I have not seen so many butterflies for years. We had an idyllic walk through the meadows. There is an Iron Age building replica & a discovery centre. The farm is no longer there as they are now planning to bring beef cattle who would graze in all of the fields. The extinction timeline along the fence is very interesting

Was in Cotswolds for the bank holiday weekend so decided to visit Bourton on Water today, my first time. Decided to visit the reserve after reading countless rave reviews. Upon arrival, didn't find it welcoming as a tourist attraction, very deserted. The gate appeared closed but it was actually unlocked and as there was a sign saying public pathway we went inside. Farm itself empty, buildings locked, no one working there, no animals apart from some rabbits and peacocks in the open meadows. Really old rusty farm vehicle also parked- at least 50 years old. All signs that this farm is definitely not a working one contrary to how it is described online! No sign of the famous vending machine! Shame we wanted to try that milkshake. Toilets locked. Walked along to the Iron Age hut which was also locked, the green signs on the way were interesting but we couldn't go inside. Disappointed and surprised that everything was locked despite it being a bank holiday and saying it was open online. Other visitors were also disappointed. Place is idyllic but small and overrated in my opinion. Walked away in disbelief, was not what I expected. Wouldn't recommend it. We did the Windrush Way walk afterwards which was free, beautiful and enjoyable, would strongly recommend that instead.

For walking and see the farming its a nice place.there is an ancient hut which represents anglo-saxon life style.

We were in bourtin in the water and decided to come to this location! It was raining a lot so was not sure what to expect but there was nobody on the room that described the place but we heared them from another room? They opened the toilet for us but it would have been nice to be told what this place is and to have more interaction. The calfs were there which was lovely but just felt since it wasn’t on a weekend nothing was open and just felt underwhelmed. The house was cool but again it was closed so it will be good to have some clear signs showing whats open what is not and to have somebody describe the place for us.

I had high hopes but it wasn't quite what I thought it would be. The centre, toilets etc were all locked up. I did read the cafe had closed and been replaced with a machine. It also dispenses their Milk and Milkshakes. We saw a few calves. The roundhouse is fenced off unfortunately so you can't get close to it. There is a lake but it's privately owned and inaccessible. I can't help feeling this place would be thriving but it's not. Top tip: It appears they have open days so it might be worth visiting on those few days.