Saba's Brief Guide to Bourton-On-The-Water
& the North Cotswolds
Sightseeing
Dear Guest,
To help make your stay at the cottage, and trip to the Cotswolds, an enjoyable one, I thought it might be useful to provide you with some guidance and tips. These are based on my own personal experiences and frequent visits to the Cotswolds.
I should quickly note that I am not associated with any of the places (e.g. visitor attractions, restaurants, etc.) that I am recommending below; I simply enjoyed, or liked, what they had to offer, and I hope you do too.
To begin with, here are some quick practical tips:
- Parking: one key advantage in the Cotswolds is that parking, for the most part, is free in designated spaces and locations in and around the villages – as long as you follow the local parking rules and etiquette (e.g. look for signs that may state a time limit to how long you can park for free in some bays). However, as the free public parking bays are “first-come, first-serve”, they can full up rather quickly during busy times of the day. Where the free parking spots are taken, there are also plenty of paid for parking spaces. (Please note I have provided more specific parking tips and locations in a separate document which you will receive before your arrive. That document will also include directions and cottage access instructions).
- Navigation: mobile phone reception can be a little patchy as you drive around the Cotswolds. If you are using Google Maps, be sure to download a map covering the Cotswolds region (especially the northern half of the Cotswolds) as an offline map. It should not take too much storage space on your phone to download this data, yet will ensure you will always navigate your way around without any interruption.
- Bourton during the day: During the summer months, Bourton on the Water can get lively with day visitors (especially from mid-morning to mid-afternoon). As you are staying in the village, I would suggest that early morning and late afternoon/early evening are the best periods for a relatively quieter stroll in the village, and better photo opportunities.
- Food and basic necessities: There is a Londis mini-market on the high street (open daily from 6:30am to 9pm), with around 5 dedicated free parking bays. It’s a few mins walk from the cottage (located around the middle along the high street). Has all the basic food items and goods you would expect, but is somewhat limited in choice. For wider choice, there is a large and decently stocked Co-Op on Station Road, which is open daily from 7am till 10pm (Sundays open 10am to 4pm), and with its own large car park. By car to the Co-op would be around a 4-minute drive. Walking to the Co-op from the high street (turn left at the end of the high street and walk up along Station Road) would be about 10 minutes (slightly uphill on the way there). The Co-op also has an ATM cash machine.
Bourton-on-the-Water:
A quintessential Cotswolds village, lined with quaint honey-colored stone cottages, antique shops and intimate eateries, and boasting riverside picnic lawns along the River Windrush that runs through the heart of the village.
Things to Do:
- Walking: Besides strolling in and around the village and its shops, you could walk to the nearby villages of Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter, and back to Bourton. The walk is mostly flat land, and is estimated to be around 5 miles round trip (around 1 hour and 45 minutes at a moderate pace). For the most part, the walk way is labeled (however, best to take a map) and will take you through the beautiful countryside and fields. Do wear a cap/hat and apply sun protection lotion on sunny days, and take plenty of water with you.
- Cycling: You could also hire a bicycle from “Hartwells Cotswold Cycle Hire & Hartwells Ironmongers” on the main street in Bourton (open daily 9:30am to 5pm, Sundays 11am to 4pm). You can also cycle to Upper Slaughter and Lowe Slaughter villages (cycling round trip takes around 30mins to 45 mins if you don’t count stopping). Some of the cycling roads around Bourton can be slightly hilly, or unpaved, so be prepared, and be sure ask Hartwells to provide you with a bike map showing the best biking roads and paths to the nearby villages.
- Local Attractions:
o The Model Village
A miniature village, located behind the Old New Inn. The mini replica village is one-ninth of the full scale Bourton on the Water, and contains all of the local buildings as they were in the 1930s. Open daily 10am to 5:45pm.
o Birdland Park and Gardens
This superb wildlife park is one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s most popular attractions, and it’s an opportunity to get outdoors. See birds of all different colors at the park, home to one of the UK’s largest exotic bird collections. Open daily 10am to 5pm.
o Rare Vehicles at the Motor Museum
The Cotswold Motor Museum is home to a collection of rare vehicles and classic car memorabilia. For ‘petrol heads’, this is a great way to spend an hour or so. The displays have a sense of nostalgia, with toys, games and models taking you back to your childhood days. Open daily 10am to 5:30pm.
Restaurants and Cafes in Bourton on the Water
Below is a small list of eateries that I have personally been to, and was happy enough with their food to recommend to you:
- Bakery on the Water: Across from the high street and river. A well-known bakery that’s been run by the same local family for four generations. Has excellent bread, pastries, and cooked breakfast options. Open daily 8am to 5pm.
