If a picture perfect day trip is perched at the top of your Christmas list this year, you happen to be in luck. Because we’ve found a village that looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a fairytale. And it happens to be just two hours from London.
Bourton-on-the-Water is the dreamy destination in question. Scenically situated in the heart of the Cotswolds; the gasp-inducingly gorgeous village is frequently dubbed the ‘Venice of the Cotswolds’. And, with its five charming stone bridges crossing the River Windrushit’s not too tricky to see why.
Bourton-on-the-Water
Bourton-on-the-Water is a historic village that dates all the way back to the Neolithic period. A large chunk of the village is a designated conservation area, and it’s filled to the brim with cobblestone streets, honey-coloured cottages (some of which are over 300 years old), and timeless charm. It’s a stunning spot to visit all year round, but (like myself) Bourton-on-the-Water truly comes into its own at Christmas.
Each and every year, the village undergoes a magical makeover for the jolly season. The centerpiece of the festivities is the humongous floating Christmas tree on the River Windrush. It’s a tradition that’s been going strong since the 50s, and the gorgeously illuminated tree continues to draw in quite the crown each year.
Things to do in Bourton-on-the-Water
Alongside gawping at a big old Christmas treethere’s plenty to do in Bourton-in-the-Water this festive season. Home to an abundance of restaurants, cafes, tearooms, and pubs; you certainly won’t leave feeling hungry or thirsty. And the village is also home to a Victorian Christmas shop for all of your last minute gift-grabbing needs. There’s also some pretty breathtaking walking routes nearby, a model village, the Cotswold Motoring Museum, and the much-loved Dragonfly Maze to get lost in. Blimey, this day-trip might need to be extended on second thought…
Getting to Bourton-on-the-Water from London
Bourton-on-the-Water is around a 2 and a half drive from London. But by train, it’s a tad speedier. Londoners can board a train that’ll whizz them from Paddington to Moreton-in-Marsh in just under 90 minutes, and Bourton-in-the-Water is then a quick onwards bus from there.
