Driving directions and Key Collection

LITTLE GEM COTTAGE,
LANSDOWNE, BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER, GL54 2AR

DIRECTIONS

There are no house numbers on Lansdowne, but a good place to head for is the Mousetrap Inn, which is also on Lansdowne and is around 10 houses away from the cottage on the same side of the road. Please contact your local housekeeper Ginny on 07814 682 493 between 9am-6pm if you have any questions or need anything before or during your stay.

Directions: Approach Bourton-on-the-Water on the A429 (Fosse Way). If you are coming from the direction of Stow-on-the-Wold, on the Fosse Way (A429) you can reach Lansdowne by driving through the village (brown sign to Bourton attractions with Coach and Horses pub on your left) or a quicker route is to carry on to the NEXT LEFT which takes you directly onto Lansdowne.

From the village: Follow signs to drive through the village of Bourton-on-the-Water. The river will be on your LEFT. As you leave the village you will see the Mousetrap Inn on your right. Little Gem cottage is about 10 houses from here. If you are walking or driving from the Mousetrap Inn you will come to the front of the cottage first - to collect keys, please go past the front door and drive or walk ALONG THE ROAD and enter via the back garden gate.

OR From the A429 (Fosse Way): Turn left onto Lansdowne from the Fosse Way. The cottage is a couple of minutes drive down this road on the left. You will pass Green Lake Close on the left and then after a minute or two (before you approach the village centre), look out for a public footpath signpost (on the right). Almost immediately past this on the left, you will see waist height black railings – turn immediately in between these in to a car parking area. (The sign will say parking for Farmers residents – my neighbour).

Alternative way to find the cottage

Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/DrosxDZ39vZLqc7M6

What3words location is https://w3w.co/husband.dimension.gallons

what3words is a really quick and simple way to find, share and save exact locations. The system converts GPS coordinates into 3 word addresses. To use enter the words above into https://what3words.com/ or their app.

KEY COLLECTION

Keys can be collected from the key box next to the back door of the cottage in the back garden. THERE IS NO KEY BOX AT THE FRONT OF THE COTTAGE, so if you arrive from the direction of the village (with the Mousetrap Inn behind you), please go PAST the front door and drive or walk ALONG THE ROAD for a few metres, and turn right into the car park at the back of the cottage (where you will see waist height black railings).

The car park for several cottages (including Little Gem Cottage car parking space) is in between these railings. (There is also a sign saying parking for Farmers residents – my neighbour).

To access the cottage for the first time, you will need to enter via the back of the cottage, through the grey wooden BACK GARDEN GATE and you will see the key safe box on the left hand side of the BACK door of the cottage, just below the light.

The key inside will open both the back and front doors of the property. As it is a barn door, there is an upper and lower lock for the back door and the same key will open both. The doors will remain unlocked until the key is used to lock it (and the handle is pulled up to lock).

PARKING

The parking space reserved for Little Gem Cottage is parking space E next to the GREY BACK GARDEN GATE and the GREY FENCE which is on your right as you enter the car park at the back of the cottage. There is a signpost on this fence saying 'Rserved Parking Space for Little Gem Cottage'.

Please DO NOT park at the front of the cottage as it blocks the neighbours access.

CHECK IN/OUT

CHECK IN: is at 3pm. (Please don't enter the property earlier unless you have had confirmation that it is ready from myself or your housekeeper)

CHECK OUT:: Check out is by 11am.

Taxis

IF YOU ARE ARRIVING OR LEAVING BY TAXI (OR NEEDING A TAXI DURING YOUR STAY), PLEASE PRE-BOOK AT LEAST 3 DAYS BEFORE (5 days before in high season). THE TAXIS SERVICES ARE NOT LIKE IN A CITY AND THEY GET VERY BOOKED UP.

From Moreton-in-Marsh Station - https://www.moretoninmarshtaxiandminibus.com, 07895 028 448

Or http://www.cotswoldstaxis.co.uk, 07895 575 795

Limozena Taxis Bourton-on-the-Water +44 (0)1451 820972

Cotswold Tour Gems Bourton-on-the-Water +44 (0)7939 529414

Cotwold Taxi Cab Bourton-on-the-Water +44 (0)7554 424793

EV Charging

Regrettably, our insurance will be invalidated for any EV charging into a three-pin plug socket or using an extension lead through windows/doors. Therefore, we are sorry but EV charging from plug sockets in this property is prohibited.

