Choo choo choose this Mevagissey attraction if you like really small well-crafted details or if you’re a trainspotter. Also choose the Mevagissey Model Railway, which is also known as the World of Model Railways, if you want to see something a little different to all those boats out in the beautiful village’s harbour.
More than 30 trains move around the model railways inside this attraction, each travelling through a variety of landscapes, with some incredible details to keep people of all ages fascinated during a visit. There are towns, the countryside, the seaside and an alpine feature, plus there are scenes from around Cornwall, including the tin mines and the china clay hills. Beware: there’s even the famous Beast of Bodmin Moor lurking in one of the scenes, waiting to jump out and frighten unsuspecting passengers.
There’s actually some pretty cool interactive features here, such as lights and sounds that can be controlled by visitors so that the scenes are brought even more to life. Some of the details include a kingfisher on a ‘no fishing’ sign and a ski lift with cable cars and eager skiers waiting to hit the piste. For kids, ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ characters should delight, as will a model circus that’s come to town.
Mevagissey Model Railway, or World of Model Railways, opened in 1971 and celebrated its 50th anniversary not too long ago. The attraction, which may be closed for maintenance on your journey so do check ahead, is pretty close to Mevagissey’s harbour. It is also connected to a well-stocked model shop. Plus, the staff here are keen to teach visitors about how they can start a model railway themselves at home or in their garden.
Regular events are run at the venue, including model-making challenges and art competitions for kids, but undoubtedly the biggest draws are those interactive model railway sets that you can lose yourself in for hours, remembering that it is possible for trains – no matter how small they may be – to actually run on time.