LOCAL AREA

Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the most beautiful showplaces of the Cotswolds. It is located at the hub of the area so makes an ideal base from which to explore.

The village is called "The Venice of the Cotswolds" because it is the only one of the six famous Cotswold villages (Bourton-on-the-Water, Broadway, Burford, Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh, and Stow-on-the-Wold) to have a river meandering picturesquely through the main street. This is criss-crossed by small footbridges and populated with wildfowl. On all sides are charming Cotswold buildings of honey-coloured stone, mellowed by age and softened by foliage. The centuries roll back and it is easy to envisage the appearance of an English village in a bygone era.

Places of interest in Bourton-on-the-Water:

• Birdland and the Maze
• The Cotswold Motor Museum and Toy Collection
• The Cotswold Perfumery
• The Model Railway Exhibition
• The Model Village
• Shops, inns, tea-rooms and restaurants.

Every year, from December 1st to January 5th, a huge Christmas tree is placed in the middle of the river and the shops are decorated in a special way to attract visitors. Victorian weekend is usually the first weekend of December. Short winter breaks are good for walking, sightseeing and shopping in the abundance of gift, craft and antique shops for which the Cotswold area is reknowned. Evenings can be spent in cosy old inns with good food and roaring fires.