EV chargers locally can be found at:

1. Tesco Superstore Stow-on-the-Wold, GL54 1BX is part of the Pod Point EV charging network. Two chargers and four connectors.

2. Midcounties Co-Operative - Station Road, Bourton-On-The-Water, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 2EP. Three chargers available

3. BP Pulse Charging Station, Hawkesbury Place, Fosse Way, Stow-on-the-Wold, Cheltenham GL54 1FF. Two chargers available.

4. EB Charging Station, Station Rd, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 0JY, Three chargers available

5. Tesla Charging Station, Daylesford, Kingham, GL56 0YG. Four Chargers available

6. EB Charging Station, Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4SH. Three Fast Chargers available

Pets

We welcome house-trained, adult dogs and want you and your furry friend to feel welcome. However, please can you follow these few doggy rules:

Please keep pets off the furniture unless on a doggy blanket
Please take away your dog waste
Please remove pet hairs from the carpets and furniture before you leave. We know it's natural for pets to lose fur, so we've provided a vacuum cleaner and mop in your property for your convenience. There is also a lint hair remover in the cupboard
Please do not leave pets unattended in the property
Please do not allow pets upstairs or in bedrooms

You won't be charged extra for cleaning if you bring your pet, but if they shed a lot, we may need to pass on the extra fees to cover the time it takes for additional cleaning.

Walking directions to the village centre

A nice short walk to the village from the cottage along the river (rather than along the road) can be reached by turning right out of the car park of the cottage (away from the village), cross over the road and then turn almost immediately left along the public footpath on by the public footpath sign. Follow the path along the river back towards the village (veering left) and it will take you into the centre of Bourton-on-the-water.

There is also a dog waste bin by this path.

Location

Bourton-on-the-Water is arguably one of the most popular villages of the Cotswolds, especially amongst overseas visitors. Having been nicknamed the "Venice of the Cotswolds", its scenery is the main draw for travellers. The River Windrush meanders through beautiful English countryside before passing over rapids next to the Old Mill and arriving at Bourton.

The river is fed from many springs, with the source approximately ten miles from the village and, after flowing under the bridges of Bourton, it passes other villages before eventually joining the Thames.

There are various attractions in the village, including the famous Birdland, which is home to a variety of birds from around the world. Here visitors can see parrots, pelicans, flamingos and penguins to name just a few, with experienced keepers feeding the birds and leading demonstrations.

The Model Village is well worth a visit, as Bourton is the only village in the Cotswolds to have a one-ninth scale replica of itself. It is carefully maintained and has all of the characterful buildings including the Old Water Mill and the Old New Inn. Those lucky enough to witness snow in the winter months will notice photographers at the model village trying to get the perfect picture of the snowy scene.

A family favourite is the Dragonfly Maze. This yew maze leads visitors through the labyrinth, gathering clues in order to find the pavilion in the centre which enables them to unlock the final secret! The maze was constructed by Kit Williams, author of the golden hare treasure hunt book, "Masquerade". It is a fun place to go to spend an hour or so.

Food & Drink

Bourton has a variety of places to eat and drink, including cafes, tea rooms, pubs and restaurants, with a range of prices to suit all budgets. During this COVID period and during high season, we strongly recommend pre-booking. Here are a few suggestions:

The Mousetrap Inn They do a range of locally brewed ales and the Inn dates back from the 18th century. It is a couple of minutes’ walk from the cottage towards the centre of the village. They are also dog friendly and offer lunch from 12-3pm Wed-Sat, and dinner from 5-9pm Mon-Sat. Also open on Sundays 12-8pm.

The Rose Tree Restaurant is a family run restaurant in a grade II listed cottage It is just across the bridge from the motor museum, and it provides lovely home cooked meals for lunch (11.30-2.30pm, Tue- Fri and 11.30-3pm Sat & Sun) or dinner (6 - 8.30pm last orders, Tue - Sat). It is a favourite of Little Gem guests. Dogs are welcome in the garden.

The Old New Inn was refurbished in 2022 and has a large garden at the back. It is at the far end of the village and next to the Bourton on the Water model village which is a miniature version of the village itself. It offers Sunday lunches from 12-4pm, as well as country Inn classics at lunchtime from Wednesday to Saturday 12pm-4pm and 6.00-8.30pm. The restaurant is fully dog friendly.

