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
This was a lovely full morning activity for our family, including 2 year old and baby.
The village captures children's imagination and if beautifully set out.
The cafe is small but has a lovely basic range on offer. There is also outside seating. The little ride on train is great fun for little ones. This is a great multi-generational activity.
Rebekah Keeler - a month ago
Highly recommend! Cant believe it will nearly be 100 years since opening, its such a delight and to look at all the little figurines up to their tricks or having little disasters or time out 😂 very amusing and beautifully done and maintained, railway ride is cute too! 🚂
T F - a month ago
The Bekonscot model village is the oldest miniature village in the world, it's about 1.5hrs drive from London.
The place is simply stunning and a very different experience, the staff were so lovely as well.
There is a lovely play area for the children also.
They also have a restaurant/dine in area with great food.
Our kids aged 11 and 8 throughly enjoyed it.
salomena washington - 5 months ago
Incredible attraction, attention to detail very impressive. Lovely touches including Christmas decorations (mini holly wreaths on doors, Christmas trees and lights). Running miniature railways including a Christmas train and a train with a live camera feed going round. Interesting board showing the history of the attraction in pictures including royal visits, part way around. Was surprised by the sheer size of the village! Lovely features including circus, zoo, guides and boys brigades. Churches very detailed including the stained glass windows. Very good names for the shops. Only thing that was disappointing was the condensation on the inside of the windows which limited the view of some of the internal displays.
Cat P - 3 months ago
Always love a visit here - the attention to detail and little jokes built into the shopfronts are brilliant, and we spot something new every time we go.
Has a good little playground, and the ride in train and 'shrunken' dressing up area are always a hit.
NB The cafe is very expensive; there are picnic benches under an outdoor canopy.
Katherine C - a month 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
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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: 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 -
Photo Credit: wwarby - cc license via Flickr
