HOW LONG DO I NEED?
Customer research shows that our visitors spend on average 2 hours on site. During evening opening, many visitors return in the evening to see illuminations (your tickets are valid all day) making the total day+evening visit time 3 to 4 hours.
As a minimum we recommend you allow 1.5 hours per visit.
Research also highlighted that the village is much bigger than most first-time visitors expect. Much may be missed if you rush it!
IS THERE A CAR PARK?
We do not have our own car park but adjacent to the Model Village there is a local authority owned car park (with a nominal charge) that serves the Babbacombe & St Marychurch area.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED IN THE PARK?
Yes, except for the cafe and 4D theatre, as long as they are kept on a short lead.
CAN WE GET SOMETHING TO EAT?
Gulliver's cafe serves a range of snacks and refreshments along with lunches, hot and cold meals and afternoon teas. The cafe has been refurbished (From Easter 2010) with a new menu and much more extensive range of hot meals.
The cafe is open all day, with hot meals generally served from 12 noon until 3.00pm, and lighter bite hot and cold snacks (paninis, bacon rolss etc) served 1030-430 (8.30 during summer evening opening) Meals can be enjoyed in the cafe or out on the terrace. During the peak summer, the burger kiosk is also open on the terrace.
WILL THE WEATHER AFFECT MY VISIT?
Without a doubt the village is mostly outdoors/gardens and is best seen in drier weather, however we do have several mini indoor exhibitions - 4D Theatre, Model Railway, Movie Miniatures, Behind the Scenes audio display and our new Little Enders Soap set and Victorian Winter Village. All these could collectively pass 45 mins to an hour, if the weather is inclement. If it is hot and sunny and you want to enjoy the beach too, we are just a short walk from the beautiful oddicombe beach and cliff railway.
I HEAR IT IS GOOD TO SEE THE VILLAGE DURING THE DAY AND IN THE EVENING?
When we are open in the evenings we strongly recommend you visit day and night to see the famous illuminations which are magical. Many of our visitors choose to do this . Your park admission tickets are valid all day, or we do have 14-day holiday passes for just £1.50 extra- see here for more details.
If you are pushed for time to make two visits then why not consider arriving just before dusk - around 7.30-8.30pm (summer) - see the beauty of the gardens during the daylight and then experience the magical illuminations as dusk sets in.See opening times
WHAT IS THE BEST DAY AND TIME TO VISIT?
We are open all year and have a range of exciting events - illuminations, Halloween Horrors, Winter Wonderland and two exciting new 4D films for 2010
As a rule, the dry cloudy days are busiest, warm sunny days are medium busy and rainy days are the quietest. Of course, school holidays will always be the busiest overall.
Babbacombe Model Village is one of the west country's most popular attractions, during school holidays it can get busy (Especially May half term, mid July to end of August and 19th to 24th Dec). If you like to avoid crowds then bear in mind that during summer school holidays the busiest days are usually mid week - Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, with Fridays to Mondays the quietest days (contrary to what many people expect). During the peak summer Fridays and Saturdays are the quietest days.
The busiest time of day in the summer is usually 10am to 3pm. When we are open until very late it is usually very quiet between 5pm to 8pm. Evenings are always more tranquil than the daytimes. Click here for details of illuminations. (from about 8.00pm in the summer)
Winter Wonderland is our very special event and runs for 1 month. Full details and tips about this event will be available on our website nearer the time. If you require details sooner please email us for current details.
CAN WE MAKE IT A FULL DAY OUT?
The Model Village is set in the beautiful Babbacombe bay area. Within easy walking distance is the babbacombe downs with spectacular views, the cliff railway to the beautiful oddicombe beach (so if it's a hot sunny day, why not spend some time on the beach and visit us!). There are also a range of shops and pubs in the area. Bygones Victorian museum is just around the corner and Kents Cavern is 1.5 mile drive away.
Click here for a sky view of the area
WHAT IS YOUR POSTCODE (FOR SATNAV)?
Our postcode is TQ1 3LA, however this will lead you to the Hampton Avenue side of the local authority car park which is no entry. Please follow the brown signs when you get very close. You can use TQ1 4PR this will lead you to the car park entrance off St Marychurch Road.
WHAT ABOUT DISABILITY ACCESS - ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?
There are discounts and special arrangements for people with special needs and accompanying registered carers. Wheelchair users or blind persons are admitted free of charge. Please ask for special rates at admissions.
Click here for full details
