Introduction: A New Year Stay at the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water

Spending New Year in the Cotswolds had been on our wish list for years, and choosing the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water felt like the perfect way to do it. This Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water review begins exactly where our trip began, with anticipation, excitement and a long held love for this part of England. Charlie and I booked our New Year break months in advance because we wanted to see the festive season through in one of the most picturesque villages in the country. Having already fallen for the charm of the Cotswolds on previous trips, Bourton-on-the-Water was the missing piece we were desperate to experience properly.

The Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water stood out immediately. A historic pub with a small collection of bedrooms, right in the very centre of the village, it promised charm, comfort and the kind of cosy atmosphere that suits winter travel perfectly. This was not about flashy luxury but instead about warmth, character and location. We booked three nights from the 30th of December through to the 1st of January, hoping for crackling fires, long walks and excellent food. What followed was a stay full of contrasts, from overwhelming crowds to quiet winter mornings that felt completely magical.

Arrival in Bourton-on-the-Water and First Impressions

Arriving in Bourton-on-the-Water around mid afternoon was our first reality check. Despite visiting in winter, the village was absolutely packed. Tourists filled every bridge and pathway, cars crawled through narrow lanes and parking felt almost impossible. For a brief moment, we genuinely questioned whether we had made the right decision. We had visited Bourton-on-the-Water in summer before and struggled with the crowds, so winter was meant to be our quieter alternative. However, New Year week clearly attracts its own wave of visitors.

After circling for nearly forty five minutes, luck finally came our way. The caretaker from the Model Village, tucked just behind the Old New Inn, was finishing for the day and kindly let us take his parking space. It felt like winning the lottery. This is a crucial tip for anyone planning to stay at the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water. Parking is extremely limited, so arriving early, ideally before 10am, makes all the difference.

Once parked, everything shifted. Stepping inside the Old New Inn immediately created a sense of calm. The warmth of the pub, the welcoming greeting at check in and the traditional interiors made the chaos outside fade away almost instantly.

Check In Experience at the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water

Check in was relaxed, friendly and efficient. There was no sense of being rushed, despite how busy the village was outside. Instead, we were made to feel genuinely welcome. The Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water has the feel of a proper village pub, one where locals and guests coexist easily, and that atmosphere carries through to the service.

We were shown where breakfast would be the next morning, given information about dinner bookings and then directed to our room. It all felt seamless and well organised, which was reassuring after such a hectic arrival.

Rooms and Comfort: Staying at the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water

Our room was located at the top of the building, up two flights of stairs. Although this might not suit everyone, we actually loved being tucked away. It felt quiet, private and removed from the pub below. As soon as we opened the door, we were impressed. The room was spotless and beautifully decorated, combining traditional Cotswolds charm with modern comforts.

The bed was large and incredibly comfortable, dressed in crisp white sheets that felt luxurious and indulgent. The bedding alone made it clear that comfort was a priority here. After long winter walks, climbing into that bed each night felt like a real treat. The room was warm without being stuffy, and despite being above a pub in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, it was wonderfully quiet.

The bathroom was spacious and well designed, featuring a powerful shower, fluffy towels and quality toiletries. Everything felt fresh, clean and thoughtfully maintained. Lighting was soft and flattering, storage was practical and overall the room delivered exactly what you want from a cosy Cotswolds stay.

First Evening in Bourton-on-the-Water and Dinner Plans

Given how busy Bourton-on-the-Water had been earlier in the day, we decided to stay in our room for a few hours and let the crowds thin out. This turned out to be a great decision. By early evening, the village began to calm down. Day trippers slowly disappeared and the atmosphere shifted to something far more relaxed.

We had dinner booked at The Mousetrap, one of the village’s most popular pubs and restaurants. The walk there took around ten minutes and felt like the perfect way to clear our heads and take in Bourton-on-the-Water at a quieter moment.

The Mousetrap was lively and full of atmosphere. It felt social, warm and very much part of the village’s evening rhythm. I started with baked Camembert while Charlie chose French onion soup. Both were comforting and generous. For mains, I had the braised beef shin with Yorkshire pudding, which was rich, tender and absolutely delicious. Charlie went for the ribeye steak, which he described as perfectly cooked and full of flavour.

Portion sizes were generous, the food was well executed and the atmosphere made it feel like a proper holiday meal. This is somewhere I would absolutely recommend if you are staying in Bourton-on-the-Water, especially during the winter months when hearty food really hits the spot.

A Comfortable First Night at the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water

After dinner, we wandered back through the village, enjoying how peaceful it had become. The lights reflected beautifully on the water and the crowds were almost gone. Back in our room, we settled in for a comfortable night. The bed was incredibly supportive, the room temperature was perfect and the soundproofing meant we slept uninterrupted.

