Merrivale

A fabulous model village on the sea front at Great Yarmouth

An Introduction to Merrivale Model Village

Merrivale is a model village, railway and gardens set in a beautiful one acre site on the seafront at Great Yarmouth. The attraction will appeal especially to families, who should take time to browse around the featured displays which incorporate many moveable parts and waterways. There is a vast array or displays to look at including a Victorian Holiday; Merrivale Zoo, Merrivale Fire Brigade; Athletic Stadium; Morris dancing and even replica Crown Jewels! Merrivale proudly boasts 350 metres of 45mm gauge railway track which runs throughout the gardens. There are many different types of locomotives to spot as well as some novelty vehicles. Merrivale is suitable for wheelchair users and the attraction also allows dogs on leads. On the site there is also a 9 hole crazy golf course with nearby picnic tables and benches. Attached to the model village is The Old Penny Arcade which houses vintage slot machines and the gift shop which sells a large range of postcards and branded Merrivale souvenirs as well as other seaside gifts. Just adjacent to the exit is a tearoom and outside terrace selling morning coffees, lunches and homemade cakes and traditional afternoon teas.

Local Websites

Merrivale Website (see for opening times and entry prices)

Merrivale Model Village Guided Picture Tour

We start our tour of Merrivale at the entrance. Situated midway along the sea front in Great Yarmouth, this model village entices visitors with example models, set around a pond, at the entrance. Once inside, a path winds its way around the various displays. You simply wander along the path and enjoy viewing the models, some with amazing intricate detail. This guided picture tour roughly shows the displays in order along the path visitors take. We can only show a few of the models here, as there are too many to show them all, you need to visit Merrivale for yourself to appreciate just how many model displays there actually are!
The entrance to Merrivale Model Village in Great Yarmouth
One of the first displays contains the Bell Inn public house	A rural farm scene, with thatched farmhouse and horses

The displays cater for all ages and in particular for the young ones. Children will love a visit to Merrivale where they can look out for their favourites or imagine rides on interesting fun fair attractions! Why not ask them to point out things they recognise as they walk around the model displays.
Thomas the Tank Engine running past Tudor fronted model buildings at Merrivale Model Village
Atomic Racer ride at Merrivale's model fun fair	Space Ride, set among beautiful gardens at Merrivale

For lovers of homes, property and architecture, a vast array of different styles is on display, including models from several era's including Medieval, Tudor, Georgian, Victorian and modern.
A model village church, surrounded by various thatched homes and even a thatched cricket pavilion
A grand mansion or palace, with an art class on the lawn!	The ruins of a medieval Abbey, with a group of Nuns

In the centre of the model village you will find a castle situated on a rocky mound overlooking a pond. This is a good place to see the village's impressive model railway, which crosses the pond via a bridge.
A model village church, surrounded by various thatched homes and even a thatched cricket pavilion
A train runs over the bridge across the pond	The castle in the centre of the gardens

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
As you wander around Merrivale, make sure you look out for the smaller models and the intricate detail. You will find some amazing surprises along the way including athletes and a romantic couple on a bridge!

At the end of your journey around Merrivale, it is worth taking a look over the whole village. It is a wonderful sight and it may prompt you to take the path that leads back to the beginning and start again on another walk around all the displays as it is amazing how many things you see second time around that you missed first time!

A view over Merrivale Model Village


Destination	Check In Date	Check Out Date	No Specific Dates

10 Things to SEE & DO at Merrivale Model Village in Great Yarmouth

Take a walk around all the displays and enjoy the different models set in beautiful gardens

Look out for things you recognise, such as Thomas the Tank Engine

Ask other members of your group to find something you have already spotted

Watch the trains run along the 350 metres of railway track, especially over the pond

Count the number of different types of vehicle your can see around the village

Have fun looking for the tiny and hidden models and figures - such as the rock climber

Visit during one of the summer evening openings, when all the models lights are lit up

Enjoy a game of mini-golf - there is a 9 hole course in the gardens

Visit the gift shop and try the vintage slot machines in "Old Penny Arcade"

Take a rest and have a refreshment in the cafe - morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea

Our Verdict

Merrivale Model Village is a firm family favourite in Great Yarmouth and a must visit attraction. New models are regularly added, so it is well worth a re-visit to see all the changes and additions. Also try and make one the evening summer openings to see Merrivale when all the models are lit up.