Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire
Bourton on the Water, known as "The Venice of the Cotswolds" is an extremely popular village where elegant 18th century stone bridges cross the River Windrush as it flows through the centre of this charming Cotswold village. Located just off the Fosse Way, Bourton is home to a variety of shops, restaurants and art galleries, making it a great place to spend a day or weekend.
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family-friendly vacation, Bourton-on-the-Water has accommodation to suit every taste. The village offers a range of charming bed and breakfasts, where you can wake up to the sound of the river gently flowing past your window and enjoy a hearty homemade breakfast before exploring all that the Cotswolds have to offer. For those who prefer more independence, there are plenty of self-catering holiday cottages available.
Things to do in Bourton on the Water
We are often asked 'how much does it cost to get into Bourton-on-the-Water?'. Whilst individual attractions have entrance fees, Bourton itself is a vibrant Cotswold village, not a theme park with an entance fee.
Although Bourton on the Water is a large village as villages go, there are more attractions in Bourton on the Water than you would perhaps expect to find in a destination of its size.
With plenty to see and do, Bourton-on-the-Water grasps the tourism industry with both hands and offers a wealth of visitor attractions. Some of the best things to see and do in Bourton include the Bourton model village behind The Old New Inn pub, Birdland Park and Gardens on Rissington Road, Bourton Model Railway Exhibition on the High Street, Cotswold Perfumery on Victoria Street, classic cars, rare vehicles and motoring memorabilia at the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection at The Old Mill on Sherbourne Street (a must visit for any car fan!), Dragonfly Maze on Rissington Road and Salmonsbury Meadows Nature Reserve, a 44 acre biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
For lovers of history and old buildings, visit the chancel at St Lawrence's Church at Lansdowne/High Street, the oldest part of the building built in the 14th century (1328) by Walter de Burhton. There has been a church on this site since 709 AD.
Most visitors may be unaware of the beautiful Cotswold countryside surrounding the village. Here is a wonderful circular Bourton-on-the-Water walk and route map which takes you through the village and over to Lower Slaughter. There are also a number of great pubs on this route for well earned refreshments. If you are feeling energetic and would like to extend your walk even further (and see some of the best views of the local countryside), here is a walk from Lower Slaughter to Upper Slaughter.