Bekonscot Model Village and Railway
Bekonscot Model Village is the oldest miniature village in the world
Bekonscot Model Village and Railway will delight visitors of all ages and is well worth the short trip out of London. It was the first attraction of its type in the world and has been visited by an incredible number of people.
Located a short train ride northwest of London in Beaconsfield, Bekonscot Model Village was the creation of local resident Roland Callingham in the 1920s. He drew up a plan and built it in his large back yard with the help of his household staff. It was originally just intended for the enjoyment of himself and his guests, however in the 1930s it caught the attention of the press and the public and soon began to draw a regular stream of visitors who were encouraged to make a donation for charity. This village became the inspiration of other miniature villages and parks throughout the world. While it now levies an admission charge, Bekonscot Village continues to use all of their profits to support charities both locally and around the world. It has been visited by over 14,000,000 people.
The site actually consists of six fictional villages in a miniature landscape that depicts England in the 1930s. In addition there is a very sophisticated Gauge 1 model railway covering a distance of 10 scale miles through the village. Some of the trains have been running for over 50 years. To get an idea of the detail and work that went into this model railway, not to mention the village itself, check out the video at the bottom of this page.
In addition to all of this there is the Bekonscot Light Railway that encircles the perimeter of the site and provides rides for visitors.
In spite of being a little ways out of London, this attraction is well worth the little extra time it takes to visit it.
They are open from mid February until the end of October.
For more information about Bekonscot Model Village including hours and charges visit their official website.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes, however, all of profits are donated to charity.Address: Warwick Rd, Beaconsfield HP9 2PL, UK
Phone: 01494 672919
Official Website: Bekonscot Model Village
Bekonscot Model Village Reviews
Rated
out of 5 Went there during half term and loved it. Thought that it would be small but there was so much to explore. The village was so detailed and well thought out. Cafe had a good selection of food for children and the playground was a lovely addition. The steam train was the icing on the cake. Definitely worth taking children
Sophia Vitoroulis - 2 weeks ago
From the moment we stepped into the village, we were transported into a miniature world that was both charming and meticulously detailed. My kids were absolutely fascinated by the tiny houses, bustling streets, and the intricate model railway that wound its way through the village. The attention to detail was incredible, with moving parts, lights, and even tiny people going about their daily lives.
One of the highlights for my kids was the funfair section, complete with a miniature Ferris wheel and carousel. They also loved watching the model trains chugging along the tracks, and we spent a good amount of time following the trains and spotting all the little scenes set up around the village.
My wife and I appreciated the historical aspect of Bekonscot, which showcases life in England during the 1930s. It was like stepping back in time, and we enjoyed pointing out the differences and similarities to our kids. The village is beautifully maintained, and there are plenty of benches and picnic areas where we could sit and enjoy the surroundings.
The staff were friendly and helpful, making our visit even more pleasant. We also enjoyed a lovely lunch at the on-site café, which had a good selection of food that catered to both adults and children.
Overall, Bekonscot Model Village exceeded our expectations. It was a delightful experience that offered something for everyone in the family. We left with big smiles and a lot of wonderful memories. Highly recommended for families looking for a fun and educational day out!
Marking as place to visit again... Forgot to mention free and ample parking space.
Nitesh N - a month ago
We visited Bekonscot Model Village & Railway on a weekend but it wasn't too busy and there was no wait to buy tickets. Although the tickets are a bit pricey, the place is absolutely worth a visit. The miniatures are stunning, beautifully crafted, and meticulously maintained. It’s clear that a lot of care and attention to detail has gone into creating this charming village.
While we didn't hop on the train to view the village from another perspective, it looked like a fun experience for families. The model village is a fantastic place for both adults and kids to explore and enjoy. There's also a spot to grab a light snack or enjoy some ice cream. You can easily spend 2-3 hours here just wandering around.
Rosi Petkova - 3 months ago
We visited Bekonscot Model Village on a sunny day and had a terrific time. The miniatures are not only incredibly cute but also exquisitely crafted, adding a fantastic touch to the charming surroundings. Each model captures the essence of the English countryside and its history in a unique way. The precise attention to detail and the village's overall charm made our visit both memorable and delightful. One of the highlights is how Bekonscot transports visitors to ancient times, offering a sense of wonder through its thorough recreated world. It's a wonderful place to spend a day.
Highway Video - 3 months ago
Great day out for the whole family, including kids of all ages. My 8months old loved it. For this who like trains even bigger entertainment. It's also a good place to see all that England is about. Has everything, cable cars, churches, castles, hospitals. There's cafe and toilets and baby changing with toilet. Lots of space to.sit outside in the cafe. If you're quick it's an hour, 1.5h to see all. But there's also train ride and to see everything, I'd say 2-3hrs visit. No dogs allowed. There's parking on the street, 2hrs free Mon-Sat and church parking nearby. Staff not too welcoming but some very nice.
Katie - 5 months ago
Directions
Tube and National Rail Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Bakerloo Line | Marylebone Station | 7 Minutes |
How to get to Bekonscot Model Village by Tube and National Rail
This journey is best taken from Marylebone Station to avoid train transfers, so make your way there and purchase a National Rail Ticket for the Chiltern Railways Line to Beaconsfield Rail Station and proceed to the platform indicated on your ticket. The travel time from Marylebone station takes either side of 30 minutes depending on the departure time.
When you arrive at Beaconsfield Rail Station walk west along the road in front of the station and then go right on Station Road. Continue walking north on Station Road which becomes Penn Road and then go right onto Warwick Road which is just past the round-a-bout. Look for the Bekonscot Model Village sign on your left as you walk along Warwick Road. Total walking time is between 6 and 7 minutes.
Use the National Rail Journey Planner to get details and departure times for you trip.
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Video
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