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The Smithy Cottage, Bourton-on-the-Water

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The Smithy Cottage is a stylish barn conversion in Little Rissington, Gloucestershire. This contemporary property sleeps 8 comfortably in the Cotswolds countryside. The design blends modern living with the building's original character.

Little Rissington sits in the heart of the Cotswolds. Rolling hills surround the property. The countryside setting offers peace and quiet away from busy towns.

The barn conversion features contemporary interiors with comfortable furnishings throughout. Social areas provide room for everyone to gather. The open-plan layout works well for group dining and relaxing together.

Bourton-on-the-Water lies 4 miles away (8 minutes). Stow-on-the-Wold is 6 miles distant (12 minutes).

About The Smithy Cottage

The Smithy Cottage is a stylish barn conversion in Little Rissington, Gloucestershire. This contemporary property sleeps 8 comfortably in the Cotswolds countryside. The design blends modern living with the building's original character.

Little Rissington sits in the heart of the Cotswolds. Rolling hills surround the property. The countryside setting offers peace and quiet away from busy towns.

The barn conversion features contemporary interiors with comfortable furnishings throughout. Social areas provide room for everyone to gather. The open-plan layout works well for group dining and relaxing together.

Bourton-on-the-Water lies 4 miles away (8 minutes). Stow-on-the-Wold is 6 miles distant (12 minutes). Blenheim Palace sits 15 miles away (25 minutes). The Cotswold Wildlife Park is 12 miles from the property (20 minutes).

The Smithy Cottage suits families and friend groups wanting a countryside base. The location puts you close to classic Cotswolds villages and attractions. Book here for comfortable group accommodation in beautiful surroundings.

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Need To Know

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Local Insights: The Smithy Cottage

Unique information you won't find on booking sites

Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire

Weather & Local Conditions

14Β°C

Mainly clear

Updated: 28 Aug 2026, 3:13am

🌑️
14.30Β°C
Temperature
πŸ’¨
8 km/h
Wind Speed
πŸ’§
96%
Humidity
🧳
Packing Tip: UK weather can turn quickly, so pack layers whatever the forecast. A waterproof and sturdy shoes mean the whole group can head out whatever August throws at you.

What to Expect Through the Year

  • βœ“ May - September: Warmest, longest days - ideal for big group days out, gardens and BBQs
  • βœ“ October - November: Crisp autumn colour, cosy evenings by the fire, quieter attractions
  • βœ“ December - February: Perfect for a snug winter escape - great for Christmas and New Year gatherings
  • βœ“ March - April: Spring blooms, longer evenings returning, wildlife becoming active
🌧️
Rainy Day Tip: A large cottage comes into its own on wet days - board games, a long lunch and a film with the whole group beat a cramped hotel any day. Check the tabs here for nearby pubs and attractions with indoor options.

Dark Skies & Stargazing

The Smithy Cottage sits in a location with genuinely dark skies - a real treat for a group, and something you rarely get at home in town.

Bortle Scale Rating

The Bortle scale measures night sky darkness from 1 (darkest) to 9 (brightest urban):

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
🌌
Class 4 - Rural/suburban transition
This location's dark sky rating

What You Can See From the Cottage

The Milky Way is visible overhead, though light domes may be visible on the horizon towards larger towns.

The Milky Way is visible on clear, moonless nights.

Best Stargazing Conditions

  • βœ“ New Moon periods: Darkest skies, best Milky Way visibility
  • βœ“ Winter months: Earlier darkness, crisper skies, Orion constellation prominent
  • βœ“ After 11pm: Neighbouring lights typically switched off
  • βœ“ Allow 20 minutes: Let your eyes adjust to darkness before looking up
πŸ“±
Pro Tip: Download a stargazing app like "Sky Map" or "Star Walk" before arrival. Mobile signal can be limited, and these apps work offline - a fun activity to share with the whole group.

Location & Elevation

176m

(577 feet above sea level)

The Smithy Cottage sits in a peaceful Gloucestershire setting - space to spread out and the perfect base for a group getaway.

