Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water often referred to as the “Venice of the Cotswolds” is a picturesque village in the Cotswolds, England. The village has been populated since Roman times and it’s name comes from the Old English words “burh”, meaning fortified place, and “tun”, meaning enclosure. This village is widely known for it’s honey-colored stone cottages, five arched bridges over the River Windrush, and idyllic village atmosphere.
The charm and appeal of the village
The charm and appeal of the village lie in it’s natural beauty, historical ambiance, and a range of attractions that make it a classic Cotswold experience. Bourton-on-the-Water also has several shops, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy your meal at it’s one of the cafes. There’s no doubt in saying that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Cotswolds.
Exploring the Scenic Beauty of Bourton-on-the-Water
River Windrush
Cotswolds has beautiful rivers, especially the River Windrush that flows through it’s center. It has clean sparkling waters streaming freely through the farmlands. It starts on the Cotswold Hills then passes through several towns like the Bourton-on-the-water on it’s way to the famous Mill Bridge that is next to the war memorial and motor museum on its way to the River Thames where it finally joins at Lechlade
Stone Bridges Riverside walk
There are five footbridges on River Windrush which are the Mill Bridge, the High Bridge, the Paynes Bridge, the New Bridge, and the Coronation Footbridge. Every single stone bridge shows magnificent views of the river and other parts of Cotswold’s landscape. A two-mile walk starts at the Bourton-on-the-Water Information Centre. It goes upriver, along the river course. You’ll walk past the Old New Inn, which is an old pub that used to be a coaching inn, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum having a collection of vintage cars and motorbikes.
Upper Slaughter to Lower Slaughter Riverside Walk
This scenic 3-mile walk takes you along the River Windrush through the two most pretty villages in the Cotswolds: Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter. The walk starts at Upper Slaughters which is an enchanting village containing honey-colored stone cottages, 17th century Manor House, 19th century Church and many more. Following the river downstream you will discover a variety of landscapes including water meadows, and woods. On your way into Lower Slaughter, you will have come across the old mill that was used originally for grinding wheat and flour. The Ford Bridge is decorated with colorful flowers while passing through Lower Slaughter Bridge in the summer. On this walk, your journey stops at Lower Slaughter for a break and there are also the local cafes and pubs.
Bourton’s well-maintained gardens and parks
The Dragonfly Maze
The Dragonfly Maze is a traditional and unique yew hedge located in the Bourton-on-Water. The maze is named after a dragonfly and visitors can enjoy the challenge of finding their way through the maze to the central pavilion. Visitors have to reach the center of the pavilion to solve the riddle. But it’s not as easy as it looks like. People are given a map of the maze and have to find all 14 clues to solve the puzzle to discover the golden dragonfly. Maze can also be used for educational purposes such as problem-solving, for teamwork activities, and to develop leadership qualities in a person. A key feature of Dragonfly Maze is that helping staff is also available to assist you if you get lost completely.
Birdland Park and Gardens
Birdland Park is a popular tourist attraction in Bourton-on-Water. It is a home of over 500 birds, including some of the rarest and most unique birds from over 130 species in the world. The total area of the park is set in nine acres of gardens and woodland. Here visitors can walk the park and see the variety of exotic animals and birds such as black-cheeked love birds, a colony of village weaver birds, turacos, guinea fowl, flamingos, pelicans, cranes, waterfowl, owls, parrots, and penguins. Birdland Park and Gardens is also home to several other attractions, including a Jurassic Journey area with models of different species of dinosaurs, an owl aviary, and a Parrots area with vibrant and colorful parrots.
Cultural Attractions
The Model Village
Miniature replica of Bourton-on-the-Water
The Model Village in Borton-on-the-Water is a one-ninth-scale miniature replica of the village. The village was built by a local family, the Morrises in the 1930s. This family was also the owner of the historic pub “the Old New Inn” in the village. They hired eight local builders and craftsmen to construct the Model Village. The Model Village took five years to build and it was opened to the public in 1940. The builders used local Cotswold stones and stone slates to create an accurate replica of the village. The Model Village contains all of the iconic landmarks such as five arched bridges, the honey-colored stone cottages, the River Windrush, St Lawrence’s Church and the War Memorial. The Model Village also includes a few smaller details such as miniature gardens, shops, and cafes.
