Pendon Museum
Pendon Museum
4.5
About
Modelling the past for the future. The benchmark for modelling excellence. Pendon's centrepiece exhibition of the Vale of White Horse is a re-creation of the rural landscape of the 1920s and 30s in breathtaking detail. Pendon is also home to our famous Dartmoor and Teignmouth Sea Wall scene models and the ground breaking Madder Valley Railway. Our volunteer guides provide informative descriptions about the history, geography, society and transport of the times. A fun and educational experience for all. We also offer a small tea room, museum shop and free wi-fi. Disabled parking and access available.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- David M1 contributionEvery time you go, you notice something missed before.Of course I’m very heavily biased. With a lifelong enthusiasm for model railways, (I’m 71 now), I’ve visited three time in the past 7 years. With a large model railway of my own in the former attic bedroom of my cottage, I derive much inspiration and education from my visits. Talking, not only to the extremely knowledgeable volunteers but also chaps who visit regularly who are enormously enthusiastic about this amazing project, means I come away feeling greatly enhanced by my visit. Yes, I said at the beginning that of course I’m biased. But there’s so much more to see, learn and be very impressed with here. You don’t have to be a model railway enthusiast. To learn about the founder, Roye England and his vision. Buy the books, In Search of a Dream and then you will understand what Pendon Museum is all about. It’s one of this country’s real hidden gems, one of our outstanding treasures. If you think it’s just a model railway, your mistaken, it’s a huge landscape in miniature with a railway line running through it. Set between the wars, these were times when the railways of the time linked villages and towns, pre-dating the motor car and the tarmac-surface roads. A slower way of life for country dwellers all reflected in the unhurried pace of the small branch line trains ambling along at 20mph. A very wide assortment of building styles to look at: thatched cottage, brick, stone, half timber, whitewashed and slate or pan tile roofs. Agricultural work with horses as my dad did on his grandfather’s farm until he joined the army in 1941, lying about his age (he was 16 but a big lad). As a boy, he told me all about using horses for the power rather than a tractor, that’s what you will see portrayed here at Pendon.Visited May 2022Written March 24, 2023
- colinayres6 contributionsWhat a wonderful place to visitHaving driven past sign for Pendon Museum for years, I had no idea it has fantastic model railways. We’ll worth a visit, super interesting, the staff are really knowledgeable and helpful too. Easily exceeded expectationsVisited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 1, 2023
- Alan N5 contributionsStunning DetailWithout doubt this is the most detailed and realistic model railway I have ever seen. I have been to the Hamburg Wunderland exhibition the worlds largest model railway which is aimed at the masses with model boats and an airport too. Pendon model railway Museum is something special that is aimed at the fine scale modeller and focuses on just that including real locations. If I had the choice of visiting just one, I would pick Pendon although much smaller the detail is stunning. By Paul Maguire (Modeller) Stockport .CheshireVisited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 18, 2023
- Dave C31 contributionsWonderful modelsI’ve been watching this museum evolve from magazines etc over the last 50 years, and finally got to visit today. It was far better then I expected, and the detailed models are exquisitely made. We spent a couple of hours there and we had to leave as we’d visited en route home after a holiday. The volunteers were all friendly and very knowledgable, the cafe was good and I picked up some very reasonably priced secondhand books. This place should be preserved forever as a snapshot of the area in the 1930s. I can see how younger visitors and those who do not know what they are coming to see could expect something different, but anyone who cannot spare the time to make an honest review (dusty models, really? It was spotless!). Keep up the good work, I just wish I lived nearer to get involved a bit more.Visited July 2023Written July 22, 2023
- ToryuReading, United Kingdom358 contributionsWhich diorama will be your favourite?While located off the main region routes, this is a great treat for anyone with even an inkling of interest for model landscapes and the ever classic miniature trains. Featuring three scenarios alongside the history of the museum, each featuring its own brand of charm, anyone will get lost in the little details and pick one as their favourite (Dartmoor Valley for me, any day). For kids (let's face it, adults as well), there are landmark/scene hunt activities.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 8, 2023