Waking up in the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water felt calm and cosy, exactly what we had hoped for when booking a New Year escape in the Cotswolds.

Breakfast at the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water

Breakfast was served in a charming dining room with white linen tablecloths and a calm, unhurried atmosphere. Each table had a small number corresponding to your room, which made seating straightforward and stress free. The breakfast offering struck a great balance between continental options and cooked dishes.

The continental spread included yoghurts, honey, jams, fresh bread and croissants. Meanwhile, the cooked menu offered everything from a full English to eggs royale and eggs Benedict. I opted for porridge followed by eggs royale, while Charlie chose a full English, something he always enjoys when staying away.

The eggs deserve special mention. They were Cackle Bean eggs, locally sourced and known for their rich flavour. Service was outstanding, thanks largely to Christina, who was an absolute asset to the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water. She was efficient, warm and attentive, making sure everything was perfect without ever being intrusive. Her service alone elevated the entire breakfast experience.

Exploring the Cotswolds on Foot from Bourton-on-the-Water

After breakfast, we were keen to explore the surrounding countryside. We downloaded the AllTrails app and chose a six mile circular walk that took us through Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter. This route has gained popularity online and for good reason.

The walk leads you through open fields, along peaceful paths and past some of the most beautiful stone cottages in the Cotswolds. On our first day, the sun was out and the route was fairly busy, with other walkers stopping for photos and enjoying the scenery. There is even a small coffee stand along the way, which made for a welcome break.

Although the walk is not short, it is manageable if you enjoy being active. However, if long walks are not your thing, AllTrails offers plenty of shorter routes that still allow you to experience the beauty of the area.

Lunch at the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water Pub

After completing the walk, we returned to the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water for lunch. We shared the ploughman’s platter and it was enormous. A generous selection of cheeses, meats, bread and additional treats like Scotch eggs and sausage rolls made it feel hearty and indulgent.

The pub atmosphere during the day was relaxed and welcoming. It felt like a place where locals and visitors naturally come together, and we loved spending time there between exploring and relaxing.

New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water

New Year’s Eve dinner was one of the highlights of our stay. The Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water offered a three course set menu that had to be booked months in advance. It was clear that a lot of thought had gone into the menu.

We started with smoked duck, which was beautifully presented and full of flavour. For mains, we both chose the rack of lamb, cooked perfectly and served in generous portions. Desserts included pistachio ice cream with chocolate tart for me and champagne panna cotta for Charlie.

After dinner, we enjoyed a couple of Cotswolds Old Fashioneds at the bar. We were not interested in big parties or loud celebrations. Instead, we wanted something intimate and relaxed, and the Old New Inn delivered exactly that. We headed to bed early, watched television and welcomed the New Year together in the comfort of our room.

New Year’s Day and a Quieter Side of Bourton-on-the-Water

On New Year’s Day, we repeated the same walk through Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter. This time, the difference was striking. The route was almost empty, the air felt crisp and the countryside was incredibly peaceful. This was the Bourton-on-the-Water experience we had hoped for, calm, scenic and unhurried.

Returning to the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water afterwards felt like coming home. It was the perfect way to end our stay.

Who the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water Is Perfect For

Romantic couples looking for a cosy Cotswolds escape
Walkers and outdoor lovers wanting easy access to scenic routes
Food focused travellers who enjoy traditional pub dining
Visitors who want to stay right in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water

Final Verdict: Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water Review

This Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water review comes down to one thing. Balance. Despite being in one of the busiest villages in the Cotswolds, the Old New Inn offers a calm, comfortable and genuinely welcoming retreat. The rooms are cosy and well appointed, the food is consistently excellent and the service, especially at breakfast, is outstanding.

If you are prepared for crowds during peak daytime hours and plan your parking carefully, staying at the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water is an excellent choice. It delivers exactly what you want from a winter break in the Cotswolds and is somewhere we would happily return. And if you are driving into or out of Bourton-on-the-Water, it is well worth planning a stop at The Fox at Barrington along the way. It makes a perfect addition to a Cotswolds itinerary, whether for a relaxed lunch or an indulgent dinner, and you can read my full review of The Fox at Barrington here to see why it has become one of my favourite places to eat in the area.

FAQs

Is the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water worth staying at in winter
Yes, winter offers a cosy atmosphere and quieter mornings, making it an ideal time to visit.

Does the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water have parking
Yes, but spaces are limited. Arriving before 10am is strongly recommended.

Is Bourton-on-the-Water busy at New Year
Yes, daytime crowds can be very busy, especially between late morning and mid afternoon.

Is the Old New Inn Bourton-on-the-Water good for walkers
Absolutely. It is perfectly located for countryside walks including routes to Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter.