Britons took to a Reddit forum to name some of their favourite villages in the UK, with one being applauded for its chocolate-box cottages and beautiful scenery. However, as a result of the stunning surroundings, it’s a village that can become jam-packed with tourists, especially in the summer months.
The Cotswolds are known for its postcard-worthy surroundings, attracting an estimated 38 million visitors from around the world each year.
According to Cheltenham.gov.uk, an estimated 23 million Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) each year for day trips. Discovercots.co.uk suggests the overall estimated number of visitors to the Cotswolds hills each year sits somewhere around 38 million.
But of all the villages on offer, Bourton-on-the-Water is the one which was named as the “prettiest” by Britons in a Reddit forum. One Brit from the North East commented: “Bourton-on-the-Water…and when you’re done enjoying the picturesque village, you can go and enjoy the picturesque model village, and then the picturesque model village in the model village.”
A second commented: “[I] live in the next chocolate box town to Bourton. I second this.” [SIC]
However, people also warned that sunny days can attract hordes of visitors. One commenter added: “Bourton is beautiful, but you have [go] on a damp Tuesday in October to avoid all the tourists.” [SIC]
Tucked away in the heart of the Cotswolds, Bourton-on-the-Water is sometimes referred to as “the Venice of the Cotswolds”. The village is famed for its bridges, dating from between 1654 and 1911. The bridges are made from local Cotswold stone.
Bourton-on-the-Water is home to 4,000 residents and is a buzzing part of the community that is open to visitors year-round with plenty of attractions to enjoy.
Though you can easily spend a pleasant day simply wandering around the village or enjoying one of the nearby walks, one of the most popular attractions is the Model Village. The Model Village is crafted from local Cotswold stone and is a replica of the buildings that existed in Bourton-on-the-Water in the 1930s.
Other top attractions include the Dragonfly Maze, Birdland Park and the Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection.
According to the local tourism website Bourtoninfo.com: “Depending on the seasons, and the day of the week, Bourton-on-the-Water presents many different faces.
“There are times when the village is as bustling as any seaside resort, usually holidays and sunny weekends! As a rule of thumb, the earlier, or later, in the day you visit, the quieter and more tranquil you will find it.”