Southsea Model Village

A miniature world spread across two acres near Hayling Island, Southsea Model Village is the sort of place that keeps both children and slightly obsessive adults occupied for a good couple of hours. You're walking through a lovingly detailed recreation of 1930s Britain - complete with tiny shops, railway lines, and working models that actually do things. The level of craftsmanship is genuinely impressive; someone has spent years getting the proportions right and painting every minuscule window frame.

It works best for families with kids aged four to twelve, though honestly, if you're into model railways or architectural detail, you'll find plenty to admire. Older children might lose interest after the first circuit, but the younger ones will spot something new each time round. Adults who remember these villages from their own childhood tend to have a proper nostalgic moment.

Open daily from 10.30am until 4.30pm, you'll want to allow at least ninety minutes to see it properly without rushing. The admission price isn't listed online, so ring ahead or check on arrival. It's a solid half-day activity that pairs well with the nearby beaches and the wider Isle of Wight attractions. If you're staying at St Helens Coastal Resort or Old Mill Holiday Park - both within six miles - this makes an easy wet-weather option or a quiet morning before heading to the coast. Nothing revolutionary, but the attention to detail rewards a slow walk-through. Worth the detour if you've got young ones in tow or you're the type who gets lost in model railways.