Sleepy Villages

Bourton-on-the-Water

There are five beautiful bridges in Bourton-onthe-Water, under which the River Windrush flows. The oldest, Mill Bridge, dates back to 1654, while the newest, Coronation Bridge, was built in 1953. With this in mind, it’s easy to see why this idyllic Gloucestershire village has been dubbed “the Venice of the Cotswolds”.

But there’s more to it than this, including a delightful high street and some extraordinary buildings, including Bourton Manor, which is notable for its royal connections. King Charles I and his son were thought to have stayed here during the English Civil War in 1644; the royal household’s chaplain at that time was Thomas Temple, vicar of Bourton-on-the-Water.

While the manor isn’t open to the public, we recommend staying at the The Mousetrap, a traditional 18th-century inn: think low beams, that has been running for almost 70 years in London, once visited this lovely little watering hole.