The Chester House Hotel with L’anatra Italian Restaurant The bar and lounge are open from 9am for morning coffee, meals in L’anatra Italian Restaurant from midday until 3pm and dinner from 5pm everyday

The Croft Restaurant Open from morning to night serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner in a wonderfully relaxed family-friendly environment. You can enjoy freshly prepared, local produce throughout the day and night, with seasonal specials added to the menu daily. They host pop up evenings so other local food outlets can serve their delicious offerings. Open Thurs-Mon 9am-9pm and Tues 9-4pm. Dogs are welcome.

The Dial House Restaurant Delight your tastebuds with our vast selection of award-winning dishes & drinks. Enjoy Cotswold dining at its best with both international and local cuisine that is undeniably delectable, delicious, and flavoursome! Open Mon to Sat lunch 12-3pm and dinner 6-8.30pm. Sunday lunch 12-3pm dinner closed.

Maxi’s Tipi Lounge - at the Dial House for drinks and cocktails. Dogs welcome. Open Thursday-Sunday 1200-close

Venezia Venezia will be the greatest Italian Restaurant local to the Bourton area serving up fresh, homemade Italian food for many years to the highest of standards. Our locally sourced produce and highly talented staff will give you an unforgettable meal for the whole family to enjoy. They also do takeaways.

Smiths - BOUTIQUE BURGER JOINT | BESPOKE COCKTAILS

The Willow - The Willow is a new pub joining the Fuller’s family, in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, serving delicious food throughout the day, a wide range of beers, wines and spirits

La Reine - Open 0800-1600 Focusing on homemade food, tasty breakfast and brunch dishe

Oli Bonny Wood Fired pizza - Takeaway Pizza

Breakfast options nearby

You may notice that we don't have a coffee machine, and I just wanted to explain why. We appreciate that coffee preferences vary greatly, so we want to give you the opportunity to explore and find your perfect cup, as well as to support our local coffee shops and eateries. Thank you for your understanding. Below is a list of local places for a coffee/breakfast:

The Willow restaurant - (thewillow-bourton.co.uk)

La Reine - https://la-reine.co.uk/ Open 0800-1600

The Croft Restaurant - https://www.thecroftbourton.co.uk/ Monday 9am - 9pm, Tuesday 9am - 4pm, Wednesday CLOSED, Thursday - Sunday 9am - 9pm (Dog Friendly)

The Riverside Café - Riverside Cheltenham, Bourton-on-the-Water GL54 2BP, open 0900-1700

Others

The Cotswold Outpost - 1 Windrush Heights, Burford OX18 4BF Monday-Saturday 8:30-4:00, Sunday 9:00-4:00

Decades Tearoom - Broadway Rd, Mickleton, Chipping Campden GL55 6PT

Cotswold Barn - Longborough, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 0QZ /

Special Occasions

If you would like to treat someone for a special occasion, these are your local options:

Forget Me Nots Florist

4, The Old Forge, Moore Rd, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2AZ

forgetmenots1@outlook.com or 01451 798100

Tues-Fri 0930-1700, Sat 1000-1400

Flowers, Workshops. Will deliver.

Grocery shops and supplies

There some good local grocery shops in the village;

The eco-friendly Co-op is a large supermarket on the edge of the village on station road offering a large range of produce. It is open 8am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sundays. There is also a petrol station.

The Budgens is a smaller local grocery store in the high street in the village centre. It is open Monday to Sunday, 6.30am to 10pm. There is a few spaces of free parking for 30 minutes for Londis customers.

Laundry Services

The Cotswold Linen Press - 1 Hazel Court, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cheltenham GL54 2HQ 01451 822900

Pet sitting services

If for any reason you need to arrange for some dog care while you are staying with us, please take a look at our suggestions below. These will need to be pre-booked.

Happy Hounds at Winchcombe: Otters Fld, Winchcombe, Greet, Cheltenham GL54 5PN

happyhoundswinchcombe@gmail.com or 07867 978696

The Dog Walker Cheltenham: 110 Fairview Rd, Cheltenham GL52 2ER

info@thedogwalkeruk.co.uk or 01242578823

Short Legs Dog Care: Naunton Parade, Cheltenham GL53 7NP

chris@shortlegsdogcare.co.uk or 07740 986231

Watson Pet Care: Imjin Rd, Cheltenham

michelle@watsonpetcare.co.uk or 07901795793

Cotswold Pet Visits: Cirencester GL7

lushandvintage@icloud.com or 07917192243

Activities

Our favourite thing to do is to wander along the river, taking in the beautiful buildings and relaxing in the cafes and tea rooms. The same goes for the other local towns and villages that are all a short drive away. Other activities that we can suggest are:

