Merrivale Model Village — Attraction in Great Yarmouth

Having visited Great Yarmouth with the larger family (17 in total) me, my wife and 3 children (4yo, 3yo, 1yo) decided to go off in our own for a bit to deliver stress. As we walked along the sea front we came to this model village and on a whim we decided to stop in.

We all had a great time. The kids loved pressing the buttons to set on the animations through, and me and my wife enjoyed the scenic walk through the models and gardens.

We also loved to basic mini golf at the start. Having wondered if your kids were old enough to take to mini golf, it was a great first experiance (and a lesson that they are too young!). The kids did however thoughtfully enjoy it, despite not knowing what to do, or listening to us trying to teach.

It took us no more than a couple of hours visiting, but that was more than enough time for a casual stroll through.

Many have said to us how expensive this was for a couple of hours, and yes for a single visit it probably is on the peicer side. However the entry fee covers return visits over a 7 day period. As we were only there for our last day of a long weekend we knew we wouldn't be returning. But if we were there longer and had visited earlier in our stay, we probably would have revisited and I think that makes it worth the entry fee.

The only thing I would suggest to make it a bit more interactive for kids would maybe to incorporate a tressure hunt style game. They could issue a sheet on arrival with a list/pictures of certain characters or objects to look out for throughout the models. I feel this would make it more engaging for children and adults. I know my kids would have enjoyed this. Having said that, it may be this is offered and we missed it on entry.

As you exit the village there is a old times style arcade and a cafe. We didn't stop as had to get back to the family (and spent all morning in other arcades along the peire). I beleive however these are visitable even without going through the model village.

To summerise, great time and if we are ever back we would definatly...

We were in Yarmouth as a Trio with a doggo (myself, my disabled boyfriend and my disabled mother). We went to the Miniature Village on a Thursday (the day before we went home from holiday) and we should have gone in on the Monday 🤣. This was one of the few things we could all do together as much in Yarmouth isn’t actually easily accessible. We arrived and didn’t have to wait at all, the staff at reception were very informative about what extras our tickets unlocked for us! If we had gone on the day we arrived, we could have spent more time going back 😅. The place itself was mobility scooter friendly (with a good battery) and for a manual chair, some parts were a little steep but I managed to get the manual chair over as they are only small ramps instead of long inclines. My mum remembered things from her childhood as many things are exactly the same as they were when she was young too. Both of the disabled adults were mentally capable and LOVED the experience, so did I as an able bodied 25 year old 🤣. The miniatures may look like they’re all for kids but… if you look closely enough you’ll find LOTS of adult humour. They have such a cool retro and old penny arcade machines at the end part before the tea room. Mum got a funny fortune and we all killed our arms with the spinning racing games. Can’t comment on the Tea Room as we didn’t end up going into that part - staff let us out the back door for ease with the chairs and dog (this meant that my boyfriend got to have a good experience with his dog at the beach after our day in the village). Will definitely be going again next time and trying the mini golf, the boat racing again and the Tea Room. Only issue may be is that the toilets are back at the beginning so leave enough time to make it back there! They were accessible for someone that isn’t wheelchair bound. Thank you for an amazing visit. We spent around 4 hours in there and would still love to...

A step back to a timeless age when Britain could be identified little islands of culture that are represented by the miniatures throughout the land that is Merrivale. There was an odd feeling of serenity in the village - despite being located in the midst of what is essentially a theme park in Yarmouth Sea Front - however it was well received by my family, especially my wife. The models had what can be described as a dated humour, with many models performing slapstick style stunts, accompanied with an arsenal of puns for their names. My daughters favourite was Dr. I Lash - the optician - you can see where I’m going with this… despite the dated humour and feel for the place, you can tell it is created with love, the models are all situated in a well kept garden with plant labels, giving that extra bit of care and education for those who are willing to look. Not only was the garden and grounds home to miniatures, but also hosted many hedge sparrows - it was delightful to see so many of the small birds flittering about the landscape - to me this pushed the village to 5 stars. There was much more to this attraction - mini golf, 19th century arcade, modern arcade, gift shop and tea rooms - but to be honest - I was happy with the peaceful walk through the gardens. What’s more - I got to see some physical artwork by Banksy - so… gardens, landscaping, artwork and entertainment all for under £30 for a family of 4. I would highly recommend for anyone...