Bourton-on-the-Water

Bourton-on-the-Water is famed for its picturesque High Street. Lying on the meandering River Windrush with several low arched stone bridges resulted in the village becoming known as "Venice of the Cotswolds".

Understand
With a population of around 3,300, it is a large village whereas nearby Stow-on-the-Wold and Burford with smaller populations are both "Market Towns".

The River Windrush source, 10 miles from the village, is fed by springs and thus continues to flow even in severe drought.

There is evidence of habitation dating back to neolithic times (4,000 BC), habitation continuing through to Roman times (Roman pottery and coins found in the village show extended Roman occupation). Christian occupation dates back to 709 AD when a wooden church was built. In 1110 a stone Normal church was built; today only the chancel (from 1328) remains.

Today almost all buildings are of 17th-century origin, mostly built using Cotswold limestone characteristic of the area.

By road
Bourton-on-the-Water is on the Fosseway (the A429) about 25 km north of Cirencester.

Driving from Cirencester, just follow the A429 North, you'll pass signs saying you've entered the village. From the North, just follow the A429 South. Follow signs to the large car park at the edge of the village. There is a footpath from the car park to the main street.

By train
Nearest train station Moreton-in-Marsh station

By bus

 * Pulhams Coaches 801 service: Moreton-in-Marsh – Stow-on-the-Wold – Bourton-on-the-Water – Northleach – Cheltenham Timetable
 * Pulhams Coaches 802 service: Bourton-on-the-Water – Great Rissington/Little Rissington – Upper Rissington – Stow-on-the-Wold – Kingham Railway Station Timetable
 * Pulhams Coaches 803 service: Bourton-on-the-Water – Upper Oddington – Longborough – Moreton-in-Marsh Timetable
 * Pulhams Coaches 855 service: Moreton-in-Marsh – Stow-on-the-Wold – Bourton-on-the-Water – Northleach – Aldsworth – Bibury – Barnsley – Cirencester Timetable

Get around
On foot is fine.

See
Bourton is quite attractive as a family destination. The river Windrush flows through the village, next to the main street. In the charming centre you'll find a lot of attractions, including:

Buy
Shop in the small shops.

Eat
A couple of pubs do food and drink

Connect
As of May 2022, the village and its approach roads have 4G from EE and O2, and 5G from Three and Vodafone.

Go next

 * Burford "Gateway to the Cotswolds" (10 miles SE)
 * Stow-on-the-Wold 4 miles NE
 * Chipping Norton 13 miles E
 * Moreton-in-Marsh 8 miles N
 * Cheltenham 16 miles W
 * Cirencester 16 miles SW
 * Oxford 30 miles E