By Lyn Funnell 
Round the corner from Corfe Castle in Dorset is the Corfe Castle Model Village.
We visited it after we left the castle and we were very impressed by what we saw.
It’s a hand crafted 1/20th scale model of the village and castle as it was before Cromwell’s troops destroyed it in 1646 and it was opened to the public in 1966. The detail is amazing.
Local businessman Eddie Holland first fancied having a model village near the original castle in the 1950s.
When a property in the perfect situation came up for sale, he bought it and Jack Philips, who was a model village builder when they were fashionable, took two years to build it.
Everything was carefully made, including all the roof tiles, which are made out of Purbeck stone.
Music plays inside the church.
Jack maintained the model village for years afterwards.
Photo by Bella Schembri-Adams
As you go in, you pass a 17th century courtyard and a restaurant serving delicious home-cooked food.
You go through a door where a knight in armour greets you, then you walk through a garden with tables and seats.
At the bottom is a gap in the hedge, and there is the model village!
Past the village is another garden with giant games for the children – or anyone – to play, and further on are walks to explore.
There is also stocks and a pillory for photos.
We all agreed that Corfe Castle Model Village is a lovely place to spend half a day.
It’s well worth a visit!
Photo by Bella Schembri-Adams
The Square
Corfe Castle
Dorset
BH20 5EZ
info@cofrecastlemodelvillage.co.uk
www.cofrecastlemodelvillage.co.uk
01929 481234
March-October 10am-4pm
November-February weekends 11am-4pm
| Adults | £6.00 |
| Children | £4.50 |
| Family | £16.90 |
