Babbacombe Model Village
No visit to Torquay is complete without a visit to the famous Babbacombe Model Village
Our guests who stay at Riviera Retreat love to visit this popular place. It’s one of Torquay’s top attractions. It is famous for its miniature landscaped gardens, leading it to be branded as one of Europe’s premier model villages and one of Torquay’s most beautiful gardens. And not just small gardens – you can explore 4 acres of award-winning gardens which showcase hundreds of uniquely hand-crafted model scenes, vehicles & people.
Where is Babbacombe Model Village?
2.5 miles from Torquay harbour in the pretty area of St. Marychurch/Babbacombe. Follow the brown signs to Model Village once you are in the Torquay/Torbay area. Satnav/Google maps postcode is TQ1 3LA but note the car park is accessed from St Marychurch Road (A379).
What will you see at Babbacombe Model Village?
Immerse yourself in a miniature world with hundreds of model scenes and all kinds of goings-on. There are over 400 models of houses, stately homes, factories, shops and entertainment venues. You will recognise some well-known landmarks such as Bath Crescent. This model on it’s own cost around £30,000 to create.
You can walk back in history through 6 decades of life in Britain, as the village portrays British life and culture over the decades and is sure to bring to life those childhood memories!
There are many styles from medieval through Shakespearean to Victorian and over 13,000 miniature people who live in the village. A 1/12th scale model railway loops around the middle of the gardens.
Children can use the spotter sheet to see what they can find (pick up your free spotter on arrival) which includes a new bug trail. There are several fun indoor features too, such as the ‘Little Enders’ soap set, the Victorian Snowy village and the World of movie miniatures.
How long should I spend at Babbacombe Model Village?
We recommend at least 2 hours and go around twice, to see all the details you might have missed first time around as this will greatly enhance your experience. It is the biggest model village in the country and, spread out into a beautiful valley, is much bigger than most people anticipate.
How much does it cost?
ADULT:
ADVANCE BOOK: £17.75 – GATE (WALK-IN): £19.50
SENIOR (over 65):
ADVANCE BOOK: £16.75- GATE (WALK-IN): £18.25
CHILD (3 to 15 yrs):
ADVANCE BOOK: £14.75 – GATE (WALK-IN): £16.25
4 OR MORE PAYING – Save 50p per person off above prices.
(Must be paid in one transaction)
CARD PAYMENTS ONLY ON-SITE
The gardens
Whether a keen garden enthusiast or just a casual admirer the gardens are really something special here.
You will find hundreds of varieties of plants, shrubs and trees and many new ones planted each year. Colourful in the summer and even during the winter months the abundance of conifers makes this a lovely green and lush visitor experience.