Cycling

The Cotswolds is criss-crossed with quiet country roads and lanes, as well as more challenging mountain biking terrain, making it perfect for all types of cycling. Bikes can be pre-booked for hire from:

Bikes can be pre-booked for hire from:

· Hartwell's Cycle Hire, Bourton-on-the-Water, Tel: 01451 820405

· TY Cycles, Chipping Norton will deliver bikes (and e-bikes) to your cottage if hire is for two days or more, 01608 238150

Cotswold Driving Experience

Located in the heart of the stunning Cotswold Water Park on the Gloucestershire/Wiltshire border, Cotswold Driving Experiences gives you the opportunity to have a go at the thrill of Rally Driving and/or the challenge of 4×4 Off Road Driving in a safe, controlled environment.

In-cottage Spa Treatments

For something special, we are delighted to announce we are now able to offer guests in-cottage Spa treatments from Solace Asia Therapy, which specialises in deep tissue massage, reflexology, Thai stretch massage and much more.

Your lovely therapist Irene, has worked at some top local establishments, including Spas at Daylesford’s Farm and Soho Farmhouse. For prices and to book your treatment, contact Irene on 07745 928985 or email info@solace-asia.co.uk.

Solace Asia Therapy is based in Stow-on-the-Wold, so you can book a visit there or arrange a treatment for you or as a couple in your cottage. Unique Cotswold Cottages guests will receive a FREE gift with their treatment, so do let them know when you book.

Archery, Clay and Target shooting

Old Downs Pursuits A fun activity that you could book to do before check in or after check out, is some shooting and archery. Old downs pursuits is around 30 mins drive from Little Gem Cottage towards delightful Cirencester (which is often known as the capital of the Cotswolds). They offer archery, clay pigeon shooting and target shooting. If you mention that you are staying with Amanda at Unique Cotswold Cottages they will provide £5 off per person. Contact Sean 07597 093 708 or email olddownpursuits@live.co.uk. http://www.old-downs-pursuits.co.uk

Cotswold Lavender

Cotswold Lavender Please check opening times on website as usually only open during the months of June & July. It is now closed until June 2024. They are open all year round for mail order and trade customers. https://www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk/

Guided Tours

Go Cotswolds, (07786 920166). is an award winning tour company offering small group guided day tours of the Cotswolds from Moreton-in-Marsh and Stratford Upon Avon.

Walking

There are many lovely walks available from the Cottage. A personalised map is provided in the guest book for your use while you stay at the cottage. Please return it to the Guest Information folder when you leave so it is available for other guests use.

A nice 30 minutes walk from the cottage is to the delightful Lower Slaughter with its stone cottages and watermill. If you fancy stopping there, the Slaughters Country Inn, (01451 822 143) serves food and drinks, (booking is advised).

Nearby Gardens

There are several famous gardens which are worth visiting, all less than half an hour away. Hidcote Manor, Bourton House and Snowshill Manor all make the perfect afternoon out for those who enjoy strolling through garden grounds.

Sudely castle

Sudely Castle With its Royal History and beautiful gardens, Sudely Castle, just 25 minutes away from the cottage offers an enjoyable day out. There is also a range of events throughout the year which can be found on their website.

Golf at Naunton Downs

Naunton Downs offers a fantastic 18 hole 71 par golf course, which is open to visitors as well as members. Located in the stunning countryside between Stow on the Wold and Bourton on the Water, Naunton Downs Golf Club will be a scenic retreat for avid golfers. Weekly passes are available for visitors.

Courses

Floristry and craft courses at The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers - Chipping Campden

Covent Garden Academy of Flowers For over 10 years mother and daughter team, Gillian and Fleur Wheeler trained thousands of students at their renowned Central London design school, but now concentrate on their Cotswolds school. They run a whole range of floristry and craft courses available for all levels throughout the year, from their Signature Hand Tied Bouquet Workshop to the Three Day Flower Design Course and everything in between! If this is something you are interested in then do check their website academyofflowers.com as they are constantly updating and have a range of courses to suit everyone.

Creative and crafty workshops at Larkswold

At Larkswold you’ll find beautiful countryside views, freshly baked cakes, and bottomless teas and coffees. Your creative experience will leave you relaxed and ready for more. They offer a huge variety of workshops from glass infusing to pottery to natural paintmaking - see their website for the full range.

