While we were on holiday a few weeks ago, we visited Merrivale Model Village in Great Yarmouth. I thought that it looked somewhere fun and that Monkey would love, with all of the trains running around and the miniature houses and people. And, well, I was right! He very much enjoyed himself.
Right on the seafront in Great Yarmouth, there are short stay spaces along the road if you arrive early enough and/or are lucky, but there is also a long stay car park almost opposite so parking was no problem for us at all.
The model village itself is very sweet, though Monkey did initially try to pick up the cars and people, thinking they were toys! Thankfully we caught him in time and he never managed to get close enough to do any damage. He was very intrigued by everything though, especially the trains running by.
There is all sorts of different scenes to have a look at, from burning houses, robbers being chase by police, big sports stadiums, farms, a circus, honestly, so many different scenarios.
Some of them have buttons to be pressed which is great and really interactive for the kids. Toddlers love pushing buttons (or at least my toddler does) so this was a very big hit with him! When the buttons are pressed either music is played, there is talking or some of the acts move. Monkey particularly liked the buttons that made the trains move!!
We had really lovely time and were lucky to go on such a sunny day as we got some lovely family shots and of him enjoying some time with his uncle.
At the end of the village there is a miniature golf area, which is included in the price. Daddy tried to teach Monkey how golf worked, and sometimes he was cooperative…
…but other times he was less so.
He did have great fun rolling the balls around and catching them, though I am glad we were there on a quiet day as there was no-one else on the miniature golf at the same time as us. If there had been I have a feeling Monkey would have caused chaos!
On the way out there is a penny arcade, with a mixture of modern machines, and some very cool old fashioned machines which all used the old big 1 pence piece! There was also a machine with Sooty & co. in which played music, and this really fascinated Monkey!
He also had some fun in some good old ride on cars 🙂
We had a lovely time at Merrivale model village and I would definitely recommend it. Although, we were only there for a couple of hours at the most and you certainly wouldn’t be able to spend the whole day there. So do go along as it is lovely, but plan something else to do for the rest of the day, either before or after, as you won’t need to be there too long!
I love places like that but my boys have outgrown them now.
Caroline
http://www.puttingyourlifeinorder.blogspot.co.uk
Aww yeah I guess not so interesting as they get older! x
This looks so much fun. I’ve always wanted to go to a model village, unfortunately I don’t think there are any round here x
Yeah there isn’t any near us either so was lovely to go while we were away 🙂 x
Looks like there’s lots to see and do there. I do love model villages myself 🙂
It was very cute and lots of fun 🙂 x
It looks like Monkey had a wonderful time and enjoyed looking at the miniature world and playing crazy golf with his Daddy. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
He really did, thanks Fiona 🙂 xx
Well both mine would love that, but especially my daughter-she does love a bit of mini golf. Love the picture of monkey running away from daddy 🙂
Aww I bet they would! haha yep he is not one for being constrained! 🙂 xx
That looks great, we love a good model village – so much to talk about with kids #CountryKids
You’re absolutely right, so much to see and talk about all in one place! xx
Love a good model village but I have to admit that the very first thing that came into my mind was a brilliant quote from the film Hot Fuzz: “If you want to be a big cop in a small town, f*** off down the model village!” – sorry to lower the tone! 🙂 On a more appropriate note – it does look like a fun hour or so for a toddler and makes me think of Legoland. I always assume that Legoland began as a model village (made of Lego, obvs) but I have no idea if that’s actually true… X #countrykids
Lol, don’t worry about lowering the tone, you really made me chuckle! 🙂 Yeah I have to say I haven’t been to legoland so now idea if it is true either, sounds like a good theory though! xx
Wow what absolutely stunning pictures. I love the colours of the flowers, they just pop. I love model villages and have fond memories of them growing up, looks like a great day #countrykids
Thank you, the flowers there were beautiful, worth seeing almost as much as the model village itself! xx
I love model villages – we have one at Beaconsfield which is fairly near and have spent a few happy afternoons there.
Aww must be lovely to have one not too far away to pop and visit a bit more 🙂 x
I;ve seen the odd post about this here and there and it looks a really nice day out.
It is really lovely 🙂 xx
Looks great fun! We have a model village near us in Torquay – we haven’t visited yet, but it’s definitely on the list of things to do this summer… 🙂
Ooh yes you definitely should, hope it is as nice as this was xx
This looks fab,I would love to take my little girl somewhere like this though we have nothing like this in N.Ireland at present but maybe in the future we’ll get a trip over. love the pictures!
Ah that’s a shame, it was lovely, maybe one day 🙂 xx
I LOVE YARMOUTH! It was where we went literally every single family holiday when we were young. Holds such lovely memories. I like proper old seaside places. I’m sad there were no bum shots 😉 hope you’re doing well lovely xxx
I MEANT BUMP NOT BUM! ha ha ha ha x
hahahaha I saw this comment first, thank goodness 😉 Great Yarmouth is fab, so much to see and do, I am sure we will go back again! I am not bad ta, will be doing a bump update post on Wednesday I think 🙂 xx
Looks like a lovely day out. Kids love model villages. My kids loved it when we went to one on the Isle of Wight.
#WhatstheStory
Thanks lovely, they are great places for kids aren’t they? xx
Awww I have heard of this place and I want to go there. Too far me thinks! As always looks like a fun trip for you and Little Monkey! Who wouldnt love those little people =) #whatsthestory
It was fab, shame it is too far for you, maybe there is a model village somewhere nearer? xx
That looks a fantastic place to have a great day out. I’ve never seen anything like that before x
Aww it really was lovely and a great place for the kids to explore xx
What a lovely day out, looks like everyone had fun! Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested
Thanks it really was lovely and a lot of fun 🙂 xx
He’s so sweet, looks like a great day out!
Donna
x
Aww thank you, it really was lovely 🙂 xx
What a lovely day out! How exciting to feel such a giant!
Thanks for linking up with #TriedTested
lol, thanks 🙂 xx
This looks fantastic! We have a model village near us too that I’m dying to take A to. Just waiting for him to learn how to walk so he can explore on his own. thanks for sharing #triedtested
Thank you , it is lovely and definitely a good idea when he finds his feet and can have a good explore! xx
Ah I remember going here as a kid and absolutely loving it! So amazed it is still there!
x x
Aww I love things like that, I wonder if it’s changed much!? xx
I was trying to remember where the one that I used to go to with an Aunt was and then I saw Afra’s comment, and it’s that one 🙂 Great fun, and it looks like Monkey enjoyed it!
Aww lovely to bring back memories, it was lots of fun! 🙂 xx
Oh wow Caroline Merrivale sounds and looks amazing. I love the photos and Monkey’s face, he looks like he’s having a ball. Seems Great Yarmouth is full of things to do, we loved SEA LIFE! Lovely post, thanks for sharing with #whatsthestory
Thanks Charly, it is lovely and you’re right, Great Yarmouth has so much to do! xx