The Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotwolds, U.K.

The famous Bourton-on-the-Water Model Village

The Model Village is a one-ninth scale replica of the heart of the beautiful Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water, containing all the buildings from the Old Water Mill (now the Car Museum) down to the Old New Inn and the ford. The village was created by a previous landlord of the Old New Inn, taking local craftsmen five years to build, and it was officially opened on the Coronation Day of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen Mother) in 1937.		The Model Village Bourton-on-the-Water Gloucestershire GL54 2AF United Kingdom Telephone 01451 820467 Opening Times: We are open every day of the year (except for Christmas Day) Summer 10am to 6pm (Last admission 5.45pm) Winter 10am to 4pm (Last admission 3.45pm) The Model Village is behind The Old New Inn, with which it shares a small car park, (charges apply), alternatively we are within easy walking distance of two large public car parks & the coach park. The Model Village is the perfect place to start your day in Bourton as you will discover the location of all the shops and attractions. We have a small gift shop selling souvenirs. Ladies & gentlemen's toilets in our car park. Admission Charges Adults £3.60 Children aged 3 to 13 £2.80 Over 60's £3.20 Under 3's Free No dogs and no smoking inside the Model Village



During recent Winters we have had the occasional large snowfall, although we endeavour to keep open at all times, (the Village is of particular interest to both amateur and professional photographers when covered in snow), if the snowfall is actually higher than the garden walls of the Model Village, then we have to close for Health & Safety reasons until we can clear it, therefore it is worth a telephone call to check if there has been heavy snow.

Bourton Model Village has always been famous for it's miniature bonsai type trees, which are carefully pruned to keep them to scale. We were recently fortunate enough to have help from Mr. John Constable (Author of Landscapes in Miniature) and the village now features a large range of both deciduous and evergreen miniature trees. Over recent years we have re-designed our miniature gardens; instead of filling them with oversized bedding plants which is a feature of other Model Villages, they have been planted with Alpines, and in the Summer months actually contain greenhouses and miniature garden furniture.		April 2013: English Heritage celebrates craftsmanship on a small scale. Our Model Village has been given Grade II listed status by Heritage Minister Ed Vaizey, on the recommendation of English Heritage. Ed Vaizey said: “This may be a highly unusual listing but it is no less worthy of its Grade II listed status. The craftsmanship involved in creating what is a hugely loved family attraction is second to none and I’m delighted that in listing we have preserved the work of the local people who built the model village and protected its history for future generations.” Read the full story on the the English Heritage web site..

As a replica of Bourton the Model Village is of particular interest to historians and crafts people, we do not have trains, aeroplanes or gimmicks, it is a perfect replica of the buildings that were in existence in the 1930's, and demonstrates how they are used today as shops, the bank, the Victoria Hall etc. Both of our beautiful churches are reproduced in the Village.. stand close to each Church and you will hear the choir singing. The village also includes a running River Windrush, the stone bridges for which Bourton is famous, and of course the model of the Model Village itself sitting behind the Old New Inn.


Also at the Model Village: Miniature World - a unique exhibition of highly detailed miniature scenes and room sets. These include several moving miniatures. Over 100 of England's leading miniaturist craftsmen and women were involved in the creation of this exhibition. Miniature World can only be accessed from within the Model Village, it is undercover and entry is just £1 extra.


Disabled Access Because the Village is a 1/9th scale replica, many of the paths are too narrow for wheelchairs and mobility vehicles, we therefore admit our disabled visitors in through our side gate - free of charge as they can only view half of the Village from the front. Likewise there is not the room for pushchairs and strollers to enter the Model Village, but there is a stroller parking area beside the entrance, and small children tend to love walking around the buildings feeling like giants.	Due to the fragile nature of the small stones used to construct our village, there is a constant restoration and maintenance programme running throughout the year. This means that at any given time certain buildings may be under construction or restoration.	For their own safety and that of the Village, please ensure that children only walk on the designated paths, and do not enter gardens or courtyards. Our Village is covered by CCTV - anybody discovered causing damage will be charged. Please take care when visiting, as some of the paths are uneven and can be slippery in wet/cold conditions.