We’re a day late, but we’re here! Having been charmed by Burford yesterday, Bourton-on-the-Water is a mere 12 miles away through one green corridor after the other.
I suspect it would take weeks, possibly even months, to explore the Cotswolds fully. Which is perfectly fine by me…it means there will still be lots to see we come back on a future visit.
Fondly described as the Little Venice of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water winds around the Windrush River.
Crossed by arched walkways the shallows are popular with dogs, ducks and children alike.
True to the Cotswolds’ reputation, it’s another idyllic setting, full of honey toned, ancient stone cottages.
There’s no doubting Bourton-on-the-Water’s position on the tourist map. I count ten huge coaches at one point – that’s at least 500 tourist roaming its streets.
With a perfumery, a motoring musuem,
model railway and a model village to see, there’s a little something for everyone. No shortage of history either – the 1700s Old New Inn, for example is a Grade II listed building,
as is the extraordinary miniature model of the village on its grounds – the only model village to attract such a rating in the UK.
The model village was opened in 1937, built by the (then) owners of the Old New Inn, to attract visitors. Built in painstaking detail, it’s a perfect 1/9th replica of Bourton-on-the-Water, built not by model makers, but by builders using the same Cotswold stone as the village houses are made from.
There’s even the model village, inside the model village!
The level of detail is exquisite, down to shop signage, leadlight windows, lace curtains and even a singing choir in the church. Most amusing, seeing Himself in a Gulliver’s Travels moment.
The village trees have been captured in perfect miniature. It’s just delightful. Himself declares it the highlight of our visit. I’m rather inclined to agree.
We’re torn away from Bourton-on-the-Water all to soon – but not before a stop at the bakery! A little treat for dessert tonight đŸ˜‹.
Our motorhome appointment is tomorrow morning, so we’re heading back to Wokingham, aka squirrel and bunny heaven, so the team can have the motorhome first thing. Luckily my buddies are out in force to keep me company, well into twilight.
Miss Baci Travels 