Historical significance
The Model Village has historical importance because it’s among the oldest model villages in Cotswold. It is a representation of what Bourton-on-the-Water was like in the 1930s. Each of these replicated buildings, bridges, and landmarks narrates stories in the architectural history and the cultural tradition of the village. One of the reasons why people should preserve the model village is that it reminds us of one of the best industries in Cotswolds – tourism. The model village was graded in the “Grade II” listed in 2013 by the English Heritage. It is one of the most visited places which gives tourists a chance to view the village in its previous state.
The Model Village is a great destination for people who want to know about the rich history, culture, and traditions of Burtn-on-the-Water.
Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection
The Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection is a museum in Bourton-on-the-Water that features a collection of vintage cars and motorcycles, as well as an extensive toy collection. Each vehicle with it’s own story stands as a testimony to past year’s automobile design and engineering perfection.
The Cotswold Motoring Museum in Bourton-on-the-Water features a collection of vintage cars and motorcycles, as well as an extensive toy collection. Each vehicle with it’s own story stands as a testimony to past year’s automobile design and engineering perfection. The museum also has a collection of vintage caravans and pedal cars as well as several motoring-related artifacts such as petrol pumps, road signs and garage equipment. Flawless and neatly preserved vehicles each with it’s unique story stand as a witness to the past days of automotive design and engineering.
The museum also encloses a huge collection of toys. Classic model trains, crafted dolls, vintage board games, and iconic action figures. The wide range of items in the collection assures that every visitor will find at least one thing that interests them, either for nostalgia on their part or to introduce a new generation to the eternal enjoyment found among traditional playthings.
Vintage cars and motorcycles
The collection of vintage cars and motorcycles in the Museum includes over 50 vehicles from the early 20th century to the 1960s. This vintage collection includes:
- Oldsmobile Curved Dash of 1901
- Ford Model T of 1908
- Austin Seven of 1923
- Morris Minor of 1948
- Land Rover Series I of 1948
- Triumph TR2 of 1950s
- Jaguar E-Type of 1961
Extensive toy collection
The extensive toy collection of the Museum includes over 10,000 toys from the 19th and 20th centuries.
This toy collection includes:
- Victorian dolls and teddy bears.
- Vintage toy cars and trains, including Corgi, Dinky Toys and Matchbox.
- Board games and puzzles from the Edwardian era to the present day.
- A collection of toys from the popular children’s television show “Brum”.
Hawkstone Brewery
Hawkstone Brewery is a small and independent brewery in Cotswold which was founded in 2005 by a small family of Rick and Emma. The Hawkstone Brewery produces a variety of Beers, Ciders, and Vodkas using natural ingredients and traditional manufacturing methods to ensure the quality of products.
Manufacturing Process
Beers
The manufacturing of Beers lasts for at least 1 month. In this tenure, a high-quality malted barley is used and it is passed through a series of tests called “Lagering” which means “like laying down a fine wine”. In total, it takes around 6 weeks to produce Hawkstone Lager as compared to industry which takes an average of 9 days.
Ciders
The manufacturing of Cider involves juice of fresh fruits like Dabinett, Kingston black, Brown Snout, and Strawberry Normans and brewing it in oak vats for up to 6 months using yeast. Their high sugar levels create a unique cider that’s full of flavor.
Brewery Tour and Tasting Experience
A visit to the Hawkstone Brewery will enable you to know how they brew their beers. It also gives you confidence that their beers are made from natural ingredients. One of the brewery’s staff members (In-charge) leads the tour and explains the stages involved in brewing while answering your queries. A tasting of some of the brewery’s beers will follow the tour. They are served in tasting glass so you will enjoy their taste and smell.
Taproom
The Hawkstone Brewery also has a friendly taproom for beer lovers. Here people can enjoy newly brewed beers and relax with other beer lovers.
Hawkstone Arms
A key feature of Hawkstone Brewery is that the organization has opened a local pub called Hawkstone Arms. This bar is open from 11 am to 6 pm for local visitors and tourists.
Greystones Farm Nature Reserve
Greystones Farm is a 60-80 acres natural reserve in Cotswold that’s owned and managed by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. For over 6000 years the area around Greystones Farm has been used for farming. The reserve is home to a variety of seeing things, including wildflower meadows, Iron Age tracks, a replica Iron Age roundhouse, a working organic farm, and an interactive Discovery Barn. It is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest(SSSI) for its wildflower meadows.
Greystones Farm is also a paradise for trail lovers, including the ‘Time Trail’ and the ‘Wildlife Trail’.
Time Trail and Wildlife Trail
The Time Trail and Wildlife Trail in Greystones Farm Nature Reserve with a length of 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) is a circle walking with the people into the reserve’s past and up to date. There are signposts put in place through which one can learn about the site’s history.
