Bekonscot model village is always a success when we take children under 10. It's an amazingly lifelike "village" which contains all kinds of buildings, ranging from zoo and hospital to castle, coal mine, lighthouse, even a cable car. It's in beautifully landscaped grounds and has an elaborate network of model trains which run to a complicated timetable and are controlled from a tiny signal box you can look inside. it's not a very large site and yet they manage to pack in enough to keep kids happy for several hours. As well as the village there's a well designed play area, cafe (reasonably priced, and reasonable snack food) and a picnic area, plus a small "train" you can ride round with the kids – not very exciting but the tinies like it. The gift shop is in a real old railway carriage. .
I love this miniature world. So do many other people, though, so it can get crowded in school holidays. It is best to go early. . it's run in aid of the Church Army so it doesn't have the same money grubbing atmosphere as many attractions.
Parking isn't that easy. We use the car park of the Beaconsfield station.. It's about five minute's walk away. It's not a bad idea to come by train frm London, connections are good and quick.
Disabled guests could have a problem, as the paths are rustic, and narrow. I have never seen anyone trying to negotiate them in a wheelchair so if you are disabled, it's best to ring and check. Incidentally they have a nice website at www.bekonscot.co.uk which has lots of fun and games for the kids.
