Drinking Trough and Fountain, Binton, Warwickshire

## Overview The Drinking Trough and Fountain at Binton is a historic public water feature located in the small village of Binton, Warwickshire, just a few miles from the market town of Stratford-upon-Avon. Situated in the heart of Shakespeare Country, this traditional drinking trough and fountain is a charming relic of a time when public water sources served both travellers and their horses along England's rural roads. Binton is a quiet, picturesque village on the north bank of the River Avon, and its drinking fountain speaks to the long tradition of communal water provision found throughout the English countryside. Many such fountains and troughs were erected during the Victorian era by local benefactors or parish councils to provide clean drinking water to the public. While the specific origins of this particular fountain are not fully documented, its presence in the village adds to Binton's rural character and historical appeal. ## Directions 1. From Stratford-upon-Avon, head west on the A422 (Alcester Road). 2. After approximately 3 miles, look for signs to Binton and turn right (north) toward the village. 3. Follow the lane into Binton village. The drinking trough and fountain can be found near the centre of the village. 4. GPS coordinates: **52.184152, -1.789088** — use these for precise navigation, as the village lanes can be narrow and easy to miss. *Parking in Binton is limited to roadside spots, so please park considerately and be mindful of local residents.* ## What to Expect Visitors will find a traditional English village drinking trough and fountain set within the peaceful surroundings of Binton. The feature is publicly accessible and sits in a quiet, rural setting typical of the Warwickshire countryside. Binton itself is a small settlement with a handful of homes, a church (St. Peter's), and gently rolling farmland along the Avon valley. The area is popular with walkers and cyclists exploring the lanes between Stratford-upon-Avon and Alcester, and the fountain makes for a pleasant stop along the way. Whether the fountain still flows or is primarily a heritage feature may vary — visitors should not assume the water is safe to drink without independent verification. Historically, public drinking fountains like this one were valued sources of fresh water, but conditions can change over time. The surrounding area offers lovely walks along the River Avon and through the Warwickshire countryside, making a visit to Binton easy to combine with a broader day out in Shakespeare Country.