskirts.

Which of these accommodations win your vote for the top places to stay in Bourton on the Water? Let me know in the comments below!