Southport Model Railway Village

Baby is now a toddler, and her love for trains has only increased as she's grown older. This was our second visit to Southport Model Railway Village, which advertises itself as being the only model railway village in the country.

A five minute walk from both the train station in one direction, and the seafront in the other, and next to Princes Park, it is very easy to find. And at just £4.50 a ticket (in July 2017) for adults, it's a well priced way to spend an hour or so.

The model village occupies a larger than expected area in the centre of the plot, with a tarmac path round the outskirts. Although flat and well maintained, in places the path isn't particularly wide, so if someone ahead with a pushchair or wheelchair stops to look at something in particular, you'd struggle to pass them.

 

Visitors are reminded to keep to the path, and off the grass, by numerous signs at intervals around the village, as well as by the staff at the entrance. I can't help but feel that a small fence, only a foot high or so, would be a useful addition to prevent little feet straying accidentally, or slightly older feet intentionally trespassing.

Two circular train tracks run around the village, with numerous trains running continuously, in both directions. Passenger trains in varying colours, freight trains, and even trains carrying petrol, rounding turns, chugging through tunnels, and passing under and over bridges. Baby loved watching them, crying 'more trains' as soon as one had passed her. There were enough different trains to stop her getting bored, and the frequency with which they passed was very impressive.

The village itself was also excellent. A farm, a church, multiple train stations, a children's playground, and an expansive range of shops were just some of its features. Considering it's exposed to the elements 24/7, it is in remarkably good condition and I can only suppose that it is repainted at least annually. Indeed whilst we were there we saw a member of staff working on improving one of the bridges.

 

Whilst buying our entrance tickets we were given a quiz to complete as we walked around, and as it was the Summer holidays, fairies had been installed throughout the village for visitors to count. Once completed, quiz sheets could be handed in to be entered into a prize draw, and Baby was thrilled to receive a sticker in return, though both the quiz and fairies were lost on her. She did walk around the village three times though, she enjoyed it so much.


Key Facts

Month of visit:
July

Weather for visit:
Grey, but warm and dry.

Is it pushchair friendly?
Yes, there are no steps, and the paths are flat and well maintained.

How are the baby changing facilities?
Toilets are located in a portacabin style building, with baby changing in the women's toilets. Acceptably clean, but rather drafty, even on a Summer's day.

What about somewhere to feed?
A small cafe selling hot drinks and ice creams had a reasonable amount of seating, and there were also plastic tables and chair outside the cafe. Benches were dotted around the village, some more secluded than others.

Is it worth a visit?
Absolutely.

Baby's highlight?
Watching the trains going through the tunnels.



Southport Model Railway Village
Lower Promenade,
Kings Gardens,
Southport
PR8 1QX


http://www.southportmodelrailwayvillage.co.uk