If you have grandchildren – or in my case “a man that never grew up”, the The Wonderworks in Margate is the place to visit. It is an exhibition centre in a building which used to be the factory for Hornby Hobbies. Frank Hornby invented educational toys over 100 years ago and now this venue is home to all the model brands that children love.
There are the multitrack ’00’ scale miniature layouts of Hornby trains using the latest technology and control systems. Then for nostalgia you can experience Scalextric racing tracks from Batman’s Gotham City to Grand Prix Circuits. The oldest UK manufacturer of scale plastic model kits Airfix is also on show. You can have a go at crafting your own replica or have your photo taken in a life-sized sprue. Or you can journey through the history of CORGI model vehicles from the iconic diecast James Bond Aston Martin or the Batmobile with Batman and Robin. Pocher luxury kits are also showcased and visitors can explore the evolution of these celebrated masterpieces.
We went into the cafe for a cuppa and a cake and were surprised to see a Banksy installation. Apparently, the mural first appeared on a property in Margate’s Park Place. The artwork called “Valentine’s Day Mascara” is a comment on domestic violence. It features a women with a swollen shut eye and missing tooth with a man’s legs poking out of a chest freezer alongside an upturned chair. Another unusual exhibit is the Reliant Regal Trotters Independent Traders 3-wheeler van from “Only Fools and Horses”. Of course, there is a shop which has a wide variety of model toys and you can order one that is not in stock and have it posted toyou.
We travelled there via the Thanet Loop bus from Broadstairs where we were staying. the Loop drops you off near to the Hornby building. So, it’s easy to get to by public transport and well worth visiting for something completely different.
