Bourton-on-the-Water at a glance
The River Windrush runs through the middle of Bourton-on-the-Water, which makes the village easy to explore on foot. Two practical things shape most visits: the Model Village, which has its own admission, and parking, which is charged.
The Windrush is a river to look at rather than a place to swim. Do not assume it is suitable for bathing, and follow any signs along the banks.
The Model Village
The Model Village is run by The Old New Inn. Prices and hours below are the 2026 listings, as read in October 2026.
| Visitor | Price 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adult | £4.95 |
| Senior, over 60 | £4.50 |
| Child, 3 to 13 | £4.00 on the operator's page, £4.50 in a tourist FAQ |
| Under 3 | Free |
Opening hours
In summer time the Model Village opens 10:00 to 17:30. In winter, on Greenwich Mean Time, it opens 10:00 to 15:30. It is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Paying
There is no advance booking. You pay on arrival.
Access and rules
Wheelchair users can see a limited front view through the side gate, free of charge. Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters cannot be used, and there is no room for pushchairs or walking frames. Only assistance dogs are allowed. Smoking and vaping are not allowed.
Weather
The Model Village can close in snow, and wet paths can be slippery.
Tours that include Bourton-on-the-Water
Guided day trips through the Cotswolds with stops in villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and the Slaughters, with live prices and availability.
Parking and buses
The district council lists Rissington Road car park with these charges, valid daily from 10:00 to 20:00. The prices are as published in October 2026. Councils review charges, so check the machine on arrival.
| Stay | Charge |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | £4.40 |
| Up to 3 hours | £5.50 |
| Up to 5 hours | £7.30 |
| Up to 10 hours | £10.60 |
Pulhams route 801 links Cheltenham, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Moreton-in-Marsh and Chipping Norton. On a sample Monday to Friday journey the bus leaves Cheltenham Royal Well at 08:30 and reaches the Edinburgh Wool Shop stop in Bourton at 09:15. Not every bus runs the whole route, and Sundays have a separate timetable, so check the current timetable. The timetable shown applies from 3 May 2026.
Eligible local Pulhams single fares are capped at £3, including child fares, until 31 December 2026. A CotswoldZone day ticket costs £8 in the app and £8.50 on the bus for adults. Look at the zone map before you buy.
Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter
The River Eye links Upper and Lower Slaughter and flows into the Windrush. An official walk sheet for the Lower Slaughter and Bourton area describes a route of 5 km (3.2 miles) and gives about 2 hours as the planning time. It asks walkers to cross the busy Fosse Way with care.
That figure is for the route described on the sheet, not for the single stretch between Upper and Lower Slaughter. Take a current map as well. Check opening times before planning around the old mill, and do not count on it being open.
Lords of the Manor, a hotel, is in Upper Slaughter, not Lower Slaughter. If you search for places to stay, keep the two villages apart.
From London by train
A booking site shows three useful rail routes from London Paddington. The fares are limited advance fares, as of 20 October 2026, and not prices for a specific date. They are single fares, not returns, and they are not the full cost of a day trip.
| Station | Journey time | Advance fare, one way |
|---|---|---|
| Moreton-in-Marsh | Fastest 1 h 24 min, average 1 h 33 min | From £14 |
| Charlbury | Fastest 1 h 05 min, average 1 h 16 min | From £12 |
| Kemble | Average 1 h 13 min | From £20 |
Route 801 links Moreton-in-Marsh with Bourton-on-the-Water, so Moreton is the station that connects most directly with this page. Check the current bus timetable before you plan the connection.
Plan your next stop
Bourton combines easily with nearby towns and villages.
Bourton-on-the-Water: frequently asked questions
How much is the Model Village in 2026?
An adult ticket is £4.95 and a senior ticket is £4.50. For children aged 3 to 13 the operator lists £4.00, and a tourist FAQ lists £4.50. Children under 3 are free.
Can I book the Model Village in advance?
No. The operator does not offer advance booking, and you pay on site.
How much does parking cost?
At Rissington Road car park, 2 hours cost £4.40, 3 hours £5.50, 5 hours £7.30 and 10 hours £10.60. Charges apply daily from 10:00 to 20:00. These were the published prices in October 2026.
Can I swim in the River Windrush?
Do not assume the river is suitable for swimming. Treat it as a place to look at and walk beside, and follow any signs.
How far is the walk to the Slaughters?
The official walk sheet for Lower Slaughter and Bourton describes a 5 km (3.2 miles) route that takes about 2 hours. You cross the busy Fosse Way on the way.
Is the Model Village suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
Wheelchair users get a limited front view through the side gate for free. Electric wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and walking frames cannot be used inside.