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.Bekonscot Model Village Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: Warwick Rd, Beaconsfield HP9 2PL, UK
Phone: 01494 672919
Official Website: Bekonscot Model Village
Bekonscot Model Village Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
Absolutely love this model village. We went here on the drive home to pop in as we went when we were kids (now 30) and we enjoyed it just as much. It also brought back alot of memories for my parents and my dad spent the most time walking around and taking photos out of all of us (big kid at heart). We even took a ride on the little train for 5 minutes. Definitely a place for all ages and a fun day out. It also has a cafe and a little exhibition room which was great.
Hannah - a month ago
The best place for little train-obsessed five year olds. We have visited the site last year and this year, our little one was constantly talking about it and we had to return. We love the place, it brings so much tranquility and soothe as it moves you in time and place of calm, order and simpler life. The scenery and each detail make you appreciate the way of life we have lost, seems so precious.
Pay attention to details - like name on the shops and venues, make you giggle, the train stations and trains running everywhere (the bridge by the castle!). And the horticultural care - what a masterpiece of mini elms, pines, little rivers, cascades. There is a short train ride for families and you can have some fun with operating a boat on a pond. Plenty of koi carps, would be great if we could feed them, too! (Please sell the fish food with tickets!) We discovered new room where old type writer is, what a great fun to do some scenarios and play with props. Playground is also awesome for kids, good food selection in cafe (although I would like to see more healthier options) and plenty of seating area (you can bring your own food). Thank you for being there :)
Dorota Trapl - 2 weeks ago
The most iconic model village visited so far. The miniature railway is very well presented and maintained. With all the trains going up and down all around the miniature village.
The manufacturers of the houses are made very nice with all the details even inside.
Well done 👏
Danutz - 5 months ago
I remember coming here as a child and I have been waiting to bring my boy Joshua. At the age of 18 months exactly we visited today and celebrated his 18 months 💙
Despite the car park being full, the women told us of other parking near by which was easy to find and free.
As soon as we entered, my eyes lit up with excitement and memories of me being there, the boats! I rememberd the boats 😅❤️
A lovely train ride to start the experience 😀 and just being truly amazed by the model village.
I'm so amazed by the detail involved of the making, truly a fantastic talent and peice of art.
My husband got us lunch which was a very reasonably price and as we eat we were entertained by the kids entertainer.
It was a truly amazing day and can't wait to return for your Toddler Takeover day.
Megan Stevens - 5 months ago
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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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Accommodations near Bekonscot Model Village:
Photo Gallery
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A Small Farmyard at Bekonscot Model Village -
A Small Corner of the Six Miniature Villages -
Bekonscot Model Village is a Delight for All Ages -
Photo Credit: cchana - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: cchana - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wwarby - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wwarby - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wwarby - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wwarby - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wwarby - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wwarby - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wwarby - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wwarby - cc license via Flickr

