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.

Get in

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

  • 🌍 Moreton-in-Marsh Railway Station, Station Rd, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0AA (8½ miles N of Boughton on the Water). Station managed and services operated by Great Western Railway. On the Cotswold Line running between Oxford-Hereford. (updated Jun 2017)

By bus

By bicycle

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:

Do

Buy

Shop in the small shops.

Eat

A couple of pubs do food and drink

Drink

Sleep

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
Routes through Bourton-on-the-Water
Warwick and Leamington Spa ← Stow-on-the-Wold ←  N  SW  → Cirencester


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