Some Cotswold highlights are famous, some are quietly fascinating, and The Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the reasons we keep finding new things to love about the area.
On this page we look at what makes it special, with details including Some of the buildings in the Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water, Realistic features include greenhouses and cars parked in the drive and The Model Village, and a little of the context that helps you see it as more than just another stop on the map.
Located in Rissington Road, the Model Village was created by a previous landlord of the Old New Inn.
It took local craftsmen five years to build and was officially opened on the Coronation Day of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the late Queen Mother) in 1937.
Both of Bourton’s beautiful churches are reproduced in the Model Village. If you stand close to each church, you will hear the choir singing.
As a replica of Bourton, the Model Village is of particular interest to historians and craftspeople, there are no trains, aeroplanes or gimmicks – it is a perfect replica of the buildings that were in existence in the 1930s and demonstrates how they are used today, for example, the shops, bank and the Victoria Hall.
Bourton Model Village has always been famous for its miniature bonsai type trees, which are carefully pruned to keep them to scale and the village now features a large range of both deciduous and evergreen miniature trees.
The Model Village is of particular interest to both amateur and professional photographers when it is covered in snow. During recent winters when there has been the occasional large snowfall, although efforts are made to keep it open at all times, if the snowfall is actually higher than the garden walls of the Model Village, it has to be closed for health & safety reasons until it can be cleared.
On the same site as the Model Village is 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.
More information
The Model Village
The Old New Inn, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire GL54 2AF
01451 820467
reception@theoldnewinn.co.uk
www.themodelvillage.com
The Model Village is open every day of the year (except Christmas Day), during the summer from 10am to 6pm, and during winter from 10am to 4pm. There is a small gift shop selling souvenirs.
Admission is £3.60 for adults, £3.20 for over-60s, £2.80 for children aged three to 13 and under-threes free.