Train display. Credit Hornby Museum
Train display. Credit Hornby Museum

Hornby Visitor Centre

*Hornby Visitor Centre open daily 10am-4pm - Museum 10am-3.30pm, Shop 10am-4pm and Cafe for takeaway service* 

Relive the story of Britain’s best loved toys.

The Hornby Visitor Centre, Margate is a fantastic day out for the whole family.

Come and see our fascinating displays, featuring rare products from the Hornby, Scalextric, Airfix and Corgi archives. Track the history of Hornby’s iconic model trains from Frank Hornby’s early home-made toys in sheet metal, through to the development of Hornby ‘O’ gauge and Hornby-Dublo.

Trace the development of Scalextric, the legendary slot car racing system, from its launch in the 1950s through to the latest detailed models. Follow the history of Airfix from the introduction of the 1949 Ferguson TE20 tractor kit through to the brand’s latest releases. Learn how Airfix models are made and see over 80 years of history, from the Mettoy tinplate toys of the 1930s to the high quality Corgi collectables of today. See our spectacular layouts and maybe treat yourself to something in our retail shop.

2020 marked the 100th anniversary of Frank Hornby introducing a clockwork train into the market, and 10th anniversary since the Hornby Visitor Centre opened 

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Access Information

The entrance is fully accessible for wheelchairs, with the doors open at all times. The Visitor Centre is located across the ground floor, and is fully accessible for both wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Quiet days and special tours may be provided; please contact the Visitor Centre directly. One wheelchair is available for visitor use, and one rest seat is provided. 

There is ample accessible parking less than 100 metres from the entrance and accessible toilets are also on site.

Opening Times

Hornby Visitor Centre open daily 10am-4pm
Museum 10am-3.30pm
Shop 10am-4pm
Cafe open for takeaway service

  • Accessible parking
  • Accessible toilets
  • Audio tours
  • Coaches welcome
  • Free wi-fi
  • Gift shop
  • Groups welcome
  • Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Registered Assistance Dogs welcome
  • Guided tours
  • Restaurant / Cafe / Tea shop
  • Step-free access
  • wheelchair hire

Address

Hornby Hobbies Ltd
Westwood
Margate
CT9 4JX

Contact

visitorcentre@hornby.com
01843 233524
Visit Website

Entry Price

Day Tickets
Adult: £5
Child/Senior Citizen: £2.50
Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 4 Children): £12.50

Annual Tickets
Single Ticket: £15
Family Ticket (2 Adults and up to 4 Children): £30

Group Tickets
Adult: £3.50
Child/Senior Citizen: £2
*Pre-booked groups with a minimum of eight people
*Pre-booked guided tours are also available (£10)