- Simon RCheltenham, United Kingdom81 contributionsAn amazing place that takes you back in history to see rural English life a hundred years agoA superb place to visit for anybody who likes scale models, but also a fascinating glimpse into what life was like a century ago. The attention to detail is remarkable. The volunteers are exceptionally friendly and full of information. The information panels are excellent and all the facilities are first rate. It's set in a beautiful village, full of thatched cottages, with a pub that backs on to the River Thames.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten September 17, 2023
- Millie024Llantwit Major, United Kingdom532 contributionsImpressive modelsLast visited nearly 50 years ago, we were impressed by the magnificent standard of the models. My husband was thrilled with the model railways too. Shows the Vale of White Horse in the 1920s. Had all the little people been real, nearly all would be dead by now, which was a sad thought. There is a small car park outside, and you can have a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer cafe. One man had to manage both the cafe and entrance tickets and was doing a splendid job. There is a small shop too.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 19, 2023
- Aberystwyth6 contributionsFantastic dayHave been 3 times before, and had yet another fantasic visit. The staff gave us a warm welcome and were friendly and knowledgeable, passing on that knowledge in an easy to understand way. The models are just breathe taking. Keep up the good work all of you. This is a must place to visit if you have a couple of hours free.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 9, 2024
- Phil MSwindon, United Kingdom3 contributionsA museum for all agesThis museum has changed a lot since our last visit many years ago - and for the better. Plenty of information about the museum to start the journey around the displays. The models were exceptional and we we able to recognise some from near where we live - they were that good! The staff were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Certainly an eye opener for life in the past. Well worth the admission fee!Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
258 reviews
Excellent
206
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40
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2
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5
Chris2006
London290 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
We went there from Reading, train to Didcot then a £23 taxi ride. Then admission at £6+. I had been before in the 70s and been taken by the magic of the exquisite detail of the landscapes and trains. So I expected some renewal of impressions this time too. But oh what a disappointment. It is depressing that comments here mentioning the lack of trains persists. Don’t organisers read these reviews? So where were the trains? The first layout wasn’t working - reflections in the smeary glass made viewing this difficult. There were no notices telling what this layout was and why it wasn’t working. There was no member of staff on hand to explain. The other two layouts were apparently working but where were the trains? And what were the layouts attempting to show? Obviously a huge amount of energy and I guess finance has gone into them, but where were the explanations. The volunteer staff largely kept silent, well they are largely absent anyway. It was lunch time. The smeary glass did not allow clear views and the reflections from the lighting made matters worse. But there was no commentary, no notices of explanation, and no chuffing train noises. All very clinical and sanitised. It was only when we left were we told about the recorded listening devices - so why were we not told about them when we paid to come in? And apparently there are Q codes on labels all around the displays yet again no one mentioned them, and we don’t have smart phones anyway. So after 30 minutes we’d seen it all, and with no interaction from the volunteer staff we left wondering why we’d bothered coming - and at great expense (it was another £23 taxi fare back to Didcot). We decided to have lunch at the Plough Inn yet more high prices. But frankly walking through the village of Long Wittenden and talking to some locals was far more interesting than viewing dusty models and empty tracks. The magic I had remembered was well gone. Never again.
Written May 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yeovil81
Wallingford, UK13 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
A great little museum with fabulous historical railway layouts and run by enthusiastic and very helpful volunteers. 4 year old granddaughter loved it and was given her own step so she could see everything without being lifted up. Great value.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew C
Retford, UK78 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Visited this weekend with my 10year old son who had expressed an interest in modelling. What an amazing place, two floors of massive model railways in a level of detail which has to be seen to be believed. Despite a few electrical problems the two active exhibits were working well and the staff were enthusiastic, informative and generous with their time. The coffee in the cafe was also great quality! (and price).
A great 2.5hrs spent and we came away with my son planning his first layout🙂🙂
You will need to walk the museum at least x2 as each time you'll notice something different!