- The Cornish Bakery: On Bourton’s High Street (near the end of the high street). Serves excellent coffee, and their Brie and Cranberry Toasties are delicious and a must if you are in a rush and simply wish to pick up Tea/Coffee and a bite to go. Open daily 8:30am to 5:30pm
- The Rose Tree Restaurant: This small restaurant is across the high street. I’ve had dinner there, and its quite good. They serve British and international dishes. The atmosphere feels semi-formal (e.g. perhaps would be good for an anniversary dinner, or a romantic dinner). Can get busy during weekend and the summer months, so you will need to book in advance. Indoor and outdoor seating. Open daily 11:30am to 3pm, and 6pm to 9pm (Sundays closes at 8:30pm). Tel: 01451820635.
- L’Anatra: An Italian restaurant, walk up Victoria Street and it will be on your right as you reach the small cars-bridge to your left). Casual atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating. They serve excellent Pizza and Pasta dishes including gluten free options. Open daily 10am to 10pm. ). Tel: 01451820286.
- The Old Manse: Is a historic Inn, serving traditional pub food. Has an outdoor seating adjacent to the River Windrush, you can have an afternoon drink there and watch the world go by!. Pub closes at 11pm.
I hope the above helps, even if in a small way, to make your stay at the cottage and visit to Bourton-on-the-Water and the Cotswolds, a very memorable and enjoyable one.
With My Kind Regards, Saba
450 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bourton on the Water
Dear Guest,
To help make your stay at the cottage, and trip to the Cotswolds, an enjoyable one, I thought it might be useful to provide you with some guidance and tips. These are based on my own personal experiences and frequent visits to the Cotswolds.
I should quickly note that I am not associated with any of the places (e.g. visitor attractions, restaurants, etc.) that I am recommending below; I simply enjoyed, or liked, what they had to offer, and I hope you do too.
To begin with, here are some quick practical tips:
- Parking: one key advantage in the Cotswolds is that parking, for the most part, is free in designated spaces and locations in and around the villages – as long as you follow the local parking rules and etiquette (e.g. look for signs that may state a time limit to how long you can park for free in some bays). However, as the free public parking bays are “first-come, first-serve”, they can full up rather quickly during busy times of the day. Where the free parking spots are taken, there are also plenty of paid for parking spaces. (Please note I have provided more specific parking tips and locations in a separate document which you will receive before your arrive. That document will also include directions and cottage access instructions).
- Navigation: mobile phone reception can be a little patchy as you drive around the Cotswolds. If you are using Google Maps, be sure to download a map covering the Cotswolds region (especially the northern half of the Cotswolds) as an offline map. It should not take too much storage space on your phone to download this data, yet will ensure you will always navigate your way around without any interruption.
- Bourton during the day: During the summer months, Bourton on the Water can get lively with day visitors (especially from mid-morning to mid-afternoon). As you are staying in the village, I would suggest that early morning and late afternoon/early evening are the best periods for a relatively quieter stroll in the village, and better photo opportunities.
- Food and basic necessities: There is a Londis mini-market on the high street (open daily from 6:30am to 9pm), with around 5 dedicated free parking bays. It’s a few mins walk from the cottage (located around the middle along the high street). Has all the basic food items and goods you would expect, but is somewhat limited in choice. For wider choice, there is a large and decently stocked Co-Op on Station Road, which is open daily from 7am till 10pm (Sundays open 10am to 4pm), and with its own large car park. By car to the Co-op would be around a 4-minute drive. Walking to the Co-op from the high street (turn left at the end of the high street and walk up along Station Road) would be about 10 minutes (slightly uphill on the way there). The Co-op also has an ATM cash machine.
Bourton-on-the-Water:
A quintessential Cotswolds village, lined with quaint honey-colored stone cottages, antique shops and intimate eateries, and boasting riverside picnic lawns along the River Windrush that runs through the heart of the village.
Things to Do:
- Walking: Besides strolling in and around the village and its shops, you could walk to the nearby villages of Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter, and back to Bourton. The walk is mostly flat land, and is estimated to be around 5 miles round trip (around 1 hour and 45 minutes at a moderate pace). For the most part, the walk way is labeled (however, best to take a map) and will take you through the beautiful countryside and fields. Do wear a cap/hat and apply sun protection lotion on sunny days, and take plenty of water with you.
