Overview
Little Forge is a charming bolthole for two, hidden just off the main high street of the glorious and world-famous Bourton-on-the-Water. Curated with design and comfort in mind, this characterful property, with exposed beams and Cotswold stone, is the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the Cotswolds.
Step inside and you will be greeted by light flooding in through the window, dappling across the neutrally decorated living area, with a welcoming two-seater sofa, wooden coffee table and warming log burner. There is a dining table perfect for two, so after whipping up a delicious supper, you can discuss the adventures of the day over a glass of something bubbly. The kitchen is just as welcoming as the living area, with a skylight allowing the sunshine to fill the galley space and exposed Cotswold stone. Through to the other end of Little Forge, you are welcomed by a cosy bedroom, where a big bed beckons you. The en-suite bathroom has been thoughtfully decorated with a stylish interior so you can have a little sprinkle of glamour in the countryside.
Outside, you will find yourself wandering down the beautiful streets of Bourton-on-the-Water, only to appear on the iconic high street known as The Venice of the Cotswolds. The view of the pretty bridges over the River Windrush, flanked by artisan shops and delis, is truly breath-taking. You can spend your days exploring the Cotswold Motoring Museum, discovering the amazing world of birds at Birdland, marvel over the only Grade II listed model village in the country all before indulging in a delicious ice-cream from the Cotswold Ice Cream Co.
Ground Floor
Living area
Relax on the sofa in front of the crackling log burner after a day of getting lost in the stunning streets of Bourton-on-the-Water and indulging in cream teas in the lovely cafes dotted all around. Or, cook a delicious supper with farm shop bought goodies, and discuss the day at the sat at the cosy dining table.
Kitchen
The galley kitchen is perfect for preparing the delights you have picked up on your adventures through the Cotswolds; although petite, there’s plenty of room to cook up a storm with everything you need – hob, oven, microwave, toaster and ample cooking utensils.
Bedroom
The king-size bed is perfect for long lie-ins and dreamy sleeps. Let the morning sunshine beam in through the windows as you relax before the day ahead.
Bathroom
Adding a touch of sophistication, the contemporary bathroom is perfect for a little pampering complete with walk-in shower, basin and WC.
Facilities
Indoor
Bedroom One - King-size
1 Bathroom - Shower, Basin, WC
Hairdryer
Fire - Logs Provided For Initial Fire Between 01 October And 31 March
Oven
Hob
Microwave
Toaster
Kettle
Fridge
Freezer - Compartment In Fridge
Dining Table - Seats 2
Iron
WiFi *Please Note That Speeds Are For Guidance Only And Are Not Guaranteed
TV - Smart
Baby/child Equipment Not Provided
Outdoor
No BBQ Available
Parking - One Off-road Parking Space (on Request), Unrestricted On-street Parking Available Nearby
On your Doorstep
The nearest supermarket is the Bourton-on-the-Water Co-operative (0.5 miles), there is also a small Budgens on the High Street (0.5 miles). There is a Tesco Superstore and a small M&S Simply Food store in Stow-on-the-Wold (4 miles). A Farmers and Producers Market is held in the village on the last Sunday of each month from 08.30-12.30. Daylesford Organic Farm Shop is 7 miles away.
Eating Out
- Box Bush, Bourton-on-the-Water – delightful farm shop and café with artisan goods and gelato (0.5 miles)
- Bakery on the Water, Bourton-on-the-Water – lovely bakery selling fresh goods (0.5 miles)
- The Dial House Restaurant, Bourton-on-the-Water – Cotswolds dining at its best with international and local cuisines (0.5 miles)
- Venezia Italian Restaurant, Bourton-on-the-Water – authentic Italian restaurant serving fresh, homemade Italian food (0.5 miles)
- The Fox at Oddington, Lower Oddington – a lovely 19th Century British inn nestled in the Gloucestershire countryside (7 miles)
- The King’s Head, Bledington – a classic Cotswolds Inn on the village green, serving fabulous British food (8 Miles)
