Bekonscot

Bekonscot Model Village & Railway is the world's oldest original model village. It is located in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England. Constructed in the 1920s and opened to the public in 1929, it depicts a miniature version of rural England as it appeared during that era.

The village was conceived by Roland Callingham, a chartered accountant, who initially created a model railway in his garden. He expanded this project by incorporating miniature buildings and landscapes, gradually evolving into the larger model village that exists today. Callingham and a team of gardeners and craftsmen meticulously crafted the various scenes, aiming for a realistic, albeit small-scale, representation of English life.

Bekonscot features a variety of miniature buildings, including houses, shops, churches, and factories, all built to a scale of 1:12. Model railways wind their way through the village, transporting miniature trains across the landscape. The village also includes meticulously landscaped gardens, complete with miniature trees, plants, and waterways.

Throughout its history, Bekonscot has been a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. All profits from the model village are donated to charities, continuing a tradition established by its founder. The village has been continuously updated and maintained, with new features added over the years while still preserving its original charm and historical accuracy. Bekonscot remains a unique and enduring example of miniature landscape architecture and a testament to the vision of its creator.