One of the most popular villages in the Cotswolds is Bourton on the Water. Situated on the banks of the River Windrush, which originates from springs just 10 miles away, the picturesque village oozes tranquillity and charm and attracts visitors from far and wide to explore its myriad amenities.
Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds because of its location on the river and the five low arched stone bridges that cross it, Bourton on the Water is picture postcard perfect. Its honey coloured stone architecture adds to its rural idyll and it’s not hard to see why it is frequently voted as one of the prettiest villages in England.
There’s plenty to see and do in Bourton on the Water. From tea rooms, cafes, pubs and restaurants to independent shops and artisan stores, it is easy to while away a few hours browsing and consuming the range of items the village has to offer.
Bourton on the Water also boasts a model village which features a one-ninth scale model replica of the village carved from local Cotswold stone. It is the only grade II listed model village in the country.
For bird enthusiasts there is Birdland Park and Gardens – a wildlife park where you can meet over 500 birds including England’s only breeding group of King Penguins.
The Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection is another attraction to be found in Bourton on the Water. The museum is packed with antique cars, vintage motorcycles and classic motoring memorabilia and its most famous exhibit is Brum, the little yellow car which was the star of the tv show of the same name in the 1990s.
Bourton on the Water is also at the heart of many walking trails such as the Windrush Way, the Heart of England Way, both of which start or finish in the village, and the Monarch’s Way but you don’t have to partake in a long-distance hike to enjoy the local scenery. There are several footpaths and bridleways in the area and the beautiful village of Lower Slaughter is well worth a visit and is just a short 1.3-mile stroll away.
A car is the best way to access the village as the nearest station, Moreton-in-Marsh, is 20 minutes away. To reach London it will take approximately two hours.
