Where to Eat in Bourton!
Amit Sharma
Amit Sharma
| 04-07-2025
Travel Team · Travel Team
Where to Eat in Bourton!
Welcome, Lykkers! Nestled along the gentle Windrush River, Bourton on the Water dazzles with honey-hued Cotswold stone charm and a culinary scene that surprises at every turn.
Picture yourself wandering beneath historic bridges, then sinking into a riverside table as sunlight dances on the water. This guide ensures every meal—from casual bites to fine dining—is an experience, complete with precise costs, transport tips, and step-by-step planning.

Get There

Reaching Bourton on the Water is simple. Take the train to Kingham (from London Paddington, approx. £35–£50 return), then bus X8 toward Cheltenham (£5 one-way, 45 min). Alternatively, drive via the A40—parking at New Street Car Park costs £4 for 4 hours. Aim to arrive between 11 am and 1 pm to secure riverside seating.

Your Steps

1. Plan Transport: Book train and bus tickets 2–4 weeks ahead for best fares.
2. Reserve Early: Call each restaurant 1–3 days before your visit.
3. Time Your Visit: Aim for off-peak hours (2–4 pm for lunch; 7–8:30 pm for dinner) to avoid crowds.
4. Savor Slowly: Allow 90+ minutes per meal to enjoy ambiance and courses.

Riverside Elegance

At The Rose Tree (Riverside, Victoria St.; 11:30 am–8:30 pm Tue–Sat; 11:30 am–3 pm Sun), mains run £14–£19.
The pan-fried sea bass arrives with butter (£18), while the Wild Mushroom & Truffle Risotto (£16) features a mix of seasonal wild mushrooms, white truffle oil, and a touch of Parmesan, finished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of truffle butter. It’s rich, earthy, and elegant—perfect for riverside dining. Alternatively, a Roasted Butternut Squash & Sage Tart (£15) with caramelized onions, goat cheese, and walnut pesto could be another delicious choice.
Riverside tables overlook gentle rapids—book a 6 pm slot for golden hour glow.

Classic Comfort

Tucked at 3 High St. (7 am–9 pm Mon–Fri), The Dial House invites with flaky pastry and garden-fresh salads. Sunday roast (served seven days a week though) costs £17 and features slow-roasted lamb with crisp potatoes. The patio’s wrought-iron chairs and hanging wisteria make al fresco dining a delight.

Morning & Light

Begin at The Croft (Victoria St.; 9 am–6 pm Mon–Fri) with a full English breakfast (£9) featuring free-range eggs and herb-roasted portobello mushrooms. For a midday nibble, Bourton Riverside Café (Riverside; 9 am–5 pm daily) crafts cheese paninis (£6) on sourdough, alongside homemade soups (£5). Both spots offer uninterrupted river views.

Fine Dining

Three miles out, at Lords of the Manor (Upper Slaughter; 7 am–9 pm Mon–Fri), The Atrium presents an eight-course tasting menu (£95 pp). Each dish is a modern twist on Cotswold classics—think truffled celeriac velouté and lavender-infused lamb. Book at least two weeks in advance for this gastronomic journey.
Where to Eat in Bourton!

Conclusion

There you have it, Lykkers: a step-by-step path to unforgettable meals along the Windrush River. From seasonal wild mushrooms to refined tasting menus, every bite tells a story. Now it’s your turn—reserve your table, set your itinerary, and share your favorite discovery!