Elvington Guest House
 Bed and Breakfast  Bourton-on-the-water, Cotswolds, Gloucestershire (England) GL54 2DX - tel/fax 01451 822026
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In and Around Bourton-on-the-water
Bourton is often referred to as "the Venice of the Cotswolds", on the strength of six picturesque bridges across the River Windrush. This is the Cotswold tourist venue par excellence, and the town is well adapted to handle the summer invasion, with pubs, coffee shops, ice cream parlors and eateries. The grass verges along the Windrush become dusty and threadbare with the constant tramp of sneakers, but the surprising thing is that the town survives as well as it does and remains as pretty as it is. The architecture is traditional Cotswold - stone roofs, gables here and there, mullioned windows, golden brown limestone throughout.
Bridge Bridge River view River view River view
In the heart of the Cotswolds, close to the River Windrush, Bourton-on-the-Water is an ideal center for a country holiday. Walking, cycling or motoring, it makes an ideal centre for exploring the delightful hills and villages in the area.
Bourton is surrounded by a multitude of towns and villages all offering great days out. Whether it's a short trip to the elegant town of Cheltenham, with its stylish shopping facilities and famous National Hunt race-course (a 'Mecca' during Gold Cup week) or slightly further afield to the Royal Forest of Dean with it's giant oaks, nature trails and picnic areas. The popular and attractive villages of Upper and Lower Slaughter, Broadway, Chipping Campden, Stratford-on-Avon and Oxford are worth a visit, and several historical houses and castles are within easy reach. It is also possible to arrange golf, fly or coarse fishing and horse riding, all within easy reach of Elvington. We are always pleased to offer our visitors suggestions, and advice on routes. You will never be short of things to do.
The Cotswold Motor Museum and toy collection is a great place for all the family, featuring many fine cars and a huge collection of enamel advertising signs. The museum is crammed with motoring memorabilia, motorbikes and bicycles. Children love to meet BRUM the BBC TV character, and there is a wonderful new exhibition of toys and pedal cars.
Brum1 Brum2 Motor1 Motor2

Just a short walk from the village Center, you will discover the Cotswold perfumery. Not just an exhibition but an experience which includes "Smelly Vision" in a specially constructed theatre, an ingredients room, a Perfume Quiz where you can test your nose, and a beautifully laid out perfume garden where an abundance of fragrant flowers and herbs delight the senses.
perfume

The model village is a replica in local stone of one of the Cotswold's most beautiful villages. Here, in one-ninth scale, you will find the River Windrush with it's distinctive bridges, the beeches, willows and chestnuts, all in miniature. It is complete with the Church of St Lawrence and the music of the actual choir, and of course, the Model of the Model village.
Model village Model village

The Bourton Model railway exhibition features some of the finest indoor model railway layouts in the country with over 500 sq. ft. More than 40 British and Continental trains run automatically through the imaginatively designed scenery including many working model on three displays of OO/HO & N gauge with the unique attraction of visitor control. Well stocked model and toyshop.
Model railway

Birdland, once home of the 'Batman' penguins, is seven acres of woodland, river and gardens. Penguins to flamingos, parrots to hornbills. Tropical temperate and desert houses. Pets corner, picnic areas. Penguin cafe, playground and much more.
Birdland

The Dragonfly Maze was inspired by a long line dating back to the year 2500 BC and was begun in 1995. The creator's ambition was realised by combining a traditional Yew Hedge Maze with a Rebus Puzzle. The central pavilion, constructed of local materials, houses the fabulous automated sculptures hand crafted by artist, sculptor and writer Kit Williams. Find your way to the centre of the maze, picking up clues on the way. Once you reach the ornate central pavilion which houses the mysterious 'Minotoad', see if you can discover the secret hiding place of the Golden Dragonfly.
DragonMaze
If you like getting 'lost', you will like to visit one of around 3 maize mazes that will be within an hour of Elvington. They are normally open between July and Early September each year. This site will show you the locations, opening times etc. Be warned ! they can contain upto 4 miles of pathway - check the details before you go.
Maze Maze Maze Maze

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