The path starts at the visitor center and goes into the wildflower meadows previously covered in a thick forest that Neolithic man cleared roughly 6,000 years ago. Following this, the path reaches the Iron Age ramparts dating back to approximately 400 B.C.
Onwards this trail is followed by a replica Iron Age roundhouse erected in 2000. Roundhouse is a modern replica of an ordinary Iron Age dwelling, it can be visited by all interested people.
Thereafter, the trail passes through the working organic farm where various animals like cows, sheep, and pigs are kept. It continues with a trip to the River Eye for a search of water voles and others.
Then the trail goes back to the visitor’s center. Here people can be informed about the past of the park and the wild animals that live there.
Cotswolds Clubhouse
Cotswold Clubhouse is a gymnastics and trampoline academy located in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water, England. The club offers a variety of gymnastics classes, as well as a play gym, toddler play sessions, holiday camps, and parties. The gym has a variety of equipment, including trampolines, balance beams, mats, and climbing structures. Gymnastics classes are mostly operated for children whose age is at least 18 months to adults. The Clubhouse offers various classes, including Preschool gymnastics, Recreational gymnastics, Competitive gymnastics, and many more. The Clubhouse always ensures that children have fun with them. For that purpose, they also hold fun and exciting holiday camps during school holidays. The Cotswolds Clubhouse is a great place for your children to be looked after. They can learn new skills here, meet new friends, and enjoy all of the activities.
Cotswold Perfumery
Cotswold Perfumery, established in 1966, is a perfume shop located within the village of Bourton-on-the-water, in the city of Cotswolds. For more than five decades, perfumery has been creating elegant scents. Stepping into the perfumery, one feels they have entered a ‘kingdom of fragrances’ and each fragrance whispers its tale. Cotswold also has its perfume laboratory where John Stephen—who is the chief “expert” on fragrance turns various natural and synthetic ingredients into elegant perfumes.
St Lawrence’s Church
History
In the middle of Bourton-on-the-water, there’s the shining light of faith called St Lawrence Church. The beginning of this church dates back to the 14th century when its unique tower and chancel, was built by Walter de Burhton in 1328. Following this, a team rehung the Rudhall Bell of 1650 again in 1957. It is likely that a statue of the patron saint once stood above the traces of a stone bracket situated on the south side of the east wall. It was discovered in 1874 when the large altar-piece of 1784 was removed. Last year in 2017, the Church decided to improve the church into a beautiful and charming place for the church’s family.
While entering the Church, you will fascinated by the serene and welcoming atmosphere. The honey-colored Cotswold stone decorates the Church’s interior, creating a sense of peace and calm and inviting reflection.
Upon entering St Lawrence’s Church, one is immediately struck by its serene and welcoming atmosphere. The church’s interior is adorned with warm, honey-colored Cotswold stone, creating a sense of tranquility and inviting reflection. The wooden ceiling, added in the late 19th century, adds a touch of elegance to the space.
Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre
Lies in the core of the Cotswolds, Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre is a place that has the perfect combination of a friendly and professional riding school that provides a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities. You can be certain to find something you will love whatever your skill level – beginner, intermediate, or advanced- at BVEC.
History
BVEC was launched in 1999, by Leanne and Justin Launchbury who initially ran a Country riding school and small livery. Over the period, the center has bloomed into a successful business with a saddle club, menageries of animals, and a popular tourist attraction. Leanne and Justin’s passion for horses and animals is so visible in their daily lives. They always want their visitors to be excited and talkative about their horses.
Activities for everyone
BVEC offers a wide range of activities, including:
Riding lessons:
No matter your experience level, ranging from a complete beginner to a more skilled rider, BVEC offers lessons that are suitable for you. The experienced instructors in this facility will teach you the basics of horsemanship and refine your riding abilities.
Hacking:
Ride the Cotswolds area on horseback guided by BVEC hacks. Whether you are a beginner who likes meandering through the villages or want a bit more of an adrenaline boost by racing over the hills, there is a hack for you.
Showjumping:
If you are more like an adventurous person, BVEC has a floodlit arena where you can try your hand at showjumping. They offer classes and clinics for everyone from beginners.
Animal encounters:
You will be able to connect with some of the BVEC animals. It includes such as sheep, goons, pigs, rabbits, donkeys, poodles horses, and alpacas at the intimate level.
