Bourton on the Water Guide

Bourton on the Water (aka Bourton-on-the-Water) is a village in Gloucestershire, England located on a wide flat vale within the Cotswolds. The village population was estimated at 3,296 in 2018.

Bourton on the Water is highly regarded for its picturesque High Street with the River Windrush running through it. Several low, arched stone bridges (see below) cross the river.

These arched bridges have lent to Bourton on the Water's reputation as the "Venice of the Cotswolds". Due to its popularity, Bourton on the Water often has more visitors than residents during peak times of the tourist season.

Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, England, UK — Bourton on the Water, Gloucestershire, England

Bourton on the Water, bridge, Gloucestershire, England, UK — Bourton on the Water bridge, Gloucestershire, England

Bourton on the Water History

Human activity in the Bourton on the Water probably dates from the Neolithic era as pottery dating from around 4000 B.C. has been discovered there. Further excavations have provided evidence of nearly continuous habitation from the Neolithic period, the Bronze Age and throughout England's Roman Period. A Christian church was established in Bourton on the Water in the 11th century, and the village had developed along the River Windrush much as it is today. Despite this long history, almost every building is now of 17th-century origin.

Bourton on the Water, River Windrush, Gloucestershire, England

Bourton on the Water Attractions

Bourton on the Water's attractions include a game of medieval football played during the summer with goalposts set up in the River Windrush itself, the model village (which is a 1:9 replica of the village built by local craftsmen in the 1930's), the Cotswold Motoring Museum, Birdland Park and Gardens, the Dragonfly Maze, and a farmers' market on the fourth Sunday of each month.

Visitors who enjoy walking will find long-distance footpaths and local walks which start, finish or pass through Bourton on the Water. One such long distance path is the 100-mile long Heart of England Way.

Victoria Hall, England, UK — The Victoria Hall is Bourton-on-the-Water's Village Hall, it was built in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee

Bourton on the Water Shopping

Bourton on the Water offers a variety of gift shops, sweet shops, eateries, etc. along and around its High Street. Much of the village is pedestrianised and visitors can interrupt their pleasant stroll with a visit to these shops. Visitors interested in hiring a bicycle have options such as Bourton Cycle or Hartwells. Notable shops include Duttons with its inventory of dolls and dollhouse accessories, Bakery on the Water which is a family run bakery and Picturesque Gallery with its original paintings, prints & cards.

Bourton on the Water, flowers, Gloucestershire, UK — Bourton on the Water, flowers, Gloucestershire, England

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Church of St. Lawence, Gloucestershire, England, UK — Church of St. Lawence

Bourton on the Water Hotels

The visitor to Bourton on the Water can choose from a variety of properties including Bourton on the Water's two small hotels: the Chester House Hotel and the Dial House Hotel. Bourton on the Water also offers nine Bed and Breakfasts including Cotswold House and The Lawns. Self catering and camping options are also available.

Bourton on the Water Access - Getting To Bourton on the Water

The motorist will find Bourton on the Water located on the A429 between Cirencester and Stow on the Wold. Motorists using satellite navigation should use the post code GL54 2AQ.

30 minutes on foot are the twin villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter.

The visitor travelling to Bourton on the Water by train from London (Paddington Station) should use Moreton-in-Marsh Station in the pleasant market town of Moreton-in-Marsh. From Moreton-in-Marsh Station, walk to the centre of the village (5 minutes) and catch the Pulhams bus No. 801 to Bourton on the Water.

Visitors coming from the South West, Midlands or the North of England should use Cheltenham Spa station in Cheltenham. From Cheltenham Spa catch a bus to Cheltenham Royal Wells and then Pulham's bus 801 to Bourton on the Water.

From Bath head north on the A429 from Junction 17 of the M4.