- Cycling: You could also hire a bicycle from “Hartwells Cotswold Cycle Hire & Hartwells Ironmongers” on the main street in Bourton (open daily 9:30am to 5pm, Sundays 11am to 4pm). You can also cycle to Upper Slaughter and Lowe Slaughter villages (cycling round trip takes around 30mins to 45 mins if you don’t count stopping). Some of the cycling roads around Bourton can be slightly hilly, or unpaved, so be prepared, and be sure ask Hartwells to provide you with a bike map showing the best biking roads and paths to the nearby villages.
- Local Attractions:
o The Model Village
A miniature village, located behind the Old New Inn. The mini replica village is one-ninth of the full scale Bourton on the Water, and contains all of the local buildings as they were in the 1930s. Open daily 10am to 5:45pm.
o Birdland Park and Gardens
This superb wildlife park is one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s most popular attractions, and it’s an opportunity to get outdoors. See birds of all different colors at the park, home to one of the UK’s largest exotic bird collections. Open daily 10am to 5pm.
o Rare Vehicles at the Motor Museum
The Cotswold Motor Museum is home to a collection of rare vehicles and classic car memorabilia. For ‘petrol heads’, this is a great way to spend an hour or so. The displays have a sense of nostalgia, with toys, games and models taking you back to your childhood days. Open daily 10am to 5:30pm.
Restaurants and Cafes in Bourton on the Water
Below is a small list of eateries that I have personally been to, and was happy enough with their food to recommend to you:
- Bakery on the Water: Across from the high street and river. A well-known bakery that’s been run by the same local family for four generations. Has excellent bread, pastries, and cooked breakfast options. Open daily 8am to 5pm.
- The Cornish Bakery: On Bourton’s High Street (near the end of the high street). Serves excellent coffee, and their Brie and Cranberry Toasties are delicious and a must if you are in a rush and simply wish to pick up Tea/Coffee and a bite to go. Open daily 8:30am to 5:30pm
- The Rose Tree Restaurant: This small restaurant is across the high street. I’ve had dinner there, and its quite good. They serve British and international dishes. The atmosphere feels semi-formal (e.g. perhaps would be good for an anniversary dinner, or a romantic dinner). Can get busy during weekend and the summer months, so you will need to book in advance. Indoor and outdoor seating. Open daily 11:30am to 3pm, and 6pm to 9pm (Sundays closes at 8:30pm). Tel: 01451820635.
- L’Anatra: An Italian restaurant, walk up Victoria Street and it will be on your right as you reach the small cars-bridge to your left). Casual atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating. They serve excellent Pizza and Pasta dishes including gluten free options. Open daily 10am to 10pm. ). Tel: 01451820286.
- The Old Manse: Is a historic Inn, serving traditional pub food. Has an outdoor seating adjacent to the River Windrush, you can have an afternoon drink there and watch the world go by!. Pub closes at 11pm.
I hope the above helps, even if in a small way, to make your stay at the cottage and visit to Bourton-on-the-Water and the Cotswolds, a very memorable and enjoyable one.
With My Kind Regards, Saba
Neighbourhoods
The Cotswolds (a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) has countless charming and historic villages. These villages, untouched for centuries, are each different and unique in their own way. What they perhaps share in common is the design and character of their buildings, which is unique to the Cotswolds, and that they are in the midst of arguably the most beautiful countryside in all of England. The benefit of Bourton, besides being mesmerizing in its own right and offering scenic walking and cycling activities in and around it, is that its also centrally located within the north Cotswolds, and you are only typically 10 or 20 minutes driving radius from numerous other picturesque villages and destinations worthy of visiting. When heading to any of the villages below, do no hesitate to stop en-route in one of the many laybys to enjoy the far reaching vistas: the countryside scenery you will come across is as much beautiful as the villages themselves.
Whereas it’s nearly impossible to list all the villages that are worthy of visiting, here is a small selection of nearby towns, villages, and places that are a must-see, especially if you are only in the Cotswold’s for a short stay.
I have tried to envisage visiting below villages over two days, but it might take you three or more days, depending on how much time you have and your pace. The emphasis below is on quaint and picturesque villages and small towns, as I feel these perhaps truly epitomize the charter and beauty of the region, rather than the larger and somewhat more commercial towns of the Cotswolds, such as Cheltenham or Cirencester.
