SOMETIMES it really is about the journey, as train enthusiasts will know too well.
While most rail fanatics will go trainspotting on station platforms, or travel across the country to journey on the shortest stretch of track, others like to replicate their favourite train hubs as model builds.
One place hobbyists can really let themselves geek out is the seaside town of Margate, which is home to The WonderWorks.
Back in the 1950s, the WonderWorks became home to Hornby Hobbies, a company known for producing scale models.
Previously known as the Hornby Visitor Centre, the WonderWorks has attracted thousands of rail and model-making enthusiasts from around the world.
The WonderWorks is home to several attractions, including controlling a model railway.
Visitors can watch from above as tiny model steam locomotives pass by rural scenes before snaking through modern buildings.
The WonderWorks also hosts interactive Scalextric exhibits, showcasing the evolution of Scalextric through the ages.
Guests can go wheel-to-wheel racing on the Scalextric layouts, including the exhilarating Grand Prix Du Margate Circuit and Batman’s Gotham City.
There’s also an Airfix Exhibit where visitors can learn about the oldest UK manufacturer of scale plastic model kits.
Visitors can get hands-on at the quickbuild station and craft replicas of well-known aircraft.
Meanwhile, another exhibition focuses on the history of Corgi Models, with legendary models like an original gold 261 Aston Martin DB5 and 267 Batmobile with Batman and Robin on display.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Inside the UK seaside town home to the country’s longest beach and its biggest ice creams” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6359985431112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]The WonderWorks also has Pocher models on display, and there’s an on-site cafe serving a range of food and drink.
Entry tickets cost £5 for a full-paying adult and £2.50 for kids.
The WonderWorks is open seven days a week from 10.30am to 4pm.
It has been praised by visitors on TripAdvisor, with a 4/5-star rating from hundreds of reviews.
One person wrote: “An absolutely adorable place to visit; it’s a very welcoming, bright, lively place.
“There are lots of displays of vintage toys, with some dating back to 1935 and the trains were fascinating to watch.”
Another added: “A lovely morning visit, with lots of interactive things for the kids.”
Margate has been growing in popularity in recent years and has even been named one of the trendiest towns in the country.
The Kent town is popular with Londoners, with trains taking just over an hour from the city centre.
Popular attractions include Dreamland, Margate Beach, Walpole Bay Lido and the underground Shell Grotto.
Margate is also popular with celebrities, with Hollywood actors Pedro Pascal and Olivia Colman, Lily Allen, artist Tracey Emin, and Libertines frontman Pete Doherty all having been spotted in the town.
And a new one-of-a-kind train tour will make its way around the UK, stopping at 60 stations – it’s free to get onboard and has three carriages filled with attractions.
Here’s a UK train and bus attraction that’s rarely open, and it’s like stepping back to London’s golden age of travel.
