Definitely the most crowded (there are often more visitors than residents) and touristy of all the Cotswold villages, Bourton-on-the-Water also has the most to offer in the way of shops, cafes, tea rooms, and lodging. The village is known for its picturesque High Street, flanked by long wide greens and the River Windrush that runs through them. The river is crossed by several low, arched stone bridges. These arched bridges have led to Bourton-on-the-Water being called the “Venice of the Cotswolds”. While there are certainly no gondolas floating by, many children, and adults as well, use the river as a sort of swimming hole-at its deepest, the water is only about knee to thigh high. We didn’t swim but we did roll our pants up and take our shoes off for a wade in the icy cold water. We also made a stop at The Waterfront Tea Room for a lovely clotted cream tea.

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