Day 1 (Villages/towns in the northern part of the Cotswolds)
o Head from Bourton to the village of Broadway (a 25 mins drive): The main street in Broadway is lined with quaint shops, bakeries and sweets shops, housed in listed buildings dating back hundreds of years, selling local goods and produce. This makes for a very nice stroll. Along the middle of the Broadway High Street you will find “The Lygon Arms”: a 600 years-old Inn/Hotel that is believed to be the oldest continuously running hotel in all of England. You can stop there for a drink or a bite – and admire this history-rich building from inside. I have had lunch there and I thought it was very good.
o Just up the road from Broadway, a few minutes drive, is the hilltop village of Snowshill. It’s a quieter, serene, and smaller village than Broadway, known for getting more that its fair share of snow during the winter, and it exudes beauty and serenity like very few other villages. You can park around the central parish church in the middle of the village, and stroll around – you can also see some far reaching rolling hills in between the cottages.
o From Snowshill village, head to the village of Moreton-in-Marsh (15mins drive from Snowhill), and then from there a 10 min drive to village of Stow-on-the-Wold. Both are historic market towns, and retain the same charm today as they did hundreds of years ago. You can stop at either for sightseeing and perhaps a coffee/pastry, or lunch/dinner. Both town centers are fairly compact and walkable
o From Stow-on-the-Wold, you may head back to Bourton on the Water, but if you have time, stop en-route at the Daylesford Farm in Kingham. It’s an organic farm with an amazing farmshop selling local produce, cheese, jam, honey, and preserves, and has two restaurants with a lively atmosphere, serving lunch to early evening dinner. Very much farm-to-table ethos, and the quality of their produce and restaurant food is fantastic (Open daily 8am to 8pm, Sundays 10am to 4pm).
o Although the driving distances between the above villages is relatively short, the above “Day 1” trip can take anything from say 5 to 7 hours, depending of course how long you choose to spend at each stop, and allowing time for lunch/dinner etc.
Day 2 (Villages/Towns in the mid-part of the Cotswolds)
o Start from Bourton and head to Burford (20min drive). Burford is small hilly town with a beautiful main street, lined with cafes, quirky stores, and antique shops and makes for a nice stroll. If stopping for a coffee and cake I would highly recommend Lynwood and Co. Cafe: they bake amazingly tasty Carrot Cakes and Chocolate Brownies (Open daily 8am to 4pm, Sundays 8am to 2pm).
o From Burford, head to Bibury. Although fairly small, the village is best known for its row of historic weavers cottages, built around 1380, called “Arlington Row”. For many visitors to the Cotswolds, this picturesque row of iconic, 14th century built, weavers cottages is the most well known of all Cotswolds images. The village straddles the river Coln, and there is a trout farm there by the Bibury bridge with a visitor center. While there, if you would like a spot of lunch, I would say The Swan Inn restaurant is a good choice. I have had fish and chips there and thought is was quite good. Indoor and outdoor seating.
o From Bibury on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds, head to Painswick on the Western edge (a 35 min drive). The drive should take you through some beautiful countryside. Painswick center is relatively larger than the previous Cotswolds villages and towns you may have visited. It’s perched on a hill, and there are some lovely viewing points on the fringes of the village. The centrally located parish church has beautifully manicured gardens.
o From Painswick you can head back to Bourton. For the above “Day 2” round trip you need to perhaps allow 4 to 6 hours or so (including driving, time for strolls, and time for lunch).
If you have extra time, either on the second day, or on a third day, you can venture further down towards the southern part of the Cotswolds, to the village of Castle Coombe (it’s a about an hour’s drive if heading directly from Bourton). It’s a wonderfully preserved example of a picture-perfect Cotswolds village. There is an adjacent hotel “The Manor House” that you can also visit and walk around its beautiful grounds, and can have afternoon tea there too.
I hope the above helps, even if in a small way, to make your stay at the cottage and visit to Bourton-on-the-Water and the Cotswolds, a very memorable and enjoyable one.
With My Kind Regards, Saba
181 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds (a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) has countless charming and historic villages. These villages, untouched for centuries, are each different and unique in their own way. What they perhaps share in common is the design and character of their buildings, which is unique to the Cotswolds, and that they are in the midst of arguably the most beautiful countryside in all of England. The benefit of Bourton, besides being mesmerizing in its own right and offering scenic walking and cycling activities in and around it, is that its also centrally located within the north Cotswolds, and you are only typically 10 or 20 minutes driving radius from numerous other picturesque villages and destinations worthy of visiting. When heading to any of the villages below, do no hesitate to stop en-route in one of the many laybys to enjoy the far reaching vistas: the countryside scenery you will come across is as much beautiful as the villages themselves.
