Bekonscot Model Village and Railway

Bekonscot Model Village is the oldest miniature village in the world

Bekonscot Model Village is a Labour of Love
Bekonscot Model Village is a Labour of Love

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 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Great day out. Every generation should visit at least twice in their lives. Once as a child, and again taking their own children to this magical world of times past. Nice cafe on site as well.
Keith H - a week ago

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5 Star Rating We visited in early November 2023, my wife and I and our 7yr old son absolutely loved it! So much to see, and the train ride is always fun for kids and adults alike. Highly recommend visiting, we spent around 2hrs and saw everything, some things twice.
Brendan - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating Really worth a visit, we with our sons (2 and 9 yo) enjoyed walking in this beautiful place. It exceeded our expectations, we thought it was small but it was right how it should be, you can easily spend 2-2.5 hours with a short snack break (they have a small tea house inside).
Aliaksandr Labanouski - 5 months ago

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5 Star Rating Bekonscot Model Village & Railway isn't just a destination for kids—it's a haven for the young at heart, an oasis of charm and nostalgia that leaves a lasting impression. With every step I took, I felt as though I was walking through a dream, and even as I left, I carried a piece of that enchantment with me, eager to revisit the miniature world that had captured my imagination. As I walked through the gates of Bekonscot Model Village & Railway, I felt a sense of anticipation and excitement bubbling within me. The allure of stepping into a miniature world was irresistible, and little did I know that this visit would weave memories that would stay with me for a long time.

The highlight, undoubtedly, was the intricate railway network that meandered through the village. As I stood by the tracks, I watched in amazement as the miniature trains chugged along, traversing bridges, tunnels, and scenic landscapes. It was as if I had shrunk down to their size, embarking on a journey through a world of enchantment. The level of craftsmanship evident in every element was a testament to the dedication and passion of the creators. I found myself lost in the charm of it all, clicking pictures and discovering hidden gems around every bend. The meticulous detailing extended even to the smallest signs, shop fronts, and vehicles, which added authenticity to the experience. Highly recommended….!!! Ticket: 14£ PP Steam train: 1.5£PP Refreshment: Light refreshment cafe is available at the sight Parking: The nearest parking is Warwick road car park (Plesae, check my review on that) Toilets: Yes available at the sight
Shipra Suman - 6 months ago

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4 Star Rating Wonderful place to visit with small children. All the children here were so happy and interested. I’d say up to age 9 would find lots to like. There are really special details, including moving trains, cable cars, a coal mine, and even some of the people move. There are scenes inside shops, houses and churches. We stayed for 2 hours. There is free parking in the church car park opposite. I would recommend bringing picnic or packed lunches as cafe food certainly over-priced. But traditional ice-creams available too for treats.
Emma Nugent - 6 months ago

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Directions

Tube and National Rail Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Bakerloo LineMarylebone Station7 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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