Bourton-on-the-Water

A charming name for a charming Cotswold town, Bourton-on-the-Water has a high street and famous shallow river traversed by low bridges in the centre of town - a scene frequently reporoduced on postcards. 

The model village in Bourton-on-the-Water  was established in 1937 and is still the only model village in the country that represents a real village.

People who enjoy viewing ancient buildings might wish to pop into the parish Church of St Lawrence, this has a 12^th century crypt from the original Norman building.  Church graveyards also tell a story about the history of the town and its inhabitants.

Places to visit in Bourton-on-the-Water: 

Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection, Bourton-on-the-Water (01451 821255)

The museum houses a grand collection of cars, motorcycles and pedal cars. Part of the Museum is dedicated to a toy collection which is interesting for children of all ages. The Museum is also home to BRUM, the cheeky little yellow car from the BBC television children's programme. 

Bourton-on-the-Water Model Village, Bourton-on-the-Water (01451 820467)

Hours to Visit the Model Village

• Summer - 9 am-5:45pm
• Winter - 10 am-3:45pm.

This model village is Bourton-on-the-Water but built to a 1/9^th scale! The model is so accurate that it diligently represents the river, bridges and churches in genuine Cotswold stone - and  an even includes its own model village!

 Birdland, Bourton-on-the-Water (01451 820480)

Thios bird park is open daily 10am-4pm (summer months  until 6pm). The park extends over seven acres including woodland, ponds and rivers and is home to some of the world's most exotic and rare birds. The River Windrush flows through the parkland creating a natural habitat for flamingos, pelicans, storks as well as plenty indigenous waterfowl.