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Bourton On The Water is somewhere that my mother wanted to visit and invited me along for the trip. My grandmother used to visit for lots of trips from her base in Dorset. We found lots of promotional pamphlets when her home was emptied after her death last December. Bourton on-the-Water is a village in the rural Cotswolds area of south central England. Straddling the River Windrush, it’s known for its low bridges and traditional stone houses. The Cotswold Motoring Museum features vintage cars and a toy collection. Birdland is home to species including parrots, owls and king penguins, plus life-size model dinosaurs. The Model Village is a 1930’s scale replica of the village. It is known as the Venice of the Cotwolds.

After arriving at our hotel, The Old Manse. This was a country inn built in 1748. We had a twin room on the first floor with a view of the car park. Full english breakfast was included with our room. Breakfast was served until 1o am.

We first walked along the high street, visiting various different shops we came across. My favourite was the Victorian Christmas Shop, where I saw some lovely pieces but I did stop myself as I do not need them.

Then we came across the Cotswold Perfumery which was top of my list. I found exactly what I was looking for in a Jasmine scented perfume but it was so expensive. I will buy eventually but do have a lot of perfumes to use up first.

The next day, we visited the Old Model Village. The Model Village is a one-ninth scale replica of the heart of the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, containing all the buildings from the Old Water Mill (now the Car Museum) down to the Old New Inn and the ford, all built in Cotswold stone. In the Model Village you become a giant as you tower above the miniature stone houses. Walk alongside the river Windrush and cross its miniature bridges. Enjoy the miniature gardens complete with flowers and miniature trees. Listen to the choirs singing in the churches, investigate the local shops, and find the model of the Model Village! The village was created by a previous landlord of the Old New Inn, taking local craftsmen five years to build, and it was officially opened on the Coronation Day of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen Mother) in 1937.

A pit stop at the bakery on the wold for a hot chocolate and iced bun, as delicous as this was. It did upset my stomach. I should have known better. But what can you do !

Then we went to the Cotswold Motoring Museum. Opened in 1978, it features motoring history of the 20th century. We started with vintage, beautiful cars, and walked through various workshops showing bikes, cars anything relating to the motors. It was beautiful and fascinating at the same time.

Bourton On The Water was a lovely introduction to The Cotswolds. I will be returning one day I hope. If you are interested in visiting, this site may be useful.