Tales from 1937: The Fascinating History of Bourton’s Model Village
Tucked behind The Old New Inn lies a surprise that has charmed visitors for generations, a one-ninth scale model of Bourton-on-the-Water, complete with flowing river, mini gardens, and even the model itself replicated in miniature… twice!
But where did it all begin? Let’s take a step back in time to uncover the story behind this beloved village within a village.
A Grand Idea in a Modest Garden
The year was 1936. Mr. C. A. Morris, then owner of The Old New Inn, had a vision. Inspired by the beautifully built stone cottages and bridges of Bourton-on-the-Water, he decided to create something extraordinary in the pub’s back garden: a precise scale model of the village itself. Not merely decorative, but accurate down to the finest architectural details, using the same local stone as the real buildings.
After a year of meticulous craftsmanship, the Model Village opened to the public in 1937, just in time for the coronation of King George VI.
The Model with a Model (and Another Model!)
Among the Model Village’s most talked-about features is its whimsical recursion: within the model is a miniature version of the Model Village… and within that, an even tinier version still. Visitors often pause to count the layers of village-ception, it’s a delight for kids and adults alike.
Over the decades, these details have been carefully maintained and updated to reflect changes in the real Bourton, preserving a slice of Cotswold history through the ages.
Britain’s Only Grade II Listed Model Village
In 2013, this modest marvel received national recognition: it was granted Grade II listed status, making it the only model village in the UK to receive such protection. Historic England describe it as “a rare and unusually well-executed example of a model village,” praising its faithful architecture and enduring charm.
More Than a Model, A Living Timeline
While the buildings themselves are miniature, the Model Village offers a life-sized sense of nostalgia. Visitors who’ve come for decades bring children, grandchildren…even great-grandchildren, to share the magic.
As The Old New Inn has grown and evolved, so too has the Model Village, adding new scenes while keeping the 1930s village feel alive.
It’s not just a model, it’s a miniature time capsule of Bourton itself.
Craftsmanship That Stands the Test of Time
Maintaining a miniature village is no small task. Every tiny rooftop, stone wall, and window frame is cared for by our dedicated maintenance team, who work year-round to keep the model in tip-top shape. From repainting intricate details to repairing weather-worn sections, their work ensures that the village remains as enchanting today as it was in 1937. It’s a labour of love—and one that requires both precision and passion.
Planning a Visit?
Whether you’re exploring Cotswold history or just curious about how many models deep the Model Village goes, you’ll find stories around every corner.
📍 Open daily (only closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day), nestled behind The Old New Inn
🕰 Built in 1936, still delighting in 2025
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