Try to spot the guy using the urinal in The Vale Scene!!
A great 2.5hrs spent and we came away with my son planning his first layout🙂🙂
You will need to walk the museum at least x2 as each time you'll notice something different!
Try to spot the guy using the urinal in The Vale Scene!!
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan N
5 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Without doubt this is the most detailed and realistic model railway I have ever seen. I have been to the Hamburg Wunderland exhibition the worlds largest model railway which is aimed at the masses with model boats and an airport too.
Pendon model railway Museum is something special that is aimed at the fine scale modeller and focuses on just that including real locations.
If I had the choice of visiting just one, I would pick Pendon although much smaller the detail is stunning. By Paul Maguire (Modeller) Stockport .Cheshire
Pendon model railway Museum is something special that is aimed at the fine scale modeller and focuses on just that including real locations.
If I had the choice of visiting just one, I would pick Pendon although much smaller the detail is stunning. By Paul Maguire (Modeller) Stockport .Cheshire
Written July 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David V
2 contributions
May 2022
The volunteer staff were welcoming and helpful. The models of buildings in the landscape were probably the best you are likely to see anywhere and evoke the spirit of a bygone era of British countryside. Lots of intricate detail and accurate interprettions of the railways of the 1930's The information boards were informative. There are stairs to the different levels ,not too steep, but a stair lift is available . The cafe was small but nice and the prices were not too dear.
Written May 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave C
Chassat, Limousin, France31 contributions
Jul 2023
I’ve been watching this museum evolve from magazines etc over the last 50 years, and finally got to visit today. It was far better then I expected, and the detailed models are exquisitely made. We spent a couple of hours there and we had to leave as we’d visited en route home after a holiday. The volunteers were all friendly and very knowledgable, the cafe was good and I picked up some very reasonably priced secondhand books. This place should be preserved forever as a snapshot of the area in the 1930s. I can see how younger visitors and those who do not know what they are coming to see could expect something different, but anyone who cannot spare the time to make an honest review (dusty models, really? It was spotless!). Keep up the good work, I just wish I lived nearer to get involved a bit more.
Written July 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toryu
Reading, UK358 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
While located off the main region routes, this is a great treat for anyone with even an inkling of interest for model landscapes and the ever classic miniature trains.
Featuring three scenarios alongside the history of the museum, each featuring its own brand of charm, anyone will get lost in the little details and pick one as their favourite (Dartmoor Valley for me, any day).
For kids (let's face it, adults as well), there are landmark/scene hunt activities.
Featuring three scenarios alongside the history of the museum, each featuring its own brand of charm, anyone will get lost in the little details and pick one as their favourite (Dartmoor Valley for me, any day).
For kids (let's face it, adults as well), there are landmark/scene hunt activities.
Written August 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Millie024
Llantwit Major, UK532 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Last visited nearly 50 years ago, we were impressed by the magnificent standard of the models. My husband was thrilled with the model railways too. Shows the Vale of White Horse in the 1920s. Had all the little people been real, nearly all would be dead by now, which was a sad thought. There is a small car park outside, and you can have a cup of tea or coffee in the foyer cafe. One man had to manage both the cafe and entrance tickets and was doing a splendid job. There is a small shop too.
Written October 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raymondo
Swansea, UK29 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Superb if you understand modelling. Worth a visit if you appreciate quality models. It takes you back in time and is explained by knowledgable volunteers. I suggest you go round twice as you miss a lot the first time. Have a tea in small cafe area and go round again. A must place to visit for all modellers.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phil M
Swindon, UK3 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This museum has changed a lot since our last visit many years ago - and for the better. Plenty of information about the museum to start the journey around the displays. The models were exceptional and we we able to recognise some from near where we live - they were that good! The staff were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Certainly an eye opener for life in the past. Well worth the admission fee!
Written February 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingPendon Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Pendon Museum
- Pendon Museum is open:
- Sat - Sun 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Pendon Museum:
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- (0.35 mi) The Plough Inn
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- (0.27 mi) The Plough Inn
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