Cotswolds villages named among England's most scenic for 2026
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 11:02 · Archive
Travel website World Atlas has named Bourton-on-the-Water and Grasmere among England's 11 most scenic towns and villages for 2026.
Travel website World Atlas has named two Cotswolds villages among England's 11 most scenic towns and villages for 2026. The picks are Bourton-on-the-Water and Grasmere. The list covers places across six of England's nine regions, spanning locations from lakes and valleys to medieval streets and fossil beaches. World Atlas said the selections 'name the places worth planning around, so you can build a trip from one town or link several into a longer route'.
Bourton-on-the-Water is described by World Atlas as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'. The River Windrush runs shallow and clear through the village centre, crossed by a string of low stone footbridges. According to World Atlas, wading in the water is common, particularly when local children do so on warm afternoons.
The village contains Birdland Park and Gardens, which features king penguins, flamingos and free-flying birds in riverside gardens. The Model Village recreates Bourton in miniature at a ninth of its real size. Beyond the village, a network of gentle riverside walks connects Bourton to neighbouring villages, following the Windrush through open meadows and past working water mills.
How it is being reported
- Two 'prettiest' Cotswolds villages named among most scenic in EnglandTwo of the "prettiest" Cotswolds villages have been named among the most scenic in England for 2026.Oxford Mail · 20 Oct, 10:35
- Two 'prettiest' Cotswolds villages named among most scenic in EnglandTwo of the "prettiest" Cotswolds villages have been named among the most scenic in England for 2026.Oxfordshire Guardian · 20 Oct, 10:35
In this story: Bourton-on-the-Water · Grasmere · Cotswolds · World Atlas · River Windrush · Birdland Park and Gardens · The Model Village · England
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