World of Model Railways

Hundreds of tiny trains wind their way through lovingly detailed landscapes at this proper old-school model railway exhibition near Mevagissey. The layouts span several scales and eras, from steam-hauled goods trains chugging through miniature Cornish villages to sleek intercity services racing past modern stations.

Children press their noses to the glass cases watching locomotives navigate elaborate track systems complete with signals, level crossings and working turntables. The craftsmanship is genuinely impressive - every station platform has waiting passengers, every cottage garden blooms with tiny flowers.

Model railway enthusiasts could easily spend two hours here studying the technical details and spotting familiar locomotives. Younger children might lose interest after 45 minutes, though the moving trains and little people keep most engaged longer than you'd expect.

From the holiday parks around Pentewan Sands and Heligan, it's a short drive inland - perfect for a rainy afternoon when the coast's looking grim. The attraction works well combined with a visit to the nearby Lost Gardens of Heligan, making for a varied day out that keeps different generations happy. Railway buffs visiting Tregarton Park or The Meadows Campsite will find this a delightful detour from the usual Cornish seaside routine.