Godshill Model Village

• Godshill Model Village, Godshill, Isle of Wight, represents the village of Godshill and Shanklin.
• Walk around the beautifully intricate model village to see life in the 30's.
• Spot beautiful conifers, shrubs, and more as you go around the Old Vicarage gardens.
• Pop into the shop for a souvenir, or have a bite to eat at the Nammet Hut.

Godshill Model Village is one of the most interesting places to visit on the Isle of Wight. It's a family run business, who have been caring for the open miniature village since the 1960's.

In the grounds of the Old Vicarage, the Model Village is timeless and a great way to get lost thanks to its intricate detail.

As an RHS Partner Garden, the miniature village is set in stunning scenery. A unique Isle of Wight attraction, if you've enjoyed Blackgang Chine and Sandown Beach, you'll be sure to enjoy Godshill Model Village.

The model village is laid out of the Old Vicarage gardens; the attraction is almost a two in one experience, as the site has an impressive collection of local trees for those interested in Isle of Wight nature. This includes over 3,000 conifers and shrubs, as well as Pissards Plums, English Oaks and Juniperous Recurva Coxii.

They are kept small to represent trees in the village. This Isle of Wight model village was initially built in the 1950s and is representing Godshill and Shanklin in the 1930's.

Houses in Shanklin were measured and photographed so they would be accurately sized down.

The houses are built from sand and cement so that the elements would appropriately weather them down to look more realistic, but some of the houses are just painted. The houses are thatched in the same way houses around the area are, using the same straw that Isle of Wight thatchers use.

Helen Egleton creates the model people, and each cost around £100 to make. Godshill Model Village opened to guests in the 1970's.

For families, Godshill Model Village has created sheets and quizzes to help children focus on what to see. How many squirrels can you see playing in the village?

Can you see the trains whizzing around the tracks, and can you find out where they're going? What scenes can you see being played inside the model village?

Looking at all the tiny details will have you spending hours at the village, and there'll be something new you notice every time you go around. One walk around takes about 45 minutes, but spend a little longer, and there'll be something amazing you can see.

Can you find the scale model of the model village? What about the scale model of the scale model of the model village?

Are you feeling hungry? If the weather is good, Godshill Model Village opens the Nammet Hut, serving everything from ice cream to a cup of tea.

Nammet is an Isle of Wight word meaning bread and cheese, though now it also refers to sandwiches. There's also a picnic area, allowing to experience Godshill Model Village from a higher angle, and letting the kids run around in the open air.

If you want to remember your experience, the shop has something for everyone. With nautical-themed goodies for the adults, to games the children can play on the car drive home, it's a great way to remember such a fun day out.

If you'd like to explore the larger Godshill after your trip, there are plenty of places to see, places to eat and even stay in. Godshill is in the south-east of the island, between Newport and Ventnor.

With a population of around 1,459, it's an ancient village first recorded in the 11th century.

Tansy's Pantry serves delicious meals and has plenty of cakes if you're a sweet tooth. Woods Kitchen is in a beautiful stone building, with wisteria climbing up the walls, and serves classic British cuisine.

Chocolate Island is a dessert shop in the village, so great if you're craving something sweet.

You can also find plenty of shops serving classic fish and chips, as well as two great pubs; The Griffin which has a brilliant Griffin-shaped maze and children's playground that's great for families, and The Taverners. For places to stay, there's something for a variety of budgets.

Chequers Inn is an 18th-century property, brightly lit, with free breakfast.

Koala Cottage also has a gorgeous exterior, with French-style rooms, and even has a sauna if you're interested in having a relaxing moment. Godshill Park Cottages are in beautiful countryside and are particularly luxurious, but if you want to feel like the leader of the Manor, Godshill Park House is very nearby and also the lap of luxury.

What to know before you go

• The Godshill Model Village opening times are 10am to 4pm, but this may be subject to change depending on the season.
• The Godshill Model Village is entirely accessible for wheelchairs, including all buildings.
• The miniature village is accessible for buggies.
• There is disabled parking opposite the Village Shop, as well as in the council car park.
• There are public toilets on the site, which includes an accessible toilet.
• There are baby changing facilities in the bathrooms.
• Dogs can walk around the model village if they're on a short lead.
• The village is out in the open, so you might need an umbrella if the weather turns.

Getting there

• Godshill Model Village is set in Godshill High Street.
• On foot, there are several footpaths to get to the Model Village.
• By bike, there are several cycle routes.
• On the bus, you'll need bus routes 2 & 3 which will take you from Newport, Shanklin or Ryde.
• For those travelling by car, there is a free council car park in the High Street, and then a short walk around the corner.