COTSWOLD

 Marked by rolling uplands, green fields, and limestone cottages with prim flower beds, the Cotswolds, 100 miles west of London, make a peaceful getaway. The towns and villages set around the Cotswold escarpment - a swath of golden, creamy or gray-colored stone, stretching from Stratford-upon-Avon south west to Cirencester and beyond - owe their beauty to sheep, or rather, the wool on their backs. The wealth created by the wool industry built stately, large-windowed, light-filled churches in every town and country parish. The Cotswolds region is justly famous for tranquil, stone-built villages.  There’s little to do in idyllic villages, but that’s the point. Exquisite gardens and stately homes add further charm.

 

COTSWOLD COUNTRYSIDE, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

 

 

Received from Thomas Goatherd

BOURTON

The Venice of the Cotswolds 

Bourton-on-the-Water is a village in Gloucestershire, England that lies on a wide flat vale within the Cotswolds Area. This popular village is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’ because of the attractive little bridges that cross the gently flowing River Windrush, which runs through the centre of the village. Bourton is renowned for its pretty waterside views and quaint limestone buildings. Packed with visitor attraction, including a 1937 scale model of the village. It is best visited either very early or very late in the day. It has a charm all of its own at any time of the year. Regularly voted one of the prettiest villages in England. 

Flowing through the main street and passing under low stone bridges, the River Windrush enhances the beauty of this Cotswold village

Bourton-on -the-Water has a unique appeal to visitors and residents alike. Known as the Venice of the Cotswolds, this one village offers a wealth of attractions and shops, restaurants and tea rooms, or simply the space for you to enjoy some tranquil time by the River Windrush, spanned by its five arched bridges.

The Bourton-on-the-Water Visitor Information