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Marvellous Model Villages to Visit by Train

Take a giant leap inside these miniature worlds, with all kinds of tiny treasures to discover

All across Great Britain there are extraordinary attractions where worlds have been recreated in miniature. These model villages are filled with intricate buildings, realistic scenes and hidden details that reward a closer look.

From long-established favourites that have entertained generations to lesser-known gems tucked away in scenic locations, these mini masterpieces showcase incredible craftsmanship and imagination.

We’ve selected 7 of the best model villages in Great Britain that are easy to reach by train, and you can read all about them below.

Don’t forget, if you use a Railcard you could save 1/3 on rail travel – so you can visit a small village but make big savings!

1. Bondville Model Village

Right on the Yorkshire coast, set in an acre of gardens, Bondville Model Village(external link, opens in a new tab) has over 200 model buildings, from industrial structures to a castle, pub and harbour, complete with lighthouse. There’s also a miniature train that runs around the village.

2. Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens

Near Torquay on the “English Riviera”, Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens(external link, opens in a new tab) first opened in 1963. Set in beautiful landscaped gardens, the village has been regularly updated. It now boasts over 1,300 villagers and model highlights include Stonehenge, Shakesepeare’s Globe theatre and a Georgian Bath crescent – plus a fire-breathing dragon! There’s also a railway model that loops through the village. On select dates every year, you can enjoy visiting in the evening, when the entire village is illuminated.

3. Bekonscot Model Village & Railway

Just outside London, Bekonscot Model Village & Railway(external link, opens in a new tab) is the world’s oldest original model village, dating from 1929. It was also featured in a famous episode of Midsomer Murders! The attraction captures Great Britain in the 1930s, with 7 separate towns and models including a cinema, watermill, aerodrome and a burning building with real smoke, as well as a model railway that runs throughout.

4. Merrivale Model Village

On Great Yarmouth’s seafront, Merrivale Model Village(external link, opens in a new tab) boasts a miniature town centre, village inn, farm, travelling fair, zoo, holiday park and country club, among many others. There are late night illuminations on some summer dates.

5. Blackpool Model Village and Gardens

Located in the beautiful Stanley Park, Blackpool Model Village and Gardens (external link, opens in a new tab)has hundreds of hand-crafted models and figures. Displays range from a Cornish fishing village to a Scottish castle. And there is a model train that runs through the main village too.

6. Southport Model Railway Village

Set on the seafront at Southport, Southport Model Railway Village(external link, opens in a new tab) has buildings with architectural styles from across Merseyside and South West Lancashire, as well as the main attraction – a 500-metre-long model railway.

7. Wroxham Miniature Worlds

Fully indoors, Wroxham Miniature Worlds(external link, opens in a new tab) houses everything from a 60-foot-long Great British Layout with model trains travelling through a traditional village, to model train layouts from around the world, a LEGO town, and vintage toys and dolls houses.

Get 1/3 off train fares with a Railcard

  • Save up to 1/3 off your trips when you travel by train with a Railcard

  • From children to seniors, over 20 million people in Great Britain can save with a Railcard. See which one is right for you

  • Buy yours today for just £35 and you’ll make the cost back in 1 or 2 trips! 

Bekonscot image credit: © Terry Joshi Images

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