If the sheer size of the capital city has you feeling a little bit overwhelmed at times, allow us to point you in the dinky direction of a spot where you certainly won’t have that problem. Bekonscot Model Village is a teeny-tiny town, just 30 minutes from London – and it just so happens to be the oldest original model village in the world.
Bekonscot Model Village
Bekonscot Model Village is filled to the brim with delightfully detailed buildings and impressively intricate models – all of which are set against the backdrop of 1.5 acres worth of gorgeously-landscaped gardens. It was opened to the public back in 1929, courtesy of Roland Callingham, an accountant from London who had an avid interest in model railways and decided to build himself an entire mini model English village (complete with a 366 metre-long model railway, of course). Because, well… why not, hey?
The rather mesmerising mini village swiftly became a popular tourist attraction, alluring visitors from far and wide – and it’s still going strong to this very day. Over 14 million visitors have taken to the tiny streets of Bekonscot to get a good old look at its jaw-droppingly intricate details and revel in its nostalgic 1930s charm. Bekonscot Model Village also boasts a pretty impressive CV, having inspired one of Enid Blighton’s beloved stories, featured in an episode of ‘Midsomer Murders’, and been visited by multiple members of the Royal Family.
Not a great deal has changed in the 97 years since Bekonscot first set up shop, to be quite honest with you. It remains somewhat of a time capsule, offering a sneak peek into small-town rural life in 1930s England. It has, of course, had a couple of updates through the century – with the likes of office blocks and a pocket-sized replica of Concorde appearing along the way.
Bekonscot is made up of seven fictional tiny towns, and boasts hundreds of intricately-designed buildings. From castles and cable cars to airports and alehouses – you name it; it’s highly likely there’s a miniature version of it at Bekonscot. The model railway spans almost 400 metres of track nowadays, and there’s 12 stations dotted throughout the village. With around 3000 mini shrubs and trees and over 4000 pocket-sized people, there is plenty to see and do here. Alongside meandering through the mini streets, visitors can take a ride on the railway, visit the adventure playground, of have some refreshments in the charming on-site tea room. It really is the ultimate family-friendly day out.
Getting to Bekonscot Model Village from London
Bekonscot is just a stone’s throw from the capital city, making for a pretty dreamy day-trip. Londoners can hop on a direct trains from London Marylebone to Beaconsfield (which takes less than half an hour), and the model village is just a short walk from the station. Alternatively, Bekonscot Model Village is approximately an hour’s drive from London – and there is free parking available nearby.
Find out more and plan your visit to Bekonscot Model Village here.
