The Best Hotels in Bourton-on-the-Water, UK

The Dial House Hotel in Bourton-on-the-Water has all the character and charm you’d expect from a Cotswolds establishment, and the honey-hued stone to match. It dates back to the 17th century, and the flagstone floors and enormous fireplaces make it a truly rustic retreat for the weekend. Each of the 14 guest rooms has its own style, keeping with the old country house theme that runs throughout the hotel. Whether you plan to walk along the river or relax in the on-site hot tub, the Dial House provides a pocket of peace away from the busy high street. If you’re there between Wednesday and Saturday, book at the on-site Moonlight restaurant for a spot of beautiful French cuisine.

Set in beautiful gardens, Lords of the Manor Hotel is one of the finest places to stay in Bourton-on-the-Water and indeed in the Cotswolds. The hotel comes with its very own turret and the bedrooms are nothing short of cavernous – there’s enough space for two to enjoy the room without getting under each other’s feet. The afternoon tea here is of top quality, thanks to the chef’s Michelin-star credentials, so make sure to book yourself in. Even dogs – who are welcome at the hotel – will get an afternoon treat in the form of home-made biscuits and organic dog food. In colder weather, the lounge provides the perfect spot for some fire gazing and reading.

An elegant estate in the heart of Slaughter – a few minutes down the road from Bourton-on-the-Water – the Slaughters Country Inn has been a refuge for weary travellers for centuries. Though it retains much of its historic character, it now features a range of modern, luxury guest rooms. Opt for one of the superior rooms and you’ll be rewarded with an open-plan space where you can watch TV from the bathtub, complete with L’Occitane products. Staying true to its pub roots, the lounge downstairs serves locally sourced ales and dishes, set among a cluster of battered old books and weather-beaten armchairs. On summer evenings, you can take your meal outside to the courtyard, which overlooks the beautiful, untamed gardens.

The Lansdowne is a modern guest house just a few hundred metres from the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, making it a perfect pit stop from which to explore the local area. Each of the guest rooms is kitted out with modern decoration and amenities in its own style – there’s a room with a four-poster bed, another with exposed brickwork and one with a single bed. It’s family-run, so the service is both friendly and personal – expect breakfast with a smile in the dining room each day.

At only 100 years old, the Old Manse Hotel in Bourton-on-the-Water is a baby by Cotswolds standards. Just one road over from the high street, this hotel sits right next to the river, giving guests a great view of the water, particularly from the beer garden. The 15 guest rooms are pared back but comfortable – each has tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a hairdryer and TV and original features such as exposed beams. This is a great base from which to explore Bourton and enjoy a pint on a sunny day.