Nearby Towns and Villages

Bourton is a great place from which to explore some of the other beautiful Cotswolds towns and villages nearby including Stow-on-the-Wold, Broadway, Chipping Campden, Burford and Moreton-in-Marsh. There are beautiful walks from the villages of Winchcombe, Blockley and Ebrington for a more off the beaten track experience.

Here is a small selection of our favourites with a little info about them:

Stow-on-the-Wold - Charming village with an array of shops, cafes, tea rooms, restaurants and pubs. Home of the St Edwards church with its much photographed front door. Good quality restaurants and parking in the square is free for two hours. It is known for its antique shops. Home to The Loft

Broadway - a charming village with lovely wide treelined high-street and pavements. A good selection of pubs and eateries. Enjoy a walk to the Broadway Tower and museum or dine at the famous Lygon Arms. The Cotswolds way runs through Broadway. Home of an arts festival, food festival and lots of other events throughout the year

Lower Slaughter - a lovely stroll from either Bourton or Stow will take you to stunning Lower Slaughter which is handy as in the summer months it is almost impossible to get parked there. There a picturesque village with it honey-coloured stone cottages either side , a pub and a delightful water mill. Booking is strongly advised at the pub.

Chipping Campden - is a lovely market town in the Cotswold district of Gloucestershire. It is known for its unusual and attractive High Street and is said to be ‘the most beautiful village street now left on the island’ by G.M Trevelyan (English Historian). The high street is long and broad and is flanked on either side by an almost unbroken single terrace, made up of many different architectural styles. Again there is an array of cafes, restaurants and shops to choose from. Home to Honey Pot.

Markets

There are a wealth of local markets around the area. Below is a list of some of them, (these are subject to change around bank holidays and Christmas so do check times).

The farmers market in Bourton-on-the-Water is on the fourth Sunday in the month - 9:30am to 1:00pm. Royal British Legion car park.
Stow-on-the-Wold farmers Market runs once a month in the square on the second Thursday of the month - 9am until 1:30pm
The Winchcombe farmers market is on the second Saturday in the month – 9am to midday in the Guide Hall.
Stratford-upon-Avon farmers market is the first and 3rd Saturday of each month - 9am-2pm
Fairford Market - Held in the Market Place Wednesdays 9am-1pm. Traders include bakers, cheese makers, card sellers and fruit & veg sellers.
Moreton-in-Marsh Market Every Tuesday, (Nov-Mar) 9am to 3pm, (Apr-Oct) 9am to 3.30pm
An extremely popular market in the Cotswolds with many coach parties visiting from far and wide.
Northleach Market Wednesday 8:30am to 3:30pm
Stroud Market - Friday and Saturday (Shambles Fruit and Veg Market)
Cheltenham Craft Market Every third Saturday of the month on the Promenade - 9am to 5pm
Cheltenham farmers market is on the second and last Friday of each month, on the pedestrianised area of the Promenade, outside Cavendish House - 9am to 2pm
Chipping Norton Market Takes place in Chipping Norton Market Place on Wednesday
Tetbury Market - Tetbury market is held on a Wednesday under the Market House at the top of Long Street. The market usually starts at around 9am and goes on until about 3pm
Cirencester Charter Market - Gloucestershire Monday 10am to 4pm and Friday 9am to 3pm
Cirencester Charter Market is held in the Market Place. The closest car parks are located at Abbey Grounds, Old Station car park, and Brewery car park. For more details visit the Cirencester market page.

For further local ideas, we recommend looking at www.bourtoninfo.com

Unique Cotswolds Cottages Sustainable credentials

At Unique Cotswold Cottages, we aim to use local suppliers and trades and UK made products where possible. Here are some of the companies we have used for property refurbishment and supply of ongoing guest sundries.

We use locally recommended chimney sweeps, window cleaners, electricians, builders and plumbers.

Logs are sourced from local tree surgeons who are selling it as a bi-product of their trade rather than cutting trees down purely for the supply of logs.

Whilst renovating the last property, we donated numerous household items and furniture to Ukrainian Refugees.

Some of the Cotswold based companies we use:

Cotswold Gold BROADWAY - Rapeseed Oil

https://cotswoldgold.co.uk/

The Craft Drink Company BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER – Cotswolds Cloudy G&T

https://craftdrink.dearportal.com

Petala soaps BOURTON-ON-THE-WATER

https://petalasoaps.com/

Cotswold Lamps & Interiors CHELTENHAM

https://cotswold-lamps-interiors.com/

David Hunt lighting SHIPSTON ON STOUR

https://www.davidhuntlighting.co.uk/