Hidden just a short walk from Sewerby Hall near Bridlington, Bondville Model Village offers visitors the chance to explore a miniature world filled with intricate detail.
The attraction, which features more than 200 hand-crafted buildings set within a one-acre garden, was built in 1986 by Geoff and Carol Cooper and was originally known as Minningham. It began life in Withernsea before moving to Hornsea Pottery and eventually settling at its current coastal home.
Today the village includes a working harbour with fishing boats and yachts, a waterfall and canal with barges, as well as an abbey, three churches and three pubs – all built to a true 1:12 scale. There is even a tiny cricket pitch and a billboard featuring The Yorkshire Post.
Current owner Rachel Hill took over the attraction in 2023 after spotting it online. Having previously spent 16 years building a chain of nurseries in Wakefield, she said the village’s detailed miniature scenes immediately appealed to her.
Rachel has also added figures representing disability, including a mobility scooter user and a child in a wheelchair, and last year created a tribute to Leeds Rhinos legend Rob Burrow.
Bondville Model Village reopens for the 2026 season on March 19.
5. Bondville Model Village
John Kenny, clearing leaves from the St Valentine Abbey model within the village Photo: James Hardisty
6. Bondville Model Village
Arthur Watt, gardener and maintenance worker at Bondville Model Village, inspecting one of the model boats in the saftey of the harbour within the village. Photo: James Hardisty
7. Bondville Model Village
Bondville's Rachel Hill gives the church a spring clean. Photo: James Hardisty
8. Bondville Model Village
Rachel Hill inspects the progress of the mini workmen. Photo: James Hardisty