Prior to visiting, (this was my third visit) I had researched Pendon and Royce England very carefully. There are several books to buy: In Search of a Dream is the first and a later edition brings the history of Pendon up-to-date. A very good book I strongly recommend reading is Cottage Modelling for Pendon. Although an instruction book for modellers, the book clearly illustrates how the buildings of Pendon are made. Did you know that the interiors are modelled too. Did you know that there is a model of Royce England holding a sketchbook on the display? It was made by an enthusiastic lady in the USA. She presented it to Roye who examined it very carefully, and although complimentary about her work, pointed out that she had given him long socks (he only wore shorts) and he wore ankle socks. The level of detail is amazing. Bricks are painted on together with the mortar. Absolutely painstaking. Even the ducks on the pond are hand made as well as the cat. And I haven’t got to the rolling stock, track and signals. But I’ll stop here.

A lovely visit in the rainy weather to Pendon Museum! Three incredible miniature scenes with so much attention to detail you could spend days looking at everything there! Quite incredible! On the 3rd and largest landscape we had Robin very attentively show us around and tell us all about the scene! So insightful and lovely stories emerging from him showing us such intricate details in scenes from the overall landscape and his knowledge of everything was just incredible!

I have visited this 'museum' many times over the last fifty years and it's always a pleasure. Volunteer run, there are three model railways to see. One, the Madder Valley is not normally operating but is worth twenty minutes at least just absorbing and admiring the quality of the modelling and the humour of some of the place names. [Gammon Magna for example.] It was constructed many years ago and was possibly the first real attempt at realistic modelling. By which I mean that a photo of the model would make you wonder if it was a real place. In the next room the Dartmoor scene has a similar standard of modelling but done over the last sixty years or so, with realistic trains running at realistic speeds through realistic scenery. This model was initially constructed to allow visitors to see some moving trains before the main exhibit was ready, and it has been steadily improved over time. Meanwhile upstairs is a huge rural scene with Great Western trains running through the Vale of the White Horse, with wide open spaces between intricate models of villages. Scale buildings take the volunteers a year to construct and to a high standard- see how many leaves there are on the cabbages in the cottage gardens! Most- maybe all- models are based on existing historic buildings, in some cases where dimensions and photographs were taken before the originals were demolished. Its a labour of love which will be appreciated by anyone with an appreciation of times gone by and modelling perfection.

This was our first ever visit to the Pendon museum and recommended by a friend. Set in a small country village near Oxford. What a wonderful little museum of large model railways and miniature villages. The attention to detail of the displays is breathtaking and has to be seen to appreciate it. Excellent for all ages. Run by very friendly and informative volunteers. Must be one of the finest and largest model railway scenes in the country. Parking just outside the entrance. Around £7 per adult entrance fee which is very reasonable we thought. Allow up to 2 hours for the visit and the step back in time to the 1920s and 30s. Highly recommend for all the family.

First, and certainly not the last visit. Wonderful displays of just not railways but local scenes of a long lost time. The detail is breathtaking and the scenes unbelievably realistic. Lots of trains running and plenty of volunteers on hand to answer questions.

Pendon is a magic hidden gem, completely unique. Whether you are interested in railways or local and social history, this is a fascinating timewarp taking you back to 1920-30s village life. The detailing of the village houses and landscaping is unbelievable. Have a look at one or two YouTube videos for a taster.