Bourton on the Water

Bourton-on-the-Water has been described as the ‘Little Venice’ of the Cotswolds and is one of the most popular tourist spots in the Cotswolds. It straddles the river Windrush with its series of elegant low bridges beside neat tree-shaded greens and tidy stone banks. Standing back from the river are traditional Cotswolds buildings, many of which are now tourist shops for the day-trippers and visitors.

Birdland – Is an authentic zoo for birds, with a remarkable collection of penguins, some of which have come from the owner’s islands in the South Atlantic. Established by the late Len Hill and is also home to a huge variety of exotic birds.

Model Village – Excellent miniature of Bourton using authentic building materials depicting Bourton-on-the-Water as it was in 1937 at 1/9th scale.

The Cotswolds Perfumery shop & factory – made personalised scents for the Queen herself.

Model Railway Exhibition – on the High Street with some of the finest operating indoor model railway layouts in the country, covering over 500 feet of track.

Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection – Overflowing with vintage car collections, classic cars and motorcycles, caravans, original enamel signs and an intriguing collection of motoring curiosities also home to Brum, the adventurous four-wheeled hero of children’s TV.

Dragonfly Maze – which comprises a yew maze with a pavilion at the centre. The object is not only to reach the pavilion, but to gather clues as one navigates the maze. Correctly interpreting these clues when one reaches the pavilion allows access to the maze’s final secret. Constructed by Kit Williams of ‘golden hare treasure hunt‘ fame.