The WonderWorks is the culmination of model journey that began over 100 years with Frank Hornby and his passion for inventing, and desire to create educational toys for his sons.
Now, the reenergised and reimagined WonderWorks will surprise and delight all generations, connecting them with their passions and the brands they love.
Located in Margate, The WonderWorks is based in the old factory which became home to Hornby Hobbies in 1954. The former Hornby Visitor Centre opened in 2010 and attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. Featured in the popular TV series ‘Hornby: A Model World’, it has provided viewers with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Britain’s best loved model-making companies.
A visit to The WonderWorks will include showstopper exhibition pieces. These will be on show for a limited time before something else new and exciting takes centre stage, so keep your eye on our Facebook and Instagram or check our What’s On page to ensure you don’t miss out.
Operate and bring model railway layouts to life with the new HM7000 Control System.
Experience the Grand Prix Du Margate Circuit and Batman’s Gotham City.
Create miniature icons in history, from aircraft to tanks, cars and more.
The WonderWorks team can assist with all your needs. Come and explore our model world.
Hornby Hobbies and ultimately, the WonderWorks, are home to iconic brands spanning model railways, slot racing, die-cast models and plastic model kits. Immerse yourself with the brands that inspired the experience and browse a range of products across the group.
Journey through time and immerse yourself in the detail of ‘Hornby World’. This multitrack ’00’ scale layout tells many stories of everyday life and transforms from a historic-world landscape with rural scenes and steam locomotives, through to more modern times with tall buildings and commuters waiting to board the next High-Speed Train.
Marvel at the Hornby TT:120 scale locomotives and carriages as they slink through the scenic countryside on their very own miniature layout.
First introduced in 1920, Hornby has become the brand leader of ’00’ gauge model railways in Great Britain. Throughout its long history, Hornby has produced iconic sets, highly detailed locomotives and much more.
With new ideas and technology continuing to progress the hobby, including the launch in 2022 of Hornby TT:120, a new compact scale, and HM7000, a revolutionary new control system, Hornby continues to look forward to a new era of model railways.
The WonderWorks hosts interactive Scalextric exhibits showcasing the evolution of Scalextric through the ages. Visitors can explore displays of how the world’s most-loved slot racing brand is made, dive into the Scalextric integration with popular TV and film franchises and admire the greatest products of all time within the fascinating world of miniature racing.
But that’s not all! Guests of all ages can get their hands on the controllers and go wheel- to-wheel on the exciting Scalextric layouts, including the exhilarating Grand Prix Du Margate Circuit and Batman’s Gotham City.
First introduced in 1957, Scalextric has become one of the industry leaders in slot car racing. What began with basic electric tinplate cars 66 years ago, has now evolved into highly detailed plastic models.
Many slot-car miles have been travelled since 1957, with racing enthusiasts, club members and collectors joining children and young adults alike. With new ideas and technology constantly progressing the hobby, there will be many more journeys to come.
Explore the rich history of Airfix as you take a journey through time, marvelling at model kits through the decades, from the 1930s through to present day.
At the Airfix exhibit, you can step into the shoes of a pilot and have your photo taken in a life-sized Airfix sprue and delve into the artistry and precision of model-making. That’s not all – prepare to be captivated by detailed World War Two dioramas and gets hands-on at our Quickbuild station, crafting your very own replicas – no glue needed! With activities designed for all ages, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy.
Airfix is the oldest UK manufacturer of scale plastic model kits and has been producing kits for the mass market since 1952. They’ve taken on the challenge of replicating some of history’s most beautiful ships and vehicles, resulting in an incredibly diverse range of products.
The recent introduction of the Quickbuild brand, a range of brick-based models with no glue or paint needed, has been the perfect introduction to modelling for many new and younger beginners.
Journey through the history of CORGI models with some of the most iconic die-cast toys on display, including such legendary models as the original gold 261 Aston Martin DB5 and 267 Batmobile with Batman and Robin.
Discover modern CORGI ranges, including Aviation Archive, Vanguards and our entertainment licenced products, see how CORGI models are made today, and learn how we made a 1:12 scale version of the Triumph Scrambler 1200 motorcycle from the latest James Bond film, that is on display in the exhibit.
Corgi’s famous model vehicles have captured the imagination of millions since the brand was created by the Mettoy Company of Northampton in the 1930s. Today, the majority of Corgi cars, trucks and buses are produced as once-only Limited Editions and are often sold out within weeks of release.
The brand has been associated with numerous licenses during its history, from Batman to Thunderbirds, but the most famous of these is James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 from the film Goldfinger, which was originally issued in October 1965. It has gone on to sell over 3.9 million copies, earning it a unique place in British toy history.
Showcasing interactive 1:8 scale luxury kits, our breathtaking Pocher models span different eras and you can discover insights into the production processes.. Visitors can explore the evolution of these iconic kits, from inception to their celebrated masterpieces.
Pocher is the home of the ultimate premium model vehicle kits. They’ve created luxury kits for over 50 years, offering vehicles with over 500 pieces, intricate detailing, and pre-painted parts to delight our customers.
The first 1:8 scale model kit was released back in 1966 – the Fiat 130 HP F2. Recent models include Ducati Panigale Superbike in ¼ scale and Emerson Fittipaldi’s 1972 Lotus 72D in 1/8 scale, one of the most iconic Formula One racing cars of all time.
