Built-up area in Cotswold, Gloucestershire, England
| Coordinates: | 51.887, -1.756 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SP 16 20 |
| Population: | 3,296 |
| Dialling code: | 01451 (Stow-on-the-Wold) |
Bourton-on-the-Water sits in the heart of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, England, straddling the shallow, gently flowing River Windrush. The village is famed for its honey‑coloured Cotswold stone, low arched bridges and picturesque riverside green, which give it a quintessential English‑countryside feel and make it one of the most photographed spots in the region.
Historically a market and wool‑working centre, today Bourton-on-the-Water relies heavily on tourism, with tearooms, craft shops, a model village and family attractions drawing seasonal crowds; that popularity helps the local economy but also creates congestion and a distinctly touristy atmosphere in summer. Despite this, there’s a strong village community and a sense of continuity in local traditions and preservation of historic buildings.