 | Bourton-on-the-Water is often described as the 'Little Venice' of the Cotswolds as the River Windrush flows right through the centre of this pretty village. A number of attractive low bridges cross the river and completing the chocolate-box scene are tree-lined greens, stone banks and traditional Cotswolds buildings.
This village, just four miles from Stow-on-the-Wold, is regularly voted as being one of England's prettiest villages and has a unique appeal. Many of the houses and cottages here are three hundred years old: some even date as far back as Elizabethan times and are four hundred years old. Visitors and residents alike love the wonderful Cotswolds architectural style that features the warm yellow of Cotswold stone, steep pitched roofs and stone mullions.
Bourton-on-the-Water has many attractions. These include Birdland: a zoo for birds. Here you will find a great collection of penguins: some from the owne's South Atlantic islands. Birdland was established by the late Len Hill and is also the home of a wide variety of exotic birds. Another attraction well worth a visit is the Model Village. This is a fantastic miniature of the village of Bourton-on-the-Water featuring authentic building materials. It shows the village as it was in 1937: at a 1/9th scale. Other attractions are a perfume factory and a model railway exhibition.
For garden lovers there are a number of famous gardens within just 20 minutes by car from Bourton-on-the-Water. These include Snowshill Manor, Bourton House, Batdford Arboretum, Hidcote Manor, Sezincote, Hidcote Manor and Kiftsgate Court.
A famous seasonal attraction at Bourton-on-the-Water, and one you don't want to miss if you are here at Christmas, is the village Christmas tree. This is erected in the river by the Chamber of Commerce each year and creates a wonderful scene with its lights reflecting in the water of the River Windrush. The official lights switch on celebrations are always held on the first Friday in December. This is also the date of Victorian themed late night Christmas shopping when local folk are dressed in Victorian clothes and there's a great festive atmosphere. |
