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 lovely little place for a day out with the kids. Genuinely so much fun for all and an incredible level of detail in the model village. Also affordable tickets. Wouldn't recommend the food in the tea shop, though it's fine for coffee, tea, cakes and ice-cream, I just wouldn't get lunch there next time. But otherwise 10/10 from me, we had a blast and the 'treasure hunt' type trail for kids was a real winner. Our group loved it.
Sara Roberts - 2 months ago
Was a lovely few hours out! My Husband wanted to go for his birthday. We went around a few times so we got to see lots of bits we had missed. There is so many little pieces to see!
Staff were really helpful & lovely. There was lots of children there & a playground & we got to see the work shop aswell. There is also a room there with extra information in about the place and trains 😀 (I am sure its mainly for children) but my Husband enjoyed that bit thoroughly.
We brought our tickets online, but we felt it wasn't necessary. It was slightly cheaper though😊
Mrs Galea - a month ago
Fantastic place for any age.
Extremely well kept and interesting place to see. Full of different scenes depicting local sights in model form.
We went with a toddler who was amazed by everything considering it was height level.
We spent about 2 hours there but could have spent longer if we visited the small kids park on site.
There's also a quick mini train ride (£2 per person), a cafe serving hot and cold food and on the day we visited, a circus event with face painting for little ones.
A great family day out if you like this sort of thing.
Ketan Bhavan - 2 months ago
A lovely few hours to spend, especially for young children.
This is a model village that has been running for many decades. There are numerous little Easter eggs and humorous references, so see if you can spot Herbie, or “Chris P. Lettice” the greengrocer. This is beautifully laid out with a working large scale model railway running through. It’s a beautiful depiction of life up in the first half of the 20th century.
There are also good facilities including a cafe, toilets and a gift shop, as well as a small train that can be ridden.
Michael Offord - 4 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Bekonscot Model Village:
Photo Gallery
-
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
