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Historic centre · Bourton-on-the-Water, Inglaterra
River Windrush em Bourton-on-the-Water
The shallow river that crosses the centre of Bourton-on-the-Water under five low stone bridges, between lawns and honey-coloured limestone houses, in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About River Windrush em Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is a Cotswolds village in the county of Gloucestershire, cut by the river Windrush, which runs shallow and wide down the middle of the main street, between lawns. Five low stone bridges, built between the 17th and 20th centuries, cross the river in the centre, and the oldest, the Mill Bridge, dates from 1654. The ensemble gave the village the nickname 'Venice of the Cotswolds.'
The houses and shops around are of honey-coloured limestone, as throughout the region, with stone-slate roofs. In summer children paddle in the river, and the riverside lawns fill with people picnicking. The Igreja de São Lourenço has a Georgian tower on a medieval base.
The village has other small sights seen in sequence on foot: the Model Village, a stone scale model of the village at 1:9 in the garden of the pub Old New Inn; the Cotswold Motoring Museum, in a former mill; and Birdland, a bird park with penguins, on the village exit.
As the most visited village in the Cotswolds, Bourton becomes crowded with coach parties in the late morning and afternoon in summer. From it, roads and trails lead to the neighbouring villages of Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter, 3 km away, and to Stow-on-the-Wold, 7 km.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours to walk around the village, cross the bridges and see the Model Village.
Best time
Early in the morning or after 5 pm in summer, when coach parties have left. From May to September the lawns are green and in bloom. In winter the village is quiet, with some shops closing earlier.
How to get there
By car, about 40 km from Oxford via the A40 and A429. By train, to Moreton-in-Marsh or Kingham, then taxi or local bus to the village. There is paid parking at the village entrance on Rissington Road. Day tours from Oxford and London often stop in Bourton.
Tip
Walk the path from the village to Lower Slaughter, about 3 km across pastures, with the brick mill and the stream cutting through the village; return the same way or continue to Upper Slaughter.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about River Windrush em Bourton-on-the-Water
Why is Bourton called the Venice of the Cotswolds?
Because of the River Windrush, which runs shallow through the middle of the village under five low stone bridges.
Can you get to Bourton without a car?
Yes — by train to Moreton-in-Marsh or Kingham and then by taxi or local bus, or on a tour. The bus is infrequent; check timetables.
What is there to do near Bourton?
Walk to Lower and Upper Slaughter, 3 km away, and visit Stow-on-the-Wold, 7 km away, with a market square and antique shops.