What to see at Bekonscot?
At Bekonscot there is so much to see and explore, below we share some of the highlights.
Bekonscot Model Village actually comprises of seven little towns, which all capture 1930s rural England. Bekonscot Town is the biggest, with the others scattered across the 1.5 acres of gardens. Each town has its own unique character, villagers and features, from coal mines to great castles, aerodromes to farms, docks to cable cars, racecourses to escaped convicts!
Models & Villages
The individual towns are: Greenhaily, Hanton, Southpool, Bekonscot Town, Epwood & Evenlode, Splashyng, and New Town. Across the village there are more than 200 buildings, 4,000 inhabitants, 1,500 animals, hundreds of vehicles and many models move right before your eyes. Stride down the High Streets and peek inside buildings, we’ve hidden hundreds of tiny details so take your time.
Model Railway
The gauge 1 Bekonscot Model Railway is a true highlight of everyone’s visit to the village and a fascinating collection of historic equipment for any railway enthusiast. There are almost 10 scale miles (450 metres) of main line, branch line and off shoots to sidings, with up to ten passenger and goods trains criss-crossing the landscape of the village. Our trains run every day in all weathers (well apart from a good few inches of snow). If you wish to learn more about the model railway, click HERE to read one of our articles that shares more detail.
High Shrunkham Junction
Have you ever wondered what it would be like being the size of one of our models at Bekonscot? Well, now you can find out. On entering High Shrunkham Junction you will magically shrink down to become one of our figures and experience the model village from their perspective. Sit in the waiting room and watch the giant children exploring the village outside peering in at you. Buy a ticket from the ticket office, pretend to be the station master and explore the brake van sitting on platform 2.
The Norman Heaton Room
Named after our long-serving Chairman of Bekonscot, this room is available to hire for meetings, presentations and team building events. The room will seat up to 12 boardroom style and up to 25 theatre style. Fully equipped with wifi, audio visual and conferencing facilities. We can also provide tea, coffee and refreshments as needed for an additional charge. Please note that the Norman Heaton room is not available for children’s birthday parties. To find out more or to make a booking please email: info@bekonscot.co.uk.
The Gardens
Bekonscot is set in 1.5 acres of beautifully manicured gardens containing well over 3,000 shrubs and trees. An immaculate stretch of lawn runs the whole length of the village, which was originally part of the meadow from which Bekonscot was created. It is known as the “Broadwalk Lawn” so that Mr Callingham could walk through the village twice daily on his way to the railway station and back. We are often asked how we keep the gardens so neat, the answer, is a labour of love from our two full time gardeners. If you see any of the gardening team on your visit and you’d like to know more about the plants they care for, please do ask them.
Light Railway
Take a ride on the Bekonscot light railway. Our 7.25″ narrow gauge miniature light railway weaves its way behind the model village. A perfect introduction to the village, it criss-crosses some of the gardens and encircles the pond to return to the terminus. The railway runs every day during the open season from 10.30am – 4.30pm every few minutes. A small additional fee applies and under 2yrs go FREE.
Children’s Play Area
Our pirate themed adventure playground is the ideal space to let off a bit of steam after a morning of exploration around the village. We have a castle and pirate ship, complete with ramparts, clatterbridge, turrets and slides. There is also our boating pond to explore with our remote controlled boats* plus Thomas and Noddy toddler rides* located around the village.
*Small additional fee applies.
Souvenir Shop
Visit our fantastic gift and souvenir shop, housed in an extended Mk 1 British Rail railway carriage and you will be amazed at the variety of products we have managed to squeeze inside. We sell a wide variety of Bekonscot souvenirs to commemorate your visit with us, everything from teddies to tea towels. We also stock a large range of toys. You will also find a diverse range of books, gifts, jewellery and confectionery. Something to suit all ages and budgets. Customers may visit the shop only without paying entrance to the village. The shop is open daily 10am- 5pm.
You can also order Souvenirs and Gift Vouchers online