Walks
Within 2 minutes’ walk you can join the Monarch’s Way northbound to Clapton-on-the-Hill with wonderful views across the Rissington’s (and further on to Sherbourne Park) or southbound alongside the Windrush, across the Fosseway and on to Lower Slaughter. The Slaughters Country Inn offers a nice lunch or afternoon tea in an idyllic setting. Clapton-on-the-Hill is a fabulous destination for walkers. The Windrush Valley which can be seen from the terrace is traversed by two main routes, the Windrush Way, Monarch’s Way and the Diamond Way. The Windrush Way takes you from Bourton-on-the-Water up to Winchcombe, the Monarch’s Way is a long distance path following the route of Charles II after the Battle of Worcester and runs through Stow-on-the-Wold and the Diamond Way is a circular route from Northleach up to Moreton-in-Marsh and can easily be joined in Clapton-on-the-Hill.
Places to Visit
- The Model Village – a mini, model version of the actual village of Bourton-on-the-Water (0.5 miles)
- Cotswold Motoring Museum – a collection of rare vehicles and classic memorabilia, including the famous ‘Brum’ (0.5 miles)
- Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens – meet all of the 260 different species (11 miles)
- Sudeley Castle – a romantic castle and gardens (14 miles)
Travel
Trains: Kingham railway station (8 miles) has a frequent and direct service to London Paddington and Oxford.
Taxis: Bobby Private Hire, Bourton Taxis
There is so much to discover in the Cotswolds, why not take a look at some of our favourite Bolthole Retreats Experiences
Points of Note
This property has a check-in time of 16:00 and a check-out time of 10:00
- Book with us to get exclusive discounts to top attractions and experiences.
- There is free on-site parking at the cottage. There are also streets nearby where there are no parking restrictions including Gas Works Lane, Clapton Row, Springfield and at the bottom of Victoria Street.
- Pets are not accepted at the cottage.
- There is no BBQ available at Little Forge and guests are not permitted to provide their own.
- Please note there is no garden or outside space at this property.
- Please note that Little Forge is one of our adult only properties.
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Handpicked by us
Why we love this
- Tucked away just moments from the bustling heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, one of the Cotswolds most visited villages.
- Relax in the open-plan living space with a cosy fire, perfect after a day exploring.
- A short stroll from attractions like the Cotswold Motoring Museum, Birdland, The Model Village, and The Cotswold Perfumery.
Discover more
The Location
Bourton-on-the-Water is rightfully one of the Cotswolds most visited villages with a wealth of attractions, delightful shops and eating establishments to suit everyone’s taste. The River Windrush flows through the centre, and is spanned by several, low arched bridges flanked by wide village greens and lovely period Cotswold stone buildings, giving the village its well-known moniker of Venice of the Cotswolds. Forsythia is less than a minute’s walk from the river and its beautiful bridges, making it the perfect place to visit all the sights, including the Model Village, Birdland Park and Gardens, the Motor Museum, the Dragonfly Maze and the Cotswold Brewing Company
and relax
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Read our reviews
We had a wonderful stay at Little Forge, it’s was an amazing find and Julie was an exceptional host, very warm and welcoming.
It was the perfect bolthole to explore the Cotswolds, so clean and tidy and had everything we needed.
We would highly recommend and will definitely be back.
Debbie
Little Forge was one of the best places we have ever stayed at. It was cosy and inviting with impeccable attention to detail, very clean and well-equipped.
The location was also fantastic, close to the town but very private and quiet.
Julie was a great host, communicating with us regularly and responding promptly.
We loved our stay at Little Forge and would not hesitate to return there.
Little
Wonderful place to stay

