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Bekonscot Model Village and Railway - just a stone's throw from Gerrards Cross - is an attraction that always gives a fabulous day out with something for everyone to enjoy!
Come along and be a giant for a day in the oldest model village in the world
Bekonscot Model Village and Railway
GET READY...
BEKONSCOT MODEL VILLAGE WILL BE OPEN EVERY DAY UNTIL 4TH NOVEMBER 2012
AND THEN EVERY WEEKEND ONLY UNTIL THE 16TH DECEMBER ...
THE MODEL VILLAGE AND RAILWAY IS FUN FOR ALL AGES...COME ON IN FOR A GREAT DAY OUT!
The idea of Bekonscot Model Village and Railway came from wealthy London accountant Roland Callingham. When his original indoor model railway outgrew his home (and his wife told him either the model railway went or she would!)
Roland commissioned Basset-Lowke, the infamous model railway firm, to construct the largest Gauge 1 garden railway in England. Winding its way around Roland's swimming pool, the railway and village came to life as model houses and rockeries were added to complement it.
Since 1929 the original Bekonscot Model Village and Railway has developed and this little kingdom now mushroomed to cover one and a half acres with fascinating detail - and humour - to be found in every part.
In the Bekonscot county you will find seven little villages - Greenhaily, Bekonscot, Southpool Fishing Village, Hanton, Splashyng, Evenlode, and Evenlode New Town - all of which are linked by the model railway.
The Bekonscot Model Railway (BMR) runs along almost 10 scale miles (400 real metres) of fully-signalled track consisting of both main and branch lines. Controlled from the full-size Maryloo Signal Box, you will find that every day there are between seven and ten trains running at any one time stopping at seven stations
Wander around Bekonscot and you will find all its inhabitants enjoying their own days out at the local attractions - entertainment such as cricket, cinema, the fair, the racecourse, a zoo, castles as well as working models of an aerodrome, coal mines, a fishing village and an oil refinery.
As well as the model village and railway, Bekonscot offers plenty of other things to enjoy. Many Bekonscot visitors cannot resist the attraction of the ride-on railway - the Bekonscot Light Railway (BLR) - which winds around the back of the model village and at the side of the remote controlled boats.
If you need a break from being a giant, why not take advantage of the picnic area to eat and refresh yourself; and if the children get restless they can run around in the children's play area. If you need extra supplies then there is a refreshments kiosk available.
Although it is famous in its own right, Bekonscot has also featured on a number of TV programmes, including Blue Peter, Muffin the Mule and Midsomer Murders. Since 1929 it has played host to over 14 million visitors, embracing a succession of royal visitors which includes Queen Elizabeth II who became a lifelong fan after she came for her eight birthday.
Whether you are looking for a family day out, a group visit, a school outing or somewhere to celebrate a birthday, there is no doubt that Bekonscot is a wonderful place to visit. And for tourists looking for things to do in Beaconsfield, this is definitely a "must-see"!
A little know fact about Bekonscot is that, besides being a national treasure which provides entertainment for all who attend, it also has a strong charitable ethos.
Each week Bekonscot hosts one or two visits for free, giving those who may not be able to enjoy a fun day the chance to do so.
In addition, since 1929, Bekonscot Model Village and Railway has distributed more than £1.5 million to a range of charities both large and small including:
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Great Ormond Street Hospital
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HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association)
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Helen House Hospice
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NSPCC
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UNICEF
Allowing for inflation It is calculated that the total of charitable donations in real terms is £5, 500,000.
So, do make sure you visit the wonderful Bekonscot Model Village and Railway. This "...little piece of history that is forever England" is a truly extraordinary experience for hundreds of thousands each year and all its profits are distributed to charities both large and small.
Forget the white knuckle-rides of some tourist attractions and experience the delights of using your imagination in a unique miniature world of make believe. Be a giant in a miniature wonderland!
Visit Bekonscot soon!
For more information about the Bekonscot Model Village and Railway please click the web link in the contact details section above.
GREAT NEWS...
BEKONSCOT MODEL VILLAGE IS OPEN EVERY DAY UNTIL 4TH NOVEMEBER
AND THEN WEEKENDS ONLY UNTIL THE 16TH DECEMBER...
THE MODEL VILLAGE AND RAILWAY IS WONDERFUL FOR ALL AGES...
COME ON IN FOR A GREAT DAY OUT!
