The Mousetrap Inn Bourton On The Water

You know that feeling when you stumble into a place that feels like it’s been waiting for you? That’s The Mousetrap Inn in Bourton-on-the-Water. It’s a pub, an inn, and a little slice of Cotswold comfort all rolled into one.

Bourton-on-the-Water is often called the Venice of the Cotswolds. The river Windrush runs right through the village, with low stone bridges and ducks that act like they own the place. The Mousetrap sits just a short stroll from that picture-perfect chaos.

But here’s the thing: it’s not right on the main tourist drag. That’s part of its charm. You get the village magic without feeling like you’re in a queue for a photo op.

A Name That Makes You Curious

Why Mousetrap? It’s not a reference to the Agatha Christie play, as far as most locals know. The name likely comes from an old pub sign or a quirky bit of history. Either way, it sticks in your head like a catchy song.

And honestly, the name fits. The place has a way of trapping you in a good way. You pop in for a quick pint, and suddenly two hours have vanished. The fire is crackling, the beams are low, and your shoulders just drop.

What’s Inside?

Think cosy with a capital C. There are flagstone floors, wooden beams, and enough nooks to make you feel like you’ve discovered a secret. It’s the kind of pub where you half expect to see a dog sleeping by the bar.

You probably will see a dog, actually. The Mousetrap is known for being dog-friendly, which makes it a hit with walkers and their four-legged friends. If you’re a human without a dog, don’t worry. You’ll still feel welcome.

The menu leans into proper pub food done well. Think pies, fish and chips, burgers, and maybe a special or two that changes with the seasons. It’s not trying to be fancy. It’s trying to be satisfying, and it usually nails that.

The Mousetrap Inn | Restaurant & Freehouse With Rooms

More Than Just a Pint

The Mousetrap is also an inn, which means you can stay overnight. That’s a game-changer. Instead of driving back after a long lunch, you can climb the stairs and collapse into a comfy bed.

The rooms are simple but welcoming. You’re not getting a five-star spa, but you are getting character. And in Bourton-on-the-Water, character counts for a lot.

Waking up there is lovely, too. The village is quieter in the early morning. You can walk by the river before the day-trippers arrive, and it feels like you’ve got the Cotswolds all to yourself.

In warmer months, the beer garden is a lovely bonus. You can sit outside with a cold drink and watch the world go by. It’s not massive, but it’s perfectly pleasant.

A Local’s Kind of Tourist Spot

Here’s the fun comparison: The Mousetrap is like a well-worn armchair in a room full of stiff wooden benches. It’s comfortable, a bit quirky, and deeply unpretentious. You don’t have to dress up or put on a show.

The Mousetrap Inn, Bourton on the Water (updated prices 2026)

Locals pop in for a pint after work. Travelers stop by for a Sunday roast. Walkers come in with muddy boots and big appetites. Everyone mixes together, and that’s the magic.

Is it the fanciest place in Bourton? No. Is it the most polished? Also no. But does it have soul? Absolutely.

Why It’s Worth a Visit

If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds, you’ll see a lot of beautiful villages. They can start to blur together after a while. The Mousetrap Inn gives you a place to land, not just look.

It’s a spot where you can have a proper conversation, laugh too loudly, and order one more round without guilt. The walls have heard centuries of stories, and they’re ready to hear yours.

So, should you go? If you like real ale, roaring fires, and food that sticks to your ribs, yes. If you want a base for exploring Bourton and the surrounding countryside, even better.

Just don’t blame us if you get trapped there longer than planned. The Mousetrap has a way of doing that. And honestly, there are worse places to be stuck.