Honeypot of the Cotswolds

Your trip to the Cotswolds wouldnt be complete if you missed out on the honeypot of the Cotswolds - Bourton on the Water.

Bourton on the Water is one of the many Cotswolds villages around the Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire rergion. it straddles the River Windrush with its series of elegant low bridges beside neat tree shaded greens and tidy stone banks.



Bourton on the Water has been described as the 'Little Venice' of the Cotswolds on the strength of six picturesque bridges across the river. this is one of the most popular tourist spots in the region.



This is the Cotswold tourist venue par excellence, and the town is well adapted to handle the summer invasion, with pubs, coffee shops, ice cream parlours and eateries. even with the invasion, the surprising thing is that the town survives as well as it does and remains as pretty as it is. the architecture is traditional Cotswold -typically stone roofs, gables here and there, mullioned windows, golden brown limestone throughout.

I could imagine the place without any tourists, it would be extremely peaceful and one would have a gracious life living here.





Do bring along your picnic baskets, as well as your mat and find a shady spot where you can just breathe in the air and admire the scenes. (note: watch out for dogs poo). you can even soak your feet in the river whilst having your picnic (warning: water might be extremely cold even in summer!). another option is to enjoy their english tea, muffins and scones in their tea rooms - there's certainly plenty to choose (note: best bet if you're wearing white pants with no picnic mats and scared of dogs).



Their charming shops are lined up for you to find most of the region's best made local products, perfumery, local crafts, souveniers. each shop have their own charm and would definitely appeal to all.



This was my 3rd visit to Bourton on the Water. the first was probably 15 years ago during late autumn coming to winter where our family toured the whole region and visited more than 10 Cotswolds villages. second time was during spring back in uni days and my recent visit, in the summer. this stunning place looks beautiful in every season but to me, Bourton will be in its best in autumn - when the sun is shining hazily and the leaves are brown, yellow and gold.

No wonder it is regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. i couldnt agree more, i just cant get enough of it!

Places to visit:
Birdland
Bourton Model Railway
Motoring Museam and Toy Museum
Dragon Maze
Cotswolds Perfumery
Model Village

More on cotswolds click here and here.

Z