Please mention The Best of Gerrards Cross when visiting Bekonscot Model Village and Railway
The Best of Gerrards Cross serves Gerrards Cross, Chalfont St Peter, Chalfont St Giles, Little Chalfont, Denham, Uxbridge, Farnham Common and surrounding Bucks villages
© AM BEST 4U LTD
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latest reviews
Hello! I visited today with my three young children, my sister and her small daughter. We were really impressed with the model village and the railway. The whole area is so well kept and the attention to detail in the models is amazing! We thought that the cafe offered good value for money, unlike so many places with a captive audience, and that the playground was brilliant fun. We also really enjoyed the light railway. Many thanks for a fun day, even in the rain. Best wishes, Vicky
Hi, I am now retired and recently took the grandchildren to Bekonscot - just as I took their mother along when she was young. I think I enjoyed it more this time. We all liked the BLR and had a couple of circuits. I am planning to build my own 71/4" gauge line and am very attracted to your tram. I assume it is a "one off" ? Is there some way I can obtain details of it's construction ? I have a pretty fair idea of it's overall makeup but some "tekkie" stuff inc plans/drawings would be lovely.
I visited Bekonscot many years ago, and it was so much fun. Finding this on the Internet today really brought back some wonderful memories. Regards and Best Wishes
I just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful visit. I visited with my 3 year old son and 8 year old nephew and we had the most fantastic day out. It's a really brilliant place and very well run with so much to do. So thank you to all your staff! You are doing a wonderful job.
Hello, I just had to write to you having just spent such a lovely time with you this afternoon. I used to visit you as a little girl with my mum and on a spur of the moment having not been since I was 10, (30 years ago!!) I took my 3 boys with me for a spontaneous trip. I got quite choked up when we entered especially seeing the zoo first of all. Memories came flooding back and with my children echoing my words of years ago, "oh my gosh look" "mum that's so sweet" "mum that's amazing " I blubbed my way around!! Thank you for keeping my memories going and creating lovely ones for my lads. I will be back soon!!!!
Hi, I visited Bekonscot one Thursday recently with my two children (ages 4.5 and 1.5 yrs) and just wanted to write and say what a wonderful day we all had. The model village itself was amazing and my son didn't tire of walking around studying everything - seeing something new each time. The facilities were brilliant - it was great to go somewhere that was "picnic friendly", especially in these times of economic hardship and it made me more than happy to buy ice creams and coffee from the kiosk. The picnic storage area (although we didn't use it) was a fantastic idea and the covered picnic benches were great (luckily we had to shelter from the sun rather than the rain!). The baby change facilities were good - clean and plenty of them. Again, the playground was great - just being the right size not to detract from the model village. I used to visit Bekonscot as a child and it was lovely to be able to bring my son back some 25-30 years later! We will be back very soon.
My parents took me to Bekonscot in the late 1950's. I took my children to bekonscot in the 1980's. On the 4th August I took my 4 year old grandaughter to Bekonscot! Despite the rain we had a wonderful time. I just want to say thank you for keeping it so well maintained. In these days of computers it is so nice that something remains traditional! Also the covered picnic room with storage is a wonderful idea. Thank you to eveyone! Kind Regards, "Grandma"
We visited Bekonscot on a Friday recently and were very impressed with the village, the staff were friendly and even though the weather was not great you have covered this with plenty of covered areas. Well done!!
This place is wonderful in every respect! Thank you Bekonscot!
My wife and I took our 11 year old grandson to the Village one Monday last month. We felt that we had to write and congratulate you and all your staff on every aspect of your attraction. We have often visited before, but every year seems better! The improvements are too many to list, however the additions, many new fascinating details and working models add to the interest. The models themselves and the countless figures all in pristine condition are most commendable. Please convey our thanks to all concerned. They all do such a superb job!
I just wanted to thank you again for allowing us to film at Bekonscot, we all had a great day filming at such a fun location and the kids loved it! I do hope we managed to stay out of the way of the majority of visitors, and it was a pleasure for me to chat with those who were interested in what we were doing. The staff were all really friendly and helpful (especially a very busy guy who helped us out with a train towards the end of the day!) and we were made to feel very welcome. Many thanks again for all your help - I hope we can keep Bekonscot in mind as a location for the future!
We all had a fantastic time for Edward's 2nd birthday on Saturday, thank you for arranging the weather. It all ran smoothly from arrival to departure. The day was enjoyed by all ages from 2 to 45. The Party Hut was all made up with balloons and party hats, even the heater was on for us! Thanks especially to Andrea who ensured everything we needed was provided. The parents commented on the substantial sandwiches that were provided for the children and we all laughed at the children's negotiations over swapping Jam for Ham and Egg for Cheese fillings. The only tears came when it was time to go. I think we will be back again next year!