Bondville Model Village — Attraction in Bridlington

THERE IS AN UPDATE TO MY ORIGINAL POST WHICH IS WRITTEN BELOW AND MADE ME REDUCE MY STAR RATING.

I have loved this place for years, but my recent visit with my granddaughter was one of the best. I've always felt sad that it didn't reach its full potential and had started to look tired, but l'm happy to report that's not the case anymore. New owners have totally transformed it, a covered outdoor area on the tea room, new figures and models, a friendly guy who looks like he's constantly painting and repairing, a quiz that changes every 6 weeks and sponsorship from local businesses, all contribute to making this a fantastic time to spend a few hours. It was also nice to see the owner walking around and interacting with everyone and wonderful to see it so busy, the most amazing thing was how happy everyone looked, not one grumpy face or rude attitude, it must be the tiny village rubbing off, add to that Yorkshire tea and a perfect toasted teacakes (apparently the chocolate milkshake was great too) and you have one of the best things to do with the kids, though l'd quite like to go on my own sometime and just enjoy the tranquility.

UPDATE: I visited again yesterday, this time with my daughter in law and other grandkids, the youngest being 3 months. The work that had gone in for the Halloween half term was phenomenal and they had a great time finding all the hidden models, however, there is a minus to this visit and l need to explain, mostly because l felt my point wasn't really listened to and the explanation that they were really busy, was not adequate. Yes, it was half term and because it's a fantastic place to go with the kids, it was extremely busy, especially the cafe. I know there are plans to expand and it will be fantastic when they have, but for now, it's a little tight. Firstly my issue is reserving tables, l don't think this is a good idea at all, there were three completely empty that we were unable to sit at and so had to use the outside area, which was fine because the sun was out. As with all small babies, she needed feeding, the other two kids were pleasantly quiet colouring on a craft table (that was also inside), because this is the UK, the expected happened and l felt a bit of drizzle, just as it began, people inside vacated their table and l said to my daughter in law that she should go inside to feed the baby, for 30 seconds, all seemed good, l don't mind a bit of water and everyone else was happy. Then however the kids were ejected outside, because what we didn't know, was the policy gave priority to people who'd booked to paint pumpkins, there was no sign to tell us this, second, my daughter in law was asked to continue feeding outside as the table was now reserved. It would have been nice to allow her to finish, because it was 15 mins later before something happened and it was this that annoyed me most. The people sat at the table next to the now reserved one, got up and left, a waitress then changed the sign over to the newly vacated, l was just about to move us all over to the previous one, which had four seats, when the waitress then moved a couple sat a a table for two onto it, suggesting that it was better for them as it had more room, l was a bit lost for words. Thankfully, the sun was out again so we finished our coffees outside, just as the people arrived to take over the reserved table. What l didn't find out until later is the conversation my daughter in law overheard from the reserved table, one of them was some sort of influencer, invited to experience all the best this fantastic attraction has to offer, l felt sad when l heard this, we'd been forced to sit outside, whilst tables next to us had been reserved, when in fact it was only one that was required, something just wasn't right and yes, it was busy and yes we like most customers were patient and waited a while for our order without moaning, but what should be remembered, is everyone there yesterday is also...

I love all things miniature and this model village was pretty cute and fun. It was filled with all the things you would think to find in a village. Some of it seems like great business advertisements as real (or single real) business logos and phone numbers are displayed on some of the buildings. The quiz was a cool addition to the mix and the fact you could go around as many times as you want gives you time to appreciate it all.

Having said that it does look like it was made about fifty years ago, which obviously gives it a quaint look but it felt like it would appeal more to the elderly and young kids. Some of the people in the town seem to be figurines and not all that small, so they somewhat spoil the illusion of a miniature town. I still found some enjoyment out of it, but I expected more for £6 a person plus parking, luckily we found a free spot on the main road. The thing that brought the experience down to three stars was the lack of directions, like a one way rule. So whilst we were trying to view the village for the first time, other people were going back on themselves with prams and dogs, taking up most of the narrow pavement to presumably find the answers to the quiz. It would have made sense to have a one way system and then people can then can go around again to get the answer.

Looking at the reviews since the new ownership, it seems as though they like to respond passive aggressively as though your experience is only valid if it is giving the company high praises. If so, give me chance to get my popcorn. I review honestly and fairly, so people can make up their own minds. If every review had to be positive then there would be no...

What a little gem model village,you cant beat the service, everyone in the village where so happy & helpful.We pre booked afternoon tea (£15 pp £ 5 deposit each then pay when finished) in the cafe and weren't disappointed.The ham sandwiches where super delicious and fresh and the macarons exquisite 👌. Lemon cake was very tasty and the berry mouse was just fluffy and light and full of berry flavours.My partner had his scone with cream& jam and was so happy he couldn't stop grinning.All cakes and scones,biscuits are baked fresh on site daily. My partner started the cinversation on jam or cream 1st ?Well,myself and the cafe staff, enlightened him on how you eat it,all over the country and everyone has a way to eat their scones. The ladies where all super freindly and helpful. The coffee was also very nice, not badly priced,all in all this has been my best afternoon tea anywhere, and I've been to a few.(approx 20 tea rooms so far) just a very welcoming happy place.The model village is very well kept and has so much to look at, you can do a quiz on your way round which is very engaging for everyone of all ages.The gate keeper is super freindly too and helps out in the cafe serving when no one at the gate. Halloween was around the corner so they also had a quiz on the village which related to all the ghouls and witches 🧙‍ that had been carefully placed around the village.We had a thoroughly great time and would highly recommend a visit.We will definately go back in another season just to do the quiz! Best £8.50 I've spent in a long time. Again a big thankyou for a beautiful afternoon tea and a...