This family friendly model village has been around for years. I have fond memories of going as a family when I was small.
Every time we go they spot something they didn’t see last time.
It is cleverly set out across a fairly small area really designed so that you wander through the 100s of miniature scenes following a path carved out to guide you through every little bit so that that you don’t miss anything. Interspersed as you walk around is the miniature railway.
The trains run alongside everything else creating points of interest for little ones as the trains travel around the village stopping at the various stations.
Our boys love to follow the trains around and watch them pull in to the stations dotted around the village.
There is something beautiful about the somewhat crude little figures at times who are surrounded by such attention to detail. There are areas in need of some care and attention, but for me, this just added to the well recorded history and authenticity of the place.
I particularly liked the way it wasn’t heavily fenced off everywhere and the kids could get on their hands and knees to look into the windows of shops and buildings as if they were giants visiting a far off place.
There is a very nice tea room serving hot and cold drinks, food and ice creams. Very reasonably priced, good food too. This is right next to the play area which, although not huge, is great for little ones. Be careful if wet though as it can be slippery.
The one thing I would say, if visiting on a wet day take decent rain wear and an umbrella as although there are covered seated areas for picnics, everyone heads for these when it rains as the model village area itself is quite open.
There is a little train ride you can hop on for a small fee. Think it was £1 a person last time we were there. Our littlest loved it!
There are some motor boats that you can drive around the pond area, again these are a small additional cost. (Ours thought they were driving them anyway!)
There is allocated parking next to the village opposite a church but it is likely limited at peak season. We have always managed to park there though if arriving for opening or just after. If full there are a couple of other car parks plus some residential parking on the roads locally.
Once in the village it feels really safe and would be hard for any children to exit unaccompanied.
There is a shop on the way out selling all sorts of model and train themed bits. Quite good if you have little friends’ birthdays coming up.
If you have a buggy you can take these in but due to the paths being fairly narrow and not strictly one way (they do try and indicate which way you should go) you can leave buggy at entrance or once you are in. If you have a toddler I would suggest you take your reins if you use these generally.
No dogs allowed here I’m afraid and you’ll see why once there.
If you fancy it you can find admission prices and lots more info at:
This little gem is well worth a visit if you are looking for a day out for the kids.
Out-take: When our youngest was 2yrs old his grandparents took him here for a day out.
Whilst amidst the charming little models, he declared he needed ‘a caterpillar pooooooo!’ Despite toilets being fairly nearby, they didn’t think they’d make it so out came the potty and by station no.6 as the train approached, he did his business in front of everyone! Got up, wiped and off he went while my dad walked around with a potty full of poo! Charming indeed 🙂
A Stone's Throw 