Welsand's in London

A Historic Model Village

Our friends invited us along to visit the Bekonscot Historic Model Village and Railway in Beaconsville. It is the world's oldest model village. It was spectacular and a perfect outing for Sophie! She just loved it and playing with her friends Sam and Harry! It is a "little piece of history that is forever England" and how true it is!



Bekonscot is different from other model villages; this is an entire miniature kingdom stuck firmly in an idyllic 1930s timewarp. There are six little villages in a 1½ acre miniature landscape of farms and fields, castles and churches, woods, lakes and rolling hills. Walking around, you’ll tower over the tiny population enjoying the fun of the fair, beaches, zoo and tramway, or lazily watching the cricket on the village green. Each village is linked by one of Britain's largest public outdoor model garden railways. The kids were mesmerized by all the trains coming and going throughout the village.

Bekonscot was created in 1929 as the hobby of one man, Roland Callingham. Since then, all our profits have gone to charity and £5,000,000 (at today's rates) has been distributed thanks to our 13 million visitors. In 2004, they celebrated their 75th anniversary as the world’s original Model Village.

They also have a train that adults and kids alike can ride on for 50p--a bargain! This was a highlight for Sophie. The play area for kids was another highlight. She had so much fun with Sam and Harry, running around and playing. She didn't cling to me once during this trip which is quite unbelievable for us! Sophie is a great kid, but can be shy and stuck to my leg, hopefully we are breaking out of this mold...

Thanks Longhurst's for bringing us along for a great outing! We loved it!

Check out the Bekonscot website at www.bekonscot.co.uk for a 360 degree tour of the village to see it for yourself! And, for more photos from our visit see our Shutterfly photo site. Cheers!

posted by Chris @ 6:48 PM