The WonderWorks by Hornby Hobbies
Margate, Kent · Museum
The bit you came for
Our verdict
Kids
6.7/10
Novelty 7 · Fun Factor 7
Parents
5.9/10
Sanity Preservation 7 · Value 6
Good for a short train-and-racing fix, but don’t expect a full day or the famous hall of trains.
The long read worth saving for nap time
What’s it actually like?
The WonderWorks by Hornby Hobbies is a compact museum and shop in Kent focused on model trains, Scalextric and Hornby nostalgia. Reviews describe it as a small space rather than a big attraction, with a handful of train layouts and interactive bits for children to enjoy. The best bits are the hands-on elements: three train layouts, two of them interactive, plus three Scalextric tracks. Families say children loved running around and exploring, and it’s quiet enough on a good day that little ones can potter without too much chaos. The shop is huge, apparently nearly as big as the museum itself, which may delight train-mad children and quietly alarm anyone trying to leave with their wallet intact. The main catch is that several reviewers were disappointed by what wasn’t there. The much-talked-about hall of trains was not open or not on site for some visitors, and a couple felt the experience was smaller than expected and not worth a special journey. The cafe is described as basic, though reasonably priced by one reviewer, and the whole visit seems best treated as a short stop rather than a grand day out.
Two-minute orientation
Quick read
A small indoor museum and shop with model trains, interactive layouts and Scalextric tracks. Best for children who like trains, cars and pressing buttons rather than long wandering. Allow around 2 hours; the cafe is basic, and some visitors felt the missing train hall was a let-down.
Best for ages
Strong score for mixed-age siblings
The boring brilliant stuff
Need to know
Indoor vs outdoor split
Mostly indoor
Parking detail
Full parking wording is landing soon — meanwhile check Maps plus the venue’s own FAQs.
Dog-friendly?
Probably not
Most indoor venues don't allow dogs. Worth confirming if you'd need to bring one.
Pram-friendly?
Likely yes
Indoor venues like this are typically pram-friendly.
Baby change?
Likely yes
Venues this size usually have baby change facilities.
Food on-site & BYO
Yes: Food available on-site — cafe or kiosk.
Locate it
Margate, Kent
THINGS PARENTS ASK
Common questions
How long do we need here?
About 2 hours at most, according to one reviewer with children and lunch.
Is it good for younger children?
Yes, especially preschool and early primary kids who like trains, Scalextric and room to explore.
Is there much to do?
There are train layouts, interactive displays and Scalextric tracks, but it’s still a fairly small museum.
Is there food on site?
Yes. Reviews mention a cafe serving cooked meals, with one calling it basic but reasonably priced.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Real review quotes
"Great little museum and shop."
"Three train layouts with two being interactive"
"£5 to play a bit of Scaletrix seems a bit steep"