πŸ”οΈ
176m
Elevation
πŸ“
Bourton-on-the-Water
Nearest Village
🌲
Rural
Setting

What the Elevation Means for Your Stay

  • βœ“ Fresher air: Expect it a touch cooler than coastal areas - bracing walks and restful sleep
  • βœ“ Clearer air: Less pollution and haze, better views and stargazing
  • βœ“ Morning mists: Valley fog sometimes forms below, creating magical sunrise views
  • βœ“ Walking access: Higher starting point means shorter climbs to hilltops and summits
πŸš—
Driving Note: The roads to Bourton-on-the-Water are typical Gloucestershire lanes - narrow in places with passing spots. If the group is arriving in several cars, share the postcode and a meeting point in advance.

Coordinates

Latitude: 51.8794660Β° N | Longitude: 1.724587Β° W

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Today's sun times for Bourton-on-the-Water (Friday, 28 August 2026):

5:10am

Sunrise

6:05pm

Golden Hour

7:05pm

Sunset

πŸŒ…
5:10am
Sunrise
πŸŒ‡
7:05pm
Sunset
πŸ“Έ
6:05pm
Golden Hour

Planning Your Days by Season

  • βœ“ Summer (Jun-Aug): Sunset around 9:30-10pm - long days for group walks, days out and late alfresco dinners
  • βœ“ Autumn (Sep-Nov): Sunset 5-7pm - perfect timing for an after-dinner drink as the stars come out
  • βœ“ Winter (Dec-Feb): Sunset around 4pm - cosy early evenings by the fire, ideal for stargazing
  • βœ“ Spring (Mar-May): Sunset 6-9pm - watch the evenings grow longer each day
πŸŒ™
Golden Hour: For the best light, plan your group photo or evening walk around golden hour (6:05pm). The warm colours make for lovely holiday photos before you head back in for dinner.

August Daylight

This month in Bourton-on-the-Water, you have approximately 13.91 hours of daylight. The long summer days mean plenty of time for group adventures before a relaxed evening back at the cottage.

Practical Essentials

Everything the group needs to know before you arrive at The Smithy Cottage.

Mobile Phone Signal

πŸ“±

Signal Strength

Good

Mobile signal is generally good in this area across most networks.

πŸ’‘
Signal Tip: All major networks should work well here.

Nearest Essentials

πŸš—
Arrival Tip: Fill up with fuel before you arrive - petrol stations can be sparse in rural Gloucestershire. With a larger group it's worth doing one big supermarket shop on the way, especially if arriving late.

Family & Fun

Data updated: 28 Aug 2026 | Location: 51.8794660, -1.7245870

Information unique to this location - not available on booking sites

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at The Smithy Cottage

Contemporary Barn Design

Modern conversion retains original character whilst offering stylish comfortable interiors perfect for relaxing after exploring the Cotswolds together as a group.

Peaceful Countryside Location

Set in serene Little Rissington with rolling hills all around providing a tranquil escape from everyday life for your entire group.

Perfect for Groups

Spacious layout accommodates families and friends comfortably with plenty of room for everyone to gather and enjoy quality time together.

Cotswolds Village Access

Easy reach of Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold means your group can explore famous honey-stone villages within minutes of the cottage.

Open-Plan Living Space

Generous social areas let your whole group cook dine and relax together without feeling cramped or separated during your stay.

Comfortable Modern Interiors

Well-appointed bedrooms and bathrooms ensure everyone in your party enjoys a comfortable restful stay in this beautifully presented barn conversion.

Getting To The Smithy Cottage

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach The Smithy Cottage by car, take the A429 through the Cotswolds and follow signs to Little Rissington. The property is easily accessible with off-road parking available for your group's vehicles.

By Train

For those travelling by rail, the nearest station is Kingham, approximately 8 miles away. From there, a taxi will bring you to the cottage through beautiful Cotswolds countryside.