A day at BVEC
A normal day at BVEC begins with an early morning riding lesson, that is followed by eating lunch in the cafe. Alternatively, you could horse-ride in the afternoon while riding through the countryside, or give it a try at showjumping. Feel free to visit the animal encounters if you have time. This is another chance to learn more about the different animals that inhabit the wildlife refuge.
If you want to experience a pleasurable and restful day in the Cotswolds. You can’t miss out on horse riding at Bourton Vale Equestrian Centre. BVEC is great with its cheerful staff, enchanting environment, and diverse program activities which will be suitable for everyone.
Outdoor Activities
Boating on the River Windrush
The River Windrush boating is a vintage way to discover the beauty of Cotswold. It has a slow-moving current, which makes it perfect for recreational activity. The river runs through the middle of the village, passing under the beautiful arches bridge, built on sandstone-colored cottages.
One can also enjoy the splendid charm of this village using one of the many local boat renting services.
Experience of Hot Air Balloon
If you aren’t afraid of heights, then Cotswold offers with the opportunity to explore the beauty of the village by Hot Air Balloon. The Balloon takes off from the Cirencester, Stroud, Bourton-on-the-Water. You will drift along in the direction of wind over the Cotswold Landscapes and Hills. The Hot Air Balloon Ride lasts for an hour but this experience becomes a memory that lasts forever. The Hot Air Balloon is once in a lifetime experience and truly a magical way to enjoy the beauty of a village far over the heights.
Ride on a Bicycle
Cycling is among the fantastic ways you can discover the glory of Cotswolds. It has several beautiful routes like the quiet country lanes, scenic trails, etc that offer a challenging climb experience. Many companies can be hired for bicycles/bikes, tandems, baby trailers, and so on.
Bloody Bourton Walking Tours
Bloody Bourton Walking Tours offers an interesting way to learn about the history and dark secrets of Bourton-on-the-Water. Edward Charnel, a seasoned guide, will whisk you through the village, weaving tales of past murders. Prepare for a two-hour exploration encompassing various sites, including the village cemetery, the infamous hanging location, and the supposedly haunted Old New Inn. This also makes Bloody Bourton walking tours attractive both for those people who always want to learn something new about history as well as those who prefer entertainment activities.
A Walking Tour of Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is a lovely village in the Cotswolds that carries beautiful bridges, cottages, and gentle streams. You can take a walking tour through the village which will help you find out more about its past and present-day life. The walking tour will enable you to enjoy key attractions like the five-arched bridge, Birdland Park and Garden, the Dragonfly Maze, the Cotswolds Motoring Museum, and the Model Village. In addition, this site tells you the story of the village ever since its beginning as a Saxon village till today when many tourists visit there.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Best times to visit
Spring and Autumn are the best times of year to visit Bourton-on-the-Water. Because of the pleasant weather with blooming flowers, fewer crowds, comfortable temperature ranges, and good for photography. While Winter is also a great time to visit especially during the festive season. Every year, on the first Friday of December, Bourton-on-the-Water transforms into a winter wonderland with twinkling Christmas lights. These magical reflections shimmer on the water, complementing the charming decorations adorning the village.
Bourton-on-the-Water is a busy village during the Summer Season. So it’s advised if you are planning our visit during July to August try to visit before 10 am or after 5 pm.
Parking options
Bourton Vale Car & Coach Park: It is near the village’s center, with convenient access from Station Road. It provides pay-and-display parking at differing rates by time.
Free Car Park: A free car park is just north of Bourton-on-the-Water’s village center. It’s near the Cotswolds Motoring Museum and the famous Model Village. This Free Car Park is a 5-minute walk from the River Windrush, letting you enjoy village life at a reasonable price.
Cotswolds Summer School Car Park: The school car parking is on the east side of the village, like other car parks in Bourton-on-the-Water. For the cash-conscious traveler who needs a quiet parking experience, Cotswolds Summer School Car Park is an ideal option.
Hotel Parking: Parking in Bourton-on-the-Water when you’re staying at a hotel here, may provide parking space right on the property. This can be a convenient choice, but remember to inquire about fees and availability beforehand.
Conclusion
So have we inspired you that Bourton-on-the-Water is a village packed full of attraction and excitement? Here, from its peaceful cottages directly down to the flowing river with the Model Village and Birdland Park as a bonus, it has all for all. Don’t just trust our words – pack your bags and come to see it with your own eyes! Dreaming of Bourton on Water you’re going to find out the beautiful attractions and the fun they will give you! Keep in mind that after visiting this place, a piece of it will stay with you. You probably won’t be able to resist the charm of this wonderful village in the future.
