Bekonscot Model Village and Railway makes me feel so happy and nostalgic. It’s one of my favourite places: our family used to visit when we were children and I have lots of wonderful memories, and photos, of my sister and I peeping in the houses and crouching down to admire the detailed scenes. To share those experiences with my children feels a little bit magical.
It’s the world’s oldest model village and has welcomed over 16 million visitors since it opened in 1929. And it’s not surprising; it’s such a wonderful opportunity for the little kids to feel like the big guys in this teeny tiny world. But for models so tiny, the detail is incredible! You can watch them being painted in the workshop, it’s so intricate and takes such skill!
The 1.5 acres of beautifully kept gardens are home to 200 buildings, 2,000 inhabitants and 1,000 animals split into 6 villags. Children seem to naturally find their favourite scene – my son loved looking in the windows of the parade of shops at all their wares, complete with ‘ohhh’ and ‘ahhhh’ noises. Numerous miniature trains run through the gardens stopping at stations, speeding under bridges, tooting on their journeys and basically churning up mass excitement in the children watching. There is also a ride-on option which weaves begins the back of the village; so many little train fans squealing with delight, it’s a lovely sound to hear.
There’s circus scenes, local landmarks and iconic buildings, a nod to the coal industry, local village life complete with cricket matches on the green and BBQ’s in the garden. There is even a burning house with smoke billowing out and fire engines in attendance and a house which had half collapsed – the inhabitants were not happy!
Bekonscot is open 7 days a week from February 15th, the first day of half term.