Little Forge is beautifully furnished throughout.
The place is immaculately clean.
Julie and her husband ,are such a lovely couple, nothing is to much trouble and they go that extra mile to ensure that you have a wonderful stay.
Little extras such as milk, tea, coffee, were great.
Everything was very high spec.
Couldnt fault it didnt want to leave.
The owners should be very proud of what a beautifully kept place it is.
Linda
An absolute gem

The accommodation was excellent, very clean, comfortable and the location was great. The welcome pack was lovely and the parking was an added bonus.
Kim
Would live here just to be neighbours with the wonderful hosts!
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Marlene
We had an absolutely amazing stay at Little Forge in Bourton-on-the-Water!! Wouldn’t recommend to stay anywhere else but here! The location was perfect for exploring the Cotswolds and experiencing the charm of the village.
Julie and Paul were the most wonderful hosts. We highly encourage guests to get to know them because they are full of amazing stories and made us feel like family away from home. Their warmth and hospitality truly made our trip unforgettable. They checked in on us throughout our stay, gave us fantastic recommendations and directions on where to visit, and went above and beyond to make sure we had the best experience possible.
The cottage itself was spotless…easily one of the cleanest places we’ve ever stayed. It was so warm, cozy, and welcoming, with a true Cotswolds charm that made the whole experience feel authentic and special. And if you get the chance to meet their doggy Flo, that’s an added bonus too!
If you want the true Cotswolds experience book here!!
Soheil
Fantastic little cottage bang in the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water

We absolutely loved our 4 night stay in Little Forge. Such a cute cottage and was the perfect size for myself and my wife. Location couldnt be better - 1 minute walk to everything in the centre, yet quiet enough to escape the crowds on the weekend. It was perfect - we didnt want to leave! A lovely touch was also Julies great communication and the fact she was able to let us park on her driveway throughout the stay. 10/10!
Robbie
We enjoyed our stay in Little Forge enormously. The cottage was perfectly positioned for exploring the Cotswolds and was pristine and well appointed. Julie was friendly and very helpful. Definitely recommended to other guests.
David
Excellent stay. The location was wonderful, situated on a peaceful street with off-street parking, a very short walk into town, and easy access to the rest of the Cotswolds. The property itself was exceptional with every detail considered. We would absolutely stay there again.
Jeff
We liked everything - the location, the facilities and the absolutely delightful owners who really helped us out of a situation when our Uber failed to pick us up. Wonderful stay and such amazing people!
Louise
A lovely, peaceful, clean, little cottage that suited us perfectly. Bourton-on-the-Water can get busy during the day but this cottage is slightly away from the hustle and bustle and still only a few minutes walk. Great spot to come back to after a day of walking/exploring. Pure bliss.
Ronan
Such a cute little place to call home for a few days in the prettiest town in the Cotswolds. Our host Julie was incredibly generous and will take good care of you. Small touches that shows she goes the extra mile and enjoys what she does with warm hospitality. Centrally located within walking distance to everything you need but far enough away from the hustle and bustle of tourists on the bridges. Will definitely be back when we return to the Cotswolds.
Bryan
Little Forge was cosy and clean, it had everything you needed. Couldn’t fault it in any way and was in an ideal location. The host Julie went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our stay and was always available to speak to if we needed anything, also very useful having a parking space close to the property. I don’t always do a review unless I feel that it was exceptional and it was.
Denise
We had a great stay at Little Forge! The place itself is lovely and is exactly what you’d want for a Cotswolds getaway. The place was very clean and perfectly located to walk around the town.
Emma
We had a wonderful stay at the Little Forge. This tastefully decorated little place was perfect for us. It is immaculate and really cosy. The fire was a plus and the exposed stone and beams add real character. It’s within easy walking distance of all the delights of Bourton-on-the-Water
Rebecca
Just returned from a lovely stay at the Little Forge. The owner was so lovely and accommodating. The cottage was clean, cosy and in a perfect location. Would definitely stay again, will be recommending to friends and family!
Megan
Lovely place, great hosts and communication. Would definitely stay again!
Declan
Little Forge is as charming as they come I've long dreamed of spending Christmas in the Cotswolds perhaps inspired by too much Jane Austen and Charles Dickens, and this stay at Little Forge exceeded every imagined chapter come true. The cottage is pure magic original wood beam ceilings , warm honey coloured stone and a crackling wood burning fireplace that invited me to savour every moment, which I did the owners are as delightful as the cottage, they are exceptional hosts gracious,kind,wonderfully accommodating and genuinely welcoming. From the moment I arrived, I was made to feel right at home. The cottage is pristine every detail thoughtfully considered and beautifully equipped with a cozy kitchen and a bed so comfortable complete with soft linens and a mattress topper. Just a two minute walk brings you to the heart of the village I couldn't have imagined a more perfect place to stay I would highly recommend Little Forge. I will carry this Christmas in the Cotswolds with me always.
Janice
Beautiful location, beautiful cottage. Thoroughly enjoyed, will be back! Very relaxing and cosy.
Scott
An incredible host. She was very helpful, friendly and approachable. The cottage itself was perfect, there was not one thing we would change or improve. The location is what sells it, not even a 2 min walk and you’re at the riverside. The cottage was decorated for Christmas with logs provided for the fire. Would 100% come again, especially round Christmas time.
Lewis
The location we stayed in was great with a short walk to the main high street. The host was lovely and was very helpful. The property itself was perfect for our stay and would definitely recommend.
George
The property was amazing and the host was great. Went above and beyond to sort a parking space when we arrived and stocked the cottage up with everything we needed for the stay.
Eoin
What a lovely time we had in such a gorgeous property! Owner met us on arrival to help us with parking and had got the fire ready for us to light which was perfect in minus 1 degree weather. The place itself is perfect for a couple - couple of minutes walk into Bourton and a well stocked kitchen with everything you’d need to cook a meal as well. Great shower with gorgeous fluffy towels and a very comfy bed make this cottage an exceptional place to stay and small touches such as the crisps, fudge, milk in the fridge & a flannel for make up removal make all the difference. I wholeheartedly recommend this place to anyone looking for a luxury stay in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Beth
Cosy little house in the middle of Bourton on the Water. Perfect little escape and wonderful host. Could not recommend any more. Thank you.
Lauren
This cottage was truly the best property I’ve ever stayed in! My boyfriend and I spent our anniversary here, and everything about it was perfect from start to finish. The space is beautifully decorated, classy yet wonderfully homely and every detail has been so thoughtfully considered. You can tell the hosts have poured so much care into creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. All the special touches made our stay feel extra memorable, and we appreciated every single one. It was spotless, comfortable allowing us to feel instantly felt relaxed and at home. It’s the kind of place that feels both luxurious and personal, and we didn’t want to leave. If you’re looking for a stay that’s elegant, cozy, and full of heart, this is the one. We’ll definitely be back!
Megan
Cute Little Cottage, Walk to Everything

