Bourton-on-the-Water - Model Village & Parks

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Bourton-on-the-Water, with Detectives helping DCI Kitty Litter unmask the mysterious Black Panther, a slippery cat burglar who's been prowling the village and leaving an inky paw print at every crime scene.

The case covers approximately 1.6 miles and should take around 1.5+ hours to complete. You'll investigate the area around Rissington Road, Clapton Row and Victoria Street, follow stretches beside the River Windrush, head through greener paths towards St Lawrence's Church, then prowl back through the village centre towards the Model Village for the final clues.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. Most of the route is paved, but there are also grassy and gravel paths, several narrow gates and sections that can become very muddy, particularly during winter. Good waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. 

There are also busy roads and unfenced stretches of water along the investigation, so keep Mini Detectives and canine colleagues close, particularly beside the River Windrush. 

Getting There

Time to gather your squad and begin Operation Collar the Cat:

By car - Park the squad car at Rissington Road Car Park (GL54 2BN), using ///actual.dries.kite. It's beside The Dragonfly Maze and Birdland.

Once parked, head towards the toilets. Your first clue can be found between them and the entrance to The Dragonfly Maze, so the investigation begins almost immediately.   

By public transport - Make your way into Bourton-on-the-Water, then head for Rissington Road Car Park to begin the investigation. The circular route returns to the same general area once the Black Panther's identity has been uncovered.

Need the Loo?

Even the sharpest Detectives occasionally need to abandon surveillance for a tactical comfort break. Toilets are available at both the start and end of the Trail, with another opportunity between Clues 14 and 15. Keep some change handy, as there may be a charge. 

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the outdoor investigation 🐾

The route includes village streets, riverside paths, grassy and gravel sections, narrow gates, a stream crossing and stretches that can become very muddy. Keep dogs close around busy roads, unfenced water and busier visitor areas. And if your canine colleague starts behaving suspiciously around the cat-burglar evidence, perhaps quietly check their alibi.

Food & Drink Stops

Cat-and-mouse investigations are hungry work.

Refreshments and supplies are available between Clues 06 and 08, with more opportunities to refuel from Clue 15 onwards towards the finish. Bourton's village centre also offers plenty of chances for a post-case snack once the Black Panther has finally been collared.  

Want to Make a Day of It?

The Model Village

This one's a must for the day-extender list. Bourton's famous Model Village began in 1936 and recreates the village at 1:9 scale using Cotswold stone. Even better, the model contains a tiny version of itself, which contains an even tinier one. That's enough recursive Bourton to make any Detective's whiskers twitch. 

Birdland Park and Gardens

Birdland sits right beside the starting car park, making it an extremely easy extra attraction to bolt onto the investigation. It's ideal if your squad wants to turn the mystery into a fuller family day out without trekking halfway across the Cotswolds afterwards.

The Dragonfly Maze

Also beside Rissington Road Car Park, The Dragonfly Maze is another natural add-on before or after the Trail. Given that your Detectives have just spent the case untangling clues, voluntarily entering a maze afterwards feels either admirably brave or wonderfully foolish.

Cotswold Motoring Museum

The investigation touches on Bourton's motoring history early on, and the Cotswold Motoring Museum makes a cracking extra visit for families and vintage-vehicle fans. It's another proper attraction that can easily extend the day without taking you far from the village centre.

River Windrush and Village Centre

Once the case is closed, Bourton's riverside is perfect for slowing the pace. Find somewhere for refreshments, wander beside the Windrush and enjoy the bridges and village atmosphere without having to scrutinise every passing cat for stolen jewellery.