Wimborne Model Town is a wonderful place nestled in the heart of Wimborne. Offering over 70 years of fun, visitors can wander around the model town and imagine what life was like in 1950s Wimborne.
With indoor and outdoor attractions, as well as a tea room this is a fun place for all the family.
From crazy golf, railway tracks and a fun playground, everyone can enjoy visiting here, making it a perfect spot for family gatherings, play dates and spending time with little ones.
Once you pay for your ticket, it is valid for 12 months, giving you year-round fun at an affordable price.
Here’s what to expect at Wimborne Model Town and Gardens.
The model town is based on Wimborne in the 1950s and is a 1/10th scale model. Featuring over 100 shops, pubs and points of interest that you would have found during that time.
Local businessman Charles Coffen founded the town, and it was a popular tourist attraction built between 1952 and 1956.
Unfortunately, during the 70’s, the popularity wore off, which led to the attraction being shut down in 1982.
A charity later redeveloped the town between 1988 and 1991, and it reopened and has been a popular attraction since then.
Today, it is still a community charity, and most of the staff are volunteers.
Visitors can walk through the streets of the town, get up close and admire the intricately made buildings.
Set within nearly one acre of land, the model town is surrounded by award-winning gardens with blossoming flowers surrounding the area and water features that set a tranquil atmosphere.
An impressive sight is the model of the Wimborne Minster, Church of St Cuthburga, complete with a bell ringing on the hour.
The level of detail that has gone into creating this magical world is above and beyond. When peering through the windows, you’ll see the shop’s stock, window displays, and scenes acted out.
Looking through other windows, you’ll see a formal dining table ready for dinner and a lady getting her hair cut.
Children will be amazed by the displays, sending their imaginations off into scenarios and stories about what they’ve seen.
Traditional shop scenes include the butchers, ironmongers, gentleman’s tailors, bookshops and more.
Inside, you’ll come across the 00 gauge model railway, a great spot for train lovers. Interactive buttons and motion sensors allow visitors to start some of the engines, hot air balloons, windmills, cable cars and more.
Explore the world of the Wareham Bears, a beautiful collection of bears set out in cute displays. You’ll see the bears playing rugby, shopping, doing the gardening and so on.
They were originally displayed in Wareham in the 1980s and have now found a home in the Model Town.
Learn what life was like in the 50s with the informative wall display, old-fashioned shop and school areas.
Activities for children are laid out, making the experience engaging and fun.
Other exhibits include the Life Before Lego and The Beryl Dade Dolls’ Houses.
For a small added fee (£1.50 per person), the whole family can enjoy a game of crazy golf. With fun and unusual holes to play, the game can be a fun addition to your visit.
Little ones will love the playground, complete with playhouses, slides and trains.
💡 Related post: If you’re planning a trip to this miniature town, make sure to check out these unique things to do in Wimborne Minster to make the most of your visit.
Inside a tea room, and shop provide cakes, light bites and refreshments to enjoy inside or outside in the peaceful garden. The shop sells local jams and chutneys, toys and souvenirs.
Throughout the year, events are held, such as Easter and Halloween quizzes, bear weekends, Wimborne folk festival, vintage days and more. It’s a great way to enjoy the community spirit of Wimborne and the lovely local people.
To find out more about the Wimborne Model Town and Gardens, visit the website here.
📍 King St, Wimborne Minster, Wimborne BH21 1DY