Whereas it’s nearly impossible to list all the villages that are worthy of visiting, here is a small selection of nearby towns, villages, and places that are a must-see, especially if you are only in the Cotswold’s for a short stay.
I have tried to envisage visiting below villages over two days, but it might take you three or more days, depending on how much time you have and your pace. The emphasis below is on quaint and picturesque villages and small towns, as I feel these perhaps truly epitomize the charter and beauty of the region, rather than the larger and somewhat more commercial towns of the Cotswolds, such as Cheltenham or Cirencester.
Day 1 (Villages/towns in the northern part of the Cotswolds)
o Head from Bourton to the village of Broadway (a 25 mins drive): The main street in Broadway is lined with quaint shops, bakeries and sweets shops, housed in listed buildings dating back hundreds of years, selling local goods and produce. This makes for a very nice stroll. Along the middle of the Broadway High Street you will find “The Lygon Arms”: a 600 years-old Inn/Hotel that is believed to be the oldest continuously running hotel in all of England. You can stop there for a drink or a bite – and admire this history-rich building from inside. I have had lunch there and I thought it was very good.
o Just up the road from Broadway, a few minutes drive, is the hilltop village of Snowshill. It’s a quieter, serene, and smaller village than Broadway, known for getting more that its fair share of snow during the winter, and it exudes beauty and serenity like very few other villages. You can park around the central parish church in the middle of the village, and stroll around – you can also see some far reaching rolling hills in between the cottages.
o From Snowshill village, head to the village of Moreton-in-Marsh (15mins drive from Snowhill), and then from there a 10 min drive to village of Stow-on-the-Wold. Both are historic market towns, and retain the same charm today as they did hundreds of years ago. You can stop at either for sightseeing and perhaps a coffee/pastry, or lunch/dinner. Both town centers are fairly compact and walkable
o From Stow-on-the-Wold, you may head back to Bourton on the Water, but if you have time, stop en-route at the Daylesford Farm in Kingham. It’s an organic farm with an amazing farmshop selling local produce, cheese, jam, honey, and preserves, and has two restaurants with a lively atmosphere, serving lunch to early evening dinner. Very much farm-to-table ethos, and the quality of their produce and restaurant food is fantastic (Open daily 8am to 8pm, Sundays 10am to 4pm).
o Although the driving distances between the above villages is relatively short, the above “Day 1” trip can take anything from say 5 to 7 hours, depending of course how long you choose to spend at each stop, and allowing time for lunch/dinner etc.
Day 2 (Villages/Towns in the mid-part of the Cotswolds)
o Start from Bourton and head to Burford (20min drive). Burford is small hilly town with a beautiful main street, lined with cafes, quirky stores, and antique shops and makes for a nice stroll. If stopping for a coffee and cake I would highly recommend Lynwood and Co. Cafe: they bake amazingly tasty Carrot Cakes and Chocolate Brownies (Open daily 8am to 4pm, Sundays 8am to 2pm).
o From Burford, head to Bibury. Although fairly small, the village is best known for its row of historic weavers cottages, built around 1380, called “Arlington Row”. For many visitors to the Cotswolds, this picturesque row of iconic, 14th century built, weavers cottages is the most well known of all Cotswolds images. The village straddles the river Coln, and there is a trout farm there by the Bibury bridge with a visitor center. While there, if you would like a spot of lunch, I would say The Swan Inn restaurant is a good choice. I have had fish and chips there and thought is was quite good. Indoor and outdoor seating.
o From Bibury on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds, head to Painswick on the Western edge (a 35 min drive). The drive should take you through some beautiful countryside. Painswick center is relatively larger than the previous Cotswolds villages and towns you may have visited. It’s perched on a hill, and there are some lovely viewing points on the fringes of the village. The centrally located parish church has beautifully manicured gardens.
o From Painswick you can head back to Bourton. For the above “Day 2” round trip you need to perhaps allow 4 to 6 hours or so (including driving, time for strolls, and time for lunch).
If you have extra time, either on the second day, or on a third day, you can venture further down towards the southern part of the Cotswolds, to the village of Castle Coombe (it’s a about an hour’s drive if heading directly from Bourton). It’s a wonderfully preserved example of a picture-perfect Cotswolds village. There is an adjacent hotel “The Manor House” that you can also visit and walk around its beautiful grounds, and can have afternoon tea there too.
I hope the above helps, even if in a small way, to make your stay at the cottage and visit to Bourton-on-the-Water and the Cotswolds, a very memorable and enjoyable one.
With My Kind Regards, Saba