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Bourton on the Water

Bourton-on-the water knows exactly what it is - a visitor-friendly village in the Cotswolds. There are pubs, shops, restaurants, tea-rooms and an unusually high number of visitor attractions for such a small place - which makes it a good option if the weather isn't good.

There is a long history of tourism here - the Model Village opened in 1937, 'Birdland' opened twenty years later. Other attractions include one of Britain's best small motor museums. St lawrence's Church is notable for its domed tower, unique in the Cotswolds. Salmonsbury Meadows have been saved as a wildlife reserve.

Bourton is probably the most visited village in the Cotswolds, sometimes referred to as the'Venice of the Cotswolds' because the River Windrush runs right through its centre. Clear sparkling water and attractive low bridges across it make for a charming scene, especially in the quieter times of day and quieter months of the year.