We loved staying at The Little Forge. We could walk to everything in Bourton on the Water and The Slaughters. It was cozy and perfectly fit our needs.
Allison
4 night stay

The owner was very welcoming on arrival. The cottage had everything I needed for a short stay, with some milk, tea and coffee; plus some extras. The accommodation is of a very high standard, with comfy bed and luxurious bathroom. Perfect location.
I highly recommend Little Forge Cottage.
Julie
AMAZING

This property is a perfect size for 2 people. The owners were extremely helpful in helping us park due peak season too. We walked in and it looks even better than the photos, very comfy bed and exceptionally clean. Not only this but the location of this property is one of the best in the whole town. It made it so easy to pop back to change if the temperature dropped and you were at a pub round the corner - a 4 minute walk max to the end of the shops. However even whilst being that close to the centre, there is minimal congestion going past making it still a very peaceful place to stay. Would 100% recommend to all!
Lucy
Relaxing Stay

The little forge was like you say a little bolt hole, very pretty and truly relaxing, a huge thank you to Julie who made our stay that little more special. We would highly recommend the Little Forge and will be returning.
Kev & Ali
Kevin
The loveliest of stays!

I can honestly say I dont think I have ever stayed somewhere so lovely, Little Forge was perfect for my Husband and I - not only is it beautifully designed & decorated, but its location is amazing with only a short stroll to the main area of Bourton on the Water. A special thanks to the owner Julie for being so warm and welcoming, and for all the little touches that ensure you have everything you need for your stay - we will definitely be booking again x
Gemma
Create Memories
Experiences designed to make your stay unforgettable
We have curated not only a portfolio of properties, but also a portfolio of experiences we recommend everyone try the next time they visit the Cotswolds and surrounding counties. This selection of ours is constantly growing as we discover more hidden gems and local stars. Many of the experiences are incredibly popular, and we encourage booking in advance because these little extras can turn your everyday holiday into a fantastic, fond memory, one you aren’t soon to forget.