Off-road parking available
Kingham station (8 miles)
Accessible from the A429

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

Bourton-on-the-Water
Distance: 4 miles
GL54 2AR
Blenheim Palace
Distance: 15 miles
OX20 1PP
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Distance: 12 miles
OX18 4JP
The Rissington Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles
GL54 2ND
Windrush Valley Walk
Distance: 3 miles
GL54 2HN
Bourton Nature Reserve
Distance: 4 miles
GL54 2BY
Stow-on-the-Wold
Distance: 6 miles
GL54 1AB
Bourton-on-the-Water Shops
Distance: 4 miles
GL54 2AR
Moreton-in-Marsh
Distance: 8 miles
GL56 0AZ
Kingham Station
Distance: 8 miles
OX7 6UP
Cheltenham
Distance: 18 miles
GL50 1PP
Broadway Village
Distance: 10 miles
WR12 7AA
Bourton-on-the-Water
Distance: 4 miles
GL54 2AR
Blenheim Palace
Distance: 15 miles
OX20 1PP
Cotswold Wildlife Park
Distance: 12 miles
OX18 4JP
The Rissington Trail
Distance: 0.5 miles
GL54 2ND
Windrush Valley Walk
Distance: 3 miles
GL54 2HN
Bourton Nature Reserve
Distance: 4 miles
GL54 2BY
Stow-on-the-Wold
Distance: 6 miles
GL54 1AB
Bourton-on-the-Water Shops
Distance: 4 miles
GL54 2AR
Moreton-in-Marsh
Distance: 8 miles
GL56 0AZ
Kingham Station
Distance: 8 miles
OX7 6UP
Cheltenham
Distance: 18 miles
GL50 1PP
Broadway Village
Distance: 10 miles
WR12 7AA

Is The Smithy Cottage Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families
The Cotswolds location offers plenty for children. Bourton-on-the-Water has model village attractions and riverside paddling. Cotswold Wildlife Park provides a full day out with animals and adventure playground. Blenheim Palace features extensive grounds for running around. The countryside setting around Little Rissington lets kids explore safely. Local farm shops often welcome young visitors too.
Groups Will Love...
The open-plan living space at The Smithy Cottage works brilliantly for groups. Everyone can gather together for meals and socialising without feeling separated. The contemporary design provides comfortable seating areas where your whole party can relax. Modern kitchen facilities mean cooking for larger numbers is straightforward. The barn conversion layout gives you both communal space and private areas when needed.
Pet Friendly
Check the pet policy when booking The Smithy Cottage as it varies. The countryside location would suit dogs with walks starting from the door. Little Rissington's quiet lanes provide safe routes for exercising pets. Nearby Bourton-on-the-Water welcomes dogs in many outdoor areas. If pets are permitted you'll find the rural setting ideal for bringing your dog along.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at The Smithy Cottage

The Lamb Inn Burford

Located 9 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: OX18 4LR

The Mousetrap Inn Bourton

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: GL54 2AR

Huffkins Bakery Stow

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: GL54 1BN

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about The Smithy Cottage

How many people does The Smithy Cottage sleep?
The Smithy Cottage accommodates groups comfortably in its barn conversion layout. Specific bedroom configurations provide flexible sleeping arrangements for families and friend groups.
Is The Smithy Cottage pet friendly?
Pet policies vary so check directly when booking. Some properties welcome dogs whilst others maintain pet-free environments for guests with allergies.
What facilities are available for groups?
The property features open-plan living areas ideal for group gatherings. Modern kitchen facilities let you prepare meals together and social spaces accommodate everyone comfortably.
Where is the nearest shop?
Local shops in Bourton-on-the-Water are 4 miles away with supermarkets and convenience stores. Stow-on-the-Wold also offers shopping facilities 6 miles from the cottage.
What attractions are nearby for groups?
Bourton-on-the-Water sits 8 minutes away with its famous water features. Blenheim Palace and Cotswold Wildlife Park offer excellent group days out within 25 minutes drive.
Is parking available at the property?
Off-road parking is provided at The Smithy Cottage. Multiple vehicles can be accommodated making it practical for groups arriving separately.
What is Little Rissington like?
Little Rissington is a quiet Cotswolds village surrounded by countryside. The peaceful setting offers a relaxing base whilst remaining close to popular tourist destinations.
Can we cook for our group at the cottage?
The kitchen comes fully equipped for preparing group meals. Modern appliances and ample workspace make self-catering straightforward for larger parties.

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