A Little Bit Of History

We often get asked about our name and the story behind The Mousetrap Inn, and it’s one we love to share. Our pub has been part of Bourton-on-the-Water for well over 100 years, dating back to the 1800s when it was originally known as The Lansdown Inn. Back then, it was a cosy stop for locals and travellers alike, serving hearty food and a good pint, and that warm, welcoming spirit is still very much alive today.

Somewhere along the way, The Lansdown became The Mousetrap Inn, and that’s where the stories start to get a little more mysterious. Local legend has it that the name might have been inspired by Agatha Christie’s famous play, The Mousetrap. Even more intriguing, there are whispers that Christie herself may have visited the inn at some point. Now, we have to be honest: we haven’t been able to confirm that, but it’s a lovely idea, and we like to think she might have enjoyed the same cosy fire and welcoming atmosphere that our guests do today.

The connection between the play and the inn is easy to imagine. The Mousetrap is set in a snowbound guesthouse, full of curious characters and unexpected twists. While our inn isn’t snowed in year-round, it’s easy to picture a sense of mystery and charm lingering in our cosy corners, a place where stories are shared, friendships are made, and every visit feels like part of its long history.

Even if the Christie connection is more legend than fact, it adds a bit of charm to our pub. We love that every guest brings their own story, and that our inn continues to be part of Bourton’s history, just as it has been for generations.

So next time you visit, settle in by the fire, take a moment to soak it all in, and enjoy a spot that’s been welcoming visitors for over a century. Whether you’re a lover of mysteries, a fan of local history, or just after a warm welcome, we think The Mousetrap has a story worth being part of, and we can’t wait to share it with you.