Bourton-on-the-Water, a compact Cotswolds village often called the 'Venice of the Cotswolds', is routinely packed with tourists who arrive in their thousands to admire its honey-hued buildings, stone bridges, and crystal-clear River Windrush. On a weekday afternoon, the village felt like a film set, with photoshoots on bridges, crowds outside shops, and families enjoying ice cream on the lawn.
Locals embrace the tourist influx
Despite being outnumbered by holidaymakers, the 2,000 residents largely appreciate the visitors. Allan Hymers, the local ice cream legend behind Cotswold Ice Creams, said: 'We wouldn't have all this without visitors, we have five pubs, cafes, restaurants and really nice places. There are some amazing places in the Cotswolds, but there's nothing to do, but we have this, so it's there to be had.'
Another resident echoed: 'There are a lot of tourists, but without them we would have no village as it is. I don't think it would be as good without the tourists, and there's a lot geared towards them.' They added that shops, cafes, and restaurants depend on tourist spending, and the village provides employment for school leavers until university.
Businesses rely on visitors
A patron at the Kingsbridge pub noted: 'There are a lot of independent shops in Bourton-on-the-Water, but without most of the tourists, would they survive? If we didn't have visitors, there might just be two pubs, one newsagent's and a chip shop, that's it.'
Rebecca Olivia, who works at Bourton's Little Sweet Shop, said cheerfully: 'I love the tourists, they pay my wages. It's really nice, I really enjoy working here, it's really pleasant and busy, so at least the day goes quickly.'
Residents appreciate their home
One resident remarked: 'We are very lucky to live here, because it is simply beautiful. It's no wonder that people come to visit, and if I didn't live here, it would be one of the places I would want to come and visit.'
Allan Hymers added: 'I love living here, it's great. Everyone knows me, I know everyone in the village, I love it, and it's the best job I've ever had in my life.'
